Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 212

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8:00 Fri, Sep 26 T

Badass in Disguise

Chapter 212

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“Cheap?” Chase sputtered, outraged. “Are you questioning my purchasing power? I don’t buy cheap anything! You’re the cheap one–cheap personality, cheap apologies, cheap driving skills!”

“I apologized and I’m paying for damages,” Aurelia said through gritted teeth, her face flushing with anger. “We’re even. Take the money and leave me alone.”

“I don’t want your money,” Chase said, trying to step around her. “I need to find Jade.”

Aurelia rolled her eyes dramatically. “Still playing lapdog to Morgan? Pathetic.”

“Says Edward Sheldon’s lapdog,” Chase retorted with a sneer. “Following him around with physics problems like some desperate tutor. News flash–he’s not interested in your equations.”

Color flooded Aurelia’s cheeks. She thrust a bank card at his chest with enough force to make him step back. “I don’t like owing people money! Take it!”

Chase caught the card reflexively as Aurelia spun on her heel and stormed off, her boots leaving angry taps in her wake.

“Your car was trash anyway!” she called over her shoulder.

Chase stared at the card in his hand, shaking his head in disbelief. “Sullivan women,” he muttered, pocketing the card. “All fire and no sense.”

Chase finally spotted Jade in the hallway. He ran a hand through his hair and put on his most charming smile.

‘Jade!” he called, jogging over. His smile faltered slightly when he saw Edward standing close to her, their heads bent over a textbook.

“Chase,” Jade acknowledged, her expression neutral as always.

Edward glanced up, his intelligent eyes assessing Chase before returning to the book.

“Big game against Randview tomorrow,” Chase said, ignoring Edward completely. “You’ll come watch me play, right?”

Jade shrugged. “Depends on my schedule.”

“You should come,” Chase insisted, leaning against the lockers with practiced casualness. “I’ll score twenty points just for you. The whole school’s talking about it–Randview brought in some transfer students just for their basketball team.”

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8:00 Fri, Sep 26 T

Chapter 212

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“Sounds riveting,” Jade said, not looking up from the textbook Edward was showing her.

Edward adjusted his glasses, clearly uncomfortable with Chase’s presence hovering over them.

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“I should get going,” Chase said, but not before giving Edward a hard look. “Just remember, Sheldon–ask for help if you need it, but don’t get any other ideas. Anyone trying to compete with Ethan Haxton tends to have unfortunate accidents.” He tapped his temple knowingly.

Edward simply stared at him before returning his attention to the textbook in his hands. “Your concern is noted,” he said quietly.

Jade glanced up at Chase, one eyebrow slightly raised.

Chase flashed her a wide grin before sauntering away.

The gymnasium buzzed with excitement the next day. Princeton students packed the bleachers on one side, while Randview College supporters filled the other. The sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor mingled

with the roar of conversation as both teams warmed up.

Chase scanned the crowd, looking for Jade’s face among the sea of people. He dribbled the ball absently, more focused on the audience than the pre–game drills.

The doors at the far end of the gym opened, and the Randview cheerleaders streamed in, their short skirts and practiced moves drawing immediate attention. Their routine was flawless, ending with their star cheerleader performing an impressive series of flips that had the Randview section erupting in cheers.

“Damn,” a teammate whispered, coming to stand beside Chase. “That’s Randview’s strategy? Distract us with their cheer squad?”

Chase snorted. “Could be worse.”

“Hey, why don’t you ask Jade Morgan to be our cheerleader?” his teammate suggested with a smirk. “Level the playing field,”

Chase’s head whipped around so fast he nearly gave himself whiplash. “Are you insane?”

His teammate paled slightly. “I was just joking, man.”

The referee’s whistle cut through the chatter. Both teams lined up on the court, the atmosphere electric with

tension.

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