<b>hapter </b><b>40 </b>
Jade’s POV:
:
<b>42 </b>
I spotted the ck Maybach with the license te “NY001” parked outside the hospital entrance <b>as </b><b>I </b>
stepped through the sliding doors. The sleek vehicle stood out even among the other luxury cars in
the drop–off area,manding attention without trying. It was unmistakably Ethan Haxton’s car.
My mind instantly shed back to the vehicle I’d seen near my house in Cloud City a few weeks ago.
Had it been Ethan himself, or his nephew Alexander? Either way, the Haxton family seemed to be
circling my orbit with increasing frequency. Not a coincidence, I was certain.
A man in a tailored suit approached me as I contemted my next move. I recognized him as Connor Haxton, Ethan’s right–hand man.
“Ms. Morgan,” he called out. “Mr. Haxton thought you might need a ride. He’d like to see you safely on your way, on behalf of Professor Morrison.”
I studied his face, noting the practiced politeness that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Connor Haxton
was assessing me too, probably wondering why his boss was interested in a high school girl from
Cloud City.
“That’s very considerate,” I replied, reaching into my bag and pulling out the medicine box I’d gotten
from the Morrison Pharmaceutical Research Center. I handed it to Connor. “Be careful with this. This
stuff isn’t cheap.”
Connor epted the package with a slight nod, his eyes flickering with curiosity.
“I need to stop by The Pinnacle Luxe to pick up my luggage before heading back,” I added, already
walking toward the Maybach.
The driver opened the door, and I slid into the plush leather interior. Ethan Haxton sat on the
opposite side. Our eyes met briefly before I settled back against the seat.
“Quite the pharmaceutical shopping trip,” Ethan remarked once we were moving. “May I ask what a
high school student needs with specialized research–grade medications<b>?</b><b>” </b>
<b>I </b>shrugged, deliberately casual. “I’m working on ink that makes math test answers appear by
themselves.”
Ethan’s eyebrow arched upward. It was clear he wasn’t buying my ridiculous exnation, but that
<b>10:09 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17
:
was exactly the point. Sometimes the best way to deflect curiosity was with absurdity.
“Your medical skills were impressive back there,” he continued, switching tactics. “President Thornton mentioned you essentially saved his life.”
“Self–taught, just experimenting,” I responded with deliberate vagueness. “I read a lot.”
“And your interest inputer science?” he probed. “Is that also self–taught?”
42
I turned to face him directly, deciding to shift the dynamic. “Mr. Haxton seems very interested in me.
<b>Is </b>there a reason for that?”
My tone carried a hint of flirtation, deliberately inappropriate, while my posture remained rxed and casual. It was a calcted move–people often be ufortable when faced with unexpected behavior. Ethan, however, didn’t flinch.
“I’m interested in exceptional talent,” he admitted. “And you, Ms. Morgan, have demonstrated several unusual capabilities for someone your age.”
“And you have questions.”
“Many.”
“I’m not inclined to answer them,” I said with a slight smile. “But I’d like to hear your questions.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m curious how much you’ve figured out about me.” The challenge in my voice was unmistakable.
The atmosphere in the car changed, the air practically crackling with tension. Connor shifted ufortably in the front seat, but Ethan’s expression remained impassive. Only the slight tightening of his jaw betrayed his reaction.
At a red light, a luxury SUV pulled up beside us. The windows were down, and heavy metal music sted from expensive speakers. The driver–a young man with designer sunsses and carefully styled hair–spotted me through the window and did a double–take.
“Holy shit!” he shouted over his music, waving excitedly.
Ethan nced at the neer, then back at me. “Your friend?”
<b>10:09 </b>Wed, <b>Sep </b>17
:..
“Never seen him before,” I replied tly, though I recognized him immediately as Chase Astor.
(42<b>) </b>
Chase leaned out his window. “Hey! It’s me, Chase! Remember? You won two hundred grand from me
that time!”
I stared nkly at him before hitting the button to raise the electric window. Connor’s head whipped around, his expression a mixture of surprise and confusion.
“Two hundred thousand dors<b>?</b>” he muttered.
Chase was still trying to get my attention, mouthing words through the ss and motioning for me to lower the window again. The light turned green, and our driver elerated smoothly, leaving Chase and his ring music behind.
“Interesting acquaintance,” Ethanmented. “Chase is quite well–known in certain circles.”
I didn’t respond, letting the silence hang between us<b>. </b>
“That was the Astor kid, right?” Connor asked, ncing back at us through the rearview mirror.
“Yes,” Ethan replied. “Chase Astor, Pierce Astor’s youngest son.”
Connor waited for more, but Ethan offered nothing further. The silence in the car was heavy with unasked questions and unspoken observations.
Twenty minutester, we pulled up outside The Pinnacle Luxe.
“After you collect your luggage, allow me to have someone apany you to the airport,” Ethan offered as I prepared to exit the car.
“That won’t be necessary,” I replied. “I’m staying here tonight and leaving tomorrow.”
“Then perhaps dinner? There’s an excellent restaurant on the top floor.”
“I’m controlling my diet<b>,</b>” I said, the excuse flimsy but convenient.
Ethan reached into his jacket pocket and produced a sleek ck card with gold lettering. “A token of appreciation for your help with President Thornton. This gives you premium ess to all Haxton Group properties worldwide.”
I hesitated before epting the card, examining the ck and gold surface. It wasn’t just any
…
<b>42 </b>
membership card–it was the legendary Haxton ck, rumored to be held by fewer than fifty people
globally.
“Thank you,‘
,” I said simply, tucking it into my pocket. The gesture was unexpected and potentially
useful.
As I stepped out of the car, I caught Connor’s suspicious gaze following me. Ethan remained
expressionless, but his eyes tracked my movements with calcted interest.
I walked toward the hotel entrance without looking back.
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<b>10:10 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17