The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 462

Chapter 202: The First Test-2

A beat.

“Low-level current runs along the outer grid-not enough to harm them, but enough to condition movement. They don’t cross it.”

Harper smiled, satisfied. “So they stay exactly where they’re supposed to.”

Her eyes gleamed faintly.

“And they’re very well fed.”

Cruz continued, unfazed. “They help with… cleanup.”

A brief pause.

No one asked what that meant.

They didn’t need to.

A faint smile touched Cruz’s lips. “Very efficient, too.”

Ashcroft swallowed hard, as did James and Monroe. The revelation lingered in the air, heavy and unsettling.

Harper-the sweet, bubbly woman on the screen-having something like that didn’t quite fit in their minds… and yet, it clearly did.

Then Harper tapped her tablet lightly, her expression shifting into something more thoughtful.

“But… anyways,” she said, tone light again, “I know it’s impressive already, but I still recommend a test run.”

A few eyes shifted toward the screen.

“Even just a few hours,” she continued. “You need to see how the real-world reacts.”

Monroe tilted his head slightly. “And how do you suggest we do that?”

Harper smiled slowly.

“Oh, that part’s easy”

That smile alone was already a warning.

“Keep the masks on,” she said. “Walk around. Act like your ‘new faces’ and see if anyone notices.”

She shrugged lightly.

“Start at Blackwood Enterprises–at the company lobby, hallways, security checkpoints-places where people should recognize you without thinking.”

Her gaze shifted toward Cruz and Hudson.

“They’ve already studied your behavior. Mannerisms, posture, speech patterns. They won’t slip.”

Then back to Damien and Ashcroft.

“And you two? Well… technically, you’re posing as security. Just stay quiet. Stay alert. Speak only when necessary.”

A small, teasing tilt of her head followed.

“I’m confident Boss can do it, but I’m not so sure about Mr. Grumpypants. He might get a heart attack if he can’t talk.”

Ashcroft scoffed softly under his breath. “You…”

Harper raised an eyebrow, smirk forming as she crossed her arms, clearly saying this is exactly what I mean.

Ashcroft exhaled sharply, straightening slightly. “That’s easy. It won’t be a problem.”

Harper smirked faintly.

“Oh? Confident, are we?” she teased. “Careful, Mr. Grumpypants. Wouldn’t want you breaking character.”

That did it.

James choked on air, turning sharply away. Monroe dropped his gaze, adjusting his sleeve like his life depended on it.

Cruz looked downright entertained.

Hudson didn’t move an inch. A subtle shift in the air told him he was being put on the spot.

He could feel Damien’s sharp gaze settle on him. For a moment, it felt like a target had been placed directly on his back.

Ashcroft went rigid. That damn “Big Daddy” again. His jaw tightened slowly, dangerously.

Damien said nothing.

But the faintest shift in his gaze suggested he had already considered it.

Monroe let out a quiet breath that sounded suspiciously like a laugh.

Ashcroft shot him a look.

“Don’t tell me you agree?”

Monroe didn’t even try to hide it now. He glanced at Ashcroft.

“I think Ms. Lin is right.”

Ashcroft leaned back again, dragging a hand down his face.

“…Unbelievable.”

Monroe cleared his throat and straightened.

“We already suspect Volkov has eyes on the manor. We just can’t pinpoint where. If this is true, then going back tonight with these masks on will be the first test.”