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.

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

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.

“Of course, Mr. Blackwood.”

“One of our most popular models, Sir. This particular version was released less than a year ago.”

“Would they stay in place while someone is walking around all day?”

The associate blinked.

“Yes, Sir. They’re specifically designed for everyday use and movement.”

“Good.”

Damien studied the display for another moment.

“I’ll take two.”

The associate quickly made a note.

As they continued through the store, Damien’s attention shifted to another display nearby.

This one featured a premium set of over–ear wireless headphones available in several colors.

“What about these?”

The associate immediately launched into an explanation.

By the time he finished, Damien had already made his decision.

“One in black.”

His gaze moved across the display before settling on a second color.

“And one in starlight.”

The associate paused briefly before nodding.

“Certainly, Sir.”

Another note was added to the rapidly growing order list.

A few feet behind them, James remained silent.

Internally, however, his concern deepened.

Wireless earbuds and over–ear headphones served largely the same purpose.

Under normal circumstances, Damien would have selected one or the other.

Not both.

And certainly not in different colors.

To Damien, electronics generally came in two acceptable options.