Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 260

Chapter 260

Night’s voice was tense. “We have a situation. Chris Jensen has been taken by the Scorpio familly.”

Jade’s blood ran cold. “Where?”

“Guyana. He

He went d

dark about two weeks ago. I can’t extract him myself—I’m handling something in Russia.”

“When do I leave?”

Tonight if possible. I’ve already arranged transportation.”

“Tll be ready.”

She hung up and turned to find Ethan watching her, his brow furrowed with concern.

“Chris is in trouble,” she said. “I need to go out of the country for a while.”

“How long?”

“I don’t know. Could be a few days, could be longer.”

Ethan nodded slowly.

do you need from me?”

“I need you to look after Max while I’m gone. His SAT is tomorrow, and I was supposed to be there. She hesitated. “And Silas too, if you can. He doesn’t have anyone else now.”

Ethan’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly at the mention of Silas, but he nodded. I’ll take care of them both.”

“Thank you.” She

meant it.

night before Max’s SAT, Ethan booked a suite at the Grand Princeton Hotel, just five minutes from the testing center.

The ni

Zach and Ryan had rooms on

in the same fo

floor–Ryan across the hall and Zach next door.

*Nervous?” Ethan asked, noticing Max fidgeting with his admission ticket on the edge of the king–sized bed

“A little.” Max admitted. “But I’ve been preparing for this all year with Jade. She’s pretty much drilled every possible question type into my head by now.”

Ethan smiled, loosening his tie. “She mentioned you’ve been scoring really well on the practice tests.”

“Yeah,” Max nodded with growing confidence. “I know she had to leave for something important. It’s fine–she’s already taught me everything I need to know.” He straightened his shoulders. “I’ve got this.”

“That’s the attitude,” Ethan said. “Get some rest. Tomorrow’s your day to shine.”

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12:30 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 260

:

The next morning, Ethan drove Max to the test center in his Maybach, drawing stares from other students being dropped off in more modest vehicles.

“I’ll be right here when you finish,” Ethan said as Max got u

out of the cat.

“You don’t have to wait the whole time,” Max p

protested. “It’s like four hours.”

“I’ve got emails to catch up on, Ethan replied, holding up his phone. “Go ace that test.”

Max nodded and headed toward the building, his limp more pronounced than usual due to his nervousness.

Four hours later, Ethan was still in the car, having dealt with over a hundred emails and three conference calls. He watched as students began pouring out of the building, many looking relieved that the ordeal was over.

Max emerged, looking tired but not defeated.

“How was the test? Ethan asked.

“Fine, I think. The math section felt easy, actually. Max looked surprised to see they weren’t heading back toward the hotel. “Aren’t we going back to get my stuff?”

“Already taken care of. Your bag is in the trunk.”

“So…where are we going?”

“My place,” Ethan replied.

“You’ll be staying with me until Jade gets back.”

When they turned onto a private road lined with ancient oak trees, Max pressed his face against the window. “Where are we?”

The trees parted to reveal a sprawling estate with manicured gardens and a mansion that looked like it belonged in a period drama. Max’s jaw dropped as they pulled up to the front entrance, where a uniformed staff member was already waiting to open their doors.

“Welcome to the Haxton family estate,” Ethan said, enjoying the look of shock on Max’s face. “I think you’ll find it has everything you need for an interesting summer vacation.”

Max stepped out of the car, his eyes wide as he took in the grandeur of the place. “Holy shit,” he whispered.