《Badass in Disguise》


 Treatment 2

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 ">Chapter 2 The Stranger in the Mirror</h1>


    Raised voices yanked me from unconsciousness. The harsh fluorescent lights of what appeared to be a school nurse¡¯s office stabbed at my eyes as I tried to orient myself.


    ¡°My daughter copsed during gym ss and hit her head! You expect me to just ept this pathetic excuse forpensation?¡± A woman with cheap blonde highlights and too much makeup waved a piece of paper in the face of a tired-looking woman in scrubs.


    ¡°Mrs. Morgan, as I¡¯ve exined, Jade suffered from low blood sugar. Her physical showed she had barely eaten anything all day. The school fulfilled all safety protocols¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that bureaucratic bullshit! You people are responsible for¡ª¡±


    ¡°Both of you, shut up!¡± The words left my mouth before I could process what was happening.


    Both women turned to me, stunned. I was equally surprised by the unfamiliar voice that hade from my throat. Looking down, I saw thick arms I didn¡¯t recognize.


    <em>What the hell?</em>


    The TV mounted in the corner of the room suddenly caught my attention.


    ¡°Breaking news: A massive explosion has destroyed a private ind in the Caribbean at approximately 7:10 this morning. The uninhabited ind, reportedly owned by an anonymous European investment group, appears to have beenpletely obliterated. Coast Guard officials report no survivors¡­¡±


    A rush of memories mmed into me. The facility. The explosions. My death.


    Yet here I was, clearly alive, but in someone else¡¯s body.


    Like a tsunami breaking over a shoreline, foreign memories flooded my consciousness. School hallways. Tauntingughter. A frail boy with a limp. A small, dimly lit bedroom.


    <em>Jade Morgan</em>. The name surfaced from the deluge of memories.


    Pain shot through my temples as two sets of life experiences collided in my brain. I pressed my hands against my head, squeezing my eyes shut.


    ¡°Everyone out,¡± Imanded through gritted teeth. ¡°Now.¡±


    ¡°Jade, I need to check your¡ª¡± the nurse began.


    ¡°OUT!¡± I snarled with enough force that both women backed toward the door.


    The blonde woman¡ªLinda Morgan, my apparent mother in this life¡ªred at me. ¡°We¡¯ll discuss this attitude when you get home,¡± she snapped before storming out.


    Once alone, I stumbled to the small bathroom attached to the nurse¡¯s office. I braced myself against the sink and looked up.


    The face in the mirror wasn¡¯t mine. Round cheeks, double chin, mousy brown hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. But the eyes¡ªthey were sharp, calcting. My eyes, somehow, in this unfamiliar face.


    I studied the reflection more carefully. The features weren¡¯t bad¡ªactually quite delicate and well-proportioned beneath the extra weight. The facial fat couldn¡¯tpletely hide what appeared to be decent bone structure.


    ¡°Jade Morgan,¡± I whispered, testing the name on my tongue. ¡°Better than Shadow, I suppose. At least it sounds like a normal person.¡±


    I sshed cold water on my face, forcing myself to think logically. Somehow, I¡ªShadow, the world¡¯s deadliest assassin¡ªhad survived the ind¡¯s destruction by transferring into this teenager¡¯s body.


    A soft knock interrupted my assessment. The nurse poked her head in. ¡°Jade? Are you feeling better? Your blood sugar readings are stabilizing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I replied, surprised at how naturally I responded to the name. ¡°Just needed a moment alone.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve wasted enough time here,¡± Linda Morgan dered as we exited the school building. She checked her watch dramatically. ¡°I need to get back to my shift at the factory.¡±


    I said nothing, studying this woman. Harsh lines around her mouth, cheap clothing trying too hard to look expensive, the bitter set to her shoulders¡ªshe reeked of resentment.


    She dug into her purse and pulled out a few crumpled dor bills and some wrapped candies. ¡°Here. Take the bus home.¡± She thrust them at me without making eye contact. ¡°Eat these if you feel faint again. I can¡¯t afford another day off work because of you.¡±


    I took the offerings silently, watching as she hurried toward a rusted sedan in the parking lot. It¡¯s Jade¡¯s mom, my mom now: Linda Morgan, factory line worker, perpetually angry at the world for her station in life, taking it out on her eldest daughter.


    I pocketed the candies but stared at the crumpled bills in my hand. Three dors wouldn¡¯t even cover the full bus fare to our neighborhood.


    I shoved the money into my pocket and started walking. ording to the memories now settling in my mind, home was in a low-ie neighborhood about two miles away. The exercise would give me time to process everything anyway.


    I was nearly home when I spotted a bus pulling up at the stop ahead. Among the few passengers disembarking was a slender boy with a pronounced limp. Something in me recognized him immediately: Max Morgan. My brother, I supposed.


    He noticed me as he adjusted his backpack, eyes widening slightly behind wire-rimmed sses. Without saying a word, he reached into his backpack and pulled out an energy drink, offering it to me as I approached.


    I took the drink, our fingers brushing momentarily. ¡°Thanks,¡± I said.


    He nodded once, then turned and continued his limping walk homeward.


    The Morgan family¡¯s apartment was in a run-downplex on the outskirts of Cloud City. I headed straight for what I knew was Jade¡¯s bedroom¡ªa tiny space with a twin bed.


    My new body felt exhausted. The mental strain of integrating Shadow¡¯s lethal skills and memories with Jade¡¯s mundane existence was taking its toll. I copsed onto the bed and immediately fell into a deep sleep.


    Hourster, aggressive pounding on the door jolted me awake.


    ¡°Hey, fatass! Wake up!¡± A girl¡¯s shrill voice pierced through the door. ¡°Mom says you have to make dinner tonight! Get yourzy butt out here!¡±


    I sat up, instantly alert. Emily Morgan¡ªJade¡¯s fifteen-year-old sister and constant tormentor, ording to the memories now settling in my mind.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re in there! If I have to eat another microwave dinner because you¡¯re too busy stuffing your face with snacks, I swear I¡¯ll¡ª¡±


    I flung the door open, staring down at the startled girl. Emily was everything Jade wasn¡¯t¡ªthin, conventionally pretty, and absolutely mean-spirited.


    ¡°Problem?¡± I asked quietly.


    Emily blinked, clearly thrown by something in my demeanor. The Jade she knew would have hunched her shoulders, averted her eyes, and mumbled a meek ¡°sorry¡± before shuffling to the kitchen. Instead, she was facing someone who had executed men twice her size without breaking a sweat.


    ¡°M-mom said you have to cook,¡± she stammered, taking an unconscious step backward.


    I studied her, essing Jade¡¯s memories of daily torment at this girl¡¯s hands. Young, but with a cruelty that went beyond typical teenage meanness.


    <em>Small in age but big in nastiness. This one definitely needs a lesson in respect.</em>

 Treatment 3

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 ">Chapter 3 I¡¯m Just ying Dumb</h1>


    I stared at Emily, calcting exactly how much force it would take to teach her asting lesson about respect. Nothing fatal¡ªjust enough to ensure she¡¯d think twice before opening her mouth again. My body tensed, preparing to move.


    ¡°Jade, please go rest,¡± Frank¡¯s gentle voice interrupted from down the hall. ¡°I heard what happened at school today. I¡¯ll handle dinner tonight.¡±


    The sudden intervention broke my concentration. I nced toward Frank¡ªa middle-aged man with kind eyes and slumped shoulders. He is our father.


    I shot Emily onest cold look before turning away. She remained frozen, clearly unnerved by whatever she¡¯d seen in my eyes.


    I returned to my room and copsed onto the thin mattress, feeling the springs dig into my back. This pathetic body waspletely out of shape¡ªjust walking home had left it exhausted.


    ¡°You can¡¯t even find a decent job. How can you make edible food?¡± Linda¡¯s voice cut through the air like a dull knife¡ªunpleasant and ineffective.


    ¡°That fat cow is just beingzy again,¡± Emily¡¯s shrill voice joined her mother¡¯s.


    ¡°Like father, like daughter¡ªboth useless,¡± Linda agreed.


    I heard Linda continue her tirade as their voices moved down the hallway. The insults blended together into meaningless background noise.


    ¡°Jade? Dinner¡¯s ready.¡± Frank¡¯s hesitant voice apanied a soft knock on my door.


    I dragged myself up, feeling the unfamiliar weight of this body. As I moved toward the kitchen to wash my hands, the TV in the living room caught my attention.


    ¡°More details are emerging about the Caribbean ind explosion,¡± the news anchor reported. ¡°The private ind,pletely destroyed yesterday morning, appears to have housed an underground facility. Experts specte that¡­¡±


    I froze, water running over my hands as I stared at the footage.


    ¡°The ind haspletely sunk into the sea,¡± the reporter continued. ¡°So far, no organization has imed responsibility for¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you just going to waste water all night?¡± Linda snapped from behind me.


    I turned off the faucet, slowly drying my hands on a threadbare towel.


    The Morgan family gathered around a scratched wooden table. Frank had made some kind of pasta with canned sauce and frozen meatballs. He¡¯d given me an extrarge serving with a side of soup.


    ¡°This tastes like garbage,¡± Linda said after her first bite. ¡°You can¡¯t even heat up a can properly.¡±


    Emily giggled, pushing her food around. ¡°Even the school cafeteria serves better food.¡±


    I ate methodically, my mind still on the news report.


    Something touched my te. Max had silently ced a piece of chicken on it, avoiding eye contact as he returned to his own food. An unexpected gesture that momentarily pulled me from my thoughts.


    ¡°The school called today,¡± Linda announced, her eyes narrowing at me. ¡°Your guidance counselor wants a meeting about your grades.¡±


    I continued eating, not bothering to respond.


    ¡°Are you listening to me? You¡¯re failing almost everything!¡± She mmed her palm on the table. ¡°At this rate, you won¡¯t even get intomunity college. What are you nning to do with your life?¡±


    I swallowed my food before answering. ¡°I have ns.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you have ns?¡± Linda¡¯s voice dripped with sarcasm. ¡°Please enlighten us with your brilliant ns.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it,¡± I said simply, turning my attention back to my food.


    Having finished with me, Linda turned her venom toward Frank. ¡°Do you know how your brothersugh at me behind my back? God, how did I end up with such a useless husband?¡±


    Frank stared down at his te, not responding.


    ¡°All your brothers were just as broke as you when we got married,¡± she continued, her voice rising. ¡°Now every single one of them has a decent car and a new house. But you? You¡¯ve got us stuck in this dump, using their hand-me-down appliances and furniture they were going to throw away.¡±


    Frank¡¯s face reddened with shame as he took a sip from his water ss, his features aged well beyond his years from stress and overwork.


    ¡°If you had any ambition at all, Max¡¯s leg might have been fixed properly,¡± Linda jabbed her fork in Max¡¯s direction. ¡°But no, we couldn¡¯t afford the surgery when it mattered, and now it¡¯s toote to fix itpletely.¡±


    I noticed Max¡¯s fingers tighten around his fork at the mention of his disability, though his expression remained carefully neutral.


    ¡°I must have been blind to marry you,¡± Linda concluded with a disgusted shake of her head.


    ¡°Jade, do the dishes,¡± Linda ordered as dinner ended.


    Frank stood up. ¡°She should rest. She hit her head pretty hard today.¡±


    ¡°It was just low blood sugar,¡± Linda scoffed. ¡°Her hands aren¡¯t injured. Washing dishes won¡¯t kill her.¡±


    My temper red. As Shadow, my reputation for ruthless efficiency wasn¡¯t just rumors. I was about to show Linda exactly who she was dealing with when Max silently stood and began collecting tes.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Linda snapped at him. ¡°Emily and you need to prepare for your college applications. Let Jade handle her responsibilities.¡±


    I shot her a look cold enough to freeze blood. Linda¡¯s words died in her throat as she caught my gaze, and even Emily suddenly found her te fascinating. The room fell into ufortable silence.


    Max, unfazed by the tension, continued gathering dishes as if nothing had happened.


    Later that night, I stood in the small backyard, assessing the rundown but spacious house.


    I stretched my arms, feeling the limitations of this overweight body. My muscles were weak, my stamina nonexistent. The body I¡¯d inhabited as Shadow had been a precision instrument, honed through years of brutal training. This one was the opposite.


    ¡°First priority: physical conditioning,¡± I whispered to myself, beginning some basic stretches.


    On my way back inside, I noticed light still spilling from beneath Max¡¯s door. I pushed it open without knocking.


    Max sat hunched over his desk, staring at a physics problem with a furrowed brow. Advanced calculus equations filled the paper.


    I nced at the problem. ¡°The answer is 347.8 newtons per square meter.¡±


    Max¡¯s head snapped up. ¡°What?¡±


    I picked up his pencil and quickly wrote out the solution, exining each step with precise terminology.


    ¡°How did you¡­¡± Max stared at the solution, then at me. ¡°This is college-level physics. You¡¯re failing basic math.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°Those sses are too boring to bother with.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± His eyes narrowed in confusion. ¡°Your report card shows you¡¯re failing almost everything.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all an act,¡± I said, turning to leave. ¡°Those sses are beneath me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been pretending to be stupid?¡± Max¡¯s voice was incredulous. ¡°Why would anyone do that?¡±

 Treatment 4

    I paused at the doorway. ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s advantageous to be underestimated.¡±


    Max stared at me, his expression shifting from confusion to suspicion.


    ¡°That could¡¯ve been a lucky guess,¡± he said, reaching for another textbook. ¡°Let me try something else.¡±


    He flipped through several pages before stopping at a problem marked with a red star. ¡°This is fromst year¡¯s MIT Physics Competition. Even our physics teacher couldn¡¯t solve it without looking up the approach.¡±


    I nced at the problem. Electromaic field equations with multiple variables and constraints. Child¡¯s y.


    ¡°You want me to solve this?¡± I asked, not bothering to hide my boredom.


    Max nodded, watching me intently.


    I didn¡¯t even reach for a calctor or paper. ¡°If you apply a Taylor series expansion, the electromaic field equations simplify to a second-order differential equation. The resulting force vector equals 347.82 newtons per square meter at the boundary conditions.¡±


    Max¡¯s jaw dropped. He frantically worked through the problem on paper, his pencil flying across the page. After several minutes, he looked up, eyes wide.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ exactly right. How did you¡ª¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I told you, I¡¯m just toozy to bother with school.¡±


    ¡°But this is advanced theoretical physics! You could¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make an effort when it matters,¡± I cut him off. ¡°For college applications.¡±


    Max studied me for a moment, then reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small container. ¡°Here,¡± he said, offering me a box of chocte chip cookies. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed you barely eat anythingtely.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± The gesture caught me off guard. In my previous life, gifts always came with expectations. I hesitated before taking one.


    Max nodded, then turned back to his homework, clearly still processing what had just happened.


    Back in my room, I stared at the ceiling, thinking about my situation. I¡¯d been Shadow, the world¡¯s deadliest assassin, with a perfect record of eliminations. Now I was trapped in the body of an overweight, underachieving high school girl.


    My memories of both lives existed side by side. The original Jade had been weak, allowing herself to be bullied by everyone from her family to random ssmates.


    That would change now. I had the knowledge and skills of the world¡¯s top assassin. I just needed to recondition this body.


    The next morning, I woke before dawn. The house was silent as I slipped into the baggy sweatpants and oversized t-shirt that constituted Jade¡¯s workout clothes. Pathetic, but they¡¯d do for now.


    Outside, the cool morning air hit my face as I began a slow jog through the neighborhood. My muscles screamed in protest after just half a block. This body was in even worse shape than I¡¯d thought.


    I pushed through the pain, maintaining a steady pace. By the time I circled back to the house thirty minutester, I was drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. A pitiful performance by Shadow¡¯s standards, but it was a start.


    After a quick shower, I changed into Jade¡¯s school uniform ¨C a shapelessbination that did nothing for her figure. Not that it mattered right now. Soon enough, I¡¯d have this body in prime condition.


    When I stepped out of my room, I was surprised to find Max waiting by the front door. ording to Jade¡¯s memories, this had never happened before.


    ¡°Morning,¡± he said, shifting his weight to his good leg.


    I nodded in acknowledgment as we walked out together.


    ¡°You smell like soap and sweat,¡± he observed as we headed down the street. ¡°Were you exercising?¡±


    ¡°Morning jog,¡± I replied. ¡°I¡¯m working on getting in shape.¡±


    Max nced at me with newfound interest. ¡°That¡¯s good. You¡¯d be really pretty if¡ª¡± He stopped himself, looking embarrassed.


    ¡°If I weren¡¯t so fat?¡± I finished for him, unbothered by the truth.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± I said. ¡°I know what I look like. I¡¯m working on changing it.¡±


    He nodded, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a five-dor bill. ¡°Here. Get something healthy from the school cafeteria for breakfast.¡±


    I took the money, examining his face for signs of an ulterior motive but finding none. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    I studied him as he walked away. This brother was actually kind of sweet.


    In the school cafeteria, I used Max¡¯s money to buy a protein-heavy breakfast ¨C a whole grain wrap and a bowl of cereal with fruit. As I carried my tray to an empty table, I heard snickering behind me.


    ¡°Look at all that food,¡± a girl¡¯s voice stage-whispered. ¡°No wonder she¡¯s so huge.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why she bothers,¡± another voice replied. ¡°Even if she lost weight, someone like Orion Miller would never look at her. He¡¯s tall, handsome, gets perfect grades, andes from money.¡±


    I could feel their eyes on my back, waiting for me to hunch my shoulders or hurry away like the original Jade would have done. Instead, I turned slowly, meeting their gaze with the cold, unblinking stare that had made hardened killers back away.


    The girls fell silent, their smiles faltering as I held their eyes. I didn¡¯t say a word ¨C just looked at them with the calm, calcting gaze of someone who had ended lives without hesitation.


    After a few ufortable seconds, they looked away, suddenly very interested in their own food. I turned back to my table, satisfaction coursing through me. No threats, no violence ¨C just the promise of them in my eyes.


    I ate methodically, enjoying the quiet that had fallen around me. This body needed protein and nutrients to rebuild itself. I wouldn¡¯t deny it what it needed because of some teenage gossip.


    My peace was short-lived. As I finished my meal, someone bumped into me from behind ¨C deliberately, based on the force. I felt the momentum that should have sent my food flying, but my reflexes kicked in automatically.


    My hand steadied my healthy wrap before it could fall, while my other hand caught the cereal bowl that had begun to tip. At the same time, I registered the girl behind me ¨C her tray tilting, sd remnants about to spill onto my back.


    In one fluid motion, I kicked out with my right foot, striking her shin with precisely calcted force. Not enough to break bone, but sufficient to disrupt her bnce.


    She stumbled, her tray flipping upward and dumping its contents onto her own head. Lettuce, dressing, and carrot shreds rained down on her hair and face as she shrieked in surprise.


    The cafeteria erupted inughter as she stood there, humiliated and dripping. Her eyes locked on mine, filled with embarrassment and fury.

 Treatment 5

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 ">Chapter 5 Dented Lockers, Dented Egos</h1>


    I calmly continued eating my breakfast, acting as though nothing had happened.


    But I barely made it three steps out of the cafeteria when I spotted them waiting. The girl whose sd had decorated her head minutes earlier stood with a friend, both clutching open milk cartons, their faces twisted with smug anticipation.


    They thought they had me cornered. How adorable.


    ¡°Think you¡¯re clever, don¡¯t you?¡± Sd Girl hissed, her mascara still smudged from her earlier humiliation. ¡°Nobody embarrasses us and gets away with it.¡±


    Her friend, a blonde with too much lip gloss, snickered. ¡°We¡¯re going to make sure everyone remembers what happens to fat nobodies who don¡¯t know their ce.¡±


    I assessed the situation in milliseconds. Two amateur attackers, poor stance, telegraphing their intentions clearly. They nned to douse me with milk, probably recording it on a phone hidden nearby. ssic high school warfare.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how funny you are covered in milk, pig,¡± Sd Girl snarled, both girls stepping forward.


    I feigned a startled step back, deliberately shifting my weight as if losing bnce. Their eyes lit up at what they perceived as vulnerability. As they lunged forward with their milk cartons, I pivoted on my left foot, my right palm shooting out in a precise, calcted movement.


    My hand connected with the bottom of both cartons simultaneously, applying just enough force to redirect their momentum upward and back. Physics did the rest.


    Twin streams of milk arced through the air, sshing directly onto their carefully styled hair and designer clothes. The liquid soaked through their shirts, dripping down their shocked faces.


    ¡°You¡ª!¡± Sd Girl shrieked, stumbling backward. Her heel caught on the uneven pavement, sending her tumbling into her friend. They both went down in an ungraceful heap of wet clothes and smeared makeup.


    From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Emily ducking behind a corner. She¡¯d been watching, probably hoping to see me humiliated. Now she was slinking away, terrified of being associated with me.


    I stepped over the girls without a second nce, my eyes fixed on a new target. Ashley Williams stood frozen by the lockers. The so-called queen bee of Cloud City High, responsible for orchestrating most of the original Jade¡¯s torment.


    Her face drained of color as I walked straight toward her.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± she demanded, voice cracking slightly.


    I didn¡¯t stop until I was inches from her face, backing her against the lockers.


    ¡°You can¡¯t touch me,¡± she whispered, her trembling lips betraying her fear.


    I almostughed. In my previous life, I¡¯d faced down cartel lords and government assassins. This girl thought her daddy¡¯s position would save her.


    I raised my fist, watching her flinch and shut her eyes. Instead of hitting her, I mmed my knuckles into the locker beside her head, the metal denting under the impact.


    Ashley¡¯s eyes flew open, fixed on the perfect impression my fist had left in the steel.


    ¡°There won¡¯t be a third chance.¡± I stepped back, giving her space to breathe again.


    Ashley¡¯s shock morphed into rage as she regained herposure. ¡°Jade Morgan,¡± she spat, ¡°you¡¯re dead. You hear me? Dead!¡±


    I was already walking away, her threats as meaningless as a child¡¯s tantrum.


    ¡°Jade!¡±


    I turned to see Max limping hurriedly down the hallway, concern etched across his face.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked, slightly out of breath from his effort to reach me. ¡°I heard some girls were nning to ambush you after breakfast.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I assured him. ¡°Nothing I couldn¡¯t handle.¡±


    Max nced around at the aftermath. ¡°Yeah, I can see that.¡± A small, uncertain smile crossed his face. ¡°You¡¯ve¡­ changedtely.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°Just stopped putting up with bullshit.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯ve never stood up for yourself before. You always said it wasn¡¯t worth the trouble.¡±


    ¡°Some things are worth the trouble,¡± I replied, suddenly aware of how foreign these words would sounding from the original Jade. ¡°Besides, I was justzy before.¡±


    Max studied me with a mixture of confusion and admiration. ¡°Well, whatever changed, I think I like it.¡±


    Our moment was interrupted byughter from down the hall. Orion and one of his friends were approaching, the friend pointing in our direction.


    ¡°Look who it is,¡± the friend said loudly enough for us to hear. ¡°The fatso and the cripple. Cloud City¡¯s finest.¡±


    I examined Orion closely for the first time since my rebirth. ording to the original Jade¡¯s memories, she¡¯d been obsessed with him for years. Looking at him now, I couldn¡¯t understand why. He was decent-looking at best¡ªsymmetrical features, athletic build, designer clothes. Nothing special. He certainly wasn¡¯t worth the pathetic pining the original Jade had indulged in.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Max muttered, his earlier confidence evaporating.


    ¡°What was that, gimpy?¡± the guy sneered, stepping closer. ¡°Couldn¡¯t hear you over the sound of your foot dragging.¡±


    I felt something stir in my chest. Before I could analyze it, I moved.


    In one fluid motion, I grabbed the guy by his cor and spun him around, mming him against the hallway railing. His back arched over the metal bar, his eyes wide with shock as I held him suspended, his feet barely touching the ground.


    ¡°Let him go!¡± Orion shouted, stepping forward.


    I didn¡¯t even look his way. ¡°Shut up. This doesn¡¯t concern you.¡±


    The shock on Orion¡¯s face was almostical.


    ¡°Apologize to my brother,¡± I said to the guy, my voice deadly calm.


    ¡°Fuck you,¡± he gasped, still trying to maintain his tough guy act despite the fear in his eyes.


    I leaned in closer. ¡°Let me make something very clear. If I ever hear the word ¡®cripple¡¯ or ¡®gimpy¡¯ or any other pathetic insulte out of your mouth again, you¡¯ll be the one with the limp. Except yours won¡¯t be temporary. Understand?¡±


    A small crowd had gathered now, students whispering and pointing.


    ¡°I said, apologize to my brother.¡±


    The guy¡¯s face had gone pale. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Max.¡±


    ¡°Like you mean it,¡± I insisted, applying just a fraction more pressure.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Max!¡± Brad yelped. ¡°I won¡¯t do it again. I swear!¡±


    I released him, and he stumbled away, rubbing his throat.


    The bell for next period rang, dispersing the crowd of onlookers. Max stared at me as if seeing a stranger.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do that,¡± he said quietly as we walked toward our ssrooms.


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡±


    ¡°What about Orion?¡± Max asked after a moment. ¡°I thought you were in love with him.¡±


    I snorted. ¡°I never had feelings for that guy.¡±


    Max stopped walking. ¡°What? You¡¯ve been obsessed with him since freshman year. You have a whole journal filled with ¡®Mrs. Jade Miller¡¯ doodles.¡±


    I mentally cursed the original Jade for her embarrassing fixation. ¡°People change. I just realized he¡¯s not worth my time.¡±

 Treatment 6

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 ">Chapter 6 The Wounded Stranger</h1>


    I sat in Mr. Peterson¡¯s advanced calculus ss, staring nkly at the whiteboard. My mind wasn¡¯t on derivatives or integrals¡ªI needed money, and fast. Without cash, half the things I needed to do were impossible. My skills as Shadow were essentially useless without proper funding.


    I could hack into some ounts¡ªmy abilities as ¡°X¡± remained intact¡ªbut using those skills too soon might draw attention from unwanted sources. I needed toy low until I¡¯d fully adapted to this new life. Perhaps some small-scale gambling? Or maybe some discreet ¡°problem-solving¡± for wealthy clients with legal gray areas¡­


    ¡°Ms. Morgan!¡±


    I blinked, finding Mr. Peterson looming over my desk, his face twisted with irritation.


    ¡°Since you find my lesson so boring that you¡¯re daydreaming, perhaps you¡¯d like to enlighten the ss with the answer to this problem?¡± He gestured dramatically to aplex multivariable calculus equation on the board.


    The ssroom fell silent. Everyone knew Jade Morgan was the ss dunce in mathematics. This was Peterson¡¯s way of humiliating me, a punishment for not paying attention.


    I nced at the problem, then at Peterson¡¯s smug face. The equation wasughably simple to someone who had calcted bullet trajectories ounting for wind speed, distance, and the curvature of the Earth.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan, we¡¯re waiting. Or would you prefer to continue being a burden to this ss¡¯s GPA?¡±


    I stood slowly, walked to the whiteboard, and picked up a marker. With quick, confident strokes, I not only solved the problem but expanded it to show an elegant solution method that hadn¡¯t been covered in ss yet.


    I turned and handed the marker back to Mr. Peterson, whose mouth hung slightly open.


    ¡°The approach in our textbook is unnecessarilyplicated,¡± I said evenly. ¡°This method is more efficient and provides deeper insight into the underlying mathematical principles.¡±


    The ss sat in stunned silence. Peterson sputtered, his face reddening.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s correct. But this approach isn¡¯t in our curriculum.¡±


    ¡°Then perhaps your curriculum needs updating,¡± I replied, returning to my seat. ¡°And as an educator, you might want to consider that humiliating students isn¡¯t an effective teaching strategy.¡±


    A few students gasped. Others looked at me with newfound respect. Peterson cleared his throat, clearly flustered, and mumbled something about ¡°lucky guesses¡± before hastily moving on with the lesson.


    After school, I spotted Max ahead of me on the path home, dragging his bad leg slightly as he walked alone. He hadn¡¯t waited for me. I quickened my pace to catch up.


    ¡°Max,¡± I called out.


    He turned, surprise shing across his face. ¡°Oh. Hey.¡±


    I fell into step beside him. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wait for me after school?¡±


    Max looked away. ¡°Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d want to be seen with me. Especially after¡­¡± He trailed off.


    ¡°After what?¡±


    ¡°After I couldn¡¯t even stand up for myself against those guys. They were saying stuff about you, and I tried, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°What guys?¡±


    ¡°Just some football yers. It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    We walked in silence for a bit, Max¡¯s limp more pronounced after a full day at school. I noticed how he asionally winced when putting weight on his left foot.


    ¡°Are you really going to take the college applications seriously?¡± Max asked after a while, changing the subject. ¡°You¡¯ve never seemed to care before.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied simply.


    Max studied my profile. ¡°What changed, Jade? It¡¯s like you¡¯re apletely different person all of a sudden.¡±


    I almost smiled at the irony. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯ve had a wake-up call.¡±


    When we arrived home, Linda was waiting in the kitchen, arms crossed.


    ¡°There you are,¡± she snapped at me. ¡°I¡¯m working thete shift tonight. Make dinner for everyone before I leave.¡±


    I walked past her without acknowledging themand, heading straight for my room.


    ¡°Did you hear me?¡± Linda called after me, voice rising with indignation. ¡°I said make dinner!¡±


    I paused at the foot of the stairs, turning slightly. ¡°No.¡±


    The single word hung in the air between us. Linda¡¯s face contorted with disbelief, unused to direct defiance.


    ¡°What did you just say to me?¡±


    ¡°I said no. Make your own dinner.¡± I continued up the stairs without another nce.


    From the corner of my eye, I saw Max stand awkwardly in the kitchen as Linda¡¯s face turned red with fury. Without a word, he began pulling ingredients from the refrigerator, quietly preparing to cook in my ce.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare,¡± I heard Linda hiss at him. ¡°Get upstairs and finish those SAT practice problems. I didn¡¯t pay for that prep book for nothing.¡±


    I heard Max¡¯s hesitation, then his uneven footsteps as he limped upstairs, leaving Linda muttering curses as she began throwing together a hasty meal.


    Over the next few days, I maintained my rigorous exercise routine. Each morning, I pushed my body harder, ignoring the burning in my muscles and lungs. Slowly, my form began to change, fat giving way to emerging muscle. My stamina improved, and I could run longer without gasping for breath.


    Linda had stopped making dinner for me entirely, a childish punishment that I barely noticed. With no money on my cafeteria card, I¡¯d simply stopped eating dinner altogether, which only elerated my weight loss.


    One night, as I finished my push-ups in the backyard, I heard amotion in the alley behind our house. Cautiously approaching the fence, I peered over to see a man stumbling through the narrow passage, one hand pressed against his abdomen. Even in the dim light, I could make out the dark stain spreading across his shirt¡ªblood.


    The man copsed against the wall, breathing heavily, looking frantically over his shoulder.


    Without hesitation, I vaulted over the fence,nding silently beside him. The man jerked in surprise, reaching for what I assumed was a concealed weapon.


    ¡°Need help?¡± I asked calmly, already assessing his wound. Gunshot to the lower abdomen, missed vital organs. Painful, but not immediately fatal.


    The man stared at me with suspicious eyes. I recognized the man instantly.


    ¡°You¡¯re bleeding out in a back alley in a shitty neighborhood,¡± I observed. ¡°Not exactly spoiled for choices.¡±


    In the distance, I heard multiple footsteps and harsh whispers. Whoever was hunting this man was getting closer.


    I reached into the man¡¯s jacket pocket and extracted an expensive-looking pen. With practiced precision, I uncapped it and wrote a string of numbers on his arm.


    ¡°The bullet missed anything important. You¡¯ll live,¡± I said matter-of-factly. ¡°Cut through this yard, exit through the back gate, and take the first right. There¡¯s an abandoned gas station three blocks down where you can hide until your extraction team arrives.¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes widened with surprise at my assessment and knowledge.


    ¡°If you survive, transfer some money to the ount number I just wrote. Consider it a professional courtesy fee.¡±


    The footsteps grew closer. The man nodded once, then pushed himself up and limped toward our back gate.

 Treatment 7

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 ">Chapter 7 A Debt to Pay</h1>


    Footsteps¡ªprecise, controlled, military-grade¡ªapproached from the same direction where Alexander had just disappeared. Without missing a beat, I grabbed the garden shears from the flowerbed and began frantically trimming the overgrown grass near the fence where blood droplets glistened in the moonlight.


    A man in a ck tactical jacket rounded the corner, scanning our street with methodical precision. His posture was rigid, movements economical. Not your average lost tourist.


    I continued snipping away with casual urgency, keeping my breathing even while tracking his movements through my peripheral vision. When he approached, I caught the familiar scent¡ªgun oil, high-grade tactical gear, and that distinct undercurrent of danger that only professional killers carry. A scent I once wore like expensive perfume.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± he said, voice controlled and even. His eyes were scanning me, the yard, the house behind me¡ªcataloging every detail while giving nothing away. ¡°Have you seen a young man pass through here recently? About six feet tall, dark hair, possibly injured?¡±


    I smiled ndly, the expression of a clueless teenage girl. Meanwhile, my hands never stopped working, methodically cutting grass and allowing the fresh clippings to fall precisely over the blood trail Alexander had left behind.


    ¡°Sorry, haven¡¯t seen anyone like that,¡± I replied, the sharp smell of cut vegetation rising to mask the metallic scent of blood. ¡°Though I thought I heard someone running down that way about ten minutes ago.¡± I gestured casually toward the opposite direction from where Alexander had actually gone.


    The man¡¯s nostrils red slightly¡ªhe¡¯d caught the scent of blood but couldn¡¯t pinpoint it now that I¡¯d covered it with the sharp smell of freshly cut grass.


    ¡°You sure about that? It¡¯s important I find him.¡± His hand shifted subtly toward his waistband.


    ¡°Positive,¡± I shrugged, meeting his gaze directly. ¡°Just us and the roons around here. But like I said, thought I heard footsteps heading that way.¡± I nodded again toward the wrong direction.


    He hesitated, eyes narrowing slightly. Then he nodded once and continued down the street I¡¯d indicated, posture alert but purpose misdirected. I watched him go, fingers still wrapped around the garden shears. After he disappeared around the corner, I collected the blood-stained grass clippings and disposed of them inside. Then I locked all the doors and went to bed.


    ¡°You¡¯re up early again,¡± Max said the next morning, handing me a fifty-dor bill as I returned from my morning run. Sweat stered my t-shirt to my body, but I felt good¡ªstronger. My body was responding to the training regimen I¡¯d implemented.


    ¡°School cafeteria card,¡± he exined when I raised an eyebrow at the money. ¡°I noticed you haven¡¯t asked Linda for lunch money in weeks.¡±


    I folded the bill into my pocket, feeling an odd mixture of gratitude and humiliation. In my previous life as Shadow, I¡¯d had unlimited funds at my disposal. Now I was living off handouts from my limping teenage brother.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I said simply.


    Max shifted his weight, adjusting his stance to ease pressure on his bad leg. That¡¯s when I noticed his shoes¡ªonce white sneakers now gray with age, the soles worn thin and edges frayed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back,¡± I promised, meaning it.


    He grinned. ¡°With what? Your vast fortune?¡±


    ¡°Someday,¡± I replied, and something in my tone made his smile fade slightly.


    We parted ways at the bus stop. Max headed for the public bus while I insisted on walking to continue building my stamina. He gave me a worried nce before boarding, but didn¡¯t argue.


    The morning was beautiful¡ªcrisp air, birds singing, weak sunlight filtering through the trees. After years in sterile facilities or dark urban hideouts, I found myself appreciating these simple sensations. The soft crunch of gravel under my feet. The distant hum of traffic. The¡ª


    A ckpact SUV without license tes suddenly elerated around the corner, tires screeching as it mounted the curb and aimed directly at me.


    I pivoted instantly, muscles responding with a fraction of my former speed but still fast enough. The vehicle missed me by inches, the side mirror grazing my backpack as it screamed past.


    Before it had fully stopped, four doors flew open and four men jumped out.


    The first was tall and lean, moving with practiced efficiency. Two medium-built men nked him, while a muscr giant brought up the rear.


    Alexander¡¯s POV:


    I walked slowly through the eastern wing of our New York mansion, my wound throbbing beneath the simple t-shirt I¡¯d changed into after disposing of my bloodied designer shirt. The private jet flight from Cloud City had been quick but ufortable with my injury.


    Uncle Ethan looked up as I entered, immediately rising from his leather armchair.


    ¡°You should be resting,¡± he said, concern evident in his voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I replied, though I couldn¡¯t hide a wince as I lowered myself into the chair across from him. ¡°The bullet just grazed me.¡±


    ¡°And the cargo?¡±


    My expression tightened involuntarily. ¡°Lost. They ambushed me before I could secure it.¡±


    Uncle Ethan nodded, unsurprised. ¡°It¡¯s being handled.¡±


    ¡°Uncle, about the girl who helped me¡ª¡± I began, wanting to discuss the strange teenager who had saved my life.


    ¡°The high school student who wrote her bank ount on your arm?¡± His lips curved into a slight smile. ¡°Quite resourceful of her.¡±


    I stared at him, startled. ¡°How did you¡ª¡±


    ¡°I notice things, Alex. It¡¯s how we¡¯ve survived this long.¡± He walked to the bar and poured two sses of water. ¡°Tell me about her.¡±


    ¡°There wasn¡¯t much time for conversation,¡± I admitted, thinking back to those tense moments. ¡°But she knew I¡¯d been shot without me saying anything. Knew exactly where to send me to avoid my pursuers. She moved¡­ differently than a normal teenager.¡±


    Uncle Ethan handed me a ss, his expression thoughtful. ¡°Interesting.¡±


    ¡°I want to go back and thank her properly.¡±


    ¡°That would be unwise,¡± he replied firmly. ¡°The Haxton name attracts attention. Dangerous attention. Do you want to bring that to her doorstep?¡±


    I frowned but nodded reluctantly. He was right, as usual.


    ¡°Besides,¡± Uncle Ethan continued, ¡°you should focus on your recovery, or finding another specialist for my father¡¯s condition.¡± He paused. ¡°Speaking of specialists, it¡¯s a shame about Shadow.¡±


    ¡°The assassin? What about them?¡± I asked, confused by the sudden change of topic.


    ¡°Dead,¡± he said simply. ¡°Confirmedst week. Shame. They might have been skilled enough to help with our situation.¡±


    Uncle Ethan returned to his desk where a filey open. I caught a glimpse of scattered photos and documents¡ªfragments of information about the world¡¯s most elusive assassin. A ghost whose gender, nationality, and appearance remained unknown to most¡ªbut apparently not to my uncle.


    Later that night, I sat in my suite, staring at myptop screen. I¡¯d been contemting the same question for an hour: how much money to send to the girl who had saved my life?


    Too much might frighten a normal teenager. Too little would be insulting. And I had to consider banking regtionsrge transfers triggered automatic gs.

 Treatment 8

    Jade¡¯s POV:


    Four men converged on me from the ck SUV, moving with practiced coordination that screamed ¡°hired muscle.¡± The tall, skinny one in front shed a small knife, its de catching the morning light. The other three spread out in a ssic containment formation¡ªtwo average builds nking me while a hulking giant blocked my potential escape route.


    I almostughed. After years of facing elite assassins and special forces operatives, these street thugs might as well have been moving in slow motion. Their amateur formation had at least three exploitable weaknesses I could spot immediately.


    ¡°Hey there, pretty girl,¡± Skinny said, twirling his knife with what he probably thought was intimidating skill. ¡°We just want to have a little fun. Make you look nice for social media.¡±


    I sighed, shifting my weight slightly to better distribute my center of gravity. ¡°Let me guess¡ªAshley Williams sent you?¡±


    Their momentary surprise flickered across their faces¡ªa split-second widening of eyes, a hesitation in their stance. All the confirmation I needed.


    The muscleman cracked his knuckles, a theatrical gesture that would have given any trained fighter enough time to take him down twice. ¡°Just stand still and this won¡¯t hurt¡­ much.¡±


    I swung my backpack in one fluid motion, the weight of my textbooks connecting perfectly with Skinny¡¯s wrist. The knife ttered to the pavement as he yelped in pain, clutching his hand. Without pausing, I pivoted on my left foot, letting the two average builds lunge past me. Their momentum carried them straight into each other with a satisfying thud of colliding bodies and muffled curses.


    The giant charged like a freight train, his footfalls heavy on the pavement. I simply waited until thest second before stepping aside and extending my foot at precisely the right angle. His own weight and speed became his downfall¡ªliterally. I helped his trajectory with a precise palm strike between his shoulder des, sending him face-first into the dirt. His massive body hit the ground with a thud that vibrated through the sidewalk.


    The entire encountersted maybe fifteen seconds. I hadn¡¯t even broken a sweat or disturbed my ponytail.


    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± one of them groaned from the ground, spitting dirt. ¡°Who the fuck is this girl?¡±


    ¡°Your worst nightmare if you don¡¯t cooperate,¡± I replied, kneeling beside Skinny, who was cradling his wrist. ¡°Phone. Now.¡±


    He hesitated, eyes darting between me and his fallenrades until I applied gentle pressure to his injured joint. The phone appeared magically in his other hand. I scrolled through his messages, finding exactly what I needed¡ªa Venmo transaction from Ashley Williams for $500.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± I murmured, switching to video mode. I aimed the camera at them, making sure to capture all four in various states of disarray. ¡°Tell me who hired you and what she wanted you to do.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you,¡± Skinny spat, attempting to salvage some dignity.


    I pressed my thumb into the nerve cluster at his wrist. His face contorted in agony, a strangled sound escaping his throat.


    ¡°Ashley Williams,¡± he gasped, the words tumbling out. ¡°From Cloud City High. Paid us five hundred to rough you up and record it. Said to make you cry and tear your clothes. Wanted us to humiliate you on video.¡±


    I nodded, continuing to record as the others, seeing their leader break, quickly confirmed his story with added details about Ashley¡¯s specific instructions. When I had enough, I stood up and pocketed the phone.


    ¡°Next time, consider a career change. You¡¯re terrible at this one.¡±


    With practiced efficiency, I trimmed the footage, added Ashley¡¯s payment screenshots, and enhanced the audio where they detailed her instructions. I uploaded it to an anonymous ount with the title: ¡°<em>Cloud City High¡¯s Ashley Williams: Who She Really Is.</em>¡±


    Hit upload. Done.


    I watched the loading barplete, satisfaction warming my chest.


    By the time I reached school, my phone was buzzing with notifications. The video was spreading like wildfire through the school¡¯s social circles. Perfect timing¡ªI had economics first period with Ashley.


    I slipped into ss just as the bell rang, enjoying the hushed conversations and darting nces. Ashley stood near Orion¡¯s desk, twirling her hair,pletely oblivious to the digital storm brewing around her.


    ¡°Good morning, Orion!¡± she chirped, her voice honey-sweet. ¡°You look nice today.¡±


    Orion nodded curtly, clearly trying to end the conversation, but Ashley grabbed his arm. ¡°Are you going to the Model UN activity this weekend? I was thinking of joining.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never been interested in Model UN before,¡± he replied, his tone t, eyes already drifting toward his textbook.


    ¡°I¡¯ve recently developed an interest in international rtions,¡± Ashley said, batting her eyshes. ¡°Maybe we could go together? I¡¯ve been reading about the United Nations structure and¡ª¡±


    Before Orion could answer, Ashley¡¯s friend burst through the door, face flushed with panic. She whispered urgently in Ashley¡¯s ear, whose expression shifted from confusion to horror in real-time. I watched with detached interest as she fumbled for her phone, her perfectly manicured fingers trembling as she unlocked the screen.


