The Billionaire's Intern (Maya Thompson) novel Chapter 567

Chapter 296: Drawing Closer

Chapter 296: Drawing Closer

+25 Points

Cecilia knew she could never reclaim the years she had lost, nor undo the choices that had led them here. The past could not be rewritten, but perhaps the future did not have to be defined by the same mistakes.

She had missed the chance to be the mother her daughter had needed, a regret she would carry for the rest of her life. But as she looked at Maya and Jaime, she realized fate had given her something she had never expected-a second chance.

In that quiet moment, Cecilia made herself a silent promise. Whatever time she had left, she would spend it loving Maya and Jaime with everything she had, even if it meant standing against Tobias, even if it meant making the very same choice her daughter once had.

This time, she would choose them.

She would choose the only pieces of her daughter that still remained in this world.

While Cecilia quietly reflected on the past and silently planned for the future, the man who would soon become an inseparable part of Maya and Jaime’s lives was already drawing closer with every passing mile.

High above the clouds, inside the private cabin, Damien and Hudson began exchanging identities as the rest of the team prepared for the next phase of the plan.

Nick had taken a quick shower, washing away the lingering scent of alcohol before changing into a fresh set of clothes. By the time he stepped out, he looked as composed and polished as ever, betraying nothing of the turmoil that still lingered beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, James quietly reviewed the itinerary while coordinating the next steps of the operation, making certain every detail was proceeding according to plan. At the same time, Monroe remained in constant contact with the Blackwood security teams in both New York and Taiwan, monitoring developments and ensuring everything was in place for their arrival.

A few minutes later, Damien stepped out of the private cabin, now dressed in Blackwood’s Elite security uniform.

Hudson emerged shortly after, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit and tie.

Taking their seats, Damien and Hudson waited as Cruz carried the black case to the table. Hudson pressed his thumb against the glass lock before tracing the familiar six-point pattern. Soft beeps sounded, followed by a quiet click as the lock disengaged.

Lifting the lid, he removed the two glass containers and placed them side by side on the

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<Chapter 296: Drawing Closer

table. Inside rested Damien’s and Hudson’s masks.

Hudson reached for Damien’s mask while Damien picked up Hudson’s.

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As they fitted the masks over their faces, Ashcroft watched in silence, his gaze lingering on the flawless transformation.

“Looks like only you two needed the masks after all.”

He clicked his tongue, a faint snicker escaping him.

“Harper made four of them. Seems like the other two are going to waste.” He shrugged. “Not that I’m complaining. Those things freak me the hell out.”

Now wearing Hudson’s face, Damien made one final adjustment to the mask as it molded flawlessly to his features.

“Nothing goes to waste.”

Ashcroft frowned. “What do you mean? Obviously, I don’t need to wear one. I’m getting off this plane as myself.”

Damien simply shook his head.

“Maybe not today,” he said. “But I’m sure they’ll come in handy one day.”

Just then, the cabin speakers chimed softly before the captain’s calm, professional voice

filled the cabin.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve begun our initial descent into Singapore. We’ll be landing in approximately twenty minutes. At this time, please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts. Our cabin crew will be securing the cabin for landing. Thank you.”

The announcement marked the end of their preparations. Each of them exchanged a brief glance before returning to their seats, ready for the next phase of the operation.

Ashcroft’s expression remained unchanged. Leaning back in his seat, he turned his gaze toward Damien.

“It’s showtime.”

Back at the gazebo, the little family reunion carried on, the conversation gradually shifting to lighter, more cheerful topics. Laughter came more easily, and before any of them realized it, time had quietly slipped away.

Only when Jaime let out a long, unmistakable yawn did Maya instinctively reach for her phone to check the time.

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<Chapter 296 Drawing Closer

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Tapping the screen awake, she blinked in surprise. “Oh no.” She let out a small laugh. “It’s almost midnight.”

Just as Jaime reached for another piece of wagashi, Maya lightly tapped the back of his hand.

“Aww… why?” Jaime asked, looking at her with an exaggerated pout.

Her expression grew gentle as she effortlessly slipped back into her familiar role as the responsible older sister.

“That’s enough snacks for tonight,” she said with a knowing smile. “Dr. Anderson said no more food or drinks after midnight. You have to fast before your surgery, remember?”

She smiled gently.

“You have a big day tomorrow. Why don’t you head upstairs, wash up, and get ready for bed? You’ll need all the rest you can get.”

Jaime scratched the back of his neck sheepishly before straightening up and snapping a playful salute.

“Yes, ma’am.”

His exaggerated display of obedience earned another round of laughter from everyone.

Then, to everyone’s surprise, Jaime suddenly rose to his feet and walked over to Cecilia.

Without the slightest hesitation, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug.

“Goodnight, Grandma Cecilia,” he said brightly. “Have a safe drive home!”

Caught completely off guard, Cecilia froze for the briefest moment. Her eyes instantly welled with tears as she felt the warmth of her grandson’s embrace.

Almost instinctively, she returned the hug, her arms tightening around him as though afraid he might vanish the moment she let go. For that brief moment, she wished she never had to

let him go.

But she knew she couldn’t.

Not wanting her emotions to betray her, Cecilia reluctantly loosened her embrace as Jaime gently pulled away.

“Thank you, dear,” she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. “You’re such a sweet young

man.”

< Chapter 296: Drawing Closer

Jaime flashed her his usual sunny grin before making his way over to Dahlia.

“Goodnight, Aunt Dahlia! Sleep well!”

After another quick hug, Jaime turned toward the estate, ready to call it a night.

Just as he was about to leave the gazebo, hurried footsteps echoed along the stone pathway.

“Sorry for interrupting!”

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Harper appeared moments later, slightly out of breath, a tablet clutched tightly against her

chest.

She offered everyone an apologetic smile before looking directly at Maya, her excitement impossible to hide.

“Maya…” she said, lifting the tablet toward her.

“Their plane just landed in Singapore.”

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