Treatment 110_Badass in Disguise

Badass in Disguise

 Chapter 110 

 62

 “I cannot thank you enough for your magnanimity, Mr. Haxton,” Mr. Hayes said, his expensive suit now damp with nervous sweat. He stood with his head slightly bowed, the picture of submission. “I promise I’ll discipline my daughter properly. She won’t ever offend you or your… um…dy friend again.”

 I watched the exchange with detached amusement from my spot on the sofa, still sipping President Thornton’s premium Earl Grey. Hayes‘ obvious terror was almost entertaining–the way his eyes kept darting between Ethan and me, clearly trying to figure out what our rtionship was and just how badly his daughter had fucked up.

 Ethan’s gaze slid to me, checking my reaction to Hayes‘ clumsy reference. When I showed no sign of offense, the slight smile ying at the corners of his mouth deepened.

 “About thepensation,” Hayes continued, his voice strained. “I’ll need some time to arrange the funds. Mypany’s assets aren’t entirely liquid, and twenty–three million is-”

 “Take whatever time you need,” Ethan interrupted smoothly. “I’m sure Miss Morgan isn’t in a rush.” He didn’t look at me for confirmation. He didn’t need to.

 Hayes let out an audible sigh of relief. “Thank you, thank you. Come on, Megan, let’s apologize again and-”

 “Wait.” Ethan’s voice was soft but carried unmistakable authority. “She just said something about wanting Miss Morgan to apologize to her. What else was mentioned?”

 Hayes froze mid–turn, his face falling as he realized they weren’t getting off so easily.

 “A formal reprimand to the entire student body and academic probation,” President Thornton supplied helpfully, his expression carefully neutral. “Miss Hayes was quite specific about the disciplinary measures she felt were appropriate.”

 “I see.” Ethan tilted his head, considering. “Then I believe equivalent measures are in order. A campus–wide announcement about this incident, a public apology, a five–thousand–word reflection paper to be read aloud on the campus radio station, and two counts of severe misconduct on her permanent record.”

 The blood drained from Mr. Hayes‘ face, but he didn’t dare object. Even I was slightly surprised by the severity–two severe misconduct citations meant Megan was one strike away from automatic expulsion from Princeton.

 “Of course, Mr. Haxton,” Mr. Hayes agreed quickly, gripping his daughter’s arm so tightly I could see her wince. “Megan willplete all those requirements immediately.”

 Megan’s two roommates, who had been trying their best to be invisible against the wall, exchanged horrified nces. The whole campus would know about this. Their social standing would be decimated. Yet neither dared to speak up–they’d seen what happened to Megan.

 “We’ll just… go now,” one of them whispered, edging toward the door.

 “Yes, please, let’s all go,” Mr. Hayes echoed desperately, pulling Megan toward the exit. The other girls practically sprinted after them. 

 62

 Through the partially open door, I heard Hayes hiss at his daughter: “You stupid, stupid girl! If you weren’t my flesh and blood, I’d beat you to death right here!”

 Megan’s response was a broken sob that quickly faded as they moved down the hallway.

 The department chair remained, shifting ufortably from foot to foot, still clutching my medical kit. His earlier righteousness had evaporated entirely, reced by naked fear.

 ‘I believe you were safeguarding Miss Morgan’s medical supplies?‘ Ethan prompted, his tone deceptively light.

 “Y–yes, of course.” The man approached cautiously, as if delivering a live explosive. He ced the kit on the coffee table with exaggerated care. ‘Everything is exactly as we found it, I assure you.”

 I eyed him coldly. “I thought you were going to keep it safe. Please, continue doing so.”

 “But-” He looked between Ethan and me, desperate for rescue.

 “In light of his many years of service to Princeton, despite his currentpse in judgment, President Thornton interjected,ing to the man’s aid. “Perhaps we can consider this matter resolved?”

 I maintained my stare a moment longer, enjoying the chair’s difort, before giving a slight nod.

 “Thank you,” he breathed, backing toward the door. ‘I’ll just-

 “Go,” Thornton finished for him. The man practically fled.

 When the door closed, Thornton turned to us with undisguised curiosity. “So, you two are…” He left the question hanging, too polite to ask directly but too intrigued not to probe.

 Ethan settled back in his chair,pletely at ease. “Last time at your home, I found Miss Morgan quite fascinating. We became acquainted then. I should thank you for the introduction.” 

 I raised an eyebrow slightly, not understanding what he meant. But I kept my expression neutral, curious where Ethan was going with this.

 Connor, standing silently by the door, caught my eye and gave me the slightest head shake, his meaning clear: Just go with it. 

 “Speaking of amodations,” Ethan continued smoothly, “has the university made progress on the housing arrangements you promised Miss Morgan?”

 Philip shifted ufortably. “The renovations on the new housing are taking longer than expected. I was going to suggest-

 12:25 Mon, Sep 22 

 A (62

 “I have an apartment near campus that’s sitting empty,” Ethan interrupted. “Miss Morgan is wee to use it until something more suitable bes avable.”

 Connor barely suppressed an eye roll behind Ethan’s back. Near campus? Since when? The property in this area are 

 not…

 Ethan shot Connor a warning nce that effectively silenced anyment he might have made aloud.

 I met his gaze directly. “Your apartment? Aren’t you worried I’ll cause trouble there too?”

 A smile yed at the corners of his mouth. “Feel free to cause whatever trouble you like, as long as it amuses you. Just call me if things get out of hand.”

 “How generous,” I replied, matching his tone.

 “Will you join me for dinner tonight?” Ethan asked, his tone casual but his eyes intent.

 “I’m afraid I’ve already promised Alexander Haxton I’d have lunch with him,” I said, watching Ethan’s reaction carefully.

 His expression flickered with genuine surprise. “Alex invited you to lunch? And you epted?”

 I shrugged lightly. “He seemed sincere. Should I not have?”

 Ethan recovered quickly. “No, that’s fine. Alex has excellent taste.” There was something possessive in his tone that I found curiously satisfying.

 “You could join us,” I offered, maintaining eye contact. “After all, I only agreed to see him because of you.”

 His smile returned, more genuine this time. “Perhaps I will.” 

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 Badass in Disguise

 Chapter 111

17kNovel

Treatment 110