Chapter 124: Where Did She Go?-2
Only when the elevator began to rise did Harper let out a shaky exhale, muttering under her breath, “That was close.”
Maya’s eyes widened, chest still tight from the sudden pull. “Harper! What the heck was that? Why did you drag me away like that?”
Harper pressed herself back against the wall, forcing a nervous laugh that didn’t reach her eyes. She clutched her stomach dramatically, shaking her head. “Uh-right, well… my stomach. Yeah. Must’ve been something I ate earlier. Feels like it’s about to kill me, and I did not want to make a scene in front of your future mother-in-law.”
Her voice was too quick, too rehearsed.
Maya frowned, suspicion tugging at her. “Harper…”
But Harper only waved her off, straightening with an overly casual grin. “Don’t worry about me, love. I just need the bathroom. That’s all.”
Meanwhile, back in the lobby, Damien’s hand lingered lightly on his mother’s arm. His voice lowered, carrying a weight that softened the air around them.
“Mom,” he said, calm but with an undercurrent of anticipation, “there’s someone I want you to
meet.”
Dahlia’s head tilted ever so slightly, curiosity flickering across her features. “Oh?” she murmured, her voice steady though her eyes sharpened with interest.
A faint smile tugged at Damien’s lips-small, rare, but genuine. “Someone very special to me. I’m sure you’ll like her.”
For the briefest second, the polished mask Dahlia wore slipped. Her brows lifted, and though she quickly composed herself, her lips softened into the faintest smile. “Her?” she asked, voice quiet but threaded with warmth. Her gaze lingered on Damien, softening, almost luminous. “Is she the reason my son looks… different. Almost like a man who’s learned how to smile again.”
Before Damien could speak, Ashcroft cut in, his grin wicked and unrestrained. “Correction, Aunt Dahlia,” he drawled, leaning back with deliberate mischief. “Not just smiling-laughing. The man’s obsessed. In fact…” he waggled his brows, voice dropping in mock conspiracy, “I’d say he’s been a little too busy these past two days… probably trying to make babies.”
Damien’s jaw tightened. His gaze shot to Ashcroft, the steel in his eyes slicing through the
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levity of the moment. A slow, measured exhale followed, barely hiding the flush creeping over
his ears.
Ashcroft only raised his hands in surrender, smirk unfaltering. “Hey, just speaking the truth,
brother.”
Nick’s low chuckle filled the pause, clearly enjoying the exchange, while James and Lee wisely kept their eyes trained ahead, masks of professionalism intact.
Dahlia didn’t miss the spark that lit in her son’s eyes at the mention. It tugged at her heart, softening her lips into a knowing smile she couldn’t quite conceal. Yet beneath that warmth, a quiet ache lingered-a shadow of sadness she carried. Her thoughts drifted, unbidden, to her dearest friend… and the daughter she once dreamed might stand beside Damien one day.
Damien turned slightly, a rare flicker of softness lingering on his face as he glanced over his shoulder. He meant to call Maya forward, to place her before his mother without hesitation.
But the space behind him was empty.
His brows knit together, confusion sharpening his features. Where the hell-? Maya was right there only moments ago. And Harper… gone too.
A muscle ticked in his jaw, irritation mixing with surprise. His gaze swept the lobby quickly, searching for even a glimpse of them, but there was nothing-just the quiet elegance of the resort and his men standing at attention.
The elevator chimed softly, and the doors slid open. The resort manager stepped out, pausing mid-step when he spotted the group. His expression shifted instantly into one of polished professionalism.
“Mr. Blackwood,” he greeted with a respectful nod. “Madam Blackwood.”
Damien’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Have you seen Miss Thompson?” he asked, his tone deceptively calm, though the steel beneath it made the manager straighten even further.
“Yes, sir,” the manager replied quickly. “I saw Miss Lin pulled her toward the elevator just a few minutes ago. They seemed in a hurry-likely headed up to their suite.”
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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.