    The color drained from her face as she stared at the video ying, her lips parting in silent shock. Around the ssroom, phones buzzed and chimed as the video continued its digital wildfire spread. Whispers erupted:


    ¡°Did you see it? Ashley hired guys to attack someone¡­¡±


    ¡°Who knew she was that psycho?¡±


    ¡°Five hundred dors to beat up someone? That¡¯s messed up¡­¡±


    Orion nced at his own phone, then at Ashley, his expression hardening before he deliberately moved to sit on the opposite side of the room.


    Ashley¡¯s gaze snapped to me, hatred burning in her eyes. I met her stare with calm indifference, then returned to my notebook as our math teacher walked in announcing next week¡¯s practice exam.


    ¡°Where is everyone? The cafeteria¡¯s practically empty,¡± Max asked during lunch, sliding his tray across from mine. His eyes were curious behind his sses.


    I pushed my grilled chicken breast and broli toward him. ¡°Here, you need more protein. You¡¯re still growing.¡±I said with a shrug, keeping my tone casual.


    He frowned, studying my nearly empty tray. ¡°You¡¯re not eating enough. You¡¯ve lost weight too fast. That can¡¯t be healthy, Jade.¡±


    I ignored his concern, taking a small sip of water. ¡°Sometime I¡¯ll show you something more exciting than high school drama. The real world makes this ce look like kindergarten.¡±

 Treatment 9

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 ">Chpter 9 Jade¡¯s First Invoice</h1>


    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®more exciting¡¯?¡± Max asked, but before I could answer, a surge of students rushed past our cafeteria table, many abandoning half-eaten lunches.


    ¡°They called Ashley to the principal¡¯s office!¡± a girl squealed as she hurried by. ¡°Her mom just stormed in looking like she¡¯s ready to kill someone!¡±


    Max¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±


    I took a sip of water, watching the cafeteria empty as curiosity pulled students toward the administrative wing. ¡°Justice, I suppose.¡±


    The lunch period transformed into an impromptu stakeout as students gathered in the hallway outside the principal¡¯s office. Through the ss panel, I could see Ashley and her mother sitting rigidly in chairs, both wearing matching expressions of barely contained fury. Principal Harrison¡¯s hands moved in cating gestures, but Mrs. Williams kept shaking her head sharply.


    I kept my distance, leaning against a locker with casual indifference while chaos swirled around me. Teachers tried vainly to herd students back to ssrooms, but the excitement was too contagious.


    ¡°Did you see the video?¡± asked the quiet redhead who normally sat behind me in history. ¡°Someone recorded Ashley hiring those guys to attack a student. It¡¯s everywhere.¡±


    ¡°Five hundred dors to beat someone up¡­ what a psycho,¡± a boy nearby muttered.


    I slipped into my next ss just as the bell rang. The teacher tried valiantly to capture our attention, but it was a lost cause. Every few minutes, another phone would buzz, and another student would sneak a nce under their desk.


    ¡°They called an emergency staff meeting for next period,¡± whispered the girl next to me. ¡°My mom¡¯s a secretary in the admin office. She says Williams¡¯ dad is threatening to sue the school.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°For what? Letting his daughter get caught on video hiring thugs?¡±


    She snickered, then quickly covered her mouth when our teacher nced our way.


    By the time the teachers returned from their emergency meeting, #AshleyExposed was trending across every social tform at Cloud City High. The hallways buzzed with spection about who had been Ashley¡¯s intended target.


    Ashley didn¡¯t return to school that afternoon. ording to whispers, her father had pulled up in a sleek ck Mercedes and practically dragged her from the principal¡¯s office.


    I didn¡¯t need secondhand ounts. That evening, Emily practically skipped into the house, her face flushed with excitement.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never believe what I saw!¡± she crowed, not even bothering with her usual snide greeting. ¡°I was at Samantha¡¯s house¡ªthey live near the Williams ce. Their whole house was lit up, and you could hear Mr. Williams screaming from the driveway!¡±


    Linda looked up from her phone, suddenly interested. ¡°Robert Williams? The one running for city council?¡±


    Emily nodded eagerly. ¡°Samantha said he pped Ashley right in the driveway when they got home. He was yelling about how she was ruining his campaign.¡±


    ¡°What did Ashley do?¡± Linda asked, leaning forward.


    ¡°She hired some guys to beat up a girl from school, and someone recorded it,¡± Emily exined, eyes gleaming with malicious delight. ¡°The video¡¯s everywhere.¡±


    I continued eating my dinner, hiding a smile behind my water ss. For once, Emily was too engrossed in spreading gossip to bother insulting me.


    Two dayster, Principal Harrison¡¯s voice crackled through the PA system during homeroom.


    ¡°Attention students and staff. Regarding the video circting about Ashley Williams¡ªafter a thorough investigation, we have determined this was a misunderstanding. The individuals seen in the footage have been detained by police, and the alleged evidence has been proven falsified. Miss Williams is an exemry student, and these rumors are extremely unfair to her reputation.¡±


    Murmurs rippled through the ssroom. Next to me, a boy snorted. ¡°Yeah, right. My cousin works at the police station. Nobody¡¯s been arrested.¡±


    I leaned back in my chair. Rich people magic at work. Almost impressive how quickly truth goes on clearance when someone shes a tinum card.


    Ashley returned to school two days after the announcement. She tried to project her usual confidence, but the shadows under her eyes told a different story.


    When she spotted me by my locker, her eyes narrowed to slits. She opened her mouth as if to say something, then apparently thought better of it, dropping her gaze and hurrying past.


    Even more telling was Orion¡¯s reaction. When Ashley approached him before Model UN, he politely but firmly excused himself. Later, when the club broke into working groups, Orion deliberately chose a team on the opposite side of the room from her.


    It was nearly 7 PM when Max left the school library after an extended study session. I was halfway to the school when I heard themotion¡ªa boy¡¯s voice, strained but defiant, and deeper tones of menughing.


    ¡°Please, this has mypetition materials. I¡¯ve been preparing for three months!¡±


    I rounded the corner to find Max surrounded by three rough-looking guys. His backpack was in one man¡¯s hands, and another held his phone. Max¡¯s sses sat crooked on his nose, and he was leaning heavily on his good leg.


    ¡°Looks like fancy equipment,¡± one man taunted. ¡°Probably sell for a couple hundred.¡±


    ¡°Just take my wallet,¡± Max pleaded. ¡°But please, I need that phone. All my physics data is on it.¡±


    The tallest guy shoved Max¡¯s shoulder, sending him stumbling backward. Max lost his bnce, his bad leg buckling as he fell onto the sidewalk.


    I stepped out of the shadows. ¡°Put his things down. Now.¡±


    The three men turned and their face changed.


    ¡°I won¡¯t repeat myself,¡± I said, my voice deadly quiet.


    The backpack hit the ground first, followed by the phone, which ttered onto the concrete. Without another word, the men scattered in different directions.


    I helped Max to his feet. ¡°You okay?¡±


    He nodded, brushing dirt from his pants. ¡°My phone screen cracked. But I think it still works.¡± He looked at me, confusion evident. ¡°Why were they so scared of you?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°We¡¯ve met before.¡±


    ¡°When?¡±


    ¡°Few days ago. They didn¡¯t enjoy the experience.¡± I gestured for him to follow. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s get home.¡±


    ¡°Wait here,¡± I told Max once we reached our street. ¡°I need to check something.¡±


    I ducked into the 24-hour convenience store with its built-in ATM. Fishing through my backpack, I found the single bank card I owned¡ªthe one the school made us get for tuition payments. I inserted it and checked the bnce.


    $100,000.


    I stared at the number for a moment, then snorted softly. ¡°Seriously? That¡¯s what a life is worth to the Haxton family?¡±


    Still, it was enough for what I needed. Twenty minutester, I walked out of a high-end electronics store with two boxes containing thetest iPhone models.


    When I got home, Max was in his room, frantically trying to recover data from his damaged phone. I knocked once, then entered without waiting for a response.


    ¡°Here,¡± I said, tossing one of the boxes onto his bed. ¡°Yours was outdated anyway.¡±


    Max stared at the box, then at me, his mouth hanging open.

 Treatment 10

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 ">Chapter 10 Luxury Lunch</h1>


    Max stared at the sleek iPhone box on his bed like it might explode. His fingers hovered over the pristine packaging, not quite daring to touch it.


    ¡°Is this¡­¡± he swallowed hard, adjusting his sses with shaking hands. ¡°This is the actual newest model? The real thing?¡±


    I leaned against his doorframe, arms crossed. ¡°No, I bought you a counterfeit from some guy in an alley. Of course it¡¯s real.¡±


    He picked up the box carefully, examining it from every angle like a bomb technician. ¡°But where did you get this? These cost like¡­ a thousand dors.¡±


    ¡°I bought it.¡± I shrugged, then reached into my backpack and pulled out an identical box. ¡°Got one for myself too.¡±


    Max¡¯s jaw dropped. His eyes darted between the two boxes, then up to my face, searching for some exnation that made sense in his world¡ªa world where his sister was a broke high school student who couldn¡¯t afford breakfast.


    ¡°But¡­ how?¡± he stammered. ¡°You don¡¯t have a job. You don¡¯t have money. This is¡­¡± He gestured helplessly at the phone. ¡°This is impossible.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not stolen, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about,¡± I said, sitting on the edge of his bed. ¡°And I didn¡¯t rob a bank or sell drugs. It¡¯s mine, legitimately purchased, and now it¡¯s yours.¡±


    He clutched the box tighter. ¡°Are you in some kind of trouble, Jade?¡±


    I smiled at his concern. ¡°No trouble. If this one breaks, I¡¯ll buy you another one. No questions asked.¡±


    Max stared at me for a long moment, his expression a mixture of suspicion and temptation. Finally, his desire for the technology won out over his concerns. He slowly opened the box, fingers trembling slightly as he lifted out the gleaming device.


    The next morning, I returned from my dawn run to find Max already dressed and waiting in the hallway. His eyes were ringed with dark circles, and he was thumbing through his new phone with intense focus.


    ¡°You look like shit,¡± I remarked, wiping sweat from my forehead. My running clothes clung to me, damp with perspiration. ¡°Did you stay up all night?¡±


    He smiled sheepishly. ¡°Maybe. It¡¯s just¡­ it¡¯s amazing, Jade. The processing speed, the camera quality¡ªI¡¯ve already downloaded some physics simtion programs.¡±


    ¡°Give me fifteen minutes to shower, and then we¡¯re going out.¡±


    ¡°Out? Where?¡±


    ¡°Shopping,¡± I called back.


    As we headed down the stairs, Emily appeared from her room, eyeing us suspiciously. ¡°Where are you two going?¡± she demanded, voice sharp with curiosity.


    I walked past her without acknowledging her existence. Max hesitated, then followed me, his new iPhone tucked securely in his pocket.


    The Cloud City Mall was the biggest shopping center in the area. Max looked distinctly ufortable as we walked through the gleaming entrance, his shoulders hunched as if trying to take up less space among the weekend shoppers who clearly had more money than our family.


    ¡°What are we doing here?¡± he whispered, eyeing the high-end stores with trepidation.


    ¡°Getting you some decent clothes,¡± I replied, steering him toward the men¡¯s department. I nodded to a sales associate who immediately approached, his professional smile widening as he sensed amission.


    ¡°We need aplete wardrobe refresh for my brother,¡± I said. ¡°Casual, but good quality.¡±


    The associate¡¯s gaze swept over Max¡¯s worn jeans and faded t-shirt. ¡°Of course. Right this way.¡±


    Three outfitster, Max stood awkwardly in front of a mirror, dressed in designer clothes that made him look older, more confident¡ªdespite his obvious difort with the attention.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t feel like me,¡± he muttered, tugging at the sleeve of a tailored jacket.


    ¡°That¡¯s the point,¡± I replied. ¡°We¡¯ll take these, plus the other two sets,¡± I told the associate.


    The total came to $2,400. Max¡¯s eyes bulged as I handed over a credit card without hesitation.


    ¡°Jade,¡± he hissed as we walked away with shopping bags. ¡°That¡¯s more than Mom makes in two weeks!¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s a good thing Mom¡¯s not paying for it.¡± I guided him toward the high-end shoe store. ¡°Come on. Those sneakers you¡¯re wearing look like they¡¯re one step away from falling apart.¡±


    Max tried to downy his left foot as he sat down, angling it away from the salesman¡¯s view. I noticed the subtle movement, the ingrained habit of hiding his disability.


    Two hours and $2,800ter, Max had two designer athletic shoes and a pair of casual boots. I picked up several outfits for myself as well¡ªsimple pieces that would fit my evolving body as I continued to lose weight and build muscle.


    By the time we left the mall, we¡¯d spent nearly $12,000. Max walked beside me in stunned silence, carefully holding shopping bags emzoned with luxury logos he¡¯d previously only seen in advertisements.


    ¡°Are we done?¡± he finally asked as we approached the exit.


    ¡°Almost. Lunch first.¡±


    I guided him to the Grand za Hotel. Max stumbled slightly as we entered the marble lobby, his eyes widening at the crystal chandeliers and uniformed staff.


    ¡°Jade, we can¡¯t eat here,¡± he whispered urgently. ¡°This is the most expensive restaurant in Cloud City!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯re eating here,¡± I replied, approaching the ma?tre d¡¯. ¡°Table for two, please. Something private.¡±


    We were led to a private dining room on the top floor with panoramic views of the city. Max sank into the soft leather chair, looking wildly out of ce despite his new clothes. When handed the French menu, his face paled.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I don¡¯t know what any of this means,¡± he whispered. ¡°And there aren¡¯t even prices!¡±


    ¡°If you have to ask the price, you can¡¯t afford it,¡± I said with a small smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    The waiter returned, and Max practically shoved the menu back at him. ¡°I¡¯m not really hungry,¡± he mumbled, though his stomach growled audibly.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°He¡¯ll have what I¡¯m having,¡± I told the waiter, then continued in wless French, ¡°<em>Nous prendrons le foie gras pourmencer, suivi du filet de boeuf avec truffes noires, et le turbot. Une bouteille d¡¯eau p¨¦tinte aussi, s¡¯il vous ?t.</em>¡±


    The waiter nodded appreciatively and left. Max stared at me in disbelief.


    ¡°Since when do you speak French?¡±


    I pulled out my newptop and set it on the marble table. ¡°Self-taught. Just to pass the time.¡±


    ¡°And you know what foie gras and truffles are? Have you been to ces like this before?¡±


    ¡°Something like that,¡± I replied, fingers already flying across the keyboard.


    Max leaned back in his chair, taking in the opulent surroundings¡ªthe crystal chandelier, the panoramic windows, the thick carpet beneath our feet. ¡°This is insane,¡± he muttered. ¡°Last week we were arguing over who got thest packet of cookies.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond, focusing instead on my screen. From the corner of my eye, I could see Max studying me¡ªnot just my appearance, but the way I held myself, the confident way my fingers navigated the keyboard.


    Eventually, curiosity got the better of him. He slid his chair around to peek at my screen. His eyes widened.


    ¡°What is that?¡±

 Treatment 12

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 ">Chapter 12 Go Ahead, Call the Police</h1>


    ¡°Dead fatass, you open this door! Do you hear me? Open up!¡±


    Emily¡¯s shrill voice and pounding fist jolted me awake from my nightmare. I sat up with a gasp, cold sweat drenching my shirt as the Caribbean facility explosion images still shed behind my eyelids.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re in there! Hiding won¡¯t help you!¡±


    Taking a deep breath to center myself, I moved silently toward the door. In one swift motion, I yanked it open. Emily, who¡¯d been leaning her weight into her next knock, stumbled forward, nearly falling face-first into my room.


    As she iled to regain her bnce, my hand instinctively shot out. For a split second, I visualized snapping her neck with a quick twist¡ªa clean, efficient elimination. The muscle memory from my days as Shadow was so ingrained that I had to consciously stop myself.


    <em>Not now. Not here. She¡¯s not worth it.</em>


    My cold gaze swept past Emily to take in the rest of the Morgan family standing in the hallway. Frank looked ufortable, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. Max stood behind him, his eyes wide with worry. And Linda¡ªmy so-called mother¡ªclutched something in her hands, her face contorted with rage.


    ¡°You ungrateful little thief!¡± Linda spat, thrusting the items in her hands toward me. I recognized the designer clothes I¡¯d bought for Max yesterday¡ªthe tags still attached to them. ¡°Where did you get the money for this? Who did you steal from?¡±


    I leaned against my doorframe, arms crossed. ¡°I didn¡¯t steal anything.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit!¡± Linda stepped closer, her cheap perfume assaulting my senses. ¡°You expect me to believe that? You, who can¡¯t even pass a simple math test, suddenly have hundreds of dors to spend?¡±


    Frank ced a tentative hand on Linda¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Maybe we should calm down and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me to calm down!¡± She shrugged his hand off violently. ¡°This little bitch is stealing, and you want me to calm down? What if she stole from someone important? What if the policee here?¡±


    Frank winced. ¡°Let¡¯s at least hear what Max has to say. He was with her yesterday.¡±


    Linda stormed into the living room, still clutching Max¡¯s new clothes. I followed, maintaining a calcted distance, monitoring everyone¡¯s movements with practiced precision.


    ¡°And what about these?¡± Linda pointed dramatically at the kitchen table where she¡¯d ced Max¡¯s new shoes and the box from his iPhone. ¡°Emily says these cost thousands! Where would you get thousands of dors, huh? Answer me!¡±


    Emily smirked from behind Linda. ¡°That phone alone is like, one thousand dors. And the shoes are at least five hundred.¡±


    Frank¡¯s face paled. ¡°Jade¡­ is this true? Did you¡­ take something that wasn¡¯t yours?¡±


    Before I could answer, Max stepped forward. ¡°She didn¡¯t steal anything! Jade would never do that.¡±


    ¡°Then exin this!¡± Linda gestured wildly at the items. ¡°Your sister suddenly has thousands of dors to throw around? The same girl who couldn¡¯t even afford school breakfastst month?¡±


    Max nced at me, then back at Linda. ¡°She¡¯s been¡­ she¡¯s been doing programming work. Online. Data analysis stuff.¡±


    ¡°You expect me to believe that?¡± Linda sneered.


    While they argued, Emily tried to slip past me toward my bedroom. I sensed her movement without even looking. As her hand reached for my doorknob, I pivoted and caught her wrist in a professional restraint hold, applying precise pressure to the nerve cluster that would cause maximum difort without leaving marks.


    ¡°What the fuck do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± I asked, my voice deadly quiet.


    Emily¡¯s eyes widened with shock and pain. ¡°Let go! Mom! She¡¯s hurting me!¡±


    ¡°I saw your fancyptop!¡± Emily hissed through gritted teeth. ¡°That¡¯s like a three thousand dor gamingputer! Where¡¯d you get that, huh? What else are you hiding in there?¡±


    ¡°Who the hell do you think you are to question me?¡± I twisted her wrist slightly, making her gasp.


    Linda rushed over. ¡°Get your hands off my daughter, you monster!¡±


    I released Emily with a slight push, sending her stumbling backward into Linda. They both tumbled onto the floor, a tangle of iling limbs and indignant shrieks.


    ¡°She attacked me! Did you see that? She attacked her own mother!¡± Linda screamed, her face flushed with anger.


    I calmly picked up Max¡¯s new clothes from where Linda had dropped them and handed them back to him. ¡°Here. These are yours.¡±


    ¡°Listen carefully,¡± I said, turning to face Linda and Emily. ¡°I¡¯m tolerating both of you only because of Frank and Max. That¡¯s it.¡±


    Emily¡¯s face contorted with rage. ¡°We¡¯ll call the police! Tell them you¡¯re stealing!¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± I replied with a cold smile. ¡°I¡¯ll counter-sue for defamation and filing a false police report. I have documentation for everything I own.¡±


    I turned and walked back to my room, closing the door behind me.


    For the next hour, Linda¡¯s voice drifted through the walls¡ªcalling me a ¡°white-eyed wolf¡± and an ¡°ungrateful bitch¡± while Emily pretended tofort her, adding fuel to her rage. I could hear the jealousy in Emily¡¯s voice as she struggled toprehend how her formerly fat, formerly pathetic sister was suddenly confident, capable, and apparently wealthy.


    I couldn¡¯t stay in this suffocating house any longer. Grabbing my phone and wallet, I headed for the door. Frank looked up from where he sat in the living room, his mouth opening as if to say something, but he remained silent as I walked past him.


    The air felt cleaner the moment I stepped outside. I took a deep breath, letting the cool evening breeze wash over me. I called an Uber and waited, watching the sun begin its descent behind the shabby rooftops of our neighborhood.


    Twenty minutester, I stepped out of the car at the base of a wooded hill on the outskirts of Cloud City. A crowd of young men and women had gathered around a muddy off-road track. Heavy metal music sted from massive speakers, and the roar of customized off-road vehicles filled the air.


    ¡°Mr. Astor! Mr. Astor!¡± Cheers erupted as a heavily modified Jeep with massive tires tore around a particrly challenging curve, sending mud flying in all directions.

 Treatment 11

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 ">Chapter 11 Digital Genius</h1>


    In less than three minutes, I had created an entire security system on myptop,plete with GPS trackers embedded in both my phone andputer, plus a multiyered firewall that would make most government agencies envious.


    Max watched in stunned silence as I finalized the system with a few quick keystrokes.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ impossible,¡± he finally stammered, adjusting his sses. ¡°You just built an entire security framework in minutes. It would take professional teams days to create something like this.¡±


    I shrugged, running a final diagnostic. ¡°It¡¯s not thatplicated once you understand the architecture.¡±


    ¡°Notplicated?¡± Max¡¯s voice cracked with disbelief. ¡°You just coded location trackers, encrypted authentication protocols, and what looks like military-grade firewall protection faster than most people can type their name!¡±


    I allowed myself a small smile. In my previous life as Shadow, and as the hacker known only as X, I¡¯d created systems that could withstand the most sophisticated government intrusions. This was child¡¯s y byparison.


    ¡°I could teach you, if you¡¯re interested,¡± I offered, noticing his intense focus.


