Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 45

I noticed Patrick and Nancy exchange confused glances. The manager gestured toward a hallway I hadn’t paid attention to before. “If you and your family would follow me, I’ll show you to our exclusive Black Card members‘ area.”

42

Linda’s mouth fell open. Emily nearly dropped her phone. The shocked expressions on Patrick and Nancy’s faces would have been comical if I wasn’t so irritated by this whole charade. My recent spending here had apparently qualified me for their elite membership program–something I hadn’t particularly aimed for, but I wasn’t going to turn down perks that clearly drove my relatives crazy.

We followed the manager through a set of frosted glass doors that opened automatically at our approach. The regular indoor golf facility had been nice enough, but this was an entirely different level. Lush green carpet stretched across an expansive area with private driving ranges separated by elegant dividers. A small waterfall feature created a peaceful ambient sound, and floor–to–ceiling windows overlooked the hotel’s manicured gardens. Not bad, though I’d seen better in my previous

life.

“Holy shit,” Patrick whispered, unable to contain himself. His eyes darted around the room like he was mentally calculating the membership cost. I suppressed a smirk.

Nancy adjusted her golf glove nervously, suddenly looking less confident in her designer outfit. Bill stood frozen, his smug expression faltering as he took in the surroundings. The sight of their

discomfort almost made this tedious family outing worthwhile.

“This must be some mistake,” Joe muttered under his breath. “There’s no way-”

“Your private bay is ready, Ms. Morgan,” the manager continued, leading us to the far end of the room where the largest practice area awaited. “Refreshments will be served momentarily, and our golf pro is available for any assistance you might require.”

I picked up a carbon fiber club from the rack, testing its weight with practiced ease. The balance was

perfect. I took a casual practice swing, deliberately making it look effortless. In my previous life, golf had occasionally been useful for meeting targets in a controlled environment.

“Would you like anything specific from our premium bar, Ms. Morgan?” the manager asked.

“Sparkling water is fine,” I replied, keeping my voice neutral.

Emily was frantically trying to take photos, but her frustration was evident as she stared at her phone screen. “No signal in here,” she complained.

1/3

10:11 Wed, Sep 17

Chapter 45

:

“The Black Card member areas have signal dampeners for privacy,” the manager explained apologetically. “There’s a dedicated Wi–Fi network you can connect to with Ms. Morgan’s access

code.”

42

I didn’t offer to share the code. Let her stew in her frustration.

Bill, apparently unable to stand being in an environment where he wasn’t the most privileged person, turned his attention to Max, who was awkwardly trying to position himself with a golf club.

“Look at this,” Bill snickered, pointing at Max. “A cripple trying to play golf. That’s the funniest thing

I’ve seen all day.”

Max froze, his knuckles whitening around the club’s grip. I felt a surge of cold rage spread through

my chest.

“Sir, would you like some assistance?” A staff member stepped forward, clearly trying to diffuse the

situation.

“He doesn’t need help,” Bill cut in before Max could respond. “He needs a miracle. Or maybe a

wheelchair with a golf attachment.”

Frank shifted uncomfortably, looking like he wanted to defend his son but couldn’t find the courage.

I set my sparkling water down carefully, my movements deliberate as I turned to face Bill. I allowed my mask to slip just enough that he could see what lurked beneath.

“Say that again,” I said quietly, allowing a hint of threat to seep into my voice.

Nancy, oblivious to the dangerous shift in atmosphere, chose that moment to add her opinion. “Well, a pretty young girl like you must have… special ways of getting memberships like this.” She gave a knowing smile to Joe. “Rich men are always looking for attractive company.”

“That’s right,” Joe nodded, crossing his arms. “Some of these businessmen like to keep young girls around. Is that how you got your fancy card, Jade?”

Frank finally found his voice. “That’s enough! How dare you speak about my daughter that way!”

“What’s wrong, Frank?” Joe smirked. “Hit a nerve?”

I walked slowly toward Nancy, each step measured and controlled. The room fell silent as 1 approached. I watched her confidence waver as something in my demeanor made even the staff

2/3

10:11 Wed, Sep 17

Chapter 45

retreat a step. I wondered if she could sense how close she was to genuine danger.

“Would you care to repeat what you just implied?” I asked, my voice dangerously soft.

42

Before Nancy could respond, there was a commotion at the entrance. I turned to see a group of well- dressed men entering the exclusive area, led by a familiar face Felix Huxley, the mayor of Cloud

–

City. Just what I needed–more complications.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify