Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 259

Badass in Disguise

Chapter 259

“B plus. Professor Smith announced, handing back the economies test papers. “Mr. Murphy, significant improvement.”

Jade watched Silas take his test paper, his face completely devoid of emotion desplie the 82% written in red at the top. Three weeks of intensive tutoring had brought his grade up from a D minus, but there wasn’t even a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.

Π

When class ended, Jade caught up with him in the hallway. “Hey, I plus. Not bad for someone who couldn’t explain a basic recursion algorithm a few weeks ago.”

Silas shrugged, dark circles prominent under his eyes. Thanks for the help.”

“You look like shit,” she said bluntly. “When’s the last time you slept?”

He ran a hand through his disheveled hair. “I’m fine.”

“I could get you some prescription sleep aids if—”

“No,” he cut her off sharply. “No drugs. I’m

fine

Tade studied him carefully. Since his mother’s sudden deterioration that night at the hospital, Silas had been spiraling. The combination of hospital visits, his night shifts at the garage, and their tutoring sessions was taking its obvious toll.

Before she could say anything else, Silas’s phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen, and his face went pale. Without another word, he bolted down the hallway, nearly knocking over a group of freshmen,

Jade followed.

“I need to see Ethan Haxton,” Jade told Connor over the phone as she drove. “Now.”

Twenty minutes later, Jade parked her black Mercedes Maybach outside the Haxton Investment Group headquarters. Ethan was already walking out the front doors, his expression concerned. Several executives peered out the glass doors behind him, their faces a mixture of confusion and annoyance at the abrupt end to their meeting.

“That was fast,” she said as he slid into the passenger seat.

Ethan studied her face. “You wouldn’t call if it wasn’t important.” His gaze lingered on her lips for a fraction of a second, no doubt remembering their kiss from a few nights ago. The memory tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Jade pulled away from the curb without another word.

“Where are we going?” he finally asked.

Jade didn’t answer.

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12:29 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 259

The beach was deserted this time of year, the sharp ocean breeze carrying the scent of salt and seaweed, jade parked near the boardwalk and got out, walking toward the water without checking if than was following. The sound of his footsteps in the sand behind her was all the confirmation she needed.

ur water matched the overcast sky, creating a seamless

They stood side by side, watching the waves crash against the shore. The gray–blur horizon where ocean met clouds.

“Silas’s mother died this morning,” she said, her voice even.

Ethan turned to look at her, his expression difficult to read. “Sorry to hear that.”

She kicked at the sand. “She’d been hiding her medications, not taking them. The nurses found a stockpile in her nightstand. She didn’t want to be a financial burden on Silas anymore.”

Ethan was quiet for a long moment, “How’s Silas taking it?”

“Not well.”

The wind picked up, sending Jade’s hair across her face. Ethan reached out hesitantly, then brushed the strands away with gentle fingers. His touch lingered on her cheek.

“And how are you taking it?” he asked softly.

She met his eyes. “I’ve seen death before. This isn’t about me.”

“It’s affecting you, though.” It wasn’t a question.

Jade didn’t answer. Instead, she turned back to face the ocean. After a moment, she felt Ethan’s arm wrap around her shoulders, pulling her against his side. The warmth of his body contrasted with the cool air, and she found herself leaning into him slightly.

They stood like that for several minutes, until her phone rang. The caller ID read “Night.”

“I need to take this,” she said, stepping away from Ethan’s embrace.