Badass in Disguise
<b>Chapter </b>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, derisiveugh.
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 properdy.”
“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 ce. She’ll be a trophy wife at best, ignored at worst.”
Jade studied Chase’s face, noting the sh 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?” Chaseughed, 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 cier be my brother–inw.”
Jade thought about her time at Ethan’s penthouse. He was certainly intense and calcting, but she hadn’t seen the cold cruelty Chase was describing. Then again, their rtionship 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 moreplicated than she’d realized.
Chase nced at Jade<b>, </b>then back at Aurelia. “You might want to <b>be </b>nicer to Jade here. When she decides to handle things herself…” His friends behind him exchanged knowing looks, and Jade realized they’d all <b>witnessed </b>her <b>race </b>against ke<b>. </b>
A professor walked past then<b>, </b>ending their little drama.
12:22 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>
“Hungry? Let’s hit the dining hall after this.” As everyone scattered, Chase leaned over.
Forty minutester, 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 ke’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 ke’s mother back off<b>.</b><b>” </b>
Chaseughed. “Don’t try to y hero, <b>J. </b>The Kingstons aren’t just rich–they have connections with people who make problems disappear. And I don’t meanwyers.”
“You’d be surprised what I can do,” she replied with a slight smile.
Chase studied her with newfound curiosity. “You know, I can’t figure you out. You race like a professional, fight like you’ve had years of training, and you don’t seem impressed by money or status. Where did someone like youe from?”
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12:22 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>
Badass in Disguise