Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 112

Ethan walked in confidently, with me and Connor following behind. Alexander’s gaze darted between the three of us, clearly bewildered, his face paling slightly.

“Alex, it’s been a while,” Ethan said flatly, as if this meeting had been entirely expected.

I chose the seat to Ethan’s left, while Alexander sat across from us, keeping his distance as if proximity to his uncle might burn him. His posture betrayed obvious tension, shoulders hunched slightly despite his expensive tailoring.

“Here’s the menu, Miss Morgan.” Ethan handed me the elegant leather–bound menu, his voice gentle and polite. ‘See anything you’d like?”

I browsed the options, occasionally glancing at Alexander across the table. He sat nervously, fingers tapping lightly on the tablecloth, his eyes flicking toward Ethan then quickly away, like a small animal afraid of attracting a predator’s attention.

“He seems afraid of you,” I murmured to Ethan, keeping my voice low enough that only he could hear.

Ethan smiled slightly. “It’s just respect. Alex, I hope you don’t mind that Miss Morgan invited me to join dinner?”

Alexander immediately straightened his back. “Of course not, wel–welcome, Uncle…” His voice trailed off as he reached for his water glass with shaking fingers.

His stutter confirmed my suspicion that this was definitely more than just “respect.” There was genuine fear there, and I found myself curious about what Ethan might have done to inspire such terror in his own nephew.

After the waiter came in and took our orders, Ethan expertly recommended several dishes, then turned to me. “About the compensation matter with your classmate’s father–I’ve made arrangements.”

He pulled a bank card from his pocket and slid it across to me. “For your wine.”

“That was quick,” I remarked, raising an eyebrow as I examined the sleek black card.

‘Hayes‘ family couldn’t come up with that much cash,” Ethan explained, “so they’re transferring ownership of one of their subsidiary companies instead. The subsidiary has been transferred and is being evaluated,‘ he continued in a purely business tone. “If it’s profitable, I’ll have someone manage it in your name. If it’s losing money, we’ll sell it and give you the cash value.‘

“This money is actually compensation for your damaged luggage,” I reminded him.

The corner of Ethan’s mouth curved upward. “The luggage was bought for you, so naturally the compensation goes to you as well.‘

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12:25 Mon, Sep 22

Chapter 112

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Across the table, Alexander looked completely lost, clearly having no idea what we were discussing, but too intimidated to ask. His eyes darted between us like he was watching a tennis match in a foreign language.

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When dinner arrived, Ethan served me soup himself, his movements elegant and natural. He poured me a glass of red wine and added several dishes to my plate. Throughout this process, he almost completely ignored Alexander’s existence, causing his nephew to shrink further into his chair.

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“Tomorrow I’ll pick you up from campus with your belongings,” Ethan said suddenly, “and take you to see the apartment.”

Alexander couldn’t help but look up at me when he heard this, surprise flashing in his eyes. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it again, thinking better of it.

Ethan displayed the watch I’d given him on his wrist, turning it slightly so the light caught its face. “The craftsmanship on this watch is exquisite. You must have put a lot of thought into it, Miss Morgan.”

Just one phone call to Night. Didn’t spend a dime, I thought, but outwardly responded calmly: “I’m glad you like it, Mr. Haxton.”

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