<b>Chapter </b><b>123 </b>
“Who the fuck recruited these pieces of shit?” Ro’s voice was deceptively soft, but everyone in the room felt the threat underneath.
Knuckles shuffled ufortably. “They’re Dragon Empire guys, boss. Just joinedst month. Still learning the rules.”
Ro’s head snapped toward his lieutenant. “Dragon Empire? Who gave you the fucking authority to recruit Dragon Empire trash?”
Jade watched the interaction with mild interest, sipping her martini.
“Take the one with the missing ear. Break his hands and feet,” Ro ordered, then gestured to the rest of the groaning men. “Round up the others. I want them all gone by sunrise.”
Two men immediately grabbed One–Ear, who started pleading incoherently. His cries were quickly silenced as they dragged him through the back door.
Ro turned to Chris, his entire demeanor changing to one of deference. “Mr. Jensen, I cannot apologize enough for this… incident. It reflects poorly on our organization, and I assure you those responsible will be dealt with appropriately.”
Chris adjusted his cuffs, seemingly more concerned with a small blood stter on his sleeve than the man being hauled away to be mutted. “See that it doesn’t happen again, Ro. The next time I won’t be so understanding.”
Ro bowed his head slightly. “Of course, Mr. Jensen.”
Chris nced at Jade, a silent question in his eyes. She nodded, having seen enough of this particr spectacle. They walked out together, leaving Ro barking orders at his men.
In the Haxton family study, Ethan sat behind a massive mahogany desk, reviewing financial reports. The warm glow of the antique deskmp cast shadows across his angr features as he made notes in the margins with a Mont nc pen.
A soft knock interrupted his concentration. “Come in.”
Connor Haxton entered, his tablet in hand, expression carefully neutral. “Sir, there was an incident tonight at The Velvet Lounge. The Three Pirs were involved.”
Ethan continued writing without looking up. “And this concerns me because?”
“Miss Morgan was there, sir.”
Ethan’s pen paused mid–stroke. He set it down deliberately, finally looking up at his assistant. “Was she hurt?”
11:07 Wed, Sep <b>24 </b>
“No, sir. Quite the opposite. ording to our source, she and herpanion handled the situation… efficiently.”
“Companion?” Ethan leaned back in his leather chair, fingers steepled.
“Yes, sir. The young head of The Three Pirs was with her.” Connor hesitated.
Recognition flickered in Ethan’s eyes. “Chris Jensen.”
(92)
The early morning sun cast long shadows across Jade’s frontwn as Chris Jensen stood on the porch, his back to the door. He’d spent the night in one of Jade’s guest rooms after their eventful evening, unwilling to leave her alone in case of retaliation.
A sleek ck Bentley pulled into the driveway, drawing Chris’s immediate attention. The car door opened, and a tall figure emerged–blond hair, expensive suit, confident stride. In one hand, he carried what appeared to be a small cooler bag.
Chris watched as Ethan Haxton approached the steps, sizing him up with practiced ease. When Ethan reached the porch, Chris stepped forward, blocking his path to the door.
“Can I help you?” Chris’s tone was polite but firm.
Ethan offered a small, calcted smile. “I’m here to see Jade.”
“And you are?”
“Ethan Haxton.” He extended his hand. “You must be Chris Jensen.”
Chris epted the handshake. Both men gripped firmly, a subtle test of strength that neither acknowledged but both
recognized.
“Jade’s still asleep,” Chris said, not releasing his grip immediately. “She had a long night.”
“I’m aware.” Ethan finally withdrew his hand. “I brought something that might help.” He held up the small cooler. A special blend for hangovers.”
Chris’s eyes narrowed slightly. Investor. Around thirty. Expensive watch on his wrist. This must be the new “friend” Jade had mentioned,
“I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Haxton, but she’s not drunk. Just resting. I can take that to her when she wakes up.”
Ethan’s smile remained unchanged, but something hardened in his eyes. “I’d prefer to give it to her myself.”
“She doesn’t like being disturbed.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
:
g
<b>92 </b>
The tension between them stretched like a wire pulled taut. Finally, Chris stepped aside, allowing Ethan to pass.
“Your funeral.”
Inside, the house was quiet and immacte. Chris led Ethan to the kitchen, gesturing to a barstool at the ind
counter.
“Why don’t you wait here? I’ve got coffee brewing, and there are pastries in that box. I’ll let Jade know you’re here
when she wakes up.”
Ethan set the cooler on the counter. “I think I’ll check on her now.”
Chris raised an eyebrow. “She won’t appreciate that.”
“She’ll understand.” Ethan moved toward the stairs.
“Second door on the right,” Chris said, making no move to stop him. Instead, he leaned against the counter, arms folded, apparently waiting for the sounds of struggle he expected to hear momentarily.
Ethan ascended the stairs with quiet confidence. At Jade’s door, he knocked softly.
Silence.
He knocked again, slightly louder.
The door swung open abruptly. Jade stood there, hair tousled from sleep, wearing an oversized t–shirt that fell to mid–thigh. Her cold eyes fixed on Ethan, showing neither surprise nor wee.
“I thought you were awake,” Ethan said. “I texted earlier.”
Jade nced at her phone on the nightstand.
“You sent an emoji,” he confirmed. “Which I took to mean you were up.”
She stared at him for a long moment, then turned and walked toward her adjoining bathroom. “Give me five
minutes.”
True to her word, Jade emerged from the bathroom five minutester, face washed and teeth brushed. She’d changed into jeans and a simple ck t–shirt,
“Didn’t we agree that if you needed something, you’d call?” she asked, voice t.
“I also said I could guarantee my safety. And yours, if needed.” Ethan studied her face. “You’re angry.”
11:07 <b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>
A
<b>92 </b>
“I had too much to drinkst night. Didn’t sleep well.” Jade ran a hand through her hair. “It has nothing to do with you, Mr. Haxton.”
Ethan didn’t seem convinced, but he nodded. “I brought something that might help with that. It’s downstairs.”
“Fine. Let’s go.”
Chris looked up as Jade and Ethan descended the stairs together. His eyebrows rose slightly in genuine surprise- there hadn’t been a single thud or crash from upstairs.
“Morning,” he said, sliding a cup of coffee across the counter toward Jade. “When did you wake up?”
“Just now,” she replied, epting the coffee.
Chris nced between her and Ethan. “Were you… woken up?”
“Yes.” Jade took a sip, avoiding further exnation.
Chris’s expression shifted almost imperceptibly. Under normal circumstances, anyone who disturbed Jade’s sleep would be nursing at least a sprained wrist. Yet here stood Ethan Haxton,pletely unharmed.
Ethan observed this silent exchange with interest, his eyes settling on Chris with newfound curiosity.
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