    His head snapped up, eyes lighting with excitement. ¡°Seriously? You¡¯d teach me how to do this?¡±


    ¡°You have the mind for it,¡± I said, closing theptop. ¡°But first, let¡¯s eat. I¡¯m starving.¡±


    The hotel restaurant gleamed with polished marble and crystal chandeliers. A waiter in a perfectly pressed uniform approached our table, presenting a bottle of red wine with reverence.


    ¡°Chateau Margaux, 2009, as requested, madam,¡± he announced.


    I took a perfunctory sip, then set it aside. In my previous life, I¡¯d developed a sophisticated pte for fine wines ¨C a necessary skill for infiltrating high-society events. But this body was seventeen, and alcohol would only slow my reflexes.


    Throughout the meal, I noticed Max watching me ¨C not just what I was eating, but how I was eating it. The way I held my knife, the angle of my wrist as I lifted my water ss. All the refined mannerisms I¡¯d absorbed during years of high-profile assassinations were on full disy.


    ¡°You seem different here,¡± he finally said between courses. ¡°Like you¡­ belong in a ce like this.¡±


    I arched an eyebrow. ¡°And that surprises you?¡±


    ¡°Well, yeah. We grew up eating microwave dinners off paper tes.¡±


    Max struggled with the multiple utensils, picking up the wrong fork before quickly setting it down when he saw me use a different one. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never eaten anywhere that has more than one fork before,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it,¡± I assured him.


    The waiter approached with our bill, discreetly cing the leather folder beside my te. I opened it without hesitation, but Max leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of him. His jaw dropped.


    ¡°Eight thousand two hundred dors?¡± he hissed, voice cracking. ¡°That¡¯s¡ªthat¡¯s insane!¡±


    The waiter cleared his throat. ¡°The Chateau Margaux alone is five thousand, sir. It¡¯s a limited edition.¡±


    Max looked like he might pass out. ¡°You barely even drank it!¡±


    I handed my credit card to the waiter withoutment.


    In the taxi heading home, Max remained quiet, staring out the window at the passing city lights. His fingers kept touching the cor of his new designer shirt, as if still not believing it was his.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never experienced anything like that before,¡± he finally said, voice filled with wonder. ¡°The way they treated us, how they pulled out chairs and folded napkins when we got up¡­ and that food! I didn¡¯t even recognize half the ingredients.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just dinner, Max,¡± I replied casually.


    ¡°Just dinner?¡± Heughed softly, shaking his head. ¡°Jade, we¡¯ve been eating microwaved mac and cheese our whole lives. Dad celebrates his birthday at the diner that gives free pie slices.¡±


    His eyes were bright with excitement. ¡°The marble bathrooms with actual cloth towels, the view of the entire city from our table¡­ it felt like being in a movie.¡±


    I smiled faintly. ¡°Get used to it early, Max. This is just the beginning.¡±


    His eyebrows shot up, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°The beginning of what?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer as the taxi pulled up to our building, the contrast between the luxury we¡¯d just left and our crumbling apartmentplex hanging silently between us.


    That afternoon, I waited until the house was empty. Linda had taken Emily shopping, and Frank was working a double shift.


    I pulled out a burner phone from beneath my mattress and dialed a number.


    ¡°Morrison Pharmaceutical Research Center, how may I direct your call?¡±


    ¡°Dr. Walter Morrison, please,¡± I said. ¡°It¡¯s regarding specialized biochemicalpounds.¡±


    There was a pause, then the line clicked as if being transferred to a more secure connection.


    ¡°This is Morrison.¡± The voice was deep and cautious. ¡°I don¡¯t believe we¡¯ve spoken before. How did you get this number?¡±


    ¡°Your work with neuromuscr enhancement forms is well-known in certain circles,¡± I replied. ¡°I need a customizedpound synthesized. Specifically, the experimental MR-27 variant with the modified protein structure.¡±


    A sharp intake of breath came through the line. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ highly ssified research. Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Someone willing to pay well for discretion. I need it ready in two weeks. I¡¯ll being to New York to collect it personally.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± his tone shifted from suspicious to intrigued. ¡°You sound incredibly young. How would someone like you even know about MR-27?¡±


    ¡°Well, one of my friend. I know the molecr structure and required stabilizing agents. I also know you¡¯re the only one who can synthesize it correctly.¡±


    ¡°Thepound you¡¯re describing is highly experimental,¡± he said slowly. ¡°The potential side effects are¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of the risks,¡± I cut him off. ¡°Can you prepare it or not?¡±


    ¡°Yes. But it will be expensive. Very expensive.¡±


    ¡°How much?¡±


    ¡°For something this specialized, with no questions asked? Two hundred thousand. Half up front.¡±


    I closed my eyes briefly. ¡°I can transfer seventy thousand now. The rest upon delivery.¡±


    ¡°eptable,¡± he agreed after a moment¡¯s hesitation. ¡°But I still don¡¯t understand how someone your age could possibly¡ª¡±


    I ended the call and transferred the entire remaining bnce to the ount number Morrison texted me momentster.


    ount bnce: $0.00


    Starting from zero again. But it would be worth it if the form worked.


    I stretched out on my bed for a quick nap. Instead, I fell into a familiar nightmare.


    <em>rm sirens wailed through the Caribbean facility. The Director¡¯s cold words echoed: ¡°Subject scheduled for termination after gic harvest.¡±</em>


    <em>After years as their perfect weapon, this was my reward¡ªdiscarded like broken equipment. Their betrayal burned hotter than the serum in my veins.</em>


    <em>The explosions began¡ªchain reactions exactly as I¡¯d nned.</em>


    <em>The facility copsed as seawater rushed in. The final st sent me flying through darkness as everything imploded¡ª</em>


    ¡°JADE! Get up, youzy bitch!¡±

 Treatment 13

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 ">Chapter 13 High-Stakes Racing</h1>


    I blended into the crowd, my sharp eyes assessing the treacherous track with its steep inclines and hairpin turns. This newly built rally course in the hills had be the yground for the city¡¯s rich kids to showcase their courage and vehicles.


    The massive ck Jeep Wrangler Rubicon tore through the muddy course, its oversized tires gripping the terrain with expert precision as it powered up a steep incline. The vehicle crested the hill andnded with a controlled bounce before elerating around a hairpin turn, sending mud spraying in all directions.


    ¡°Mr. Astor! Mr. Astor! Mr. Astor!¡± The crowd erupted as the Jeep crossed the finish line, a full twenty seconds ahead of the next vehicle.


    I stood at the edge of the crowd, arms crossed, studying the course with analytical precision.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± I muttered to myself, eyes tracking the suspension movement of the winning Jeep. ¡°Decent modifications. Fox racing shocks, reinforced axles, custom exhaust.¡± My assessment was automatic, a habit from previous lifetimes when vehicle specs could mean the difference between a sessful escape and a bullet to the head.


    The driver¡¯s door of the mud-sttered Jeep swung open, and a tall guy in his early twenties jumped out. He wore expensive off-roading gear that looked like it had never seen dirt before today, and his expression carried the unmistakable confidence of someone who¡¯d never heard the word ¡°no.¡±


    ¡°Chase! You were amazing!¡± A female voice cut through the cheering. A stunning blonde pushed through the crowd, her designer clothes absurdly impractical for the muddy terrain. She wore tight jeans and a crop top that showed off her toned midriff, clearly dressed more for attention than for an off-road event.


    Three other young men climbed out of their own mud-covered vehicles, each one looking like it cost more than the entire Morgan family home. They approached Chase, pping him on the back and offering reluctant congrattions.


    ¡°Another race, another win,¡± Chase announced, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. ¡°I told you guys the suspension upgrades would make the difference. Cost me a fortune, but worth every penny.¡± He paused dramatically. ¡°Though let¡¯s be honest, it¡¯s not just the car¡ªit¡¯s the driver.¡±


    The other rich boys nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Alright, pay up,¡± Chase said, extending his hand. ¡°Five grand each, as agreed. You can Venmo me now.¡±


    I watched as they pulled out their phones, transferring the money without hesitation.


    ¡°This is getting boring, Chase,¡± one of themined, pocketing his phone. ¡°You win every time. These obstacle courses are too easy for you.¡±


    Chase¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Tell you what¡ªI¡¯ll make it interesting. Next race, I¡¯ll give anyone a twenty-second head start. If they beat me, I¡¯ll pay them a hundred grand. Anyone. Right now.¡±


    The crowd stirred with excitement, but no one stepped forward. I heard whispers about how someone had tried yesterday and nearly flipped their truck in a deep pit, barely avoiding serious injury.


    A new voice cut through the murmurs. ¡°Come on! Anyone brave enough to challenge the great Chase Astor?¡±


    I recognized Sterling Huxley, the mayor¡¯s son, acting as unofficial hype man. He was probably hoping to impress these New York rich kids, expand his social connections beyond Cloud City¡¯s limited offerings.


    ¡°No takers? No one wants to earn a quick hundred grand?¡± Sterling continued, scanning the crowd.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    My voice carried across the suddenly silent crowd. Dozens of heads turned toward me, expressions ranging from shock to amusement.


    Sterling¡¯s face contorted with confusion. ¡°You?¡± He looked me up and down. ¡°Listen, honey, this isn¡¯t about getting attention from rich guys. These vehicles are dangerous¡ª¡±


    ¡°Is there a gender restriction in the rules?¡± I asked coolly. ¡°Or are you just afraid he¡¯ll lose to a girl and look pathetic?¡±


    Sterling¡¯s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.


    I stepped forward. The afternoon sun felt warm on my skin, a wee contrast to the cold anger I¡¯d left behind at the Morgan house. Linda¡¯s endless screaming matches had driven me out, and I needed money for my New York ns anyway. This seemed like the perfect opportunity.


    Chase Astor approached, looking me over with unconcealed contempt. ¡°You know how to drive? Can you even reach the pedals? I¡¯m not responsible if you kill yourself.¡±


    I met his gaze without blinking. ¡°Save that line for yourself. If you die, I¡¯m not responsible either.¡±


    A ripple of ¡°oohs¡± spread through the crowd.


    Chase¡¯s smile tightened. ¡°Where¡¯s your vehicle?¡±


    I turned and walked toward the parking area where my Uber had dropped me off. The driver leaned against the battered Ford Explorer, watching the races. I approached him directly.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to rent your SUV for the race,¡± I said, pulling out my phone. ¡°Two thousand dors. I¡¯ll transfer it now.¡±


    The man looked at me like I¡¯d lost my mind. ¡°You¡¯re joking, right?¡±


    I showed him my phone screen with the money ready to transfer. ¡°No joke. Two thousand for one race.¡±


    His expression shifted from disbelief to cautious interest. ¡°Look, kid, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re trying to prove, but that Jeep over there costs nearly a hundred grand with all its modifications. My old Explorer doesn¡¯t stand a chance.¡±


    ¡°Off-road racing is about driving skill and terrain judgment, not just who has the more expensive vehicle,¡± I replied, finger hovering over the transfer button. ¡°Deal?¡±


    The money changed hands, and minutester, I was driving the worn-out Explorer toward the starting line. The vehicle had multiple dents, patches of rust, and a suspension that had seen better days two decades ago.


    Laughter erupted from the crowd as I pulled up beside Chase¡¯s gleaming Jeep.


    ¡°What the fuck!¡± Chase eximed, genuine anger shing across his face. ¡°This is an insult to thepetition!¡±


    ¡°You said anyone could challenge you,¡± I replied calmly. ¡°You didn¡¯t specify vehicle requirements.¡±


    ¡°That piece of shit can¡¯t even make it up the first hill!¡± Chase sputtered, pointing at my rental.


    I rolled down the window and leaned out. ¡°Are we racing vehicles or testing courage and skill?¡±


    Chase¡¯s face reddened. ¡°This is ridiculous.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Scared you might lose to a girl in a beater?¡± I raised an eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯ll make you the same offer¡ªif I lose, I¡¯ll pay you a hundred grand.¡±

 Treatment 14

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4 ">Chapter 14 The Flying Explorer</h1>


    The mountain road entrance was crowded with expensive SUVs and people dressed in designer outdoor gear. Chase¡¯s friends formed a tight circle around him as I approached with Sterling Huxley.


    The stunning blonde draped over Chase¡¯s arm looked me up and down. ¡°Another girl trying to get Chase¡¯s attention? God, your technique is pathetic.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the fat kid camping area,¡± a guy added with disgust. ¡°Leave before you embarrass yourself.¡±


    A guy stepped forward. ¡°Look, maybe this isn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sterling, let her stay,¡± Chase interrupted, pushing the brte away slightly. ¡°I¡¯m curious what she thinks she can do.¡±


    Chase turned to me. ¡°I¡¯ll still give you the twenty-second head start as promised. Though it won¡¯t make much difference.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your charity,¡± I replied evenly. ¡°Let¡¯s race fair and square.¡±


    Chaseughed, his friends joining in. ¡°Suit yourself. Your funeral.¡±


    He looked me up and down with contempt. ¡°Just getting your fat ass into that Explorer was probably a workout. Don¡¯t cry when you lose.¡±


    I kept my face neutral, but inwardly I was coldly amused. I¡¯d outdriven military pursuit vehicles through mountain passes much more treacherous than this.


    At the starting line, Sterling Huxley stood between our vehicles.


    ¡°The rules are simple,¡± he announced. ¡°Follow the marked trail through the mountain range. Six checkpoints must be passed, and the first to reach the summit campsite wins.¡±


    ¡°Jade goes first,¡± Chase called out. ¡°Give her the twenty-second head start. She¡¯ll need it.¡±


    The crowdughed. My rental Explorer looked pathetic next to Chase¡¯s vehicle with its massive off-road tires, custom suspension, and powerful engine.


    ¡°She¡¯s going to flip that thing in the first gully,¡± someone muttered.


    The Uber driver who¡¯d dropped me earlier leaned against his car. ¡°I¡¯m putting twenty bucks on her,¡± he called out. ¡°Just for her guts alone.¡±


    I slid behind the wheel and took a deep breath. Sterling raised his arm, then dropped it. ¡°Go!¡±


    I punched the gas and the Explorer lurched forward. Twenty seconds wasn¡¯t much considering Chase¡¯s vehicle advantages, but I¡¯d worked with worse odds.


    The mountain path quickly turned treacherous. I kept the Explorer in a lower gear while navigating the difficult terrain.


    In my rearview mirror, I saw Chase¡¯s Wrangler burst from the starting line, closing the gap quickly. He caught up within minutes, his Jeep effortlessly powering over obstacles. He pulled alongside me, the blonde now in his passenger seat blowing me a mocking kiss as they passed.


    Chase¡¯s driving was good¡ªconfident and aggressive. But I¡¯d driven getaway vehicles through active war zones. This was practically a Sunday drive.


    Half a mile aheady the first major obstacle¡ªa river crossing that recent rains had turned into a churning flow. Chase approached cautiously, choosing a narrow section where the water ran rtively clear.


    Instead of following, I veered toward a deeper section. The blonde in Chase¡¯s passenger seat pointed at me,ughing at what seemed like a terrible decision.


    I hit the water at the perfect angle. Water sshed over my hood as I maintained steady throttle.


    ¡°She¡¯s going to get swept away!¡± someone shouted.


    For a moment, the current pushed against the Explorer¡¯s side, threatening to flip it. Even Chase paused on the opposite bank, concern briefly recing his arrogance.


    I adjusted the wheel with micro-movements. The Explorer lurched sideways, then began to tilt rmingly.


    Just as the tilt approached the point of no return, the front tires found the submerged exit ramp I¡¯d spotted. With a surge of power, the Explorer climbed out ahead of Chase, water cascading from its undercarriage.


    The next section featured a steep climb up loose shale. Chase was right behind me, his superior vehicle closing the gap again. He tried to pass on a hairpin turn, but I blocked him.


    ¡°Get out of the way!¡± Chase shouted, his face contorted with frustration.


    Chase elerated hard, bringing his Jeep alongside mine. As we approached the next turn, he deliberately edged closer, his bumper scraping against my door.


    ¡°Chase! Slow down!¡± The blonde¡¯s panicked voice carried through their open windows. ¡°This is too dangerous!¡±


    I held my line, refusing to be intimidated. When he tried to force me toward the edge, I tapped my brakes just enough to make him miss the optimal turn-in point.


    The path widened into a muddy teau, giving Chase the opportunity to pull ahead. His Jeep¡¯s tires were made for this terrain, while my Explorer struggled for traction.


    Chase extended his lead, navigating through the mud with ease. In my mirror, I could see him shing a triumphant grin.


    As we approached the final stretch, the trail narrowed dramatically into a single-file path with a steep drop on one side and a rock face on the other. Chase reached it first, effectively blocking any chance of passing.


    Instead of following Chase into the bottleneck, I suddenly swerved toward what appeared to be a dead end. But I¡¯d spotted a natural ramp formed by erosion, angled just right against a rock outcropping.


    I floored it, pushing the Explorer to its limits as I aimed for the ramp. The engine screamed in protest as the speedometer climbed.


    Then, suddenly, I was airborne.


    The Explorer sailed through the air, directly over Chase¡¯s Jeep. For a fraction of a second, our eyes met¡ªhis expression pure shock as my vehicle passed overhead.


    Thending was rough but controlled. The Explorer mmed down on all four wheels, and I elerated immediately toward the finish line.


    I crossed the finish line and executed a perfect handbrake turn, spinning the Explorer to face the path just as Chase¡¯s Jeep emerged. Dust swirled around me as I stepped out.


    Total silence greeted me. Every jaw had dropped. Sterling Huxley and the gathered students stared in disbelief.


    ¡°What the fuck?!¡± Sterling finally broke the silence.


    Chase jumped out, face flushed with rage and disbelief. ¡°That was¡ªthat was¡ª¡± he spluttered, unable to form coherent words.


    ¡°Impossible,¡± someone whispered. ¡°She is flying.¡±

 Treatment 15

    <b>Chapter </b><b>15 </b>


    ¡°Holy shit¡­¡±


    The Uber driver who¡¯d dropped me off earlier stood with his jaw hanging open. His eyes were <b>fixed </b>on the Explorer I¡¯d just driven across the finish line, dust still settling around the tires.


    Chase jumped down from his custom Jeep Wrangler, his perfectly styled hair now disheveled, <b>face </b>contorted in disbelief. He stared at me, then at the rental Explorer, then back at me¨Cas if trying to solve an impossible equation.


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible,¡± one of Chase¡¯s friends muttered, running a hand through his hair. A fucking rental against an $87,000 Wrangler with custom suspension? No way.¡±


    The crowd of rich kids stood frozen, their designer outdoor gear suddenly looking ridiculous in the cloud of dust I¡¯d left behind. I stepped out of the Explorer, brushing dirt from my jeans. T had performed better than expected, though I¡¯d definitely voided whatever insurance the po driver had on it.


    Without a word, I pulled a small notepad from my pocket, scribbled my bank ount details, and walked toward Chase. When I reached him, I held out the paper.


    ¡°A hundred grand,¡± I said, my voice even. ¡°Transfer it to my ount.¡±


    Chase¡¯s eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. When he didn¡¯t immediately take the paper, I pped it against the hood of his precious Jeep and turned to leave.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Chase called, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd. ¡°Care for another challenge?¡±


    I paused mid¨Cstep but didn¡¯t turn around.


    ¡°Two hundred grand this time,¡± he continued<b>, </b>a new edge to his voice.


    Now that got my attention. I turned slowly, measuring him with my eyes. ¡°What¡¯s <b>the </b>catch<b>? </b>


    Chase¡¯s confident smile returned. ¡°You drive my Jeep. My friend drives his Raptor. I ride shotgun with you.¡±


    Interesting proposition.


    ¡°Well?¡± he pressed when I didn¡¯t immediately respond. ¡°Unless you¡¯re scared?¡±


    <b>174 </b>


    6:56 Tue, Sep 16


    I shrugged, ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    At the starting line, Chase handed me the keys to his Jeep, studying me carefully as I adjusted the seat and mirrors with practiced movements.


    ¡°You know how to handle a vehicle like this?¡± he asked, sliding into the passenger seat. ¡°It¡¯s not exactly economy ss.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a tutorial,¡± I replied, familiarizing myself with the controls. ¡°I¡¯ve got two of these in my


    garage.¡±


    He nced at me with skepticism. ¡°You said you have two of these? This exact model?¡± He tapped the armrest andughed. ¡°That¡¯s one hell of a im. What are you, part of the Haxton family or something?¡±


    I didn¡¯t bother responding, simply waiting for the race to begin.


    Chase studied me with growing intensity. ¡°I¡¯m Chase Astor. What¡¯s your name? That school <b>uniform </b>-you still in high school? What year? You should apply to Princeton when you graduate. That¡¯s where I go. We could race like this all the time.¡± He paused briefly. ¡°Hey, want to exchange numbers after this? I could look you up next time I¡¯m¡­¡±


    As Sterling dropped his arm, Chase¡¯s friend¡¯s Raptor shot forward, engine roaring. I remained perfectly still.


    <i>¡°</i>Go! The race started! What are you waiting for?¡± Chase urged, pointing anxiously at the disappearing truck.


    ¡°No rush,¡± I replied calmly. ¡°Giving him twenty seconds won¡¯t make a difference. Your two hundred grand is as good as mine.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my friend¡¯s fully upgraded Raptor out there,¡± Chase said, pointing at the dust cloud disappearing around the bend. ¡°It¡¯s got-¡±


    ¡°A 3.5¨Cliter high¨Coutput EcoBoost V6 with 450 horsepower and FOX Racing shocks, I finished for him. ¡°I know what it has.¡±


    Chase¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°How do you-¡±


    6:56 Tue, Sep 16


    :


    <b>I </b>cut him off by finally hitting the gas. The Jeep surged forward, and I took a line through the terrain that minimized resistance while maintaining maximum speed. Within moments, we were gaining on


    the Raptor.


    The first section of the course was rocky terrain with steep inclines. I navigated through it as if I¡¯d memorized every rock, taking the perfect racing line where most would see only obstacles.


    ¡°Jesus,¡± Chase muttered, gripping the roll bar as we cleared a rise that momentarily sent <b>us </b>airborne. ¡°Where did you learn to drive like this?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer, focusing instead on the approaching mud pit where the Raptor was struggling for traction. The driver had chosen a poor line, getting bogged down in the deepest section.


