The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 509

Both Damien and the barista turned toward the voice.

An older man emerged from a doorway behind the counter. His hair was mostly gray, and he wore a neatly pressed button-down shirt tucked into a pair of dark slacks.

There was nothing particularly remarkable about his appearance, yet the easy smile on his face made him seem immediately approachable.

The barista visibly relaxed when she saw him.

"Mr. Lawson."

"I heard enough to know what's going on," the older man said with an amused chuckle before turning his attention toward Damien.

"You must be Mr. Blackwood."

Damien raised an eyebrow slightly.

"I'm sorry, but I don't believe we've been introduced."

The older man chuckled.

"No, we haven't."

His eyes drifted briefly toward James before returning to Damien.

"But we did receive a rather persuasive phone call not long ago asking us to remain open a little later than usual."

He paused thoughtfully.

"Let me see if I remember correctly." His brow furrowed in exaggerated concentration. "Ah, yes. Something about a devil awakening and innocent bystanders being caught in the aftermath."

Damien slowly turned his head toward James.

If looks could kill, James would have died on the spot.

Several feet away, James suddenly found the floor remarkably interesting.

A knowing smile tugged at the older man's lips.

"And you must be Mr. Horton. The gentleman responsible for all the excitement tonight.”

James let out an awkward laugh and scratched the back of his head.

Damien frowned slightly.

"Explains what?"

Mr. Lawson shook his head, an amused chuckle escaping him.

"Have you ever heard the saying happy wife, happy life?"

Damien remained silent.

For some reason, that silence told Mr. Lawson more than any answer could have.

The older man smiled knowingly.

"In my experience, the only men willing to go to these lengths over a dessert are either hopelessly in love or desperately apologizing for something."

A laugh slipped out of James before he could stop it. The sound was brief, but it was enough.

Damien's head turned sharply in his direction, causing James to immediately press his lips together and straighten as though nothing had happened.