Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 127

Chapter 127

“Eleanor, Chase groaned. “I’m busy.”

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“Don’t be rude,” she chided, then turned to me with an extended hand. “You must be Jade Morgan. I’m Eleanor Astor, Chase’s sister and apparently your newest fan.”

I shook her hand, noting her firm grip. “Nice to meet you.”

“Chase won’t stop talking about you, and after seeing what you did with the Jensen lecture, I had to introduce myself. She sat down gracefully on the grass, seeming unconcerned about her expensive outfit. “Is Chris still in

town?

“No, he flew back to Toronto last night.”

Eleanor’s face fell slightly. “Oh, that’s a shame. His constitutional law lecture was brilliant. The way he dissected the Fourteenth Amendment…” She sighed wistfully.

Chase rolled his eyes. “Please don’t start again.”

“Hush, Eleanor elbowed him, then turned back to me. “How do you know Chris? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“We’re good friends,” I said, the same answer I’d given everyone else.

Eleanor’s eyes lit up. “Really? That’s… interesting.” She suddenly turned to Chase. “Don’t you have class now?”

Chase checked his watch. “Not for twenty minutes.”

“Go early. Be a good student for once.”

Chase narrowed his eyes. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“Yes,” Eleanor said bluntly. “Girl talk. Shoo.”

After Chase reluctantly left, grumbling about pushy sisters, Eleanor moved closer, her voice dropping, ‘ts Chris seeing anyone? I mean, I know it’s forward to ask, but-

“He’s single,‘ I said, studying her with new interest. ‘Never had a girlfriend. I paused for effect. Or a boyfriend.”

Eleanor laughed, her cheeks pinking slightly. And… what’s his type? If he has one?”

I considered the question. Eleanor was attractive, intelligent, and seemed genuine – a far cry from the vapid socialites Chris usually avoided. More importantly, she might be good for him.

“He likes intelligent women,‘ I said finally. “People who challenge him intellectually.”

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Chapter 127

:

Eleanor’s blush deepened. “Do you think… I mean, would you be willing to give me his contact information? It’s completely fine if you’re not comfortable with that.”

I pulled out my phone. “What’s your number?”

Her eyes widened. “Really? Just like that?”

“Why not?” I shrugged. “But you should know what you’re getting into. Chris isn’t just a lawyer. His clients and connections are… complicated.”

Eleanor nodded seriously. “I’m aware of his reputation. I’ve followed his cases for years. The man walks legal tightropes that would terrify most attorneys.” She hesitated. “Thank you for this. Really.”

I texted her Chris’s number. “Don’t mention it.”

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Before she could respond, Chase’s voice cut through our conversation. “Eleanor! What the hell are you doing?”

He stormed toward us, face flushed with anger. “Are you seriously trying to get Chris’s number? Have you lost your

mind?”

Eleanor jumped to her feet. “Chase Astor! Were you eavesdropping?”

“Damn right I was! Someone needs to save you from yourself!”

“I’m your sister! I don’t need my little brother’s permission to date!”

“Chris isn’t dating material! He’s-”

Eleanor let out a frustrated scream that made several passing students turn and stare. “I swear to God, Chase, if you don’t stop interfering in my life, I’ll tell Mom and Dad about that weekend in Vegas!”

Chase paled. “You wouldn’t.”

“Try me,” she hissed, then turned to me with an apologetic smile. “Thank you for the number, Jade. I’ll be in touch.”

As Eleanor stormed off, Chase called after her, “This isn’t over!” He turned to me, betrayal written across his face. ‘Why would you give her Jensen’s number?”

“Why not? They might get along.”

“Because he’s-” Chase stopped himself, running a hand through his hair. “You know what? Forget it.” He jogged after his sister, still arguing.

I pulled out my phone and texted Chris:

Just gave your number to Eleanor Astor. Law professor at Princeton. Smart, pretty, and apparently a big fan. You’re

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Chapter 127

welcome.

Less than a minute later, my phone buzzed:

I just landed. He ignored the matchmaking part completely.

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