    Instead of following his path, I swung wide, finding firmer ground at the edges where vegetation roots provided better traction. We swept past the struggling Raptor, Chase¡¯s friend¡¯s face a perfect picture of shock as we glided by.


    As we approached a muddy stream crossing, I could see the best route wasn¡¯t the obvious one.


    ¡°Slow down,¡± Chase warned. ¡°That section gets deep-¡±


    Instead of slowing, I elerated.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing?¡± Chase yelled, grabbing the roll cage as we hit the water at speed.


    I aimed for a specific entry point and kept the throttle steady. The Jeep pushed through the deeper section, water spraying in magnificent arcs around us. For a moment, we were practically surfing on mud and water.


    When we emerged on the other side, Chase¡¯s knuckles were white from gripping the roll cage. ¡°This is fucking insane!¡± he shouted, a mix of terror and exhration in his voice.


    The trail narrowed into a dense forest section. Branches whipped past us as I navigated between trees with only inches to spare on either side.


    ¡°There¡¯s a huge fallen tree up ahead,¡± Chase warned as we approached a massive log blocking part of the path.


    Most drivers would navigate around it. I elerated directly toward it.


    6:56 Tue, Sep 16


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡® Chase screamed as we hit a natural ramp just before the log.


    The Jeep went airborne. Chase¡¯s yell transformed into a whoop of excitement as we soared over the obstacle andnded perfectly on the other side, suspensionpressing then extending smoothly,


    ¡°No one¡¯s ever taken this route before,¡± Chase said, his voice quieter now, almost reverent. ¡°How did you know it was here?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± I replied. ¡°I saw it and decided it would work.¡±


    Chase fell silent, watching me drive with an intensity I could feel like physical pressure.


    We burst from the forest edge into the final stretch¨Ca rocky decline leading to the finish line. The Raptor was nowhere in sight. I navigated down carefully but quickly, protecting the vehicle¡¯s undercarriage while maintaining speed.


    As we crossed the finish line, I executed a perfect handbrake turn, bringing the Jeep to a st cloud of dust. Chase¡¯s friends were just arriving in their vehicles, having taken the observer. shortcut route to the finish line.


    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± Chase whispered, his legs visibly shaky as he stepped out. ¡°That was¡­ I don¡¯t even have words.¡®


    I slid out of the driver¡¯s seat and handed him back his keys. ¡°Three hundred grand,¡± I said. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to transfer it.¡±


    Without waiting for a response, I walked toward my waiting Uber, leaving Chase staring after me.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± I heard Chase ask Sterling as they watched my Uber pull away.


    ¡°No idea,¡± Sterling replied. ¡°All I know is she was wearing a Cloud City High School uniform.¡±


    Chapter Comments


    4

 Treatment 16

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>16 </b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>That </b><b>was </b><b>some </b>crazy driving back there,¡± the Uber driver said, ncing <b>at </b><b>me </b><b>in </b><b>the </b>rearview


    mirror. ¡°Never seen anyone handle an Explorer like that on <b>those </b>trails. <b>You¡¯ve </b><b>got </b><b>serious </b><b>skills</b>.


    I leaned <b>back </b>against the worn seat<b>, </b>my body still humming with adrenaline <b>from </b><b>the </b><b>race</b><b>. </b><b>¡°</b>Thanks


    for letting me borrow your car.¡±


    Heughed. ¡°Worth every scratch to see those rich kids¡® faces! I used to dream about <b>racing </b>when I was younger¨Chad ns to join a rally team. Then life happened.¡±


    As we approached my neighborhood, something felt off. The streets were too quiet, even for <b>this </b>


    hour.


    ¡°This is good,¡± I said, stopping him a block from my house. ¡°I¡¯ll walk from here.¡±


    He frowned. ¡°You sure? It¡¯s prettyte.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± I handed him a hundred¨Cdor bill and stepped out into the cool night air.


    The moon hung low, illuminating the shabby houses and broken sidewalks. Somewhere in the distance, I caught the faint scent of magnolia blossoms, oddly out of ce in this concrete wastnd.


    As I neared my house, my senses went on high alert. Near our trash cans, I detected the subtle sound of controlled breathing. More concerning was the patch of concrete near our front steps. The earlier rain had washed away the grass clippings I¡¯d used to cover it, revealing faint traces of blood- blood from when Alexander Haxton had escaped through our yard.


    <b>other </b>I approached my front door with keys in hand, maintaining the appearance of an oblivious teenager. I inserted the key but didn¡¯t turn it, instead patting my pockets and muttering, ¡°Shit, forgot my keys.¡± I turned and walked back down the steps, moving away at a casual pace.


    I wandered through the neighborhood for about thirty minutes, taking random turns to ensure <b>I </b>wasn¡¯t being predictably tracked. Eventually, I reached a small patch of trees at <b>the </b>edge <b>of </b>the development.


    I stepped into the trees and stopped in a small clearing. ¡°You can <be </b><b>out </b>now,¡± I <b>said</b>, <b>my </b><b>voice </b>carrying in the night stillness<b>. </b>¡°I¡¯m getting tired of this little <b>game</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    For a moment, nothing happened. <b>Then </b><b>the </b><b>shadows </b><b>moved</b><b>. </b><b>Four </b><b>figures </b>emerged<b>, </b><b>dressed </b><b>in ck </b>


    ??))


    tactical gear¨Cthe same operatives who had been hunting Alexander Haxton.


    ¡°Jade Morgan,¡± said the leader, his face partially obscured by a tactical mask. ¡°We have some questions for you.¡±


    I turned slowly to face them. ¡°And you couldn¡¯t just knock on my door like normal people?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your connection to Alexander Haxton?¡± he demanded.


    I smiled coldly. ¡°Is that what this is about? You¡¯re still upset about losing him?¡±


    The men exchanged nces, surprised I knew what they were talking about.


    ¡°You helped him escape,¡± another man said. ¡°We found blood traces leading through your backyard.¡±


    I examined my nails casually. ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about. But I am curious¨Cwhy are you so interested in Alexander Haxton? Or is it the Haxton family in general?¡±


    The leader stepped closer. ¡°We need information, and you¡¯re going to provide it.¡±


    Iughed sharply. ¡°Let me guess¨Cyou want to use me as leverage against the Haxtons? Sorry to disappoint, but I barely know Alexander. If I had to choose, I¡¯d probably be more interested in Ethan Haxton. I hear he¡¯s the one with the real power.¡±


    ¡°You know more than you should,¡± he said, his hand moving toward his weapon.


    I tilted my head, analyzing their positions. Amateurs trying to look professional. ¡°What exactly do you want from me?¡±


    ¡°Cooperation. You¡¯lle with us.¡±


    I sighed dramatically. ¡°I was hoping you¡¯d say that.¡±


    I moved before they could react. A quick strike to the leader¡¯s throat copsed his windpipe instantly. As he fell, I pivoted, sweeping the legs out from under the second man while simultaneously grabbing his knife. The third man managed to draw his gun, but <i>I </i>was already inside his guard, driving the knife under his ribs. The fourth lunged for me, but I sidestepped and drove my hand into the base of his skull with enough force to shatter vertebrae.


    I stood surrounded by bodies, not even breathing hard. The one whose throat I¡¯d crushed was still twitching.


    <b>10 </b>


    <b>I </b>crouched beside him. ¡°Tell your employer something, if you survive: Shadow doesn¡¯t leave


    witnesses.¡±


    ??))


    Back home, I locked myself in my room and pulled out my encryptedptop. Time to call in a favor.


    I initiated a secure connection through multiple proxy servers, entering aplex authentication sequence that only one person in the world would recognize. After a moment, text appeared on the


    screen.


    [SECURE CONNECTION ESTABLISHED] [IDENTITY VERIFICATION: PENDING¡­] [SECURITY PROTOCOL ALPHA¨C7 RECOGNIZED]


    I typed: ¡°Night. It¡¯s me.¡±


    There was a long pause. Then:


    [UNKNOWN]: Verification code?


    I smiled and typed the response¨Ca sequence we¡¯d created years ago, one that had never be digitally.


    A momentter:


    NIGHT: Holy shit. Shadow? This is impossible. You died on the ind.


    ¡°I was dead,¡± I typed. ¡°It¡¯splicated. I need your help¨Ccleanup job. Four bodies in the woods.¡±


    I sent the coordinates.


    NIGHT: Full sanitization?


    ¡°Yes. I can¡¯t be connected to this.¡±


    NIGHT: Team in Boston can be there in two hours. I¡¯ll handle it personally.


    The encryption key suddenly changed¨CNight¡¯s way of verifying it was really him. Only we knew this protocol.


    NIGHT: It¡¯s really you, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯re actually alive.


    ¡°In a manner of speaking. We¡¯ll talk soon.¡±


    d


    80


    6:56 Tue, Sep 16


    My phone pinged with a notification. A bank transfer: $300,000 from Chase Astor. At least the rich boy kept his word about the race winnings.


    80


    By dawn, all evidence of the confrontation was gone. Ipleted my morning run as the sun crested


    the horizon.


    As I approached our front door, Emily stepped out, her expression a mixture of determination and


    disgust.


    ¡°S¨Csister,¡± she stammered, the word clearly foreign on her tongue.


    I stopped, genuinely surprised. Emily had never called me that before¨Cit had always been ¡°fatso¡± or worse. Something was definitely up.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked coolly.


    and


    Emily fidgeted. I could practically see her thoughts: she had watched me give Max a new i expensive clothes, and now she wanted the same treatment. After years of treating me like garbage, she thought a few nice words would earn her simr gifts.


    ¡°I¡­ I made you breakfast,¡± she said, holding out a paper bag.


    I walked past her without taking it. ¡°Not hungry.¡®


    ¡°Wait!¡± she reached out, identally stepping into my path. Her foot caught mine, and I nearly stumbled.


    In that instant, muscle memory took over. Before I could stop myself, my hand shot out, grasping Emily¡¯s throat and pinning her against the door frame. The sandwich she¡¯d been holding fell to the ground.


    Her eyes bulged, her face rapidly turning red as she wed ineffectively at my grip. Panic flooded her expression as she struggled to breathe.

 Treatment 17

    <b>Chapter </b><b>17 </b>


    :


    My hand tightened around Emily¡¯s throat, her face turning an rming shade of red as she desperately wed at my fingers. Her eyes bulged with genuine terror¨Cthe kind that onlyes when someone realizes they might actually die.


    ¡°Jade¡­¡± Max¡¯s voice came from behind me, soft but urgent. I hadn¡¯t heard him approach, but I could sense his presence in the doorway now.


    Without turning, I kept my gaze fixed on Emily¡¯s reddening face. ¡°Not now, Max.¡±


    ¡°Jade, please¡­¡± His voice trembled slightly.


    I spoke coldly, my eyes still locked on Emily. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die,¡± I warned the girl in my grip, ¡°you better stay the hell away from me after this.¡±


    The silence that followed was broken only by Emily¡¯s choked gasps. After another moment. ¡® released my grip, letting her copse onto the floor ¨C not for Emily¡¯s sake, but for Max¡¯s.


    I stepped over her as if she were nothing more than a piece of trash on the sidewalk and walked into the kitchen. My hands were steady as I filled a ss with water and drank it in one long swallow. Then, without warning, I hurled the empty ss against the wall where it shattered into a thousand glittering pieces.


    The crying stopped instantly. From the corner of my eye, I saw Emily scrambling to her feet, half- crawling toward her bedroom. The door mmed behind her, and the house fell silent again.


    Max had already begun picking up the sandwich from the floor, his movements careful and precise. Without a word, he grabbed the dustpan from under the sink and started sweeping up the ss shards.


    ¡°Leave it,¡± I said.


    He looked up, his expression unreadable. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble.¡±


    ¡°I said leave it. Come to my room. I want to show you something.¡±


    In my bedroom, I opened myptop and positioned it so Max could see the screen. Lines <b>of </b>code scrolled across the disy,plex algorithms and data patterns that would have been <b>gibberish </b><b>to </b>most people.


    Max¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re saying you¡¯re¡­<b>?</b>¡±


    I smiled slightly, reaching out to touch his cheek. His ears immediately flushed pink. The contrast between my treatment of him and Emily couldn¡¯t have been more stark.


    ¡°Hacking is about finding weaknesses in systems and exploiting them,¡± I exined, my voice softer now. ¡°It¡¯s understanding how things work at their most fundamental level and then figuring out how to make them work for you instead.¡±


    Max leaned closer,pletely engrossed. I spent the next hour walking him through basic pration testing concepts, and he absorbed everything with remarkable speed.


    ¡°You have talent,¡± I said finally. ¡°With some practice, you could be very good at this.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± His face lit up with a mix of pride and excitement.


    ¡°Really. Which is why we¡¯re going to get you a properputer. Come on.¡±


    At Best Buy, I led Max straight to the high¨Cendptops. ¡°Pick whichever one you want,¡±


    His eyes darted between the price tags and my face. ¡°Jade, these are like two thousand dors each.


    ¡°And?¡±


    While Max carefullypared specs on three different models, I watched him with something close to affection. He had a natural aptitude for technology¨Cquick to understand concepts, methodical in his approach. Within minutes, he was exining to me why one processor would be better than another for specific applications.


    After purchasing theptop, I made a quick stop at the Chase Bank branch next door to set up a new


    ount.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get some lunch,¡± I suggested afterward. ¡°I¡¯m starving.¡±


    The Grand za Hotel restaurant looked just as impressive as it had a few days ago¨Celegant, refined, and ridiculously overpriced. Despite this being his second visit to such an upscale ce this week, Max still fidgeted with his silverware, clearly not yetfortable in these surroundings.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let all the extra silverware intimidate you,¡± I said, noticing Max eyeing the multiple forks and spoons. ¡°Just remember, for a formal service like this, start from the outside and work your way in with each course.¡±


    6:57 Tue, Sep 16


    :


    He nodded seriously, watching as I subtly demonstrated with the outermost sd fork. ¡°Where did you learn all these fine dining protocols, Jade?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I read a lot.¡±


    <b>80 </b>


    After lunch, rather than taking a cab directly home, I decided to get off early. ¡°I¡¯m going to walk the rest of the way,¡± I announced. ¡°Need to burn off those calories.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle with you,¡± Max said immediately.


    I frowned at his leg. ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid. Your foot will hurt.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. I¡¯ming with you.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s POV:


    ¡°Any update on finding those attackers who were after you in Cloud City?¡± I asked, keeping my eyes on my tablet as Alexander entered the room.


    ¡°Not good news,¡± he replied, wincing as he took a seat. His wound was clearly still bothering him. ¡°Our security team tracked their trail to Cloud City, but then lost contact. Our men haven¡¯t reported back since.¡±


    I stopped scrolling through my emails. ¡°Interesting.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m worried about that girl,¡± Alexander admitted. ¡°If those attackers found her ¨C the one who helped me escape ¨C she could be in serious danger because of me.¡±


    ¡°The girl who saved you,¡± I considered the implications. This situation was escting. ¡°I think it¡¯s time I paid a visit to Cloud City myself.¡±


    ¡°Uncle, that might not be necessary-


    ¡°1


    ¡°She saved your life, Alexander,¡± I said firmly. ¡°That makes her a friend of the Haxton family.¡± My tone left no room for argument. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this personally and ensure she¡¯s protected.¡±


    Alexander looked concerned. ¡°Just¡­ be careful. She¡¯s just a normal high school student. Thest thing she needs is someone like you showing up and turning her life upside down.¡±


    6:57 Tue, Sep 16


    The next day, I sat in the back of my Maybach. We were parked half a block from a decidedly unremarkable residential area. I¡¯d been waiting patiently, observing the neighborhood.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton, that¡¯s her,¡± Connor, my assistant, suddenly indicated a teenage girl walking with a boy who moved with a noticeable limp.


    I leaned forward slightly, studying the pair through the tinted window. The girl looked utterly ordinary¨Cnothing about her immediately suggested she¡¯d be capable of helping my injured nephew escape professional trackers. Perhaps Alexander had exaggerated her involvement.


    Then something unexpected happened. As if sensing my scrutiny, she suddenly turned, her gaze cutting directly to my window. Though I knew she couldn¡¯t possibly see through the heavy tint, her eyes seemed to lock with mine for a moment that stretched ufortably long.


    An electric scooter zipped past, momentarily breaking our connection. The boy with the limp quickly moved to shield the girl, a protective gesture that seemed instinctive.


    ¡°Jade, what¡¯s wrong?¡± I heard him ask.


    The girl held my invisible gaze for another moment before turning away. ¡°Nothing,¡± she said. ¡°Let¡¯s


    go.¡±


    I took out my phone and snapped a quick photo. Something about her awareness had caught my attention. I watched the pair continue down the sidewalk, noting how protective the boy seemed toward her. ¡°This is¡­ her boyfriend?¡±


    Chapter Comments


    <b>?? </b>


    Visitor

 Treatment 18

    <b>Chapter </b><b>18 </b>


    Ethan¡¯s POV:


    I stood at the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows of my penthouse suite at the Grand za Hotel, watching the city lights of Cloud City stretch out below me like a circuit board of glowing dots. The night had settled, casting a veil of darkness that mirrored the shadowy matters upying my thoughts.


    ¡°So they¡¯ve vanished without a trace?¡± I asked, keeping my voice level despite the concerning news.


    Connor, my assistant, stood a few feet behind me. I could see his reflection in the window ss, tablet in hand, his expression grim.


    ¡°The suspicious individuals who entered Cloud City havepletely disappeared from our radar<b>, </b><b>sir</b><b>, </b>he reported. ¡°It¡¯s as if they¡¯ve evaporated into thin air.¡±


    I turned slightly, narrowing my eyes. ¡°And your analysis?¡±


    ¡°Based on their movement patterns and the timing,¡± Connor said, scrolling through data his tablet, ¡°I believe they¡¯re targeting the girl who saved Alexander. Jade Morgan.¡±


    The name hung in the air between us. I¡¯d been unusually interested in this high school student since learning of her involvement with my nephew¡¯s escape. Something about her didn¡¯t add up ¨C a teenage girl living in poverty who somehow managed to outsmart professional trackers.


    ¡°Continue searching,¡± Imanded. ¡°Dead or alive, I want them found.¡± I paused, considering my next move. ¡°And increase security around the Morgan girl. Discreetly.¡±


    ¡°Already done, sir,¡± Connor replied. ¡°But there¡¯s something else you should know. We detected members of the Arctic Fox Mercenaries¡® 791 Group in the area a few hours ago. They left shortly


    after.¡±


    My body tensed involuntarily. ¡°Night was here? In Cloud City?¡± The 791 Group¡¯smander was legendary in certain circles ¨C efficient, ruthless, and exceedingly difficult to track. His presenceplicated matters significantly.


    ¡°We believe so, though we couldn¡¯t confirm visual contact.¡±


    ¡°Find out why they were here,¡± I said, my tone brooking no argument. ¡°The 791 Group doesn¡¯t move without purpose.¡±


    80


    I turned back to the window, mind working through possibilities.


    As Connor turned to leave, I added, ¡°One more thing. Contact Mayor Felix. Tell him to keep an eye on the Morgan family.¡±


    I pulled out my phone after Connor left and sent the photo I¡¯d taken of Jade Morgan to Alexander.


    The girl in the photo looked ordinary enough at first nce, but there was something in her eyes ¨C <b>a </b>hardness, a vignce that seemed out of ce on someone her age.


    Author¡¯s POV:


    In his luxurious home across town, Mayor Felix Huxley nearly spilled his brandy when his private line rang. The caller ID made his heart skip a beat ¨C Haxton Industries.


    ¡°Yes, yes of course!¡± Felix stammered, his voice pitched higher than usual. ¡°I understandpletely. The Morgan family will have my personal attention.¡±


    He listened intently, nodding vigorously though no one could see him. ¡°If the girl ne- all, I¡¯ll ensure she receives it. You have my word.¡±


    ing at


    After ending the call, Felix sank into his leather chair, mind racing with excitement. The Haxton family were personally interested in some nobody high school student from the poor side of town. This could be his golden opportunity.


    ¡°What¡¯s their connection?¡± he muttered to himself, swirling the amber liquid in his ss. ¡°Morgan¡­ Morgan¡­ never heard that name in any of the important circles.¡± He took another sip of brandy,rger this time. ¡°Must be something significant for the Haxtons to reach out directly.¡±


    He was already calcting how to ingratiate himself with both families. Perhaps he could invite the Morgans to some civic function? No, the Haxtons had been clear ¨C just monitor and assist when needed, don¡¯t interfere otherwise. He¡¯d have to be subtle about this.


    His contemtion was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening.


    ¡°Sterling? Is that you?¡± he called out.


    His son appeared in the doorway, looking slightly disheveled. ¡°Yeah, Dad.¡±


    Felix frowned, setting down his ss. ¡°Where¡¯s Chase? I thought you were supposed to be entertaining him tonight.¡±


    80


    ¡°He told me to go find someone,¡± Sterling said with a shrug. ¡°Some girl from Cloud City High.¡±


    Felix sat up straighter, suddenly interested in his son¡¯s social activities. ¡°A girl? What for?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. He just wanted information about her.¡± Sterling shifted his weight from one foot to another. ¡°Look, if I stick with Chase like you want me to, can I get that new Porsche you promised?¡±


    Felix nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. ¡°Of course, son. Just keep close to Chase. The Astor family connection is important for us.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Sterling replied, turning to leave before pausing. ¡°It was weird, though.¡±


    ¡°What was weird?¡±


    ¡°The girl everyone at school talks about¡­ they describe her as this fat, timid nobody with terrible


    grades who keeps to herself.¡± Sterling¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°But when I saw her that day, she was


    different. Confident. Cool. She had this¡­ presence about her.¡±


    ¡°Never mind that,¡± Felix said dismissively.


    Meanwhile, in New York, Alexander Haxton studied the photograph on his phone ¨C the one his uncle had sent him of Jade Morgan. She looked thinner than when she¡¯d helped him escape death. Her face was more defined now, her features more striking.


