The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 510

With the two containers secured in hand, Damien followed Mr. Lawson back into the main café.

By now, the last remaining customers had already left. The front door had been locked, and the OPEN sign had been switched off.

Near the counter, Emily was mopping the floor while James awkwardly helped stack a few chairs onto nearby tables.

Mr. Lawson chuckled.

"Looks like everyone has been put to work."

James immediately set down the chair in his hands.

"I figured helping was better than just standing around and watching."

The older man's eyes twinkled with amusement.

"Well, thank you, young man. We appreciate the help."

James smiled awkwardly and scratched the back of his head.

"Least I can do to make up for the rather persuasive phone call earlier."

That earned a laugh from Mr. Lawson.

Still smiling, he walked behind the counter and pulled out a large paper bag from beneath it.

"Here," he said as he opened it. "Let's pack those properly. It'll be easier to carry."

Damien handed over the containers without objection.

The older man carefully arranged them inside the bag before securing them in place. He then grabbed a cardboard drink carrier and placed the coffee inside as well.

"There."

He gave the bag a satisfied nod.

"Much better. No spilled coffee and no crushed cheesecake."

Damien reached for the bag and accepted it. Then he reached for his wallet, pulled out a card, and handed

it to the older man.

Mr. Lawson looked at the card.

"What's that for?"

Damien blinked.

"For the cheesecake." The older man laughed and shook his head.

"The cheesecake I gave you wasn't on display, which means it wasn't for sale or part of today's inventory. So don't worry about it."

Damien was about to protest when Mr. Lawson cut him off.

"But-"

"No buts about it, young man." He pointed a finger at him. "Take that card away before I take the cheesecake away too."

Damien didn't argue any further and did as he was told.

A genuine smile appeared on Damien's face.

"Thank you," he said sincerely.

"Of course." Mr. Lawson smiled warmly. "Now go on. Cheesecake is best enjoyed cold, and I have a feeling there's someone very special at home who's been waiting for that slice."

Damien nodded in understanding.

"Thank you again, and I'd also like to apologize for the trouble."

Mr. Lawson waved a hand dismissively.

"Think nothing of it."

Then a mischievous smile appeared on his face.

"Though next time, bring your wife with you."

Emily nodded enthusiastically.

"That's right, Mr. Blackwood. That way she'll actually get to enjoy the cheesecake while it's fresh. Besides, Mr. Horton mentioned she used to be a barista too. No wonder your order earlier was so specific."

She grinned.

"Maybe she can teach me a thing or two."

For a moment, Damien considered the suggestion before giving a small nod.

"I'll ask her."

The older man smiled approvingly.

"Good. We'd be happy to have the two of you."

"And we'd love the opportunity to meet your wife as well," Damien said.

Mr. Lawson's smile widened.

"Oh, I'm sure she'd love that." With the paper bag secured in hand, Damien glanced around the café one final time.

The mismatched furniture.

The well-worn bookshelf.

The warm lighting.

The lingering scent of coffee and baked goods.

"None of your business," Damien replied.

Ignoring him entirely, he continued toward Maya.

She rose from her seat the moment he approached.

"Hey."

Damien leaned down and pressed a kiss against her cheek.

"Have you eaten?" Maya asked. "I can have something warmed up for you."

"No need. They'll take care of it."

His gaze shifted toward Alfred, who stood quietly nearby.

Understanding immediately, Alfred inclined his head.

"Of course, Sir."

With that, Alfred excused himself and headed toward the kitchen.

"As promised." Damien lifted the paper bag slightly. "Here you go."

Maya's eyes widened, and a genuine smile immediately appeared on her face.

"You really got them?"

"Of course I did."

Damien leaned down, pressed a kiss against her forehead, and whispered near her ear.

"And I have evidence."

That earned a laugh from Maya. "Evidence?"

"You specifically requested proof," he reminded her.

The amusement in her eyes deepened.

"I did, didn't I?"

"You did." Damien nodded toward the table. "Come on. Sit down and enjoy it. Although I'm not entirely convinced you should be drinking coffee this late."

Maya accepted the bag from him and chuckled.

"Don't worry. I'm used to it. Caffeine doesn't affect me the way it affects most people."

For some reason, the sight of her smiling over something as simple as coffee and cheesecake made the entire evening feel worthwhile.