Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 178

:

97

The tension in President Thornton’s office could’ve been cut with a knife. Catherine stood trembling, the realization of her predicament finally sinking in as she stared at Jade and Ethan Haxton.

Dominic Sullivan ran a hand through his hair, his expression a mixture of resignation and shame. “Call the police,” he said finally, looking at his daughter with disappointment etched into every line of his face. “You’ll face the consequences of your actions. If Jade doesn’t want to let you out, you’ll stay there and reflect on what you’ve done. The Sullivan family won’t bail you out.”

Catherine’s perfectly made–up face crumpled. Tears streaked down her cheeks, smearing her mascara as she turned to Jade. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed, her voice breaking. “I didn’t think–I didn’t mean–please, I’m so sorry!” Her

shoulders shook as she dissolved into hysterics, sinking to her knees.

Chase Astor leaned against the window frame, rolling his eyes. “Anyone watching would think we’re the ones bullying her. She apologizes and then acts like she’s the victim. Unbelievable.”

Dominic stepped forward, his tall frame bending as he bowed deeply to Jade. “Child, I failed to raise her properly. Her actions are partly my responsibility, and I apologize to you.” His voice was steady but strained, the weight of

family honor evident in each word.

From her position on the floor, Catherine watched her father bow to Jade, her tear–stained face twisting with hatred. The sight of her proud father humbling himself before someone she considered beneath them made her stomach churn with rage. Her fingers dug into her palms, leaving crescent–shaped marks as she fought to control her

breathing.

“I promise she will publicly clarify the truth,” Dominic continued, straightening. “She will take full responsibility for her actions and face whatever consequences come her way.”

Jade studied him coolly, her expression revealing nothing as she ran her finger along the edge of Thornton’s desk. “Is that all?” she asked, her voice soft but carrying an undercurrent of steel that made everyone in the room shift

uncomfortably.

Dominic’s face paled. He glanced at his brother Archer, who stood silently by the door, then back to Jade. ‘Child, you can hit her, yell at her, have her arrested–I won’t say a word. But breaking limbs…” His voice cracked, genuine fear flashing across his face. “Please, I’m begging you, spare her this once.”

Archer stepped forward, his normally confident posture slightly hunched. “Jade, please reconsider. She’s young and foolish, but-

President Thornton cleared his throat, folding his hands on the desk. “Miss Morgan, your father and your uncles were very close. Conrad, Dominic, and Archer were inseparable in their youth. If Conrad were still alive, I don’t think he would want you to do this. He had a merciful heart, despite his business acumen.”

Jade tilted her head, considering. A small, dangerous smile played at the corners of her mouth. “If it’s too much trouble, I could just kill her instead. Much cleaner.”

1/2

8:17 Thu, Sep 25

Chapter 178

“Good heavens, child!” Thornton exclaimed, hand flying to his chest as he sank back in his chair. “Your words are getting increasingly frightening. My heart isn’t what it used to be, you know.”

“I want her expelled from the Sullivan family,” Jade said after a moment. “And I want a press conference where she admits everything publicly. Every detail, every lie.”

Ethan stepped closer to Jade, his presence both protective and menacing. His expensive cologne filled the space between them, subtle yet unmistakable. “That seems unnecessarily complicated,” he said smoothly. “Just say the word, and I can ensure the Sullivans are removed from their family company entirely. Sullivan Enterprises would make an interesting addition to Haxton Capital’s portfolio.”

Catherine’s sobs increased, genuine terror in her eyes now. She scrambled to her feet, mascara creating grotesque trails down her cheeks. “Daddy, please! Don’t let them do this!”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify