Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 135

Chapter 135

Author’s POV:

Jade smiled, pulling back slightly to look at his face. His expression was completely serious, eyes steady on hers. It was hard to tell if he was calling her bluff or genuinely offering to help her commit mass murder.

“This wouldn’t be a good place to detonate anything,” she said, keeping her voice low. “Too many innocent socialites and politicians. Besides, the ballroom’s too open. It would be difficult to ensure the target doesn’t survive the blast.”

Ethan’s eyebrow raised slightly at her mention of the target,” but he didn’t comment on it. Instead, he pocketed the lighter and leaned back in his seat.

“Always thinking tactically,” he murmured. “I appreciate that about you.”

From the corner of her eye, Jade caught Alexander staring at them with undisguised curiosity. His uncle and she were clearly more familiar with each other than he’d realized, and the way they were huddled together whispering must have seemed strange. Ethan rarely showed this level of interest in anyone, especially not in public.

Warren Mitchell had finished his opening remarks, and the auctioneer took the stage. He was a tall, thin man with a British accent and wire–rimmed glasses that caught the light as he moved.

“Ladies and gentlemen, shall we begin? Our first item tonight is a magnificent antique Tiffany flower vase from the Art Nouveau period, circa 1900. We’ll start the bidding at three hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”

The bidding began immediately, hands raising around the room. Jade watched the process with mild interest as the price climbed steadily.

“Five hundred thousand,” called a woman in a red dress.

“Six hundred thousand,” countered a gray–haired man near the front.

“Seven hundred thousand.”

“Eight hundred thousand.”

The auctioneer kept pace with practiced efficiency, his gavel hovering in anticipation of the final bid.

“Nine hundred thousand dollars. Do I hear one million? One million dollars from the gentleman in the third row. Going once, going twice… Sold for one million dollars!”

Applause rippled through the crowd as the first item found its new owner. The auction continued with the second item, a 19th–century European oil painting, starting at six hundred thousand dollars. The bids escalated quickly again, voices calling out numbers that represented more money than most people would see in a lifetime.

Jade’s attention, however, wasn’t on the artwork or the competitive bidding. Her gaze had fixed on Warren Mitchell,

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11:09 Wed, Sep 24

Chapter 135

sitting prominently in the front row.

Five items had been auctioned off when the auctioneer announced the sixth offering of the night.

A

“Next, we have an exquisite Cartier ‘Desert Fox‘ series brooch, set with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. The craftsmanship is simply stunning. We’ll start the bidding at three hundred thousand dollars.”

🙂))

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Several hands went up immediately. Jade studied the item displayed on the large screens flanking the stage. It was beautiful, certainly, but her interest had nothing to do with jewelry.

“Four hundred thousand,” someone called.

“Four–fifty.”

“Five hundred thousand.”

Jade raised her hand. “One million dollars.”

The room fell silent for a moment before a low murmur spread through the crowd. Alexander jerked his head toward her, eyes wide with surprise. Connor, sitting beyond him, leaned forward to look at her, his expression calculating.

And Ethan… Ethan was watching her with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.

“One million dollars from the young lady in the center,” the auctioneer announced, visibly pleased by the dramatic

increase. “Do I hear one million one hundred thousand?”

A hand raised from the back of the room. “One million one hundred thousand.”

“One million five hundred thousand,” Jade called without hesitation.

Ethan leaned closer. “Do you particularly like this piece?” he asked quietly.

Jade ignored him.

“One million seven hundred thousand,” Catherine announced, her voice carrying across the room.

“Two million,” Jade countered immediately.

The murmurs in the room grew louder. This was no longer just an auction; it was becoming a spectacle. Jade could see people turning in their seats, trying to identify the two women locked in this bidding war.

“Two million two hundred thousand,” Catherine called, a slight edge creeping into her voice.

Jade smiled faintly. “Two million five hundred thousand.”

–

Catherine was speaking with an older man beside her her father, judging by their similar features. He seemed to be advising restraint, placing a hand on her arm and speaking in urgent whispers.

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Chapter 135

“Catherine, enough,” Jade heard him say. “Don’t make a spectacle. This isn’t the place.”

But she shook him off, face flushed with determination. “Dad, I recognize her. She’s the one who showed up in an Uber. She’s just trying to embarrass me.”

Her father glanced toward their section, frowning slightly.

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Catherine, not bothering to look, stood up straighter. “Three million dollars,” she announced loudly, staring directly

at Jade.

The crowd gasped. The auctioneer, clearly delighted by this turn of events, turned to Jade expectantly.

Jade paused, letting the tension build. Then she slowly lowered her hand and shook her head slightly.

“Three million dollars from Ms. Sullivan,” the auctioneer said. “Going once…”

Ethan reached for his paddle, but Jade caught his wrist, stopping him.

“Going twice…”

“If you want it, the price is irrelevant,” Ethan said quietly.

“I don’t,” she replied. “I was just playing. I never intended to buy it.”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “Playing?”

“Sold, for three million dollars to Ms. Sullivan!” The gavel came down with a decisive crack.

Applause filled the room – louder than for previous items, the excitement of the bidding war having captivated the audience. But beneath the polite clapping, Jade could hear whispers and see knowing glances exchanged between

guests.

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