Ashcroft turned to her, tilting his head slightly.
“And you are?”
Harper straightened at once, smoothing her dress with mock elegance and a bright grin.
“Harper Lin. Blackwood Enterprises PR department superstar, Maya’s best friend —”
Then she leaned in just enough for their little circle to hear.
“—and yes, I’m also the proud president of the Daya fan club. Trademark pending.”
Maya groaned inwardly. Oh God. Not that nickname again.
She finished it off with a cheeky salute, eyes sparkling. “At your service!”
Ashcroft blinked. “Daya?”
Harper gave him a conspiratorial grin. “Damien and Maya. Daya.”
For a beat, silence.
Then Ashcroft barked a laugh, warm and delighted. “Well, I really like you now.”
Maya groaned, covering her face with one hand, utterly mortified.
Damien’s jaw ti
