<b>Chapter </b><b>211 </b>
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A 86
“So, what do you think of my brother? Two days in, do you like him?” Jade asked, ncing at Zach from the passenger seat as they drove toward Princeton.
Zach’s eyes remained fixed on the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel at precisely ten and two. “He’s smart. Quiet. Keeps to himself mostly.“,
“That’s not what I asked.”
Silence filled the car for a moment before Zach cleared his throat. “Shadow Organization assassins are elite. They excel at everything, especially killing. I’m just…” He frowned, the expression deepening the scar near his left eyebrow. “I’m good at fighting. That’s it. But if I fail to protect your brother, would you be angry? Would you cut ties with Titan Defense Group?“.
Jade turned to look at him fully. “I never expected you and Ryan to risk your lives. Remember this–if you can’t win, run. Max’s life matters, but so do yours.”
Zach’s eyes flickered toward her briefly, surprise evident in his usually stoic expression. “You care if we live or die?”
He hadn’t expected this from Jade. In his experience, mercenary leaders treated their subordinates as disposable weapons–tools to be used while the bosses remained safely distant from danger. After Nobody, Jade was only the second person he’d encountered who treated her people as actual human beings–even as friends–rather than expendable assets.
“only fools sacrifice their pieces needlessly. Smart yers know when to retreat.” Jade said, gazing out at the passing buildings,
The light turned green, and Zach elerated smoothly, his grip on the wheel loosening slightly.
In the sleek office of Haxton Enterprises, Ethan leaned back in his leather chair as Connor delivered the news.
“Richards Group CEO Rnd Richards is begging for mercy, sir,” Connor said, his tablet clutched in one hand.
Ethan’s eyebrows shot up. “Why would hee to me?” A smile tugged at his lips as a thought urred to him. This had to be Jade’s doing. Maybe she was finally epting his position in her life, giving him tests to pass. It was promising–a sign that she was beginning to trust him with matters important to her.
“Richards targeted Zach at Princeton, sir,” Connor exined, swiping through files on his tablet. “Had him beaten and hospitalized. Then sent men after him at school yesterday, Chase Astor intervened and passed the matter to you.”
Ethan’s pleasant fantasy shattered. “Ah.” So not Jade testing him after all. Just Chase Astor ying wingman.
<b>8:00 </b>Fri, <b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T </b>
:
Connor waited patiently for instructions, his posture perfectly straight.
A
<b>86 </b>
“Tell Richards to get the fuck out of New York,” Ethan finally said, his voice cold despite the casual profanity. “Nopany in New York will work with Richards Group. Anyone with investments or shares should divest immediately. Those who drag their feet can join him in exile.”
“Yes, sir.”
“One more thing, Connor.” Ethan’s green eyes gleamed dangerously as he leaned forward. “The fact that Richards can still beg means he’s not hurt enough. Have someone remedy that.”
Connor nodded and left without another word, the door closing softly behind him.
Chase Astor wiped sweat from his brow as he finished his pre–game basketball practice. His teammates were already heading to the locker room, but Chase wanted to find Jade before the big game against Randview College tomorrow. He bounced the ball once more, letting it roll away as he reached for his water bottle.
“Chase Astor!”
The shrill voice made him wince. He turned to see Aurelia Sullivan marching toward him, her face set in determination. Her designer boots clicked aggressively against the polished floor.
“Not now, Sullivan. I’m busy,” he said, trying to move past her.
“I brought you money for your car,” she said, blocking his path.
Chase stopped dead. “Oh really? Did you bring enough money?” His voice dripped with sarcasm as he looked her up and down.
“Your fireworks were cheap garbage,” Aurelia snapped. “Quality fireworks don’t explode from a minor impact. Maybe if you spent less on your hair products and more on your pyrotechnics-”
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