Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 234

Chapter 234

Jade’s POV:

The dinner plates had been cleared, leaving behind only the lingering scent of saffron and herb–roasted lamb in Lawrence’s opulent dining room. I traced my fingers along the edge of the crystal water glass, focusing on the cool, smooth texture to ground myself in this endless darkness.

“I’m afraid I have some disappointing news,” Lawrence said, his voice coming from across the table. “Those materials you requested proved remarkably difficult to source. I’ve only managed to find two of the special compounds and the injection solution in Spain. Would it be possible to wait? I can have people transport additional materials from

overseas.”

“Don’t bother with all that trouble,” I replied, reaching for the new phone I’d been given. My old one had been damaged beyond repair during the fight, and I’d only managed to salvage the SIM card. “Help me make a call. I’ve only got the SIM transferred, not my contacts.”

Lawrence reached over–I could sense his movement through the subtle shift in air currents–and took the phone.

“What’s the number?”

I recited Ethan’s number from memory, feeling Lawrence’s curious gaze as he dialed and handed the phone back to

1. me.

“I’ll give you some privacy,” he said, footsteps retreating across the hardwood floor.

After two rings, Ethan picked up. “Hello?”

“It’s me. I need your help,” I said without preamble.

“Jade?” His voice sharpened with concern. “Where are you? What happened?”

I explained what I needed–specific compounds that Walter Morrison would have access to. Ethan’s voice grew serious as he took notes, promising to bring everything as quickly as possible.

After hanging up, I stood carefully from the table, immediately feeling a warm presence against my leg. Zach, the Doberman serving as my guide dog, pressed gently against me, guiding me through the unfamiliar space.

Despite having heightened senses, navigating blind through Lawrence’s mansion remained challenging. The place was a maze of expensive furniture, unexpected steps, and delicate objects that seemed perfectly positioned to trip the visually impaired. Frustration simmered beneath my calm exterior–I hated being vulnerable, even temporarily.

“Good boy,” I murmured to Zach, letting my fingertips brush over his sleek head. The dog responded with a soft sound, continuing to guide me through the vast living space.

The following morning, I sat in the breakfast nook, the scent of fresh coffee and buttered toast filling the air. Zach lay dutifully at my feet, occasionally shifting when Lawrence moved around the kitchen.

1/2

‘You know,” Lawrence began conversationally, “that purple amethyst you stored at Crystal Vault was quite remarkable. Did you gift it to someone?”

“Yes, I answered simply.

“You previously mentioned being too busy and returned Crystal Vault’s management to me,” he continued, the subtle clink of his coffee cup against the saucer punctuating his words. “Are you less busy now? Would you like Crystal Vault back?”

I shook my head. ‘I don’t take back gifts. Besides, I hate managing those kinds of operations. Taking a percentage of shares and collecting dividends is much simpler.”

“Why do I sense that last part was a hint?” Lawrence’s voice carried a smile. “It makes your first statement seem rather insincere.”

I laughed softly. “Does it?” No sense leaving money and power on the table.

“I’m happy to continue managing Crystal Vault for you,” Lawrence offered. “You can simply collect the profits.”

“That arrangement sounds perfect.”

I heard the scrape of his chair as he stood. “I need to step out for a while. I’ll try to return before your friend

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