Treatment 46_Badass in Disguise

Chapter 46 I noticed Patrick and Nancy exchange confused nces. 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 ck Card members‘ area.”

 42 

 Linda’s mouth fell open. Emily nearly dropped her phone. The shocked expressions on Patrick and Nancy’s faces would have beenical 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 particrly aimed for, but I wasn’t going to turn down perks that clearly drove my rtives crazy.

 We followed the manager through a set of frosted ss doors that opened automatically at our approach. The regr 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 calcting 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

 difort 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 thergest practice area awaited. “Refreshments will be served momentarily, and our golf pro is avable for any assistance you might require.”

 I picked up a carbon fiber club from the rack, testing its weight with practiced ease. The bnce was

 perfect. I took a casual practice swing, deliberately making it look effortless. In my previous life, golf had asionally 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,” sheined.

 10:11 Wed, Sep 17

 :

 “The ck Card member areas have signal dampeners for privacy,” the manager exined apologetically. “There’s a dedicated Wi–Fiwork you can connect to with Ms. Morgan’s ess 

 code.”

 42

 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 y 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 ufortably, 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 attractivepany.”

 “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

 10:11 Wed, Sep 17

 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.

 42 

 Before Nancy could respond, there was amotion 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–moreplications.

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

 hispanions 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 yers.

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

 The tension in the room shifted instantly. I observed Joe and Nancy exchanging rmed nces. 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 calcting 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 usations into something far moreplex. 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.

 10:11 Wed, Sep 17

 Badass in Disguise

 …

 :..

 42

 The tension in the air froze as Felix Huxley broke away from his entourage and approached our group. Robert Williams, dressed in an impable 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 particr tone politicians reserve for important constituents. “What a pleasant coincidence to find

 you here.” His eyes shifted to Max, who stood ufortably 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 nced 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 eyesnded on me, clearly trying to ce 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 <ol><li>me. </li></ol>

 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 ufortably, 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

 10:11 Wed, Sep 17 

 42

 particrly enjoy physical contact with people she’s just met,” he exined 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. Ipletely 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, reced by an eager–to–please grin that stretched his face unnaturally. “Mr. Williams! We’ve actually met before. Patrick Morgan, Morgan Stone Supply. Mypany provided materials for your Riverside development projectst month.”

 Robert’s face remained nk 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

 need-”

 “Actually,” I cut in coldly, enjoying the ripple of shock that passed through the gathered rtives, “I’ve never met any of these people before today.” I gestured toward Joe, Nancy, Patrick and his wife with a dismissive wave. “They’re distant rtives I can hardly im to know,”

 Bill’s mouth hung open in indignation, while Patrick’s eager smile froze ufortably.

 “I’m afraid I can’t afford to associate with such wealthy and influential connections,” I added with deliberate sarcasm, letting my gaze sweep over them. “They’re clearly out of my humble league.”

 10:11 Wed, Sep 17 

 Nancy’s face flushed crimson, the color shing horribly with her peach golf shirt.

 “Jade,” Linda stepped forward with a desperate smile, her voice pitched unnaturally high. “Don’t be silly! Of course we’re family. We’ve always been so proud of you!”

 42

 I raised an eyebrow but didn’t dignify her sudden change of heart with a response. Max shifted ufortably beside me, but I could see the slight curl at the corner of his mouth–he was enjoying thiseuppance as much as I was.

 “What a beautiful facility,” Nancy gushed, pivoting to address Felix directly, her jewelry clinking as she gestured expansively. “We were just saying how lucky we are to have such a wonderful mayor who’s done so much for Cloud City’s development.”

 Linda nodded enthusiastically, clearly relieved to shift the conversation. “Oh yes! We were just

 discussing that, weren’t we, Frank?” She nudged my adoptive father, who looked like he wanted

 nothing more than to sink into the plush carpet beneath our feet.

 I caught Max rolling his eyes beside me. At least someone else appreciated the absurdity of this

 charade.

 “Dad!” A sharp, irritated voice cut through the awkward exchange.

 We all turned to see a young man in expensive golf attire striding toward us, his expression impatient. Sterling Huxley, Felix’s son, looked every bit the entitled rich kid as he approached, his expertly styled hair not moving despite his brisk pace. His eyes brieflynded on Orion with obvious distaste before he offered a curt nod of acknowledgment.

 “We’ve been waiting at the course for fifteen minutes,” Sterlingined, stopping beside his father. His designer golf shoes squeaked slightly on the polished floor. “What’s the hold–up?”

 Felix’s expression tightened slightly, the only indication of his annoyance. “Sterling, don’t interrupt.

 We’re in the middle of something.”

 “But-” Sterling began before noticing me. His words died in his throat as recognition dawned across his face, eyes widening dramatically, “Wait… it’s you!”

 Felix looked between his son and me with sudden interest, his political radar clearly detecting a potentially significant connection. “You know Miss Morgan?” 

 “Holy shit, it really is you,” Sterling continued, ignoring his father’s question. He took a step closer, examining me with unabashed curiosity. “You look so different–thinner. You’re the one Chase told

 me to find!”

 “Chase?” Felix asked carefully, his tone measured. “Chase Astor?”

 Sterling nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! He’s been looking everywhere for her!”

 42

 10:11 Wed, Sep 17

17kNovel

Treatment 46