    The boy walking with her caught his attention too ¨C limping slightly, protective stance. Boyfriend, perhaps?


    Alexander felt a twinge of¡­ something. Not quite jealousy, but close. He dismissed it quickly. He¡¯d repaid his life debt with the bank transfer. Their paths wouldn¡¯t cross again.


    With a sigh, Alexander closed the photo and turned his attention back to his recovery. The wound in his side was healing well, but the memory of how close he¡¯de to death lingered.


    Night had settled over Cloud City when Jade Morgan slipped out of the house for her evening run. The cool air felt good against her skin as her feet pounded the pavement rhythmically. Her body was responding well to the training regimen ¨C strength returning, reflexes sharpening.


    6:57 Tue, Sep 16


    :


    Three blocks into her run, a prickle ran down her spine. Someone was watching her. Following her.


    80


    Jade maintained her pace, giving no outward sign she¡¯d noticed. But her mind was cataloging details ¨C faint footsteps twenty yards back, a shadow that moved between streetlights, the slight crunch of gravel when there shouldn¡¯t be any.


    Whoever was tracking her clearly had training, but not enough to escape her notice. In her previous life, such sloppiness would have been fatal.


    Jade took a sudden turn into a narrow alley, disappearing into the shadows. She counted silently- one, two, three ¨C then pressed her back against the brick wall, bing one with the darkness.


    The footsteps approached cautiously. A figure paused at the alley entrance, hesitating.


    In one fluid motion, Jade moved behind the man, her presence utterly silent until she spoke, her voice a cold whisper inches from his ear.


    ¡°Looking for me?¡±


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 19

    Ethan¡¯s POV:


    The Haxton estate sprawled across several acres of prime New York real estate, <b>a </b><b>testament </b><b>to </b>generations <b>of </b>wealth and power.


    <b>I </b>stood at the window of my private study, watching the security team patrol the grounds <b>with </b>military precision. Men and women in ck tactical gear moved efficiently through the gardens, their earpieces asionally catching the light from strategically cedndscaping fixtures.


    <b>A </b>soft knock interrupted my thoughts.


    ¡°Come in,¡± I called.


    Connor entered with his characteristic efficiency, tablet in hand. Alexander followed behind him, looking more rested than he had in days, though concern still lingered in his eyes.


    ¡°Sir,¡± Connor began, his expression slightly ufortable, ¡°I have an update regarding Miss Morgan.¡±


    I nodded for him to continue.


    ¡°She discovered our security detail,¡± Connor reported, a hint of embarrassment coloring his voice. ¡°Actually, to be precise, she spotted them within twenty minutes of deployment.¡±


    Alexander chuckled beside me. ¡°I told you she wasn¡¯t ordinary.¡±


    ¡°And?¡± I prompted.


    Connor cleared his throat. ¡°To quote the team leader: ¡®I think the ones who got scared were us, not her.¡® The girl apparently sensed their presence immediately, tracked them to their position, and confronted them directly.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. Professional surveince operators don¡¯t get ¡°made¡± by high school students. This girl continued to defy expectations.


    ¡°What did they do?¡± Alexander asked, leaning forward with interest.


    ¡°They followed <b>protocol</b><b>,</b><b>¡± </b>Connor replied. ¡°Oncepromised, they identified themselves <b>as </b><b>security </b>contracted by the Haxton family and exined they were there for her <b>protection</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>1/5 </b>


    :>))


    30


    ¡°And how did she respond to that?¡± I asked, increasingly curious about this young woman.


    Connor¡¯s lips twitched slightly. ¡°She said, and I quote: ¡®So that¡¯s where all the Haxton assets go ¨C hiring bodyguards.¡±


    I frowned slightly. Was she implying Alexander¡¯s payment had been insufficient?


    Alexander seemed to read my thoughts. ¡°I only transferred one hundred grand because I didn¡¯t want


    to rm a high school student with toorge a sum.¡± He paused. ¡°I thought that is quite generous by


    Cloud City standards.¡±


    ¡°Should we continue the surveince?¡± Connor asked, weighing our options.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Alexander said firmly. ¡°She may be remarkably observant, but that doesn¡¯t mean she doesn¡¯t need protection. If those men are still looking for me, they could target her. We need to ensure her safety.¡±


    I considered this. The girl had saved Alexander¡¯s life and subsequently found herself in da because of it. We owed her protection, at minimum.


    ¡°Very well,¡± I agreed. ¡°But perhaps a more discreet approach this time.¡±


    Alexander nodded, then sighed. ¡°I wish I could go to Cloud City myself to thank her properly, but doctors have advised against travel for another week.¡±


    ¡°Focus on your recovery,¡± I told him. ¡°We¡¯ll ensure Miss Morgan remains safe in the meantime.¡±


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    ¡°Jade! Jade, are you busy?¡±


    Max¡¯s excited voice filtered through my bedroom door, apanied by his signature uneven knock ¨C three quick taps, a pause, then two more.


    ¡°Come in,¡± I called, setting aside the tactical nning document I¡¯d been reviewing.


    The door swung open, and Max practically bounced into the room, his eyes alight with excitement despite thete hour. In his hands, he clutched a folder so tightly his knuckles were white.


    ¡°What¡¯s got you <i>so </i>worked up?¡± I asked, unable to suppress a small smile at his enthusiasm.


    <b>6:57 </b>Tue, Sep 16


    ¡°This, he breathed, carefully cing the folder on my desk. ¡°It¡¯s a challenge problem. From Princeton University¡¯s dean of physics and their president.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible,¡± Max said, his voice dropping to an almost reverent whisper. ¡°Nobody¡¯s solved itpletely. It¡¯s been out for eight months, and even Edward Sheldon ¨C you know, the physics prodigy ¨C even he¡¯s been working on it for months without aplete solution.¡±


    I flipped open the folder, scanning the problem. It involved quantum entanglement principles, rtivistic effects, and theoretical applications that would make most physicists¡® heads spin. The equations were elegant in theirplexity.


    ¡°Princeton promised that whoever solves it gets an automatic admission offer,¡± Max continued, his words tumbling out in a rush. ¡°And potentially a research position at NASA¡¯s Quantum Computing


    Division.¡±


    I hummed in acknowledgment, already mentally working through the problem¡¯s initial parameters.


    ¡°Do you think¡­¡± Max hesitated, then gestured vaguely at the papers. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s probab. advanced, but maybe we could work on it together? I¡¯ve been trying to crack it for weeks, but-


    ¡°Give me thirty minutes,¡± I said, pulling the folder closer.


    Max blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Thirty minutes should be enough,¡± I repeated, already reaching for a notebook and pen. ¡°Maybe


    less.¡±


    Max stared at me, his mouth slightly open. ¡°Jade, did you hear what I said? The most brilliant physics minds in the country haven¡¯t solved this in months.¡±


    I looked up at him, offering a small smile. ¡°I heard you. Now, do you want this solved or not?¡±


    His expression cycled through disbelief, hope, and resignation. ¡°Okay,¡± he finally said, backing toward the door. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ wait outside then?¡±


    I nodded, already immersed in the problem, my pen moving across the paper.


    Time alwayspressed when I worked onplex problems. In my previous life, I¡¯d needed to understand advanced physics to calcte impossible shots, to predict how materials would interact


    80


    6:57 Tue, Sep 16


    ?


    with different forces, to know exactly how much explosive was needed to achieve specific results. This problem, while certainly challenging, fell well within my capabilities.


    Twenty¨Cfive minutester, I set down my pen and flexed my fingers. Six pages of dense mathematical notation spread before me, the final solution elegant in its simplicity despite theplex journey to reach it.


    ¡°Max,¡± I called. ¡°You cane back in.¡±


    The door flew open immediately. He must have been waiting with his ear pressed against it. His gaze immediately went to the notebook pages spread across my desk.


    ¡°Did you¡­?¡± he began, unable to even finish the question.


    I handed him thepleted solution. ¡°Check it if you want.¡±


    Max took the notebook with trembling hands, his eyes widening as he scanned the pages. I watched nd the as his expression transformed from skepticism to shock to outright awe. By the time he re final page, his hands were shaking so badly the papers quivered.


    ¡°This is¡­ this is¡­¡± he stammered, eyes huge behind his sses. ¡°You solved it. You actually solved the quantum alignment paradox that Edward Sheldon couldn¡¯t crack!¡±


    I shrugged, suppressing the urge to smile at his dramatic reaction.


    ¡°Stop looking so shocked all the time. It¡¯s really hard to deal with.¡± I reached out and gently pinched his cheek.


    ¡°But this- he gestured wildly at the notebook, ¡°-this is beyond genius¨Clevel work! This is¡­ I don¡¯t even have words for what this is!¡±


    ¡°The principles are tooplex for your current level, though. You should wait until college to explore these areas more deeply.¡±


    Max nodded numbly, still staring at the solution like it was a religious artifact. He backed toward the door, cradling the notebook as if it were made of spun ss.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to¡­ I need to check this against¡­ just¡­ thank you,¡± he stammered, disappearing into the hallway.


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 20

    Max carefully examined the six pages of Jade¡¯s solution, marveling at the elegant mathematical proofs and precise forms his sister had written. The quantum alignment paradox that had stumped professors at Princeton for months was solved with such rity that it almost seemed simple¨Cthough Max knew better.


    ¡°This is going to change everything,¡± he whispered to himself, reaching for his phone.


    With careful precision, Max photographed each page, making sure the lighting was perfect and every equation was clearly visible. He checked each image, zooming in to ensure even the smallest


    notation was legible before uploading them to the Princeton Physics Forum.


    Unlike his usual detailed posts, Max added no introduction, nomentary, no title¨Cjust six high- resolution images of Jade¡¯s handwritten solution.


    Three hourster, a junior physics major at Princeton was the first to notice the post. The student, bleary¨Ceyed from an all¨Cnight study session, almost scrolled past before the equations caught his attention. He paused, blinked, and leaned closer to his screen.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± he muttered, suddenly wide awake.


    The student spent twenty minutes checking the work, following each logical step with growing amazement. His fingers trembled slightly as he typed the firstment:


    ¡°<i>This </i><i>solution </i><i>looks </i><ipletely </i><i>sound</i>. <i>The approach </i>is <i>unlike </i><i>anything </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>seen </i><i>before</i>, but the <i>math </i><i>checks </i><i>out</i><i>. </i><i>This </i>is <i>absolutely </i><i>mind</i><i>¨C</i><i>blowing</i>.¡±


    He tagged Professor Edward Sheldon, then shared the post to several physics Discord servers. Within minutes, notifications began flooding in as students and physics enthusiasts from across the country discovered the post.


    ¡°Is <i>this </i><i>for </i><i>real</i><i>? </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i>working on <i>this </i><i>problem </i><i>for </i><i>weeks</i>!¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>checked </i><i>the </i><i>quantum </i><i>field </i><i>calctions </i><i>three </i><i>times</i>. <i>They¡¯re </i><i>correct</i>. <i>Whoever </i>did this is a genius.*


    <i>Wait</i>, look at <i>the </i><i>poster¡¯s </i><i>profile</i>. <i>Says </i>they¡¯re only <i>SIXTEEN</i><i>? </i><i>That </i>can¡¯t <i>be </i><i>right</i>.¡±


    ??)


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sheldon¡¯s </i>team has been working <i>on </i>this for MONTHS. How did some high schooler <i>crack </i>it?¡±


    The post climbed rapidly to the top of the forum, drawing in hundreds ofments and thousands


    of views.


    Max refreshed the page for what felt like the hundredth time in twenty minutes. His eyes widened as he saw the post had now umted over two thousandments and discussions.


    ¡°Holy crap,¡± he whispered, scrolling through the avnche of responses. ¡°Jade, you did it.¡±


    He smiled to himself, imagining the look on the Princeton admissions officers¡® faces when they realized who had solved their impossible challenge. His sister would get admitted.


    In hisboratory at Princeton University, Professor Edward Sheldon was hunched over a whiteboard


    covered in equations when his colleague burst through the door.


    ¡°Edward! Edward, you need to see this!¡± The professor¡¯s face was flushed with excitement, tablet clutched tightly in his hand.


    Sheldon turned, irritation at being interrupted quickly fading at the sight of his colleague¡¯s expression. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°That quantum alignment paradox¨Cthe one you¡¯ve been working on for months<b>¨C</b>someone¡¯s solved


    it!¡±


    Edward¡¯s tired eyes suddenly sharpened with interest. He set down his marker and reached for the


    tablet. ¡°Let me see.¡±


    As he scrolled through the elegant solution, the exhaustion that had been weighing on his features


    melted away.


    ¡°Max! Dinner¡¯s ready!¡±


    The call from downstairs interrupted Max¡¯s trance¨Clike state as he monitored the exploding activity on his forum post. He reluctantly tore his eyes away from the screen.


    RO


    ¡°Coming!¡± he called back, missing the private message that had just arrived from Edward Sheldon.


    For the past few weeks, Jade had been taking Max out to eat at nice restaurants, away from the tense atmosphere at home. Their mother had started cooking again, though she never bothered to call Jade to the table. It was always Max who went to get his sister.


    He hurried to Jade¡¯s room, knocking on her door with barely contained excitement.


    ¡°Jade! Mom made dinner,¡± he said, then lowered his voice.


    The dining table was set with mismatched tes and worn cutlery. Linda mmed down a pot of pasta in the center, her face pinched with worry and frustration.


    ¡°The electric bill is due next week,¡± she announced without preamble as everyone took their seats. ¡°And the waterpany sent another notice. We¡¯re behind on payments again.¡±


    Frank Morgan sighed heavily, pushing his pasta around his te. ¡°The factory cut m They¡¯re talking about moreyoffs next month.¡±


    -ain.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Linda muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Just perfect.¡±


    Max nced nervously between his parents. Jade sat silently, her expression unreadable as she methodically ate her food.


    Linda¡¯s sharp gaze suddenly fixed on Jade. ¡°You¡¯ve been spending moneytely, haven¡¯t you? New phones, clothes, eating out¡­¡± Her voice turned sickeningly sweet. ¡°Since you seem to be rolling in cash these days, maybe you could help your family out a little?¡±


    The table fell silent. Max watched his sister carefully, wondering how she would respond.


    ¡°What¡¯s your PayPal?¡± Jade asked calmly, setting down her fork.


    Linda blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting such a straightforward response. She fumbled for her phone, pulling up her ount information.


    Jade took out her phone, tapped a few times, and set it back down. ¡°I¡¯ve sent you five hundred dors.¡±


    Linda¡¯s face lit up momentarily as she checked her ount, but her expression quickly soured.


    ?0


    ¡°That¡¯s it? Five hundred? Your phone alone cost over a thousand dors. Not to mention all those designer clothes and fancy restaurants.¡± Her voice rose with each word. ¡°You¡¯re giving us scraps while you¡¯re out there living like a princess!¡±


    Jade met her gaze coolly. ¡°That¡¯s for groceries and utilities for Max and me. It¡¯s our share of household expenses.¡±


    ¡°Your share?¡± Linda¡¯s face reddened. ¡°I¡¯m your mother! Everything you have belongs in this household!¡±


    ¡°Linda,¡± Frank started, his voice weary. ¡°The kids are entitled to-¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Frank!¡± Linda snapped. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare defend her selfishness!¡±


    Jade set her utensils down with precise control. ¡°How many meals have Max and I actually eaten at


    this house in the past month?¡±


    The question hung in the air, unanswered.


    ¡°The refrigerator contains expired dairy products and processed junk food,¡± Jade cor steady and cold. ¡°Max and I haven¡¯t seen a proper piece of meat in this house for days. So yes, five hundred dors more than covers our minimal impact on your grocery bill.¡±


    her voice


    Linda¡¯s face contorted with rage. ¡°How dare you speak to me like that! After everything I¡¯ve done for


    you-¡±


    ¡°Done for me?¡± Jade¡¯sugh was sharp enough to cut ss. ¡°What exactly have you done for me, Linda? Besides resenting my existence and treating me like an unwanted burden?¡±


    Max shrank in his seat, his eyes darting between his sister and mother. The tension in the room was suffocating.


    ¡°I¡¯m your mother!¡± Linda shrieked.


    ¡°You¡¯re my legal guardian,¡± Jade corrected calmly. ¡°There¡¯s a difference.¡±


    Linda¡¯s hand tightened around her fork until her knuckles turned white. ¡°You ungrateful little¡ª*


    Jade stood up gracefully, cutting off Linda¡¯s tirade. ¡°You¡¯re right about one thing,¡± she said, her voice perfectlyposed. ¡°I do have money now. But I would rather use it to wipe my ass than give you a cent more than you deserve.¡±


    6:57 Tue, Sep 16


    With that, she turned and walked away from the table.


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    This is the most amazing story I ever read,thank you for this 20


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 Treatment 21

    <b>¡°</b><b>You </b>ungrateful <b>little </b>bitch!¡± Linda Morgan¡¯s shrill voice pierced <b>through </b><b>the </b>house as Jade walked <b>away </b>from the dining table. ¡°I raised <b>you</b>, fed you<b>, </b>put clothes <b>on </b><b>your </b>back, and <b>this </b>is how you <b>repay </b>me<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Frank jumped up, reaching for his wife¡¯s arm. ¡°Linda, please, <b>let¡¯s </b><b>just </b><b>calm </b><b>down- </b>


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Linda snapped, whipping around to face him.


    When Linda turned back to continue her tirade, she found herself staring <b>directly </b><b>into </b>Jade¡¯s eyes. Something in that gaze¨Ccold, calcting, and utterly devoid of fear<b>¨C</b>made Linda¡¯s <b>voice </b>die in her throat mid¨Csentence.


    The entire room fell silent. Even Emily felt a chill run down her spine as she stared down <b>at </b>her <b>half- </b>eaten pasta, her appetitepletely gone. Five hundred dors. Her sister had <b>just </b><b>casually </b>sent five hundred dors like it was nothing.


    Later that night, Emilyy scrolling through Instagram, but her mind kept wandering back to <b>Jade</b><b>. </b>Everything about her sister had changed¨Cnot just her personality, but her entire presence.


    She thought back to the Jade she knew before: overweight, constantly looking at the floor, flinching at the slightest criticism. That Jade wore baggy sweatshirts from Walmart and thrift store jeans.


    Now? Emily had noticed thebels. Calvin Klein tops. Levi¡¯s jeans. An Apple Watch that definitely wasn¡¯t a knockoff.


    ¡°Where the hell is she getting all this money?¡± Emily muttered to herself. ¡°And how did she lose all that weight so fast?¡±


    She sat up suddenly as another thought struck her. Jade had always been the family <b>disappointment </b>-the one with terrible grades, the one who¡¯d never get into a decent college. That had been <b>Emily¡¯s </b>constion: at least she was the smart one.


    But if Jade could change everything else about herself <b>so </b>dramatically¡­ <b>what </b>else <b>might </b>she <b>be </b>capable of?


    Emily shook <b>her </b>head firmly. ¡°No <b>way</b><b>. </b><b>Her </b><b>grades </b><b>have </b><b>been </b><b>trash for </b><b>years</b><b>. </b><b>That </b><b>doesn¡¯t </b>just change overnight.¡±


    ¡°Max? You still up?¡± Linda pushed his door open without waiting for a response.


    Max was hunched over hisputer, fingers flying across the keyboard. ¡°I¡¯m learning Python programming,¡± he exined without looking up. ¡°Jade showed me some basics. If I get good enough, I might be able to make money like she does.¡±


    Linda¡¯s expression changed at the mention of Jade¡¯s name. ¡°Thatputer,¡± she said slowly, eyes narrowing. ¡°How much did it cost?¡±


    Max hesitated. ¡°About¡­ twelve hundred.¡±


    ¡°Twelve hundred dors?¡± Linda¡¯s voice rose sharply. ¡°That good¨Cfor¨Cnothing-¡±


    ¡°Jade bought it for me,¡± Max said defensively. ¡°It¡¯s for school and programming.¡±


    Linda crossed her arms tightly. ¡°Your sister thinks she¡¯s so special now. Has she mentioned anything about where she¡¯s getting all this money?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s good withputers. She makes money online.¡±


    Linda¡¯s expression softened into something calcting. ¡°Maybe you could ask her for a little more help for the family? She clearly has plenty to spare.¡±


    Max finally turned to face his mother, his expression unusually hard. ¡°No, Mom. I won¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Max-¡±


    Frank appeared in the doorway. ¡°Linda,e to bed. It¡¯ste.¡±


    Linda looked like she wanted to argue, but after a moment, she followed Frank out.


    ¡°You think you can get a perfect score on the AP Calculus exam today?¡± Max asked the next morning, sliding a te across the counter to Jade.


    Jade nced at the egg white omelet Max had prepared. ¡°Is there any doubt?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s supposed to be pretty tough this year.¡±


    900


    ¡°I¡¯ll get a perfect score,¡± she said simply.


    ¡°I made you breakfast, Max said unnecessarily. High protein, low fat. Good for your<i>¡­ </i>um, weight loss n.¡±


    Jade took a bite. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Max watched his sister eat with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. The transformation he¡¯d witnessed over the past few months still amazed him. Not just the physical changes¨Cthough those were remarkable¨Cbut the way she carried herself, the confidence that seemed to radiate from her.


    ¡°You¡¯re staring,¡± Jade observed without looking up.


    Max blushed. ¡°Sorry. I just¡­ I¡¯m still getting used to-¡± he gestured vaguely at her -all of <b>this</b><b>.</b>¡±


    At lunchtime, Max checked Reddit and nearly dropped his phone. The post with Jade lution had exploded overnight. Over thirty thousandments. More than ten thousand share


    Several professors from MIT and Caltech hadmented, analyzing the solution and expressing astonishment. Some were debating the implications for quantum field theory. Others were demanding to know the identity of the mathematical prodigy behind the work.


