Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 123

Chapter 123

“Who the fuck recruited these pieces of shit?” Rocco’s voice was deceptively soft, but everyone in the room felt the threat underneath.

Knuckles shuffled uncomfortably. “They’re Dragon Empire guys, boss. Just joined last month. Still learning the rules.”

Rocco’s head snapped toward his lieutenant. “Dragon Empire? Who gave you the fucking authority to recruit Dragon Empire trash?”

Jade watched the interaction with mild interest, sipping her martini.

“Take the one with the missing ear. Break his hands and feet,” Rocco ordered, then gestured to the rest of the groaning men. “Round up the others. I want them all gone by sunrise.”

Two men immediately grabbed One–Ear, who started pleading incoherently. His cries were quickly silenced as they dragged him through the back door.

Rocco turned to Chris, his entire demeanor changing to one of deference. “Mr. Jensen, I cannot apologize enough for this… incident. It reflects poorly on our organization, and I assure you those responsible will be dealt with appropriately.”

Chris adjusted his cuffs, seemingly more concerned with a small blood splatter on his sleeve than the man being hauled away to be mutilated. “See that it doesn’t happen again, Rocco. The next time I won’t be so understanding.”

Rocco bowed his head slightly. “Of course, Mr. Jensen.”

Chris glanced at Jade, a silent question in his eyes. She nodded, having seen enough of this particular spectacle. They walked out together, leaving Rocco barking orders at his men.

In the Haxton family study, Ethan sat behind a massive mahogany desk, reviewing financial reports. The warm glow of the antique desk lamp cast shadows across his angular features as he made notes in the margins with a Mont Blanc pen.

A soft knock interrupted his concentration. “Come in.”

Connor Haxton entered, his tablet in hand, expression carefully neutral. “Sir, there was an incident tonight at The Velvet Lounge. The Three Pillars were involved.”

Ethan continued writing without looking up. “And this concerns me because?”

“Miss Morgan was there, sir.”

Ethan’s pen paused mid–stroke. He set it down deliberately, finally looking up at his assistant. “Was she hurt?”

1/4

11:07 Wed, Sep 24

Chapter 123

“No, sir. Quite the opposite. According to our source, she and her companion handled the situation… efficiently.”

“Companion?” Ethan leaned back in his leather chair, fingers steepled.

“Yes, sir. The young head of The Three Pillars was with her.” Connor hesitated.

Recognition flickered in Ethan’s eyes. “Chris Jensen.”

(92)

The early morning sun cast long shadows across Jade’s front lawn as Chris Jensen stood on the porch, his back to the door. He’d spent the night in one of Jade’s guest rooms after their eventful evening, unwilling to leave her alone in case of retaliation.

A sleek black Bentley pulled into the driveway, drawing Chris’s immediate attention. The car door opened, and a tall figure emerged–blond hair, expensive suit, confident stride. In one hand, he carried what appeared to be a small cooler bag.

Chris watched as Ethan Haxton approached the steps, sizing him up with practiced ease. When Ethan reached the porch, Chris stepped forward, blocking his path to the door.

“Can I help you?” Chris’s tone was polite but firm.

Ethan offered a small, calculated smile. “I’m here to see Jade.”

“And you are?”

“Ethan Haxton.” He extended his hand. “You must be Chris Jensen.”

Chris accepted the handshake. Both men gripped firmly, a subtle test of strength that neither acknowledged but both

recognized.

“Jade’s still asleep,” Chris said, not releasing his grip immediately. “She had a long night.”

“I’m aware.” Ethan finally withdrew his hand. “I brought something that might help.” He held up the small cooler. A special blend for hangovers.”

Chris’s eyes narrowed slightly. Investor. Around thirty. Expensive watch on his wrist. This must be the new “friend” Jade had mentioned,

“I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Haxton, but she’s not drunk. Just resting. I can take that to her when she wakes up.”

Ethan’s smile remained unchanged, but something hardened in his eyes. “I’d prefer to give it to her myself.”

“She doesn’t like being disturbed.”

2/4

11:07 Wed, Sep 24

Chapter 123

“I’ll take my chances.”

:

g

92

The tension between them stretched like a wire pulled taut. Finally, Chris stepped aside, allowing Ethan to pass.

“Your funeral.”

Inside, the house was quiet and immaculate. Chris led Ethan to the kitchen, gesturing to a barstool at the island

counter.

“Why don’t you wait here? I’ve got coffee brewing, and there are pastries in that box. I’ll let Jade know you’re here

when she wakes up.”

Ethan set the cooler on the counter. “I think I’ll check on her now.”

Chris raised an eyebrow. “She won’t appreciate that.”

“She’ll understand.” Ethan moved toward the stairs.

“Second door on the right,” Chris said, making no move to stop him. Instead, he leaned against the counter, arms folded, apparently waiting for the sounds of struggle he expected to hear momentarily.

Ethan ascended the stairs with quiet confidence. At Jade’s door, he knocked softly.

Silence.

He knocked again, slightly louder.

The door swung open abruptly. Jade stood there, hair tousled from sleep, wearing an oversized t–shirt that fell to mid–thigh. Her cold eyes fixed on Ethan, showing neither surprise nor welcome.

“I thought you were awake,” Ethan said. “I texted earlier.”

Jade glanced at her phone on the nightstand.

“You sent an emoji,” he confirmed. “Which I took to mean you were up.”

She stared at him for a long moment, then turned and walked toward her adjoining bathroom. “Give me five

minutes.”

True to her word, Jade emerged from the bathroom five minutes later, face washed and teeth brushed. She’d changed into jeans and a simple black t–shirt,

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify