The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 561

< Chapter 290-dden Behind a Smile

Harper let out a dramatic sigh before raising her free hand in surrender.

“Fine. I promise I’ll behave.”

Alice held her gaze for another moment before finally giving a reluctant nod.

“See that you do, Harper.”

Satisfied, she rolled the window back up.

Claim

Kim then took her place in the front passenger seat, and moments later, the convoy slowly pulled away, the lead SUV followed closely by two identical vehicles as they passed through the gates.

Harper waited until the taillights disappeared beyond the front gates before turning back to Maya.

“Come on.” She nodded toward the far end of the parking area. “My car’s over there.”

“My

Curious, Maya followed alongside her.

A short walk later, they stopped in front of an Audi unlike any Maya had ever seen.

Its aggressive, low-slung body looked as though it belonged on a racetrack rather than a public road. The paint appeared black at first glance, but beneath the afternoon sunlight, a rich metallic purple shimmer emerged, giving the car a subtle yet unmistakably unique finish.

Every detail-from the gloss-black wheels and dark-tinted windows to the subtle purple accents woven throughout the exterior-felt unmistakably… Harper.

Maya slowed to a stop, her eyes fixed on the striking Audi.

“…That’s your car?”

Harper grinned, twirling the key fob around one finger before gesturing proudly toward the vehicle.

“Yep. Cute, isn’t it?”

With a press of a button, the headlights came to life in a crisp white glow, and the doors unlocked with a soft electronic chirp.

The interior was just as distinctive.

Premium black leather wrapped every surface, while deep violet stitching traced elegant patterns across the seats and dashboard. Carbon-fiber trim was tastefully accented with brushed purple aluminum, giving the cabin a sporty yet luxurious feel, Even the ambient lighting glowed with a soft violet hue.

Maya couldn’t help smiling.

“It really does suit you.”

Harper’s grin widened.

“I know.”

The two climbed into the car and buckled their seatbelts.

<Chapter 290dder Behind a Smile

Claim

Harper pulled the door shut before pressing the start button. The engine responded with little more than a quiet purr as the customized Audi eased out of the aviation complex and onto the road.

Much like its New York counterpart, the complex had been built in isolation, well away from the city. For several minutes, they drove along quiet, sparsely traveled roads lined with stretches of greenery.

Before long, the outskirts gave way to the city Buildings rose higher, traffic grew denser, and Harper merged effortlessly into Tokyo’s bustling afternoon traffic.

It was just after lunchtime on a typical Tuesday. Office workers returned from lunch, cafés remained lively with customers, and the city moved with its usual weekday rhythm.

Despite the steady traffic, everything remained remarkably orderly.

Drivers patiently waited their turn. Pedestrians stood quietly at crossings until the lights changed, even when no vehicles were approaching. There was no impatient honking, no one weaving recklessly between lanes, and no one shouting.

Maya found herself quietly admiring how disciplined everyone seemed.

Meanwhile, Harper had somehow transformed into an enthusiastic tour guide.

Every few blocks, she pointed out another famous building, historic district, or hidden local gem, occasionally sharing amusing stories or bits of history that Maya never would have known on her own.

Between Harper’s enthusiastic commentary and the ever-changing cityscape outside, the drive proved far more enjoyable than Maya had expected.

After several minutes, however, Maya’s attention gradually shifted from the scenery outside to the woman

beside her.

Harper was still smiling, still chatting, still every bit as cheerful and energetic as she always seemed.

Yet beneath that bright smile, Maya caught a glimpse of something most people would’ve never noticed.

A quiet sadness.

A quiet weariness lingering deep within her eyes.

It was subtle-so subtle that most people probably would’ve overlooked it entirely.

But Maya didn’t.

She waited until Harper finished explaining another landmark before speaking.

r

“So… about what Nick said earlier.”

Harper’s smile faltered almost imperceptibly before she clicked her tongue.

“Tsk… what about it?” She kept her eyes on the road. “You know that idiot.” A small scoff escaped her lips. “His mouth has always been faster than his brain.”

Maya smiled knowingly.

“Is that why you’ve been ignoring him?”