    Max scrolled through thements with widening eyes:


    ¡°<i>This </i>is <i>revolutionary</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>approach </i><i>breaks conventional </i>quantum alignment theory.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>working </i><i>on </i><i>this </i><i>problem </i>for <i>almost </i><i>a </i><i>year</i><i>. </i><i>This </i>solution is¡­ <i>I </i>don¡¯t even have words.¡±


    The hashtag #Quantum Wunderkind was trending. As he continued scrolling, a direct message notification popped up from Edward Sheldon.


    ¡°<i>Your </i><i>solution </i><i>is </i><i>nothing </i><i>short </i><i>of </i><i>brilliant</i>. <i>I¡¯ve </i>been <i>working </i>on this problem for months. Would you be <i>willing </i>to <i>share </i><i>your </i><i>contact </i><i>information</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    It wasn¡¯t the first message from Sheldon. There were five others, all sent over the past twelve hours.


    That afternoon, Jade sat in the AP Calculus exam room, surrounded by nervous students frantically


    reviewing notes<b>. </b>She looked bored.


    C


    When the test booklets were distributed, Jade immediately began writing. Other students were still reading the instructions when she flipped to the second page.


    Mrs. Hanson, the calculus teacher serving as proctor, noticed Jade¡¯s rapid progress with a frown. By the time most students hadpleted the first problem, Jade was already on the fourth page.


    Twenty¨Cfive minutes after the exam began, when most students were barely a third of the way through, Jade stood up and walked to the front with herpleted booklet.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan,¡± Mrs. Hanson whispered harshly, ¡°you have over an hour left. Please return to your seat and check your work.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m finished,¡± Jade said simply.


    ¡°No one finishes this exam in twenty¨Cfive minutes. This isn¡¯t the time for pranks.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a prank. I¡¯m done.¡±


    Mrs. Hanson¡¯s face flushed with anger. ¡°Return to your seat immediately.¡±


    Students were beginning to look up from their tests, distracted by the exchange. Mrs. Hanson snatched the booklet from the desk.


    ¡°Fine,¡± she hissed.


    Jade walked out without another word. Mrs. Hanson flipped through the test booklet, her expression shifting from anger to confusion to disbelief.


    Every problem was solved with elegant precision. No scratch work, no corrections. Just perfect solutions, one after another.


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 Treatment 22

    <b>Chapter </b><b>22 </b>


    <b>Jade¡¯s </b>POV:


    I approached Mrs. Hanson¡¯s desk with mypleted AP Calculus exam<b>, </b>watching her face twist with thinly veiled contempt. Twenty¨Cfive minutes¨Cnot even a third of the allotted time. Most <b>students </b>were still hunched over their papers, frantically working through the <b>first </b><b>few </b>problems.


    I walked out of the silent exam room, feeling the weight of her stare on my back. In <b>my </b>former life, I¡¯d calcted missile trajectories and sniper bullet paths in my head while running <b>at </b>full speed<b>. </b><b>AP </b>Calculus was child¡¯s y byparison.


    With nearly two hours to kill before I¡¯d normally be heading home, I made my way to the school¡¯s athletic field. The afternoon sun felt good on my skin as I started my workout routine¨Cpush¨C<b>ups</b>, sprints, and core exercises. My body was getting stronger every day, the muscle memory from my previous life gradually returning.


    After a solid workout session, I showered in the locker room and changed back into my <b>re </b>clothes. As I was walking through the school¡¯s main exit, I spotted Emily and her friends of the building, having just finished the exam.


    out


    ¡°Look who finished early,¡± she said loudly enough for me to hear. ¡°Probably couldn¡¯t answer a single question.¡±


    Her friends snickered, nudging each other as I approached.


    ¡°ying withputers and making a few bucks doesn¡¯t make you smart,¡± Emily continued, eyes narrowing as I passed by without acknowledgment. ¡°Mom¡¯s going to flip when she finds out you failed again.¡±


    One of her friends leaned in. ¡°How does she even have money for those clothes? That¡¯s definitely Calvin Klein.¡±


    Emily¡¯s smile tightened. ¡°Who knows? Maybe she¡¯s stealing. Mom says there¡¯s no way she could <i>be </i>making that much from someputer stuff.¡±


    I kept walking, their voices fading as I left the school grounds<i>. </i>Their opinions meant <b>less </b>than nothing to me.


    Max was waiting by the kitchen table when I arrived home, his eyes bright with excitement.


    ¡°You¡¯re back early,¡± he said, checking the time. It¡¯s only 4:30. How was the test?¡±


    ¡°Easy,¡± I replied, setting my backpack down. ¡°Finished in twenty¨Cfive minutes.¡±


    Max¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Twenty¨Cfive minutes? That¡¯s- He shook <b>his </b>head, then broke into a <b>grin</b><b>. </b>¡°Actually, that doesn¡¯t even surprise me anymore. Listen, I¡¯ve got news. Big news.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked, opening the refrigerator to find something edible among Linda¡¯s collection of expired condiments.


    ¡°Princeton University reached out,¡± Max said, his voice dropping to an excited whisper despite us being alone in the house. ¡°The Dean of Admissions and Edward Sheldon both contacted me through Reddit. They want to offer you early admission and a full schrship.¡±


    I closed the refrigerator door. ¡°Based on that physics problem I solved?¡±


    Max nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Edward Sheldon himself said your solution was revolution been working on it for months, and you solved it in thirty minutes! They¡¯re practically b have you visit campus.¡±


    I leaned against the counter, keeping my face impassive. ¡°I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Max¡¯s smile faltered. ¡°But¡­ it¡¯s Princeton. One of the best universities in the world.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about physics,¡± I said tly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to spend my time with a bunch of old professors doing boring research.¡±


    Max¡¯s shoulders slumped slightly, but he recovered quickly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to major in physics. You could-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll still apply to Princeton,¡± I interrupted.


    Max studied my face<b>, </b>trying to understand. What I couldn¡¯t tell him was that Princeton¡¯s location was perfect for my real n. The strongest East Coast branch of the Shadow Organization operated less than thirty miles from Princeton¡¯s campus. It was time they got a taste of their own medicine. C4 made a particr sound when it detonated¨Ca sound I was looking forward to hearing again.


    ¡°Whatever you decide, I support you,¡± Max said quietly.


    My expression softened slightly. ¡°Would you want to go to Princeton?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but I want to earn it myself,¡± Max replied, his eyes sincere.


    I reached out and gently ruffled his hair, an unusual disy of affection. ¡°I¡¯ll see you at Princeton,


    then.¡±


    Later that evening, I passed by Max¡¯s room and noticed him staring at hisputer screen, his finger hovering over the keyboard. He was looking at messages from Edward Sheldon and the Princeton admissions office. After a moment of hesitation, he typed a brief response:


    ¡°Thank you for your interest, but we¡¯re not in a position to ept at this time.¡±


    He hit send before he could change his mind, then blocked the ounts. Within minutes, new messages appeared from different ounts¨CEdward trying again. Max ignored them all.


    I stepped away from his door, a small smile ying on my lips.


    80


    A weekter, the AP Calculus exam results were posted outside the mathematics department. Students crowded around, searching for their names.


    ¡°Orion got a 98!¡± someone announced, and a small cheer went up from his friends.


    ¡°Ashley dropped to 103rd ce,¡± another voice said, followed by hushed whispers about the video


    scandal.


    I spotted Emily pushing her way to the front, her finger tracing down the list until she found her name. ¡°87,¡± she muttered, disappointment evident in her voice. ¡°That¡¯s not right. I should have scored at least in the 90s.¡±


    I scanned the list but couldn¡¯t find my name anywhere. I checked twice to be sure, then stepped back from the crowd, keeping my face expressionless. Emily caught my eye as she walked away from the board, a smug smile spreading across her face.


    ¡°Can¡¯t find your name?¡± she asked. ¡°Maybe they don¡¯t list zeros.¡±


    I ignored her and walked away. I had more important things to worry about than her petty jabs.


    ¡°Mr. Peterson,¡± I said, my voice cutting through the ssroom chatter as the teacher prepared to begin the day¡¯s lesson. ¡°I didn¡¯t receive my AP Calculus exam results.¡±


    The ssroom fell silent. Mr. Peterson adjusted his sses and looked at me with barely concealed disdain.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you received zero points, Ms. Morgan.¡±


    Murmurs rippled through the ssroom.


    ¡°Zero points?¡± I repeated, keeping my voice perfectly calm. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because, Ms. Morgan,¡± Mr. Peterson said, his voice hardening, ¡°the proctors and I agree that no student couldplete that exam in twenty¨Cfive minutes without cheating. Especially not a student


    with your¡­ academic history.¡±


    I felt my eyes narrow slightly. ¡°I didn¡¯t cheat.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t show any work,¡± Mr. Peterson countered. ¡°You wrote down answers with no calctions, no problem¨Csolving steps. Just answers. That¡¯s impossible.¡±


    ¡°Not for me.¡±


    The ssroom was dead silent now, all eyes moving between us.


    ¡°We¡¯ve confiscated your exam,¡± Mr. Peterson continued. ¡°The Academic Integrity Committee will review your case tomorrow. Until then-¡±


    ¡°I can solve the problems again,¡± I interrupted. ¡°Right now. Different methods, same answers.¡±


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 Treatment 23

    <b>Chapter </b><b>23 </b>


    Mr. Peterson¡¯s face hardened, his lips pressing into a thin line. He adjusted his sses and looked down at me with what he probably thought was intimidating authority.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a stage for your performance<b>, </b>Ms. Morgan,¡± he said coldly. ¡°This matter has <b>already </b>been referred to the Academic Integrity Committee. Your hearing <b>is </b>scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.


    A ripple of whispers swept through the ssroom. <b>I </b>could feel twenty¨Csix pairs of eyes locked <b>on </b>me<b>, </b>watching for any sign of panic or guilt. They wouldn¡¯t find any. A high school math teacher <b>with </b><b>an </b>inferiorityplex hardly registered as a threat.


    I calmly closed my notebook and slipped it into my backpack, the zipper¡¯s sound cutting through the tense silence. ¡°Then I¡¯ll see you at the hearing.¡±


    ¡°This will affect your college applications, Ms. Morgan,¡± Mr. Peterson warned, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. ¡°I hope you understand the gravity of the situation.¡±


    I met his gaze, allowing myself a small smile. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±


    The ssroom fell silent as I walked out, head high. The hallway felt cooler than the stuffy ssroom, and I took a deep breath, mentally calcting my next moves.


    ¡°Look at her,¡± Emily¡¯s voice carried from her circle of friends as I passed through the hallway after lunch. She was leaning against her locker, surrounded by her usual entourage of mean girls. ¡°Suddenly wants to be a top student and resorts to cheating. How pathetic.¡±


    One of her friends, a blonde with too much makeup, snickered. ¡°Right? A fat girl loses some weight and suddenly thinks she can do anything?¡±


    ¡°She can kiss her college applications goodbye,¡± Emily said with obvious pleasure, her voice rising to ensure I could hear. ¡°Serves her right.¡±


    Another girl with a pink phone case chimed in, ¡°Tries to prove she¡¯s smart but only <b>proves </b>she¡¯s a fraud.¡±


    ¡°I always knew she couldn¡¯t actually improve,¡± Emily concluded smugly, flipping <b>her </b><b><i>hair </i></b><b>over </b><i>her </i>shoulder. ¡°It was all just an act<b>.</b>¡±


    <b>1/4 </b>


    80


    I walked past without acknowledging them, their words bouncing off me like raindrops on a window.


    I found sanctuary in the library, flipping through aputer textbook when Max appeared, his face etched with concern. The quiet space smelled of old books and furniture polish, aforting constant in this new life.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked, sliding into the chair across from me. ¡°I heard about what happened in Mr. Peterson¡¯s ss.¡± His fingers tapped nervously on the wooden table, his concern genuine.


    ¡°Small stuff,¡± I replied, turning a page with deliberate casualness. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Max leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°But the hearing tomorrow¡­ everyone¡¯s talking about it. They¡¯re saying you could get expelled.¡±


    I closed the book and met his anxious gaze. ¡°If they want to y, I¡¯m game.¡±


    ¡°But what if¡ª¡±


    ¡°Max,¡± I cut him off gently, ¡°there are people who¡¯ve tried to kill me and failed. A high school academicmittee doesn¡¯t exactly make me shake in my boots.¡±


    His eyes widened slightly at my casual reference to danger, but he didn¡¯t press. That was one of the things I appreciated about Max¨Che knew when to let things go. He sat back in his chair, studying me with a mixture of confusion and awe.


    The Academic Integrity Committee convened in a small conference room the following afternoon. Three teachers and two student representatives sat at a long table, with Mr. Peterson standing confidently to one side, a folder of ¡°evidence¡± clutched in his hands. Dr. Thompson, the principal, was present as an observer, his expression carefully neutral as he stood by the window.


    I sat alone at a small table facing them, the room¡¯s air conditioning raising goosebumps on my arms. Ms. Wilson, my homeroom teacher, had pulled me aside earlier and urged me to ¡°<i>just </i>admit the mistake¡± to receive a lighter punishment. I¡¯d politely declined.


    ¡°We¡¯re here to review allegations of academic dishonesty against Jade Morgan,¡± announced Mrs. Kelley, themittee chair, a stern woman with reading sses hanging from a chain around her neck. ¡°Mr. Peterson, please present your evidence.¡±


    Mr. Peterson stepped forward eagerly. ¡°Ms. Morgan <b>has </b>a history of poor academic performance.¡± He disyed my past grade reports on the projector screen, the red marks highlighted for dramatic effect. ¡°On Monday, shepleted the AP Calculus exam in twenty¨Cfive minutes¨Cless than a third of the allotted time¨Cand submitted a paper with perfect answers but no calctions or work shown.¡±


    He ced my exam on the table with the flourish of a prosecutor presenting damning evidence. It is mathematically impossible for someone toplete theseplex calctions mentally in such a short time. The only exnation is cheating.¡±


    Themittee members exchanged nces. One of the student representatives, a senior named Tyler with wire¨Crimmed sses, raised his hand.


    ¡°Could we maybe have her solve a simr problem now? To see if-¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Mr. Peterson interrupted, his tone sharp. ¡°That would set a dangerous precedent. Any student used of cheating could demand a do¨Cover.¡±


    The other teachers nodded in agreement, the path of least resistance clearly appealing to them. Dr. Thompson remained silent, watching the proceedings with interest, his fingers steeple


    chin.


    After thirty minutes of discussion that went nowhere, Mrs. Kelley sighed, removing her sses. ¡°We¡¯ll need more time to deliberate. Themittee will reconvene tomorrow to make a final


    decision.¡±


    ¡°The evidence is clear,¡± Mr. Peterson insisted, his cheeks flushing slightly. ¡°She couldn¡¯t possibly havepleted these calctions so quickly without cheating.¡±


    I hadn¡¯t spoken a word during the entire hearing, simply observing eachmittee member¡¯s reactions and bodynguage. I could already tell who would vote which way. Their tells were as obvious to me as amateur poker yers at a high¨Cstakes table.


    The meeting adjourned with no resolution. As I left the room, I felt no anxiety, only a growing determination that solidified with each step.


    Outside the school building, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number I¡¯d memorized years ago, my fingers moving with practiced precision.


    ¡°Jensen Law Firm, how may I help you?¡± a professional voice answered.


    ¡°I need to speak with Chris Jensen,¡± I said, my voice cool andposed. ¡°Tell him it¡¯s Jade Morgan.


    6:58 Tue, Sep 16


    Night rmended him.¡±


    C


    There was a brief pause, followed by a subtle shift in the receptionist¡¯s tone. ¡°Of course, Ms. Morgan. Mr. Jensen has an opening this afternoon. I¡¯ll schedule you immediately.¡±


    I hung up and allowed myself a small smile. If the school wanted to y hardball, they had no idea who they were dealing with


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 Treatment 24

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>24 </b>


    I leaned against the brick wall outside the school entrance, checking my watch for the <b>third </b>time. The afternoon sun beat down on my face, warming my skin despite the crisp spring air. Students streamed past me, casting curious nces my way¨Cword about my academic integrity hearing had spread like wildfire.


    A sleek ck Mercedes pulled up to the curb, drawing even more attention. The engine purred <b>to </b><b>a </b>stop, and out stepped a man who looked like he¡¯d walked straight off a GQ cover<b>. </b>Chris Jensen stood about six¨Cfoot¨Ctwo, with dark hair perfectly styled, wearing a charcoal suit. His presence immediatelymanded attention, making the chattering students fall silent.


    Even before Night had mentioned him to me, I¡¯d known about Chris Jensen. His reputation preceded him¨CAmerica¡¯s most formidable trialwyer who had never lost a case. Street gangs respected him<b>, </b>calling him ¡°Mr. Jensen¡± with a reverence usually reserved for mob bosses. Rumors circted that he was the son of the head of America¡¯srgest crime syndicate, though anyone foolish enough to investigate those ims found their lives systematically dismantled.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan?¡± he asked, his voice smooth and controlled:


    I nodded. ¡°Mr. Jensen. Thank you foring.¡±


    We found an empty ssroom, and I watched as he ced his briefcase on a desk.


    ¡°Tell me exactly what happened,¡± he said, his eyes sharp. ¡°Don¡¯t omit any details.¡±


    I exined the situation methodically: the AP Calculus exam I¡¯dpleted in twenty¨Cfive minutes, Mr. Peterson¡¯s usations, the initial hearing where they¡¯d refused to let me demonstrate my


    abilities.


    ¡°They¡¯re convinced I cheated because my previous grades were bad, and because I didn¡¯t show my work on the exam,¡± I concluded.


    Jensen nodded<b>, </b>his expression thoughtful. ¡°They¡¯re making assumptions based on past performance rather than considering current evidence.¡± He closed his briefcase with a decisive click. ¡°Let¡¯s go change their minds.¡±


    The academic integritymittee members were already seated when we arrived at <b>the </b><b>hearing </b>room. Their eyes widened collectively when they saw Chris Jensen <b>walk </b><b>in </b>behind <b>me</b><b>. </b><b>Mr. </b><b>Peterson</b>,


    6:58 Tue, Sep 16


    who had been leaning casually against the wall, immediately straightened his posture.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± themittee chairwoman said, adjusting her sses nervously, ¡°but who is this gentleman?¡±


    ¡°Chris Jensen,¡± he replied before I could speak, handing her his business card. I¡¯m Ms. Morgan¡¯s legal representative.¡±


    Mr. Peterson stepped forward, his face flushing slightly. ¡°This is just a school academic integrity matter. There¡¯s no need forwyers to be involved.¡±


    Jensen smiled¨Cthe kind of smile that doesn¡¯t reach the eyes. ¡°Any allegation that could impact a student¡¯s future academic prospects deserves proper representation.¡±


    He pulled out a thick folder and ced it on the table.


    ¡°Before we begin,¡± he said, ¡°I¡¯d like to present some documentation.¡±


    He slid copies of what appeared to be a legal brief across the table to eachmittee <b>mer </b>


    ¡°This is¡­ a defamation im?¡± the chairwoman asked, her voice rising slightly.


    ¡°Along with academic misconduct allegations against the school and relevant faculty,¡± Jensen confirmed, his tone matter¨Cof¨Cfact. ¡°To be filed only if necessary, of course.¡±


    Mr. Peterson snatched up his copy, flipping through it with growing agitation. ¡°This is ridiculous! We¡¯re following standard procedure for a suspected cheating case.¡±


    ¡°Procedure?¡± Jensen raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is it standard procedure to deny a student the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge?¡±


    ¡°My client,¡± Jensen continued, ¡°has the right to prove her abilities in a fair environment. She¡¯s willing to take any test you put before her.¡±


    Mr. Peterson broke the silence, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Hiring a fancywyer doesn¡¯t change the facts, Ms. Morgan. Your historical academic performance has been mediocre at best. Suddenlypleting an exam in twenty¨Cfive minutes with perfect answers and no work shown? It¡¯s imusible.¡±


    I met his gaze directly. ¡°Is it imusible, Mr. Peterson, or are you simply unable <b>to </bprehend that a student might understand concepts beyond your teaching capacity?¡±


    200


    ¡°Your previous records don¡¯t support your im of mathematical genius, onemittee member finally said.


    ¡®My previous choice not to demonstrate my abilities doesn¡¯t negate their existence,¡± I replied coolly. ¡°That¡¯s a historical induction facy¨Cassuming past performance determines current capability.¡±


    Mr. Peterson¡¯s face flushed crimson. ¡°Don¡¯t try to distract us with fancy terminology!¡±


    ¡°My client is willing to take any test right now, under your supervision,¡± Jensen added.


    Before anyone could respond, a knock at the door interrupted the proceedings. Dr. Thompson rose to answer it, his expression shifting from annoyance to surprise as he pulled the door open.


    A tall man in an expensive suit stepped into the room. I recognized him immediately from campaign posters around town¨CFelix Huxley, the mayor of Cloud City.


    ¡°Good afternoon,¡± he said, his deep voice filling the room. ¡°I hope I¡¯m not interrupting anything


    important.¡±


    Themittee members scrambled to their feet, murmuring greetings.


    ¡°Mayor Huxley, this is unexpected. What brings you to our school today?¡± Dr. Thompson asked.


