<b>Chapter </b><b>47 </b>
Author’s POV:
Felix Huxley’s political instincts visibly kicked in as he ced a restraining hand on his <b>son’s </b>
shoulder. The gesture appeared casual<b>, </b>but Jade recognized the subtle pressure he applied–a silent
<b>42 </b>
“Miss Morgan,” Felix said smoothly, his eyes assessing Jade with newfound interest. “I didn’t realize
you were acquainted with the Astor family as well.”
Sterling ignored his father’s subtle warning. “You’re not easy to track down. I’ve been to Cloud City High several times looking for you.”
“That exins the unfamiliar car that kept circling the school parking lot,” Jade replied, keeping her
expression neutral.
Sterling nodded eagerly. “Chase mentioned he met you in New York. He’s been quite persistent about
reconnecting.”
Jade noticed Robert Williams watching their exchange with calcted interest, clearly trying to determine her importance in this social equation. The weight of his gaze suggested he was mentally recalibrating his assessment with each passing second.
“Miss Morgan,” Felix gestured toward the exclusive golf course, “would you care to join us for a round? It would be my pleasure to have you in our party.”
“Well<b>, </b>Mayor Huxley,” Jade said, stepping back slightly. “I think I’ll pass on golf today. Perhaps another time, when I can properly host you.”
Felix’s eyebrows rose slightly at her phrasing–as if she were the one with the power to extend invitations, not him. “Of course, Miss Morgan. My schedule is at your disposal,”
She turned to Robert Williams, who straightened immediately under her gaze. “Mr. Williams, some <b>free </b>advice–in business partnerships, always verify character first. Partners with questionable ethics tend to stab you in the back when profits are involved.”
Robert’s tanned face paled slightly. “I… appreciate the counsel<b>, </b>Miss Morgan.”
“I’m sure you do,” she replied coolly, catching the sudden tension in his shoulders. “I noticed you’re considering a partnership with Morgan Stone Supply. Just something to think about.”
<b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17
Robert cleared his throat, his politician’s smile faltering. “I always value due diligence. For Mr. Huxley’s friend, I’ll certainly keep your words in mind.”
??
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Max stood silently beside Jade, his eyes wide as he witnessed the exchange. The questions forming <b>in </b>his mind were almost visible on his face.
“Max, let’s go,” Jade said quietly<b>, </b>gesturing toward the exit.
As they turned to leave, Felix Huxley stepped forward. “Miss Morgan, must you leave so soon? We’ve only just-<b>” </b>
“Dad, wait,” Sterling interrupted, moving to follow Jade before his father’s hand mped firmly on his arm.
“Another time, Sterling,” Felix said with quiet authority, though his eyes remained fixed on Jade.
Max and Jade walked toward the exit, the weighted silence of the room following them. Through her peripheral vision, honed through years of training, she caught Robert Williams‘ firm headshake when Patrick eagerly tried to approach him again.
Jade noticed Orion and his father quietly excusing themselves as well. Frank–lookingpletely overwhelmed by the events–followed them in a daze.
“J–Jade,” Frank stammered once they reached the hotel lobby. “You… you know the mayor?”
She didn’t bother responding, already scanning the parking area for their ride home.
Behind them in the grand lobby, Felix Huxley was addressing hispanions.
“Yes, I have Miss Morgan’s contact information,” Felix was saying to his son. “I’ll share it with you when we return home. You can provide it to young Mr. Astor.”
“Who exactly is she?” Tyler Miller, Orion’s father, asked with undisguised curiosity. “Her name sounds familiar.”
Felix chuckled softly. “I wouldn’t dare specte,” he replied, though his tone suggested he knew perfectly well.
In the Huxley’s private <b>car</b>, Felix was already nning his next move.
“I’ll arrange for your college admission in New York,” he told Sterling. “It’s time you focused on your
<b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>
education anyway, and since Miss Morgan will likely attend university there, it will put you in proximity to both her and the Astor family.”
Sterling looked up from his phone. “What’s <b>so </b>special about her anyway, Dad<b>? </b>I mean<b>, </b>Chase is obsessed with finding her, and now you’re-”
41
“Some people have value beyond what’s immediately apparent,” Felix replied cryptically. “Remember
that lesson, son.”
“She’s<b>… </b>a ssmate,” Orion finally admitted, his voice strained.
“Just a ssmate?” his father pressed.
“Well, she…” Orion swallowed hard. “She used to bring me breakfast sometimes.”
Tyler Miller was practically bouncing with excitement in their car.
“She brought you breakfast?” he eximed to his son. “Orion, do you understand what this means<b>? </b>
She’s obviously interested in you!”
Orion stared out the window, his mind reying his past interactions with Jade. “I never thought… I mean, she was different back then.”
“Different how?”
“Heavier,” Orion mumbled. “But she was always nice to me.’
“And now she’s connected to the mayor and clearly has money,” his father added, not bothering to hide his mercenary interest. “Plus<b>, </b>she’s quite striking to look at.”
In the car heading home<b>, </b>Max couldn’t contain himself any longer,
“How the hell do you know Mayor Huxley?” he demanded, his voice a mixture of awe and confusion. “And who’s this Sterling guy? And Astor?”
Jade kept her eyes on the passing scenery, “Felix’s son is just someone I met briefly, Chase is nobody important.”
<b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17
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<b>Max </b>looked unconvinced but switched topics. “My leg feels different today,” he said suddenly, flexing his foot experimentally. “I think… I can actually put some weight on it.”
Jade turned to him then<b>, </b>genuinely interested. “The medication is starting to work. Keep taking it
exactly as prescribed.”
“I will,” Max promised, his eyes bright with hope.
Later that evening, Jade entered Max’s room with several small packages. His eyes widened at the
sight.
“This is a three–month supply,” she exined, arranging vials and pills on his desk. “<b>Use </b>them ording to my instructions. I need to go away for a while–tomorrow, actually. It’s quite far.”
She demonstrated a massage technique on his calf. “You need to do this twice daily, like this.”
Max watched intently, memorizing each movement. “Will this really help me walk normally again?”
“If you follow the regimen precisely, yes.” She showed him the pressure points and circr motions again. “The nerves and muscles will gradually reconnect and strengthen.”
After ensuring Max understood the routine, Jade returned to her room and powered up herptop. The screen flickered to life, revealing an encrypted message that had arrived while they were out.
It was from Night.
Meanwhile, in the Williams‘ luxury sedan, a very different conversation was unfolding.
“Ashley,” Robert began, his tone thoughtful as he navigated through Cloud City’s upscale district, “that Miss Morgan seems quite well–connected. Felix clearly holds her in high regard.”
Ashley’s jaw tightened, her manicured nails digging into the leather seat.
“Perhaps you should try to befriend her,” Robert continued, not noticing his daughter’s darkening expression. “Having connections to someone with the mayor’s ear could be beneficial for-
“Stop calling her ‘Miss Morgan‘!” Ashley finally erupted, her perfect features contorted with rage. “God, Dad<b>, </b>that Morgan girl is the one who caused all that trouble at school! She’s the reason those thugs came to me<b>!</b>”
…
Robert’s smile vanished. “She what?”