Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 125

Badass in Disguise

Chapter 125

92

–

Ethan unpacked breakfast containers from the cooler egg white omelets with spinach, avocado toast, and fresh fruit salad. The spread was clearly meant for two, presented in elegant containers with the Haxton family logo discreetly embossed on the lids.

“I assumed you’d need protein after your night,” Ethan explained, sliding a container toward Jade. The movement was casual, but his eyes carefully tracked Chris’s reaction.

—

A slight smile tugged at Jade’s lips as she looked at Ethan in his impeccable suit – charcoal gray, perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders, with a pale blue tie that brought out the intensity of his eyes. Something about his perfectly tailored appearance triggered a memory from last night wondering what he would look like fighting in formal wear, delivering precise blows while straightening his cufflinks between punches. The mental image made her

chuckle involuntarily.

“Something funny?” Ethan asked, one eyebrow raised.

“Nothing,” Jade replied, quickly composing her features into their usual mask of indifference. She took some of the food and passed a portion to Chris. “There’s enough here to feed an army.”

Ethan’s eyes tracked the movement with the focus of a predator watching prey. The simple act of Jade sharing his carefully prepared breakfast with Jensen felt like a small betrayal, though he kept his expression neutral.

“Jensen, I understand you stayed here last night?” Ethan asked, cutting into his omelet with surgical precision.

“I did,” Chris answered flatly. “Is that a problem?”

“Just concerned about appearances,” Ethan responded. “Photos of your… embrace are trending. A night alone together could fuel unfortunate rumors about Morgan’s reputation.”

Chris’s expression hardened, a flash of something dangerous flickering behind his eyes. “As I said before, I’ve known Jade a long time. I don’t particularly care what people think about our relationship.”

“Interesting,” Ethan mused. “I was under the impression that someone in your position would be more concerned with perception. The courtroom is as much about appearances as it is about facts, isn’t it?”

“Speaking of reputations,” Jade interjected, cutting a piece of omelet with surgical precision, “Mr. Haxton and 1 shared accommodations for two months in Venezuela this summer. Nobody seemed concerned about my reputation

then.”

Chris’s fork paused halfway to his mouth. “Two months?”

Jade nodded casually, “During the summer break.”

“You never mentioned that,” Chris said, his relaxed demeanor slipping momentarily. His eyes darted between Jade and Ethan, reassessing something in his mind.

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11:07 Wed, Sep 24

Chapter 125

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Ethan couldn’t quite suppress the satisfaction he felt at Chris’s reaction. He took a slow sip of his coffee, savoring the moment like fine wine.

“It wasn’t relevant until now,” Jade replied. She turned to Chris. “By the way, this mansion belongs to Ethan.”

Chris’s gaze sharpened. “Lacking funds or real estate, Jade? Since when do you casually accept favors?”

“It’s perfect,” Jade replied. “Just what I needed, and he happened to have it available.”

“She’s welcome to stay as long as she likes,” Ethan added, not bothering to hide his smugness. “It’s no trouble. I have

several properties in the area. Mr. Jensen, if you…”

Chris checked his watch. “I should head to the airport.” He stood, straightening his jacket with a practiced flick of his wrists. “Wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome in Mr. Haxton’s property.”

“I can have Connor drive you,” Ethan offered, standing as well. The movement was smooth, calculated asserting his domain.

–

a host

“No need,” Chris said with a thin smile. “I’ve already arranged transportation.” His gaze fell to Ethan’s wrist. “Nice

watch.”

“Thank you,” Ethan replied, glancing down at the timepiece. “It was a gift from Jade.”

–

Something flickered in Chris’s eyes recognition, perhaps, or warning. “Such a precious gift,” he said, his voice deceptively light. “You’d better wear it carefully, Mr. Haxton.”

Chris nodded to Jade and walked out, leaving Ethan with the distinct impression that he’d just been issued a

warning.

Ethan turned back to Jade, who was calmly eating her breakfast as if the testosterone–laden exchange hadn’t happened at all.

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