Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Suddenly, the sound of slow, deliberate applause cut through the silence. I looked up to see Ethan Haxton rising from his seat in the VIP section, his expression relaxed but his eyes sharp with interest. His clapping drew everyone’s attention, and soon the entire arena erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.

Our eyes met across the distance. His lips curved into a slight smile that didn’t reach his calculating green eyes. I’d seen that look before–the expression of a predator recognizing another of its kind.

“Holy shit,” someone in the crowd shouted. “She’s just like that American girl from a few years back-

Nobody!”

“Better than Nobody,” another voice called out. “Nobody’s record was thirty–three. She just took down thirty–five!”

The whispers spread like wildfire through the arena, and I could feel the weight of hundreds of eyes on me. My reputation would spread through Venezuela by nightfall, possibly throughout South America by morning. Part of me welcomed it–let them know who they were dealing with. Another part knew this meant Shadow Organization would eventually hear of it too.

I walked out of the arena with my head high, ignoring the shocked stares and whispered

conversations that followed me. The message had been delivered. Titan Defense Group was back, and

I was its new commander.

“You’ve been hiding quite a lot, Miss Morgan,” Ethan said as he leaned back in his chair.

We were seated in a room at the Transcendent Military Alliance headquarters. The room was elegant but spartan–polished mahogany table, comfortable leather chairs, and bullet–resistant windows offering a view of the surrounding jungle.

‘I don’t know what you mean,” I replied, keeping my expression neutral. “I just work out a lot.”

Ethan laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “Is that what you call it? You single–handedly defeated thirty–five of the most dangerous men in Venezuela. That’s quite a workout regime.”

“I’m trying to lose weight,” I said with a straight face.

His smile remained, but his eyes turned serious. “I think it’s time we had an honest conversation,

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Chapter 65

don’t you?”

I matched his gaze. “About what?”

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“About how a high school student from Cloud City knows combat techniques that only elite military personnel are trained in. About why you’re here in Venezuela. About your connection to Nobody.”

The name hung in the air between us. I knew this moment would come–Ethan was too smart not to

make the connection.

“What makes you think I have any connection to Nobody?” I asked carefully.

“Your fighting style is identical. And I find it interesting that you’ve taken such an interest in a mercenary group that was once led by her.” Ethan leaned forward. “Nobody caused quite a stir here a few years ago. She even blew up one of the Transcendent Military Alliance facilities.”

I shrugged. “People die. Debts die with them.”

“So you admit she’s dead?”

“Isn’t she?” I countered, then added casually, “She always had a thing for explosives. Hardly worth

holding a grudge over.”

Ethan’s eyebrows shot up at my casual mention of Nobody’s bombing habits. Before he could

respond, the door opened, and Ryan walked in with Xavier and Zach.

Ryan’s eyes immediately found mine, and he gave a respectful nod. “Boss, we’ve secured the

perimeter as requested.”

I noticed Ethan’s subtle reaction to Ryan calling me “Boss.” His expression betrayed nothing, but I

could sense his interest sharpening.

“Ryan,” I said, “this is Ethan Haxton, head of the Transcendent Military Alliance. Essentially, he runs

Venezuela.”

Ryan’s eyes widened in shock, and behind him, Xavier muttered a curse. They’d been operating in Venezuela for years without ever meeting the man pulling the strings. Zach looked between Ethan and me, his expression a mixture of confusion and suspicion.

“Mr. Haxton,” Ryan said, recovering quickly. “It’s an honor.”

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Chapter 65

:

Ethan nodded in acknowledgment but kept his attention on me, “What are your plans now, Miss Morgan? Or should I call you the new commander of Titan Defense Group?”

“I have a few requests,” I said, cutting straight to business. “First, I’d like my people to stay at the Transcendent Military Alliance base until we sort out our arrangements.”

“And second?”

“I want land adjacent to your compound to build our own base.”

Ethan studied me for a long moment. “I could offer you something better. Titan could join the

Transcendent Military Alliance. You’d have our resources, our protection.”

I smiled. “I’m used to being in charge, Mr. Haxton. Are you offering me your position?”

His lips twitched with amusement. “Touché. Very well, I’ll grant your requests. Land,

accommodations, and assistance with construction.”

“Thank you,” I said, surprised by his easy acquiescence.

After Ethan left, Ryan turned to me. “Boss, what just happened?”

“We got ourselves a home base,” I replied, stretching. “Now we need to build our team. Here’s the plan: Offer fifty thousand dollars a month base salary. Seventy thousand for the skilled ones. Mission

bonuses start at six percent.”

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