Chartered A quired or Removed 2
Chapter 164: Acquired… or Removed-2
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Eleanor, meanwhile, calmly lifted her teacup, took an unhurried sip, then set it back onto its saucer with a soft clink.
“Well,” she said pleasantly, “this is certainly turning into an interesting morning.”
Damien ended the call without another word.
The screen went dark as he slid the phone back into his coat pocket, movements unhurried- as if nothing of consequence had just been set in motion.
The room exhaled cautiously.
Maya forced herself to breathe.
She turned toward him, shoulders squaring despite the way her pulse raced.
“Damien… that was really unnecessary.”
His gaze shifted to her at once. Steady. Focused.
“I need to learn the competition,” he said evenly. “I don’t like losing, love.”
“It’s nothing,” she rushed on, softening her tone. “It was just… a fangirling moment, okay?” A small, nervous laugh slipped out.
She paused, searching his face for any sign of easing.
“Everyone’s had a crush,” she added gently. “An idol. Someone unattainable you admire from a distance.” She lifted her chin, trying to sound light. “You probably had a few growing up too.
The corner of Damien’s mouth twitched-just barely.
“Crushes,” he repeated slowly.
He leaned back in his chair, posture relaxed in a way that was anything but. His eyes never
left her face.
“I didn’t grow up with idols,” he said calmly. “I grew up with objectives.”
A beat.
“And anything that caught my attention,” he continued, voice low and deliberate,
“was either acquired… or removed.”
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Chapter 164 Acquired or Removed-2
His thumb brushed once-possessive, grounding-against her shoulder.
“But for the record,” he added quietly, gaze softening just a fraction as it locked with hers, “I don’t share.”
Silence settled over the table again-thick, electric.
“Well,” Dominic muttered, clearly amused, “that answers that-”
“Ouch!”
He jolted as Dahlia delivered a sharp pinch to his thigh under the table.
One look from her shut him up instantly.
Then her expression softened as she turned back to Maya and Damien.
“You are very much your father’s son,” Dahlia said fondly.
She chuckled, eyes drifting somewhere far away. “I used to have a massive crush on Bruce Springsteen. Bought every album. Learned every lyric. Posters on my walls.” She shook her head, smiling at herself. “I was absolutely convinced he would be my future husband.”
Dominic scoffed immediately. Loudly.
Dahlia ignored him. “Then I learned he was touring Australia in March of 1985. So, naturally, I bought a ticket. Best seats I could get. I was ecstatic.”
She glanced sideways at Dominic. “Then your father found out.”
“And guess what he did?” she asked innocently.
Jamie leaned forward. “What?”
“This fool,” Dahlia continued, smiling sweetly, “bought the company sponsoring the tour, had the venue security ‘restructured, and somehow ended up with backstage access-just to make sure I didn’t get too close to my ‘future husband.”
Dominic smirked unapologetically.
“Like your son said. Blackwood men don’t share.” He shrugged. “Another man occupying
even a tiny space in your mind? Unacceptable.”
“Oh, please,” Dahlia scoffed. “Don’t get cocky.”
“He’s not even that good,” Dominic muttered.
Dahlia shot him a look. “What I’m saying is-it’s normal to admire someone. There’s no need
Chapter 164 Acquired or Removed 2
to go completely extra about it.”
Jamie blinked between them. “So… does that mean he’s not your crush anymore?”
Maya choked.
That earned a round of laughter.
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Dahlia smiled calmly. “Actually… I still admire him. Not like before, of course. But I still listen to his music.”
Dominic stiffened.
“You what.”
She sipped her coffee serenely. “Some classics never age.”
Dominic leaned back, arms crossed, scowling. “I knew I should’ve bought the record label too.”
Jamie’s eyes widened. “Wow.”
Maya pressed her lips together, shoulders shaking as she tried not to laugh-very aware that Blackwood jealousy, once awakened, never truly slept.
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.