<b>Chapter </b><b>126 </b>


    <b>92 </b>


    Jade’s POV:


    Ethan stood by the door, hesitating before leaving. I could see the question brewing behind his eyes all morning, and now he finally decided to ask.


    “Chris said you’re his ‘old friend‘,” he said, his voice carefully neutral. “You’ve known him long?”


    I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall. “Long enough.”


    Ethan studied my face, searching for something more. “He seems… protective of you.”


    “Does that bother you?” I asked, keeping my voice t.


    “No.” The answer came too quickly. “I’m just curious about your connection. Chris isn’t known for taking on high school cheating cases or flying back from Toronto overnight for… friends.”


    I smiled slightly. “Perhaps someday I’ll properly reintroduce Mr. Jensen and Mr. Haxton.”


    Something in Ethan’s expression shifted – a sh of satisfaction.


    “I look forward to it,” he said with a slight bow of his head. “Enjoy your day, Miss Morgan.”


    As Ethan’s Maybach pulled away, I closed the door and exhaled. Men and their territorial bullshit. Chris and Ethan


    circling each other like wolves was thestplication I needed.


    Princeton’s campus hummed with whispers as I walked to ss Monday morning. Eyes followed me everywhere, conversations halting when I passed, then erupting again the moment I was supposedly out of earshot.


    “That’s her–the one with Chris Jensen.”


    “They say she called and he came running from Toronto.”


    “Did you see those photos? No way they’re just friends.”


    ‘She’s lived in his apartment, apparently.”


    I kept my face neutral, ignoring the stares. Now I was the mystery woman with connections to the legendary Chris Jensen.


    Even professors eyed me differently, like I’d suddenly be a person of interest rather than just another student. When a freshman actually stopped in my path, eyes wide with curiosity, I raised an eyebrow.


    “Is it true Mr. Jensen ising back for another lecture?” he asked, nervously shifting his weight.


    “I wouldn’t know his schedule,” I replied coldly, walking past him.


    <b>92 </b>


    The kid called after me, “If he does, could you ask him to talk about the Delgado case? That cross–examination was


    brilliant!”


    I didn’t break stride. Princeton’s gossip machine was working overtime, and I had no interest in feeding it.


    I spotted Chase lounging under a maple tree, designer sunsses hiding his eyes, scrolling through his phone. As I approached, he nced up with a smirk.


    “Well, if it isn’t Princeton’s newest celebrity,” he drawled, sliding his sunsses down his nose. “How’s fame treating


    you?”


    “Annoying,” I said, dropping my bag and sitting beside him. “I hate attention.”


    “Could’ve fooled me.” Chase grinned, then leaned closer. “So… did Sullivan pay up? That’s a lot of cash, even for her


    family.”


    “Yes,” I confirmed. “Her father called me personally to verify the amount.”


    Chase let out a low whistle. “Bet that was an interesting conversation.” He hesitated. “You know her original bet,


    right? That she’d get on her knees and call you ‘mommy‘?”


    “She mentioned it.”


    “Did you make her do it anyway?” Chase asked, his voice hopeful.


    “I don’t need people kneeling to me,” I said tly. “Money’s more useful.”


    ‘Speaking of Sullivan,” I nodded toward the pathway where Aurelia was walking with her usual entourage, “did you get to watch her performance at lunch time as we agreed?”


    His face flushed crimson. “What? No! Jesus, Jade, I’m not–I wouldn’t-” He straightened his posture defensively, “I’m not that kind of guy.”


    Just checking.”


    Chase cleared his throat, eager to change the subject. “So, any ns for Halloween? It’s October,”


    “Murder and arson,” I replied, checking my phone.


    Chase stared at me for a beat, then burst outughing. “You’re funny when you want to be, Jade.”


    Before I could respond, a female voice called out, “Chase! There you are!”


    27


    <b>??</b>)


    92


    A tall, elegant woman approached us. She had Chase’s golden–brown hair but wore it in a sophisticated bob, and her hazel eyes sparkled with intelligence behind tortoiseshell sses. Her tailored zer and pencil skirt screamed professional, but her smile was warm and genuine.


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