Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 286

Chapter 286

Author’s POV:

The midday rush had begun across Princeton’s campus, with students streaming toward the dining halls between classes, Jade had joining Max for lunch when possible since he began college, finding them a quiet corner table away from the usual chaos.

“Hey,” he said, sliding into the seat across from her. His eyes darted around nervously before settling on her. “So… Maxi called yesterday. Said something about you and Ethan Haxton having a fight?”

Jade stabbed a piece of lettuce with her fork. “That robot needs a mute button.”

“What happened?” Max pressed, leaning forward.

Before she could answer, Chase Astor dropped his tray beside Max, his eyes bright with excitement.

“Is it true? You and Ethan Haxton had a showdown?” Chase asked, practically vibrating with curiosity. “What was he like when he got angry? Did he yell or was he all cold and scary? Rich people have different ways of being pissed, you know.”

Jade took a sip of water. “We just… clarified some things.”

“That’s code for ‘we broke up,” Chase translated, looking disappointed. “Damn, I was hoping for juicy details.”

“We didn’t break up because we weren’t together,” Jade said flatly.

“Good riddance. Those rich guys always think they own everything they touch. You deserve better anyway.” Chase gave her a supportive

nod.

Max shot Chase a warning look before turning back to Jade. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” she said, gathering her tray. “I need to get some air.”

Max followed her outside, waiting until they were alone before speaking again.

‘Is it because of Silas?” he asked quietly.

Jade didn’t deny it. “Partly.”

“Why is he so important to you?” Max’s voice was gentle, not accusatory. “I mean, I get helping him with his mom and school, but you’re putting a lot on the line for him. Even risking whatever you had with Ethan.”

She sighed, trying to find words that wouldn’t reveal too much. “If it wasn’t Silas, it would’ve been someone else. Ethan and I… we want different things.”

“I don’t understand.”

Jade started to explain, then stopped. She couldn’t tell Max about Dusk.

“Silas is just…” she began, then shook her head, frustrated by her inability to explain. “He’s important to me, okay? I’ll tell you more

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Chapter 286

someday.”

Max studied her face, then nodded slowly. “Okay.”

99

Two weeks passed. Ethan didn’t call or text, and Jade didn’t reach out either. Whatever had been developing between them seemed to have ended as abruptly as it began. It was jarring, but not devastating. Maybe Chris was right–they weren’t suited for each other. Their age difference, their priorities, their lifestyles… perhaps it was better this way.

During those same two weeks, Silas visited Chris’s consultation room twice more. Each time, he returned looking exhausted but somehow… lighter. The change in him was subtle but undeniable. He talked more, occasionally even smiled. He’d play with Captain when the dog bounded up to him, instead of just tolerating the animal’s presence.

Yet when Jade asked Chris about Silas’s progress, he frowned.

“Honestly? We’re not making much headway,” he admitted.

Silas sat in the leather chair across from Chris Jensen, his posture more relaxed than during previous sessions.

“Do you like her?” Chris asked directly.

“Jade?” Silas’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Yeah. I do.”

“I thought so,” Chris said, leaning back. “You wouldn’t be improving otherwise, considering I haven’t done much actual therapy yet.”

Silas’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I remember Dr. Jensen is a lawyer.”

Chris smiled. “I’m both–lawyer and psychological consultant. I find the combination useful.” He handed Silas a simple sketch. “What do you see here?”

Silas studied the drawing. “Tell me about Jade. How long have you known her?”

“We’ve been formally acquainted for less than two years,” Chris replied, surprised by the question. “We met in Cloud City during a rather unusual case. Clicked immediately.”

“She’s been taking special care of me because of her friend, hasn’t she?” Silas asked.

“She mentioned that?” Chris tilted his head.

“Not directly. But I know that person was important to her.”

Chris nodded slowly. “Very important.”

“I saw on the forums that Jade has another close friend. A Slavic man,” Silas remarked casually.

Chris laughed. “Jealous of old news, Silas? That’s not very productive.”

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Chapter 286

He shifted in his chair. ‘Jade and Ethan had their falling out because Ethan tried to control her too much. fade values freedom above anything or anyone. If you’re pursuing her, don’t make his mistake.”

“I know,” Silas replied softly.

‘You don’t need to see that guy as competition. He’s just a playboy by nature,”

“Can you tell me more about her? Silas asked.

“While I connected with Jade immediately, I haven’t known her that long. I was better acquainted with her deceased friend.”

She must have been special, like Jade. An extraordinary girl.”

Chris nodded. “Your brother must have been special too, to be her friend. At least he lived well while he was alive.

Silas was quiet for a moment. “I think his life had meaning, even if it was only twenty–some years. Better than my entire existence.

He then began describing his childhood–the alcoholic father, the domestic violence, the class discrimination and bullying at school. He recounted how, at seven years old, he tried to stop his father from beating his mother and was knocked unconscious with a liquor bottle.

“I thought about killing him,” Silas admitted. “Then myself afterward. But then… news about her stopped me.”

“Jade?” Chris asked.

“Yes. I know she’s only kind to me because of my brother. But I don’t care.”

Silas glanced at the clock on the wall. “What time is it?”

“We still have twenty minutes,” Chris replied.

“Let me tell you a story,” Silas said, his voice suddenly softer. “There was a farmer who had two brothers working for him. The older brother was strong and capable, while the younger was weak and sickly…”

As Silas spoke, his voice became rhythmic, almost hypnotic. Chris felt his eyelids growing heavy.

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