Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 94

Badass in Disguise

Chapter 94

“You dare use Ethan Haxton’s first name so casually? Truly, ignorance is bliss.” Aurelia Sullivan’s perfectly plucked eyebrows rose as she let out a cold, derisive laugh.

The students around them hummed with excited whispers as they processed this gossip. Jade had been living under the same roof as him for two months and had no idea his love life was so… active.

“The Haxton–Sullivan merger is going to be the social event of the year,” a girl behind Aurelia gushed. ‘Catherine is so lucky–young, handsome, and the richest bachelor on the East Coast.”

Chase Astor, who had been silently watching the exchange, suddenly snorted. ‘Please. He’s just the guy my sister didn’t want. Your sister seems pretty eager to pick up our leftovers.”

A collective gasp rippled through the hall. Everyone knew the Astors were old money–possibly the only family that could rival the Haxtons in terms of legacy and influence.

Aurelia’s face flushed with anger. “Your sister wasn’t good enough for him. At least Catherine knows how to behave like a proper lady.”

“Has he put a ring on it yet?‘ Chase shot back, his smile sharp. ‘No? Didn’t think so. He leaned forward, his voice dropping. “Better warn your sister to watch her back. The Haxton household isn’t exactly a warm, loving place. She’ll be a trophy wife at best, ignored at worst.”

Jade studied Chase’s face, noting the flash of genuine fear behind his eyes when he mentioned the Haxton name. Interesting. There was clearly history there.

Chase continued, “My sister may be a lot of things, but even she was smart enough to see the ice in that man’s veins. Catherine will be lucky if he acknowledges her existence once a week.”

“You’re just jealous,” Aurelia hissed.

“Jealous?” Chase laughed, but there was no humor in it. “When my parents tried to arrange that match, I threw the biggest tantrum of my life. Got beaten with a golf club for it too, but I’d do it again. No way in hell was I letting that walking glacier become my brother–in–law.”

Jade thought about her time at Ethan’s penthouse. He was certainly intense and calculating, but she hadn’t seen the cold cruelty Chase was describing. Then again, their relationship was far from typical–she wasn’t trying to marry him, just using his resources. The man had a reputation for being clean–cut and disciplined, but apparently, his love life was more complicated than she’d realized.

Chase glanced at Jade, then back at Aurelia. “You might want to be nicer to Jade here. When she decides to handle things herself…” His friends behind him exchanged knowing looks, and Jade realized they’d all witnessed her race against Blake.

A professor walked past then, ending their little drama.

1/2

12:22 Mon, Sep 22

Chapter 94

“Hungry? Let’s hit the dining hall after this.” As everyone scattered, Chase leaned over.

Forty minutes later, they were walking across the quad. Chase was rubbing his lower back, wincing slightly as he adjusted his stride to match hers.

“Your dad hit you with a golf club again?” Jade asked.

62

“Smart.” He grimaced. “Been sleeping on my stomach for days. The old man was furious when Blake’s mother showed up at our door, demanding we take down the photos of her precious son crawling naked through the mud.”

“I could help with that,” Jade said casually. “Make Blake’s mother back off.”

Chase laughed. “Don’t try to play hero, J. The Kingstons aren’t just rich–they have connections with people who make problems disappear. And I don’t mean lawyers.”

“You’d be surprised what I can do,” she replied with a slight smile.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify