Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Author’s POV:

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Ethan Haxton adjusted his custom–tailored charcoal suit as he strode through the hospital corridor. The private wing was quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos of the emergency department he’d passed on his way in. He checked his watch–a limited edition Patek Philippe–noting he was right on schedule despite the last–minute decision to visit.

Ethan paused at the doorway of Room 507, observing the scene before announcing his presence. Thornton was sitting up in bed, looking paler than usual but animated as he spoke with a young woman whose back was to the door. Something about her slender frame and confident posture seemed vaguely familiar.

He stepped into the room, his tall figure casting a shadow over the visitor’s chair.

“Walter,” Ethan said, his voice smooth and authoritative. “I see you’re determined to give us all a scare.”

Thornton looked up, surprise and pleasure washing over his tired features. “Ethan! This is unexpected.”

“Word travels fast when brilliant minds are in jeopardy,” Ethan replied, moving further into the room. “I heard you were admitted and thought I’d check on you personally.”

“Thank you for the concern,” Thornton said with genuine appreciation. “Just a minor episode, nothing serious. They’re releasing me tomorrow.”

“Good to hear.” Ethan’s gaze drifted to the young woman who had half–turned in her chair to look at

him. “I didn’t realize you had a visitor. I can come back later.”

“No, no,” Thornton waved dismissively. “I was actually planning to call you after I got out. There’s something I wanted to discuss about that quantum computing project. Didn’t want to bother you with your busy schedule, though.”

Ethan’s interest piqued–Thornton rarely reached out directly unless it involved a significant breakthrough. “I always have time for you, Walter. You know that.”

His attention shifted fully to the young woman now. There was something familiar about her–the poised stillness, the evaluating gaze. She couldn’t be more than eighteen, yet carried herself with unusual composure.

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Chapter 38

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“And who might this be?” Ethan asked, extending a hand in greeting. “A student of yours?”

Thornton chuckled. “Not exactly. This is my rescuer, not a regular visitor. She quite literally saved my life on the street yesterday when I collapsed.”

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Ethan raised an eyebrow, lowering himself into the visitor’s chair opposite the girl. As he settled in,

something clicked in his mind. Was she the girl who saved Alexander? The face was familiar, though

noticeably thinner now.

Connor Haxton, who had been standing quietly near the door, caught Ethan’s eye with a subtle nod

of recognition. Their silent communication confirmed they were thinking the same thing.

Ethan studied her with newfound curiosity. Yesterday in Cloud City, today in New York saving more

lives.

“And your name is?” he asked smoothly, extending his hand.

Jade’s POV:

I kept my expression neutral as Haxton studied me.

While pretending to focus on my water, I was actually studying his hands. There–on the first

knuckle of his right index finger–was a small black spider tattoo, exactly matching what I’d glimpsed through the computer camera during our cyber confrontation. So Ethan Haxton, billionaire CEO of the Haxton Group, was also a hacker skilled enough to give me a challenge. Interesting.

I allowed my gaze to travel over him assessingly–expensive suit, perfectly styled hair, the confident

posture of someone used to commanding rooms. His assistant shifted uncomfortably under my scrutiny, clearly thinking I was being inappropriate or disrespectful in examining his boss so boldly.

“Jade was passing by the Morrison Pharmaceutical Research Center when I collapsed,” Professor

Thornton explained, oblivious to the tension. “She administered emergency treatment right there on

the sidewalk. The doctors said without her intervention, I likely wouldn’t have made it to the

hospital.”

Haxton’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You were at the research center?”

I noticed his gaze flick to the shopping bag beside my chair, bearing the center’s logo,

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Chapter 38

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“Just picking up some medication,” I replied noncommittally.

“What’s your name?” Haxton asked, extending his hand.

“Jade Morgan,” I replied, briefly accepting his handshake with a firm grip.

“I thought so,” Connor confirmed from behind Haxton.

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Professor Thornton beamed proudly, like I was his personal discovery. “She’s quite remarkable, Mr. Haxton. Not only did she save my life with expert medical intervention, but she had the presence of mind and courage to act when everyone else just stood around filming with their phones. Her future is undoubtedly bright.”

Ethan leaned forward slightly. “In today’s world where people are so hesitant to get involved, it’s refreshing to see someone willing to help a complete stranger in distress, especially a medical emergency. You must have quite a compassionate nature, Ms. Morgan.”

His tone was pleasant, but his eyes held a subtle challenge, testing whether I’d acknowledge our previous connection.

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