Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 275

Chapter 275

Night lounged across his antique sofa, twirling a small knife between his fingers with the casual precision. A bowl of freshly cut fruit sat on the coffee table between us.

“Want some?” He speared an orange slice with the tip of his knife and extended it toward me.

I shifted away slightly. “Griffin’s position in Arctic Fox–how strong is it really?”

Night retracted the knife, popping the orange slice into his own mouth instead. His gray eyes gleamed with amusement. “Elder statesman level. Plus, the guy’s a classic fence–sitter. He’s cultivated quite the network of allies within Arctic Fox.”

I leaned back in my armchair, processing the information. “So he has enough pull to make this deal stick?”

“Arctic Fox was already wary of crossing me,” Night said, wiping juice from his fingers with a handkerchief. “After this little stunt, they’re probably terrified I might snap and do something… unpredictable.” His smile turned predatory. “They’d much rather Griffin dip into his own pockets to buy 791 from me than risk finding out what happens when I get truly angry. Griffinn’s going to get fleeced by Arctic Fox, and afterward, he’ll be nothing but a figurehead there.”

I couldn’t help but smile. The plan had worked perfectly–better than we’d anticipated.

“That’s my girl,” Night said, his eyes warming. “You solved my problem without me having to lift a finger. I was ready to burn bridges with Arctic Fox entirely.” He studied me for a moment. “That Benjamin kid didn’t get handsy with you, did he?”

I scoffed. “H wouldn’t dare.”

Night laughed, a genuine sound that filled the room. “Touché.”

Two days later, Griffin arrived at Night’s estate with the signed papers, looking like he’d aged a decade since I’d last seen him.

“It’s done,” Griffin said, his voice tight with suppressed rage. “791 Group is yours, free and clear of Arctic Fox oversight. I’ve personally covered the contractual penalties.”

Night barely glanced at the papers before passing them to his lawyer. “My legal team will review these, of course. I assume you’ve handled all the technical access transfers as well?”

Griffin nodded stiffly. “Everything is as you demanded.”

“Excellent.” Night’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ve always appreciated your… flexibility, Griffin. It’s probably your most admirable quality.”

Griffin’s jaw clenched. “Where’s my son?”

Night gestured lazily toward the door. “Benjamin’s in the guest house. Bit of a spoiled brat, isn’t he? Cried like a baby when we took away his phone. You might want to invest in some parenting classes.”

Griffin’s face flushed deep red, but he said nothing as a guard led him to retrieve his son. Through the window, I watched Griffin slap Benjamin hard across the face before shoving him into their waiting car.

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15:53 Sun, Sep 28

Chapter 275

65

Several days later, Night appeared in the doorway of my guest room, holding a garment bag.

“We’re going out tonight,” he announced, hanging the bag on the closet door. “I’ve been invited to the Russian Deputy Prime Minister’s anniversary celebration, and you’re my plus one.”

I raised an eyebrow, “I don’t recall agreeing to that.”

“You’ll enjoy it. The food is excellent, and the security so tight that no one would dare cause trouble.” His eyes twinkled. “Plus, I want to show you off. The stylist will be here at three.”

I sighed, knowing resistance was futile. “Fine.”

That evening, I heard voices from downstairs as I finished getting ready. The stylist had spent hours on my hair and makeup, transforming me into someone I barely recognized in the mirror–all smoky eyes and glossy lips, my hair arranged in an elaborate updo with loose tendrils framing my face.

“You couldn’t even come outside to greet me?” a familiar voice complained from the foyer. “What kind of host are you?”

Chris Jensen had arrived, apparently.

Night’s response was dry. “Why are you here, Chris?”

“What, I need an invitation now?” Chris retorted.

“I’m busy tonight,” Night replied. “Going to a party.”

“Where?”

“A gala.”

I smiled as I listened to their banter while slipping into the gold dress Night had chosen–a strapless column of shimmering fabric that clung to every curve.

“Where’s my suit?” Chris demanded.

Night must have signaled to a staff member because I heard him say, “Take him to my closet and let him pick something.”

“I want something that fits properly. No tails.”

“Jade left about fifteen dresses behind. There’s one with a thigh slit that would look stunning on you,” Night teased.

I chose that moment to make my entrance, descending the staircase slowly in the gold dress and those impossible heels. The conversation below stopped abruptly. Night’s face broke into a delighted smile, while Chris’s jaw actually dropped a little.

Night extended his hand as I reached the bottom step. “Magnificent,” he murmured, bringing my fingers to his lips.

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15:53 Sun, Sep 28

Chapter 275

Three hours later, our cat pulled up to an opulent mansion illuminated by hundreds of twinkling lights. The gala was already in full swing, with Moscow’s elite mingling in the grand ballroom. A tall man in a brown suit commanded attention near the center of the room, his arm draped possessively around a woman draped in diamonds. Despite his bored expression, there was an unmistakable arrogance in

his posture.

Night, Chris, and I entered fashionably late, causing a noticeable hush to fall over the crowd. Night looked impeccable in his black tailcoat, his Slavic features and golden curls marking him instantly as someone important. Everyone knew him. His parents and even grandparents were political powerhouses in Russia.

Chris walked beside him in a black suit with subtle dark patterning, his half–frame glasses adding to his dangerous intellectual aura. He moved with the confidence of a man who had never lost a legal battle, his calculating eyes taking in every detail of the room.

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