The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 550

High above the clouds, Takahashi’s private aircraft continued its long journey toward Japan, far removed from the frenzy consuming New York.

Inside the quiet cabin, the final moments of Damien Blackwood’s press conference played across the large television at the front of the aircraft, delayed by only a minute through the jet’s satellite connection.

The screen faded to black as the live broadcast ended, then searnlessly switched back to the aircraft’s flight display.

Jaime let out a quiet laugh.

“Whoa… that’s intense. Damien is scary! For a minute there, I almost forgot this whole thing was just part of the show.”

The remark drew a few smiles around the cabin.

“I have to admit, Alice said, turning to Dahlia. “Now I understand why he earned his title. It wasn’t just what he said-it was the way he carried himself. Calm, confident… reassuring. Very few people could stand before the entire world during a crisis and make it look so effortless. If I hadn’t known the truth beforehand, I would have believed every word he said.”

Dahlia smiled modestly, though the pride in her eyes was impossible to hide.

Soft murmurs of agreement spread through the cabin as the others reflected on how calmly and confidently Damien had handled the press conference.

Only Maya remained silent, her thoughts

still lingering on Damien’s final words.

She knew they hadn’t been meant solely for the reporters.

Dahlia noticed the change in her expression.

“Maya?” she asked gently. “Is something wrong?”

The others turned toward her.

Maya hesitated for only a moment before voicing the concern that had been weighing on her mind.

“I’m worried he may have pushed him too far.”

Dahlia reached over and gently rested a hand on Maya’s.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” she said with a reassuring smile. “Damien knows exactly what he’s doing.”

Alice smiled gently. “A good heart is a blessing, Maya, but the world isn’t always kind. There are times when standing your ground isn’t a choice-it’s a necessity. Otherwise, people will keep taking from you until there’s nothing left to give.”

Jaime leaned back in his seat, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

“It’s a dog-eat-dog world, May.”

Everyone turned to look at him.

He shrugged.

“It doesn’t matter whether we’re poor or rich. We should never let people push us around.”

Dr. Anderson, who had remained silent throughout the conversation, finally gave a small nod. After listening to everyone’s thoughts, he decided it was time to share his own.

“You don’t have to become ruthless. But you do have to learn to protect what matters to you. Because if you don’t… someone else will take it away.”

Dahlia gently patted Maya’s hand.

“Dr. Anderson is right, sweetheart. Your life is different now. You don’t have to change your values, and you certainly don’t have to change your heart. But you do have to learn how to navigate this world and make the hard decisions that come with protecting the people you love.”

Maya took a deep breath before giving a small nod.

Deep down, she knew they were right.

She had chosen this world. More importantly, she had chosen to stand beside Damien-to face whatever came with him, not run from it.

She didn’t need to change who she was. Her kindness would always remain a part of her. But she also needed to learn that kindness wasn’t meant for everyone. It should be given to those who valued it, not to those who would only exploit it.

She had always believed that every conflict could be resolved through understanding, compassion, or compromise. But the past few months had taught her that some people simply had no interest in any of those things. They didn’t seek peace.

They sought control.

People like that couldn’t be reasoned with.

They had to be stopped.

And Viktor Volkov was exactly that kind of person.