perfectly seared steak. The aroma wrapped around them like a gentle reminder that life, even in the midst of chaos, could still hold ordinary pleasures.
Maya slid into her seat beside Damien, her fingers brushing his as they reached for napkins. He caught her gaze with a faint smile, and she felt that familiar warmth settle in her chest.
The table had settled into an easy rhythm, conversation weaving between light teasing and shared bites. Glasses clinked, the warm breeze carried laughter, and for a moment it felt almost ordinary-like they were just friends gathered on a lazy afternoon.
Harper, ever the instigator, leaned back with a sly grin. “So… Ashcroft. The rumors are true, huh? You’re the prince of the underworld?” She wiggled her eyebrows playfully.
Ashcroft nearly choked on his water, glaring at her. “Excuse me?”
“You know,” Harper went on, completely unfazed. “All those whispers, especially online. There’s this forum-full of conspiracy junkies. They’ve even got a whole thread about the Five Families. And guess what? Your name pops up a lot. People say the reason you’re never front and center in your family’s legit businesses is because you’re too busy running things’ underground.” She smirked. “I mean, besides the entertainment columns calling you a playbo y every other week, it kind of tracks. You’re the same age as boss here, yet you’ve never taken a visible role in the clean side of things. Makes people wonder.”
Ashcroft’s mouth curved into that lazy, devil-may-care smile. He leaned back in his chair, swirling the glass in his hand.
“Let them wonder,” he drawled. “Mystery’s good for business. Besides, the truth’s never half as entertaining as the stories they make up.”
Harper rolled her eyes with a playful scoff. “Whatever…” she muttered, smirking as she toyed with her glass.
Ashcroft arched a brow, amused. “Alright then-what about Damien? What do the whispers say about him?”
“Oh, that one’s easy,” Harper shot back without hesitation. “If you’re the prince of the underworld, then he’s the King. And well…” she gave Damien a cheeky glance, “…just about an hour ago, we all found out that one’s true.”
Then her expression lit up, like a switch had flipped. “Oh! Wait-so that means…” She gasped dramatically and threw both hands up in mock reverence.
1/2
< Chapter 106: Preferences at the Table-1
“Maya is the Queen!! Ha! All hail the Queen!”
She clasped her hands together and made a dramatic bow, grinning wide as she gestured toward Maya with both arms as though presenting her to a crowd.
Claim
Maya flushed instantly, half laughing, half mortified as she waved Harper off. “Stop it, Harper
But Damien’s low chuckle cut through her protest. He leaned back in his chair, that knowing smirk tugging at his lips as his eyes locked on Maya.
“She’s not wrong,” he drawled smoothly, his voice dark with possession. “Maya is my queen.”
Maya’s breath caught, her cheeks burning hotter, while Harper clapped her hands like she’d just won something.
“See! Even the King himself admits it. Case closed!”
Harper suddenly perked up, glancing at her phone. “Oh! By the way… I’m texting with Sienna and Jessa. They said they’re heading out tomorrow. Guess they figured since the work part is wrapped up, they’d sneak home a day early and get some extra family time before we’re all back in the grind on Monday.” She looked up with a playful shrug. “They asked if we’re packing up too.”
Damien shook his head. “I don’t mind staying as planned.” Then his gaze slid to Maya, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Whatever my queen wants.”
Maya’s cheeks instantly warmed, her lips parting in a startled laugh as her heart gave that familiar flutter she still wasn’t used to.
Harper gasped, clutching her chest like she’d just witnessed history. “Oh. My. God. Did you hear that? The smoothness! The delivery! Ughhh, I live for this-Daya supremacy!!” She fanned herself dramatically, then pointed at them both with an accusing grin. “You two are literally my favorite ship. Forget fairytales-Daya is endgame!”
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.