Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 249

Badass in Disguise

Chapter 249

Jade’s POV:

1 was in a taxi, taking the long way back to my place, when I spotted the sign for Mike’s Auto Service.

I asked the driver to pull ovTI.

As I approached the garage after paying the taxi, I noticed a sleek red Porsche parked near the entrance, looking wildly out of place among the beat–up sedans and trucks. Through the open bay dour, I could hear raised voices.

Tve replaced the timing belt and checked the transmission as requested, Silas was saying, his voice tight but professional. “Here’s your bill, Mr. Coleman.”

1 paused near the entrance, observing the scene inside. Silas stood by the Mercedes in blue overalls, a clipboard in hand. Across from him was a well–dressed man in his mid–forties–expensive suit, designer wutch, artificially tanned skin. He was standing too close to Silas, his body language invasive.

“You have quite the talent with your hands,” the man said, ignoring the clipboard Silas was offering. His voice dripped with suggestion. “A smart, good–looking young man like you could do better than this place.”

Silas took a small step back. “I’m happy with my job, sir.”

I slipped inside, pretending to examine a service price list on the wall. The bell above the door jangled, but neither of them paid me any attention.

Coleman–that was what Silas had called him–moved closer again, closing the distance Silas had created. “Come now, Princeton isn’t cheap. I hear you’re on scholarship? I bet you could use some extra cash. His hand brushed against Silas’s arm. “I could help with that.

Silas’s jaw tightened visibly. “My car service comes with the bill, nothing more. If you’re satisfied with the repairs, I’d appreciate payment.”

Coleman laughed, the sound ally and grating. “I’m on the alumni advisory board at Princeton,” he said, lowering his voice. “I have friends on the scholarship committee. It would be a shame if anything happened to your funding.”

I’d heard enough. I stepped forward, smiling brightly. “Excuse

e me, I’m here about my car? The Honda with the brake issue?”

Both men turned. Silas’s expression remained neutral, but I caught the brief flash of relief in his eyes. Coleman looked annoyed at the interruption.

“We don’t have any Hondas scheduled today,” Silas said evenly.

“Oh, that’s strange, I frowned, pulling out my phone. “Let me check my

confirmation”

Coleman turned back to Silas with an impatient hull “As I was saying,” he continued, voice lower now, “I understand your mother is in the hospital. Medical bills can be crushing for someone in your… situation.”

Silas stiffened. “That’s not your concern.

“All I’m asking is for you to join me for a drink,” Coleman persisted. “We could discuss your

future. I know p

people who could make your

1/2

12:28 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 249

academic career very smooth.”

I prefer to earn my grades, Silas replied coldly.

:

Coleman’s friendly façade slipped, “Don’t be naive. You think a kid from your background gets into Princeton without someone pulling strings?

nly here to fix cars, Mr. Coleman. Please respect that.”

“I earned my place,” Silas said quietly, intensity burning in his eyes. “And I’m only here to

Coleman leaned in, dropping all pretense. “Listen, you ungrateful little shit. Do you know how many kids would kill for the opportunity I’m offering? One call from me, and that scholarship disappears.”

ed around Silas’s wrist, I stepped forward. “Is there a problem here?” I asked, my voice carrying across the

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