Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 153

Badass in Disguise

Chapter 153

I was staring at the screenshot when a message from Ethan Haxton appeared on my screen.

🙂))

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Dr. Morgan, I’d like to invite you to dinner this weekend. When do you think you might be available? My family has been wanting to thank their savior properly.

I couldn’t help but smile at his formal tone. Dr. Morgan. The name felt strange I’d performed surgery exactly once in this lifetime, yet here was Ethan Haxton treating me like I had decades of medical experience.

My response was predictably polite but evasive, mentioning my busy schedule.

Ethan replied quickly: I understand completely. If you prefer, we could arrange something smaller – just my parents. I get the impression you don’t enjoy crowds.

I had answered with a simple “I’ll see,” to which Ethan had responded with gratitude.

His last message made me pause: The weather’s turning colder. Remember to dress warmly.

I closed my phone, oddly affected by such a mundane concern. When was the last time anyone had reminded me to

dress for the weather?

Two days before Philip Thornton’s birthday celebration, I found myself standing outside a jewelry store in the upscale part of downtown. Crystal Vault looked remarkably unassuming from the outside a modest storefront with frosted windows that revealed nothing of what lay beyond the heavy wooden door.

–

Inside was a different story. The space opened into a sanctuary of wealth and taste – antique rosewood display cases lined the walls, illuminated by handcrafted glass fixtures designed by some Italian master whose name I’d forgotten. A tea service worth more than most cars sat casually on a side table.

“Miss Morgan!” The elderly store manager practically glided across the polished floor toward me, his face lighting up with genuine pleasure. “What an honor. The owner specifically instructed us to take excellent care of you should you

visit.‘

I nodded slightly. “How is he these days?”

“Very well, miss. Would you care to go upstairs for some tea? I could prepare-”

“No need,” I cut him off. I’m just here to pick up something. Then I’ll be on my way.”

The manager nodded quickly. “Of course, I’ll retrieve it immediately.”

While waiting, I wandered toward a display case housing a particularly striking crystal. A Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline, if I wasn’t mistaken. The vibrant turquoise–blue stone had minimal inclusions, set in a simple platinum

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setting that emphasized its natural beauty rather than overwhelming it.

The bell above the door chimed, and I glanced up to see Aurelia Sullivan striding in like she owned the place. Her designer boots clicked aggressively against the marble floor as she made her way to the counter, barely acknowledging the staff who greeted her.

Her gaze landed on me, then shifted to the tourmaline I’d been examining. Something calculating flashed in her

eyes.

“I want that one,” she announced, pointing at the tourmaline. The sales associate looked flustered, glancing between

1. us.

“I apologize, Ms. Sullivan, but this customer was-”

“She’s looking?” Aurelia scoffed, giving me a dismissive once–over. “Look at her. Does she look like someone who can

afford it?”

I said nothing, allowing my face to remain expressionless while she continued.

“I’ll take it. Now.”

The door chimed again, and an older woman who shared Aurelia’s features hurried in. “Aurelia, don’t just run off like that. I was-” She stopped, noticing the tension. “I’m sorry, is everything alright?”

“Your daughter wants the tourmaline crystal I was looking at,” I said calmly.

The woman smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry. She’s been in a difficult mood lately. Aurelia, we can look at other pieces.”

“No, Mother.” Aurelia’s voice hardened. “I want this one specifically.”

I raised an eyebrow. “It’s two hundred and eighty thousand dollars.”

Aurelia’s lips curled into a smug smile. “I’ll pay three hundred and thirty thousand.”

I recognized the vindictiveness in her eyes. This was about the auction where I’d forced her to overpay for the

Cartier brooch.

“Price goes to the highest bidder,” I agreed, stepping back from the display. “You win.”

Her expression faltered, clearly expecting more resistance. “That’s it? You’re just giving up?”

‘It’s yours. Congratulations.”

Aurelia narrowed her eyes. “Are you some kind of dealer? Looking to flip gems for profit?”

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I smiled thinly. “If I can’t afford it, as you suggested, how could I be a dealer?”

“Then why were you even looking at it?” Her voice rose.

“Aurelia,” her mother warned.

“No, Mother. I want to know what game she’s playing.”

“The only game here is the one you started,” I replied. “You want the stone. You bid higher. It’s yours. Unless you can’t actually afford it and you’re trying to save face?”

Aurelia’s face flushed with anger. “I could buy this entire store if I wanted.”

The manager returned then, carrying a small velvet box. “Miss Morgan, your item is ready.”

He opened the box, revealing a spectacular amethyst crystal that made the tourmaline Aurelia coveted look like costume jewelry. The craftsmanship was impeccable, the deep purple stone catching light in ways that suggested exceptional clarity and cut.

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“The redesign has been completed to your specifications,” he explained. “We also created these matching earrings from the smaller crystals, as you requested. Extremely rare Uruguayan amethyst of this purity is virtually impossible

to find.”

Aurelia’s eyes widened. “I want that amethyst instead. How much is it?”

The manager looked uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, Ms. Sullivan. This is Miss Morgan’s personal property. It’s not for

sale.”

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