The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 505

Chapter 234: One in Starlight

Almost half an hour later they arrived at the mall.

The vehicle came to a stop outside one of the world’s most recognizable technology retailers.

Its iconic logo glowed above the entrance.

Floor–to–ceiling glass panels revealed a bright minimalist interior filled with display tables, smartphones,

tablets, laptops, and accessories arranged with almost obsessive precision.

Several employees were already waiting near the entrance.

And judging by the strained smile on the store manager’s face, James’s last–minute message had been

received.

The moment the vehicle came to a stop, the store manager straightened instinctively.

Her smile remained firmly in place.

Years of retail experience had taught her how to appear calm under pressure.

Unfortunately, Damien Blackwood tested the limits of that skill.

Earlier that afternoon, she had received notice that a special order placed by Mr. Blackwood would be

collected that evening.

Naturally, the store had prioritized the request.

The items had been prepared, inspected, and verified long before the scheduled pickup time.

Later, confirmation arrived that everything was ready.

Following standard procedure, she notified James that the order was prepared for collection and received

confirmation that someone would be arriving later that evening to pick it up.

That should have been the end of it.

Approximately half an hour ago, another message arrived informing her that they were on their way.

Nothing unusual there.

Then, before she had even put her phone away, a second message appeared on her screen.

Mr. Blackwood would be collecting the order personally.

That had been twenty–seven minutes ago.

The update had nearly given her a heart attack.

Since then, the order had been checked no fewer than four times.

Display tables had been wiped down twice.

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Chapter 234 One in Starlight

Every device involved in the pickup had been inspected, verified, and inspected again.

Claim

Meanwhile, several team members who had been counting down the minutes until the end of their shift

had suddenly discovered a renewed enthusiasm for their jobs.

Uniforms had been straightened.

Hair had been fixed.

A few of the younger employees had even disappeared into the restroom and returned looking noticeably more polished than before.

No one wanted to make a poor impression.

After all, it wasn’t every day that Damien Blackwood walked into your store.

The richest man in the city.

One of the wealthiest men in the world.

The man whose company owned the very mall they were standing in.

Even the manager had to admit she was curious.

Because despite all the stories, interviews, magazine covers, and endless online speculation, very few

people ever saw Damien Blackwood up close.

And almost no one had ever seen him walk into a store and shop for himself.

James exited the vehicle first and pulled open the rear passenger door.

As soon as Damien stepped out, the store manager moved forward.

“Good evening, Mr. Blackwood.”

She offered a respectful bow.

“Welcome. It’s a pleasure to have you with us this evening.”

Her smile was polished and professional.

“Your order is prepared and ready for collection. If there is anything else you require during your visit, my

team and I will be happy to assist.”

Damien acknowledged the greeting with a slight nod.

The manager maintained her smile.

“We have also prepared a private area for you should you prefer a more discreet experience, Mr. Blackwood.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Damien’s gaze remained fixed on the store entrance.

For the briefest moment, the manager froze.

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Chapter 234 One in Starlight

“Of course, Mr. Blackwood.”

Recovering quickly, she stepped aside.

Damien headed toward the entrance without another word.

The manager watched him go, momentarily caught off guard.

Claim

Despite all the advance preparations, their VVIP guest appeared to have every intention of entering the

store like an ordinary customer.

Beside her, James released a quiet breath of relief.

So far, everything was proceeding smoothly.

Lowering his voice, he offered the manager a polite smile.

“My apologies for the short notice.”

“Not at all, Mr. Horton,” the manager replied immediately. “It’s an honor to welcome Mr. Blackwood to our

store.”

James nodded.

“Mr. Blackwood has decided he’d like to look around personally this evening.”

The manager’s professional smile never wavered.

“Of course.”

Together, they followed Damien into the store.

The nearest employee nearly jumped out of his skin the moment Damien crossed the threshold.

Another hurriedly began straightening a display that had already been straightened twice.

The manager pretended not to notice.

“Mr. Blackwood,” she began smoothly, “if you prefer, you’re welcome to wait in our private consultation

area while I have your order brought over for inspection.”

“No, thank you.”

Damien’s attention had already shifted toward a nearby display.

“I’d like to look around.”

“Of course, Sir.”

For the next several minutes, Damien moved through the store at an unhurried pace.

The manager remained nearby while a senior sales associate followed at a respectful distance, ready to

answer any questions.

“What about this one?”

< Chapter 234 One in Starlight

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