Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 46

Chapter 46 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.”

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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.

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Chapter 45

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“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.”

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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

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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.

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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.

“Miss Morgan?” Felix’s surprised voice carried across the room as he spotted me. He broke away from

his companions and strode toward us. “What a pleasant surprise to find you here!”

The men with him – clearly important businessmen and politicians based on their attire and bearing – paused their conversation to observe the interaction. Among them, I recognized the faces of Orion Miller’s father, the deputy mayor, and Robert Williams with his family trailing behind. Interesting

convergence of power players.

“Mayor Huxley,” Max said, his voice revealing his surprise.

The tension in the room shifted instantly. I observed Joe and Nancy exchanging alarmed glances. Patrick straightened his posture, suddenly eager to make a good impression. How quickly the rodents

scurry when a bigger predator enters the room.

Felix Huxley approached with an outstretched hand and a warm smile that didn’t quite reach his calculating eyes. “Ms. Morgan, I had no idea you were a member here. Though I shouldn’t be

surprised

–

a woman of your… connections would naturally appreciate the finer things.”

The implication hung in the air, transforming the earlier accusations into something far more complex. My extended family stood frozen, suddenly realizing they might have severely underestimated exactly who they were dealing with.

The Miller family and the Williams family slowly approached, curiosity evident on their faces.

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Badass in Disguise

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The tension in the air froze as Felix Huxley broke away from his entourage and approached our group. Robert Williams, dressed in an impeccable navy golf outfit, looked puzzled at the sudden halt in their progression through the club. His tanned face crinkled slightly in confusion, eyes darting between the mayor and our peculiar family gathering.

“Miss Morgan,” Felix said warmly, gesturing toward me with an open palm. His voice carried that particular tone politicians reserve for important constituents. “What a pleasant coincidence to find

you here.” His eyes shifted to Max, who stood uncomfortably with a golf club still in hand, his

posture slightly tilted due to his condition. “And this must be Miss Morgan’s brother.”

I noticed Nancy’s face tighten with uncertainty as she glanced between Felix and me, her heavily

mascaraed eyes widening slightly. The realization that these weren’t just random rich men but

potentially important political figures seemed to dawn on her like an approaching thunderstorm. Her

fingers nervously adjusted her golf glove.

Joe and Patrick straightened their postures almost in unison, both suddenly trying to look more

dignified than they had moments ago when they were hurling insults at my family. Joe even sucked

in his protruding belly, an amusing and futile attempt at appearing more impressive.

“Mayor Huxley,” Robert Williams stepped forward with a politician’s practiced smile, teeth unnaturally white against his tan. “I didn’t realize you were acquainted with…” His eyes landed on me, clearly trying to place my significance in this unexpected social equation.

Ashley Williams, standing slightly behind her father, stared at me with undisguised shock. Her perfectly styled blonde hair framed a face frozen in disbelief. I could practically see the gears turning in her head as she tried to reconcile the “Miss Morgan” Felix had referred to with the fat, awkward Jade Morgan from school rumors. Her designer golf outfit suddenly seemed to give her little

confidence.

Orion Miller’s expression mirrored Ashley’s bewilderment. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied

1. me.

Robert extended his hand toward me. “Miss Morgan, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Robert Williams.”

I stared at his outstretched hand without moving to take it. The seconds stretched uncomfortably, the silence broken only by the distant thwack of golf balls and murmured conversations from other

members.

Felix smoothly intervened, his political instincts clearly well–honed. “Miss Morgan doesn’t

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particularly enjoy physical contact with people she’s just met,” he explained with a diplomatic smile. “Nothing personal, Robert.”

Robert awkwardly withdrew his hand, wiping it briefly against his pants as if to erase the rejection. “Of course, of course. I completely understand.” His smile faltered slightly, uncertain how to proceed.

Patrick suddenly pushed forward, his entire demeanor transformed. The contempt he’d shown minutes earlier had vanished, replaced by an eager–to–please grin that stretched his face unnaturally. “Mr. Williams! We’ve actually met before. Patrick Morgan, Morgan Stone Supply. My company provided materials for your Riverside development project last month.”

Robert’s face remained blank for a moment before recognition flickered across his features. “Ah, yes,” he said with practiced politeness. “Good work on that project.”

“Would you like to join us for a round?” Patrick asked eagerly, gesturing to our group as if we were all one happy family unit. His voice had taken on a tone I hadn’t heard before desperate but trying

to sound casual.

—

“Actually, I’m here with the mayor and the deputy mayor for our monthly game,” Robert replied,

nodding toward Miller Senior, who stood watching the exchange with the careful neutrality of a

career politician.

The reaction from my family was immediate and fascinating to observe. Patrick’s jaw literally

dropped when he realized he was in the presence of not just a wealthy businessman but the actual mayor and deputy mayor of Cloud City. Linda’s eyes widened with naked opportunism.

“Mayor Huxley and Deputy Mayor Miller,” Nancy breathed, her voice suddenly honey–sweet, all previous venom evaporated. “What an honor to meet you both.”

Joe stepped forward, practically shoving his wife aside in his eagerness. “Joe Morgan, sir. If you ever

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