Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Jade’s POV:

“So, are you coming with us to La Corona today?” Ethan asked casually over breakfast.

I looked up from my coffee. “The final day? Sure, why not. I’m curious to see how it ends.”

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Connor’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re bringing her to that bloodbath?” He glanced at me with concern.

“Miss Morgan, it’s not exactly a tourist attraction. People die in those fights.”

“She’s tougher than she looks,” Ethan replied, not taking his eyes off me.

The ride to La Corona was tense. Connor kept throwing nervous glances my way, clearly wondering

why his boss was bringing a high school girl to watch men beat each other to death. If only he knew

I’d seen–and done–far worse.

As we approached the established arena built into the natural mountainside amphitheater, I spotted

them immediately–Ryan and the others from Titan Defense Group, watching from a midpoint

section of the stands. Ryan’s eyes narrowed when he saw me entering with Ethan Haxton’s

entourage.

Our appearance created quite a stir. Not just because of Ethan’s obvious wealth and power, but

because of me. The whispers spread like wildfire.

“That’s the girl who’s been with Titan Defense Group…”

“Who is she with now? Must’ve jumped ship…”

“No wonder Titan’s been such a disappointment lately.”

We settled into the VIP section, which offered the best view of the fighting pit below.

Below, the crowd roared as a massive black fighter entered the arena, his muscles gleaming with oil. He’d won yesterday’s match, apparently, and now strutted around the pit like he owned it, flipping his middle finger at the crowd to a chorus of boos.

‘Charming,” I muttered.

Across the arena, Zach had spotted me and started to rise from his seat, but Ryan grabbed his arm, holding him back. “Not now,” I read Ryan’s lips as he spoke to Zach.

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Chapter 62

:

The announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers, declaring the final day of La Corona officially open. The crowd erupted in cheers as the black fighter paced the arena, taunting potential challengers.

“Anyone brave enough to face the champion?” the announcer called out.

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After a tense moment, a man stepped into the ring. I recognized him immediately–John, formerly of Titan Defense Group. What the hell was he thinking? He didn’t stand a chance.

“That idiot,” Zach’s voice carried across the arena. “He’s going to get himself killed!”

“Who is he?” I asked Ethan, playing dumb.

“No idea,” Ethan replied, watching with interest. “But judging by the odds on the board, nobody’s betting on him.”

Sure enough, the electronic betting board showed odds heavily favoring the Apex fighter. People were placing bets frantically, most against John.

“Is this legal?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

Ethan’s lips curved into a slight smile. “La Corona operates outside conventional law. Fighters sign waivers absolving organizers of responsibility. It’s their choice to enter–their choice to risk death.”

John circled cautiously as the black fighter stalked him. Then it happened–a blur of movement as the larger man lunged. His fist connected with John’s jaw with a sickening crack that echoed through the arena. Blood sprayed from John’s mouth.

The crowd roared. This wasn’t sport–it was bloodlust.

John stumbled back but managed to stay on his feet. The black fighter didn’t wait, delivering a punishing combination of blows to John’s ribs. I heard bones snap from where I sat.

“Jesus,” Connor muttered.

The black fighter grabbed John by the throat, lifting him off his feet before slamming him down. Then he mounted him, raining blows on John’s face, transforming it into a bloody mess.

“So they just let people die here? No one stops it?” I asked, keeping my voice even.

“Life and death by combat,” Ethan replied. “There’s no law here, only rules. The organizers of

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Chapter 62

Transcendent Military Alliance-”

“You mean you?” I interrupted casually.

Ethan froze, his expression shifting from shock to careful neutrality in a split second. Connor tensed

beside him.

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