The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 549

The moment Damien delivered his final answer, the crowd erupted.

Reporters began shouting over one another as dozens of hands rose into the air, each person desperate to ask another question.

“Mr. Blackwood, do you have any suspects?”

“Has the FBI been contacted?”

“Will the Taiwan headquarters suspend operations?”

“Do you expect the company’s stock to fall further?”

Damien offered no response. As he turned away from the podium, Monroe, Hudson, and Cruz moved into position around him while James stepped forward and took his place behind the microphone.

“Thank you, everyone,” James said, raising his voice above the noise. “Mr. Blackwood has an international flight to catch and will not be taking any further questions. All additional inquiries should be directed to Blackwood Enterprises‘ Corporate Communications Department. An official update will be released as soon as more verified information becomes available.”

The reporters continued shouting, but James ignored them and quickly followed Damien inside the building.

Once they were inside, Dominic, Nicholas, and Ellie were already waiting.

“Ms. Woods,” James said as he approached, “remain here and coordinate with Security to clear the entrance. Once we’ve departed, report directly to Mr. Blackwood Sr. on the executive floor.”

“Understood, Mr. Horton,” Ellie replied before hurrying off to carry out his instructions.

Without wasting another moment, the group made their way to the private executive elevator. As the doors slid shut, Dominic turned his attention to his son.

“You handled that well.”

Damien glanced at him. “Viktor needed to believe the situation was serious.”

“After what you just showed the entire world, he will,” Dominic replied.

Nicholas remained unusually quiet, his attention fixed on his phone. Harper still had not responded to any of his messages, and although he knew there were more important matters requiring his attention, the irritation had yet to leave him.

The elevator descended directly to the underground parking, where three vehicles were waiting with their engines running.

Monroe walked toward the lead SUV with Hudson and Cruz. Their vehicle would lead the convoy, clearing the route and watching for anything suspicious ahead.

Damien approached the second vehicle as James opened the rear passenger door for him. Nicholas headed for the third vehicle, where Max was already waiting behind the wheel. Their vehicle would remain directly behind Damien’s throughout the journey.

Before Damien stepped inside, Dominic placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Be careful, and keep in touch.”

Damien gave a reassuring nod.

“I will.”

Dominic studied him for another moment before giving a small nod.

Nothing more needed to be said.

“I’ll see you in a few days,” Dominic said.

Damien extended his hand.

Instead of shaking it, Dominic pulled him into a brief embrace before patting him once on the shoulder.

“Have a safe flight, Son.”

Damien returned the embrace. “You take care of yourself here too, Dad.”

When they pulled apart, Dominic’s hands remained on his son’s shoulders for a moment, giving them a reassuring squeeze before he finally let go.

Damien turned and climbed into the vehicle as James respectfully inclined his head toward Dominic before taking his place in the front passenger seat.

Once everyone was in position, Monroe gave the signal to move.

The three vehicles pulled out of the underground parking area in a tight formation and made their way toward the building’s main exit.

From a distance, he watched Blackwood’s security team unload several cases from the vehicles and load them onto the aircraft.

One by one, his targets boarded the waiting Gulfstream.

Less than an hour later, the Gulfstream taxied away from the hangar before accelerating down the runway and lifting into the sky.

Roman watched until the aircraft disappeared into the distance.

He pulled out his phone and sent one final message.

Aircraft departed. Blackwood has left the country.

Satisfied that his job was done, he slipped the phone back into his pocket, started the engine, and drove away.

What he never realized was that every person in his sights already knew he was there.

High above the city, the Gulfstream steadily climbed toward cruising altitude.

A voice came through Monroe’s earpiece. He listened in silence before making his way to Damien’s seat.

“Boss,” he said quietly. “Roman just left.”

Seated across from Damien, Nicholas raised the glass in his hand.

Damien reached for his own, and their glasses met with a soft clink.

Nicholas allowed himself a faint smile.

“He took the bait.”

Damien took a slow sip without saying a word.

At that moment, everything Viktor Volkov believed he knew had been part of a carefully choreographed exit.