    Felix Huxley smiled, the practiced smile of a career politician. ¡°I heard that Cloud City High was handling an academic integrity case today. As mayor, I take a personal interest in ensuring our educational system operates with fairness and transparency.¡±


    ¡°We were just discussing the appropriate way to resolve this matter,¡± the chairwoman exined.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Jensen interjected. ¡°My client has been used of cheating on an exam, despite no evidence beyond the fact that shepleted it quickly and correctly. She¡¯s offered to demonstrate her knowledge in person, but that request has been denied.¡±


    Mayor Huxley nodded thoughtfully. ¡°That seems like a reasonable request to me. Wouldn¡¯t the simplest solution be to let the youngdy prove herself?¡±


    ¡°Exactly what I proposed,* Jensen agreed. ¡°A supervised test of equal difficulty would resolve any doubts.¡±


    Dr. Thompson, seemingly eager to impress the mayor, stepped forward. ¡°I believe that¡¯s a sensible approach. We¡¯ve always prioritized fairness at Cloud City High.¡±


    314


    6:58 Tue<b>, </b>Sep 16


    80


    Mr. Peterson alone seemed unwilling to concede. ¡°Even if she passes a new test, it doesn¡¯t prove she didn¡¯t cheat on the original.¡±


    Jensen¡¯s smile was razor¨Csharp. ¡°You¡¯re right, Mr. Peterson<b>, </b>we can¡¯t prove a negative about past events. But the burden of proof for cheating allegations lies with the user, and so far your only evidence is the speed ofpletion andck of written work¨Cnot actual proof of misconduct. A supervised demonstration would establish that Ms. Morgan possesses the capability to perform at this level legitimately. If you have concrete evidence of cheating beyond your assumptions about her abilities, I¡¯d be interested to see it. Otherwise, preparing a new set of problems seems the most equitable solution. Unless, of course, you¡¯re concerned she might actually seed?¡±


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 Treatment 25

    <b>Chapter </b><b>25 </b>


    The testing room buzzed with tension as I walked in. Multiple cameras had been set <b>up </b><b>around </b>the ssroom, capturing every angle. Several teachers I recognized from the math <b>department </b>stood along the walls, arms crossed, expressions ranging from curiosity to outright skepticism. Student representatives from the academic integritymittee sat in the back row<b>, </b>whispering <b>among </b>themselves.


    Mr. Peterson stood at the front, arranging a stack of papers with the smug confidence of someone who believed they¡¯d finally corner their prey. When he saw me enter with Chris Jensen, his expression soured.


    ¡°These questions,¡± Dr. Thompson announced, gesturing to the papers, ¡°have been specially selected to match the difficulty level of the original exam. Mr. Peterson personally chose the most challenging problems to ensure a fair assessment.¡±


    I nodded, maintaining a neutral expression despite the urge to roll my eyes. This whole circus waste of time, but I needed to y their game.


    Chris Jensen stepped forward. ¡°I¡¯d like to confirm that the testing environment and grading standards are transparent. My client is prepared to demonstrate her abilities under these conditions.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Felix Huxley said from the doorway. The mayor stood tall in his tailored suit, a camera- ready smile on his face. ¡°I¡¯m confident Cloud City¡¯s educational system can treat every student fairly.¡±


    Dr. Thompson nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s proceed. Ms. Morgan, you may begin when ready.¡±


    I took my seat at the center desk while the others arranged themselves around the room. Mr. Peterson hovered nearby, watching my every move as he distributed the test papers. I could feel his eyes boring into me, desperately hoping to catch some sign <b>of </b>cheating.


    ¡°You have two hours,¡± he said, cing the packet in front of me with a pointed look. ¡°I personally selected the most challenging calculus problems for this assessment.¡±


    I flipped open the packet and scanned the questions. The problems were indeed difficult<b>¨C</b><b>for </b><b>an </b>average student. For me, they were trivial. I began writing immediately, my hand moving <b>swiftly </b>across the pages. The solutions emerged in my mind with perfect rity, each <b>step </b><b>logically </b><b>flowing </b>into the next.


    6:58 Tue, Sep 16


    Mr. Peterson paced behind me, his footsteps growing increasingly agitated as I filled page after paze with solutions. I didn¡¯t bother showing extensive work¨Cjust enough to make the logical progression clear while maintaining efficiency. The cameras continued to record silently, capturing every


    movement.


    Twenty minutes in, I set down my pencil and stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯m finished.¡±


    Mr. Peterson¡¯s head snapped up, his face flushing. ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Nobody couldplete these problems so quickly!¡±


    ¡°Apparently someone can,¡± I replied calmly.


    Chris Jensen stepped forward. ¡°The focus should be on the uracy of the answers, not the speed ofpletion. Please grade the exam immediately.¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± Felix Huxley said, his politician¡¯s smile never wavering. ¡°Results are what matter he


    Mr. Peterson snatched up my papers, his fingers crinkling the edges. ¡°This is absurd,¡± he mutt but the cameras were still rolling, and he knew he had no choice.


    Dr. Thompson cleared his throat. ¡°Let¡¯s move to my office for the grading process. Three mathematics faculty members, including Mr. Peterson, will assess the answers together.¡±


    I followed them out, Chris Jensen close behind me. The walk to the principal¡¯s office was silent, tension hanging in the air like a physical presence.


    Inside Dr. Thompson¡¯s office, three teachers huddled over my test papers, speaking in hushed tones. I stood by the window, staring out at the school grounds while they worked. Twenty minutes passed before they finally looked up.


    ¡°Well?¡± Dr. Thompson prompted.


    One of the teachers, a woman I recognized from the advanced cement program, spoke first. ¡°All answers are correct. The solutions are¡­¡± she hesitated, ncing at Mr. Peterson, ¡°remarkably efficient and elegant.¡±


    Mr. Peterson¡¯s face had gone from red to purple. ¡°She must have known the questions beforehand! There¡¯s no other exnation!¡±


    6:58 Tue, Sep 16


    ¡°That¡¯s a serious usation,¡± Chris Jensen said, his voice dangerously soft. ¡°One that could prompt an immediate defamationwsuit. Do you have any evidence to support such a im?¡±


    Mr. Peterson opened his mouth, then closed it again.


    80


    ¡°The evidence,¡± Dr. Thompson said heavily, ¡°appears quite clear. Ms. Morgan has demonstrated exceptional mathematical ability under controlled conditions.¡± He turned to me. ¡°I believe the school owes you an apology, Ms. Morgan. Your original exam grade will be reinstated, and we¡¯ll provide the rmendation letters you requested aspensation for this unfortunate misunderstanding.¡±


    I nodded, epting the victory withoutment. Mr. Peterson stormed out, mming the door


    behind him.


    Outside in the hallway, I turned to Chris Jensen. ¡°Thank you for your assistance today, Mr. Jensen.¡±


    I reached into my bag and pulled out an envelope. ¡°My payment for your services.¡±


    Jensen raised an eyebrow. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. Any friend of Night¡¯s-¡±


    ¡°I prefer to keep business and personal matters separate,¡± I interrupted, pressing the enve his hand. ¡°I don¡¯t like owing favors.¡±


    He studied me for a moment, then epted the envelope with a slight nod. ¡°You remind me of someone I used to know.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°Another friend of Night¡¯s.¡± His expression darkened slightly. ¡°She passed away.¡±


    I kept my face carefully neutral. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that.¡±


    ¡°Night took it hard,¡± Jensen continued, watching me closely. ¡°Talk to him more often, will you? He¡¯s¡­ impulsive when he¡¯s grieving. I¡¯d hate to see him do something reckless.¡±


    A chill ran through me. I knew exactly what Jensen was implying. Night might be nning to go after Shadow Organization for revenge.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± I said.


    Jensen nodded, seemingly satisfied. ¡°It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Morgan. I hope your academic troubles are behind you now.¡±


    <b>6:58 </b><b>Tue</b>, <b>Sep </b>


    <b>Sep </b><b>16 </b>


    After Jensen walked away, Felix approached from the other end of the hallway. He maintained the same confident, political demeanor he¡¯d disyed earlier.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan,¡± he said, extending his hand. ¡°I hope my presence today was helpful. I¡¯m here at Mr. Haxton¡¯s request to ensure everything went smoothly for you.¡±


    I shook his hand, noticing how Chris Jensen paused momentarily <b>at </b>the mention of ¡°Mr. Haxton, flicker of surprise crossing his features before he continued walking.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton?¡± I repeated, keeping my tone casual while my mind raced through possibilities. Alexander Haxton, most likely. Though I hadn¡¯t expected to hear from him again after <b>receiving </b>the bank transfer.


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 Treatment 26

    <b>Chapter 26 </b>


    <b>79 </b>


    ¡°Well, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule. I appreciate your support, Mr. Mayor.¡±


    ¡°Felix, please,¡± he insisted, reaching into his jacket pocket. He produced a business card, holding it between two manicured fingers. ¡°If you ever need anything¨Canything at all¨Cplease don¡¯t hesitate to


    contact me directly. Day or night.¡±


    I epted the card, noting the gold embossing and premium cardstock. Clearly, Mayor Huxley spared no expense on his personal branding.


    ¡°You know,¡± he continued, lowering his voice conspiratorially, ¡°my wife and I would love to have you


    over for dinner sometime. Perhaps this weekend? We have a lovely home in the Heights district.¡±


    The invitation was unexpected. I tilted my head slightly, analyzing his motives. ¡°That¡¯s very kind of


    you, but I wouldn¡¯t want to impose.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense! It would be our pleasure.¡± His eyes glinted with something I couldn¡¯t quite ce- ambition, perhaps, or calction. ¡°I have a son about your age. Sterling. He attends Weske Prep.


    Smart boy, though between us, not quite as¡­ exceptional as you appear to be.¡±


    Ah, there it was. He wanted to y matchmaker, likely hoping to connect his son with someone he


    perceived as valuable to the Haxton family.


    ¡°I¡¯ll consider it,¡± I replied nomittally, slipping his card into my pocket.


    As Felix opened his mouth to press further, his attention shifted to something over my shoulder. His expression brightened.


    ¡°Ah, Orion! Good afternoon.¡±


    I turned slightly to see Orion Miller approaching, his backpack slung casually over one shoulder.


    ¡°Mayor Huxley,¡± Orion nodded politely. ¡°Good afternoon, sir.¡±


    Felix beamed, pping a hand on Orion¡¯s shoulder. ¡°One of Cloud City High¡¯s star students! Your father speaks highly of your academic achievements.¡±


    Orion looked ufortable with the attention but maintained hisposure. ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    Felix nced between us, and I could practically see the wheels turning in his head. ¡°You two know


    7:03 Tue, Sep 16


    :.


    each other, I presume? Ms. Morgan here has quite an extraordinary mind. Perhaps you could- He stopped himself mid¨Csentence, his eyes widening slightly as if he¡¯d nearly said something he


    shouldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Actually,¡± Felix recovered smoothly, ¡°I should be going. City business, you know how it is.¡± He gave me onest meaningful look. ¡°Remember, Ms. Morgan. My offer stands. Anytime.¡±


    As he walked away, I noticed him pull out his phone, his fingers moving rapidly across the screen. Something told me he was texting his son about me.


    Before I could dwell on it further, the school¡¯s PA system crackled to life. Dr. Thompson¡¯s voice echoed through the hallways.


    ¡°Attention students and faculty. This is Principal Thompson speaking. I¡¯d like to address a matter concerning one of our students, Jade Morgan.¡±


    The hallway fell silent as everyone stopped to listen.


    ¡°Following a thorough investigation and additional testing, we have confirmed that Ms. Morgan did


    not cheat on her recent AP Calculus exam. In fact, her original score of 100 percent has been verified


    and reinstated. The mathematics department and I would like to extend our sincere apologies to Ms.


    Morgan for any distress this misunderstanding may have caused.¡±


    I could feel eyes turning toward me as Dr. Thompson continued.


    ¡°Additionally, Mr. Peterson would like to personally apologize for the usation andmend Ms. Morgan on her exceptional mathematical abilities.¡±


    I doubted thatst part was voluntary, but it was satisfying nheless.


    As the announcement ended, whispers erupted throughout the hallway. I made my way to ss, ignoring the stares that followed me.


    In eighth period, I slipped into my seat just as the bell rang. The ssroom was buzzing with conversation, all of it centered around the principal¡¯s announcement.


    ¡°Did you hear that? They actually made Peterson apologize!¡±


    ¡°How the hell did she get a perfect score in under thirty minutes<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I heard the police were involved.¡±


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16 D


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s one of those savants or something.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe she¡¯s an alien,¡± someone joked, prompting nervousughter.


    ??))


    <i>79 </i>


    Their theories were more amusing than annoying. Let them specte; it made no difference to me.


    Suddenly, Emily¡¯s voice cut through the chatter. ¡°Jade¡¯s a fucking idiot! There¡¯s no way she could score a hundred on anything!¡±


    The ssroom fell silent. Every head turned toward Emily, whose face reddened as she realized she¡¯d


    spoken much louder than intended. Her eyes met mine across the room, and I saw a sh of fear


    beneath her anger.


    I simply stared back, expression neutral, until she looked away first.


    After school, as I walked down the main staircase, I noticed Orion standing on thending, watching <ol><li>me. I was speaking with Chris Jensen, finalizing our business. </li></ol>


    ¡°I appreciate your handling of this matter,¡± I told Chris as we reached the bottom of the stairs.


    ¡°It was straightforward enough,¡± he replied with a slight smile. ¡°I hope we meet again under more


    pleasant circumstances.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± I nodded. ¡°Soon.¡±


    Chris nced up, noticing Orion¡¯s gaze. ¡°You seem to have an audience.¡±


    I followed his look. ¡°Just a ssmate.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Chris said, ¡°I should be going. Take care, Ms. Morgan.¡±


    As he walked away, I turned to find Orion approaching me.


    ¡°Jade,¡± he began, his tone cautious. ¡°That was some announcement today.¡±


    I looked at him nkly, as if trying to ce him. ¡°Do I know you?¡±


    His expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief, then quickly to anger. ¡°Are you serious right now? After all those notes you slipped into my locker? The breakfast you¡¯d leave on my desk every morning? You were practically impossible to shake offst semester.¡±


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    :


    I maintained my cool demeanor. ¡°Oh, that. Ancient history.¡±


    <b>79 </b>


    Orion scoffed, a bitterugh escaping his lips. ¡°Wow. So now that you¡¯ve lost weight and gotten some


    attention, you¡¯re pretending none of that happened? That¡¯s rich.¡±


    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about,¡± I replied with practiced indifference.


    His jaw tightened, and I could see him struggling to maintain hisposure. A muscle twitched in


    his cheek as he stared at me.


    ¡°You know what? This act-¡± he gestured at me from head to toe, ¡°-is even worse than the desperate girl who wouldn¡¯t leave me alone. At least she was honest about who she was.¡±


    ¡°Are we done here?¡± I asked, checking my watch.


    ¡°Right,¡± he said finally, shaking his head. ¡°My mistake.¡±


    I watched him walk away, his shoulders stiff with barely contained anger. When he reached the doors, he nced back.


    Our eyes met briefly before he pushed through the doors and disappeared into the afternoon light.


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 Treatment 27

    :


    ??)


    The cool night air felt refreshing against my skin as I finished my five¨Cmile run through the quiet streets of Cloud City. My body had fully adapted to these nightly workouts. I checked my watch- 10:23 PM. Perfect timing.


    As I approached our rundown house, I immediately sensed something was off. Two unfamiliar cars were parked outside¨Ca sleek ck Audi that looked wildly out of ce in our neighborhood, and a more modest Honda Civic.


    I slowed my pace, scanning the area. The front windows glowed with more light than usual for this hour, and I could make out several silhouettes moving inside.


    Pushing open our creaky front door, I found an unexpected tableau in our cramped living room: Dr. Thompson, our school principal, and Mr. Peterson, my calculus teacher, sitting awkwardly on our worn¨Cout couch. Linda Morgan hovered nearby with an unnaturally wide smile¨Cthe kind she


    reserved exclusively for people she thought could benefit her.


    Frank stood nervously in the corner, looking like he wished he could dissolve into the peeling


    wallpaper.


    <b>79 </b>


    What immediately caught my attention was the coffee table. It wasden with expensive¨Clooking gift baskets¨Cimported choctes, premium wines, and gourmet food. Next to them sat a thick man envelope, conspicuously ced for maximum visibility.


    ¡°Jade, honey!¡± Linda¡¯s voice dripped with artificial sweetness. ¡°Look who came to visit! Dr. Thompson


    and Mr. Peterson from your school!¡±


    I remained in the doorway, still in my running clothes. This was unexpected and unwee.


    ¡®Ms. Morgan,¡± Dr. Thompson stood, adjusting his tie nervously. ¡°We were just telling your parents how impressed we are with your mathematical abilities.¡±


    Mr. Peterson nodded mechanically beside him, though his eyes couldn¡¯t quite meet mine. His usual arrogance had been reced with something closer to fear.


    ¡°We wanted to personally apologize for the misunderstanding,¡± Dr. Thompson continued, gesturing to the gifts. ¡°And to express our admiration for your exceptional talent.¡±


    I nced at the envelope on the table, then back at them. ¡°Is this a standard procedure for when you falsely use students of cheating? Or am I getting special treatment?¡±


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    :


    The room temperature seemed to drop several degrees. Linda¡¯s smile faltered slightly.


    79


    ¡°Jade,¡± Frank began tentatively, ¡°Dr. Thompson and Mr. Peterson have been very kind toe all this


    way-¡±


    ¡°To bribe us,¡± I finished tly. I pulled out my phone and began scrolling through the contacts. ¡°Should I call Mayor Huxley and ask if this is standard educational protocol in Cloud City?¡±


    Dr. Thompson paled visibly. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, Ms. Morgan.¡±


    ¡°Good. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need a shower.¡± I headed for the stairs, not waiting for a response.


    ¡°Please, Mr. Morgan,¡± I heard Dr. Thompson say desperately as I climbed the stairs. ¡°Perhaps you could help us speak with your daughter?¡±


    I took my time in the shower. When I finally came back downstairs in fresh clothes, they were still


    there, looking increasingly ufortable.


    ¡°Take the gifts with you when you leave,¡± I said firmly, pointing to the items on the table. ¡°All of


    them.¡±


    ¡°But honey,¡± Linda interjected, moving to stand between me and the visitors, ¡°Dr. Thompson and Mr.


    Peterson brought these especially for us. It would be rude to¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want them,¡± I cut her off.


    ¡°There¡¯s ten thousand dors in that envelope!¡± Linda blurted out, her eyes wide with panic.


    A heavy silence fell over the room. Dr. Thompson closed his eyes briefly, as if in pain.


    ¡°Ten thousand dors,¡± I repeated slowly, looking directly at the principal. ¡°For what exactly?¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s not¨Cwe didn¡¯t mean-¡± Dr. Thompson stammered.


    ¡°It¡¯s a schrship,¡± Mr. Peterson jumped in quickly. ¡°For your exceptional mathematical abilities.¡±


    ¡°A schrship thates in cash, in an unmarked envelope, delivered to my home after hours?¡± I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Interesting procedure.¡±


    ¡°Take the gifts and the money,¡± I said, my voice leaving no room for argument. ¡°Now.¡±


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    <b>79 </b>


    The educators exchanged nces, then reluctantly began gathering their offerings. Linda looked like she might strangle me as she watched ten thousand dors being packed up before her eyes.


    After they left, Frank turned to me, his expression a mixture of confusion and newfound respect.


    ¡°Jade, what happened at school?¡± he asked quietly. ¡°The principal said you solved some incredibly


    difficult math problems.¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± I replied simply.


    ¡°But how? You¡¯ve never shown any interest in mathematics before.¡±


    ¡°Maybe no one was paying attention,¡± I said, meeting his gaze directly.


    For once, Frank didn¡¯t look away. ¡°I believe you,¡± he said finally. ¡°And I¡¯m proud of you.¡±


    From the corner of the room, Emily scoffed loudly. ¡°Ohe on! She obviously cheated somehow.


    She¡¯s never gotten above a C in her life!¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t cheat,¡± Max said firmly from the doorway, where he¡¯d been quietly observing. ¡°Jade¡¯s


    brilliant. She even solved that quantum alignment problem from Princeton¨Cthe one Professor


    Edward Sheldon couldn¡¯t crack.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit,¡± Emily spat. ¡°There¡¯s no way.¡±


    ¡°Watch yournguage,¡± Frank said automatically, though without much conviction.


    Emily rolled her eyes and stormed upstairs, mming her bedroom door.


    The next morning, I was preparing for my run when I heard a knock on Max¡¯s door.


    ¡°Hey, have you seen my notebook?¡± Emily¡¯s voice carried down the hallway. ¡°The blue one with my English notes?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Max replied curtly, not even looking up from hisputer.


    I paused by my door, watching the interaction. Max¡¯s tone was noticeably colder than usual. Typically, he bent over backwards to help Emily, eager for even the smallest crumb of attention. Not anymore, apparently.


    Emily lingered in the doorway, surprised by his dismissive tone. ¡°Are you sure? I really need it for my


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    essay today.¡±


    ¡°I said no,¡± Max repeated, still focused on his screen.


    <b>79 </b>


    Emily¡¯s eyes narrowed as she nced at his desk, now dominated by the high¨Cendptop I¡¯d bought him. Her gaze drifted to the walls where he¡¯d hung printouts ofplex physics equations¨Csome of them mine.


    ¡°Whatever,¡± she muttered, turning to leave.


    I slipped back into my room before she could spot me, but kept listening.


    Instead of leaving, Emily paused. ¡°Hey, is it true what Mom said? That Jade got some special offer from Princeton or something?¡±


    There was silence before Max responded. ¡°The Princeton president and Professor Edward Sheldon


    both sent her private messages. She turned them down.¡±


    ¡°Turned them down?¡± Emily¡¯s voice rose in disbelief. ¡°Why would anyone turn down Princeton?¡±


    ¡°She said she doesn¡¯t need special treatment. She¡¯ll get in the regr way if she wants to,¡± Max


    replied, pride evident in his voice.


    Emily snorted. ¡°Princeton¡¯s president personally messaged her? Yeah, right. Why wouldn¡¯t hee himself if she¡¯s such a genius?¡±


    ¡°Believe what you want,¡± Max said dismissively. ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡±


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 28

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>28 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    <b>79 </b>


    Emily Morgan paced outside Max¡¯s bedroom, checking her watch again. Her timing needed to be perfect. Through the kitchen window, she¡¯d watched Frank leave for his shift at the factory. Linda had announced she was heading to the supermarket for groceries, though Emily knew she¡¯d spend at least an hour gossiping with the cashiers. And Jade had left twenty minutes ago for her morning run.


    Only Max remained, but he was upied in the backyard with histest science experiment- something involving soil samples and a makeshift sr panel. Emily had watched him hobble outside with his equipment, which meant she had at least thirty minutes.


    She took a deep breath and slipped into his room, closing the door silently behind her.


    Max¡¯s bedroom was meticulously organized despite being filled with scientific equipment. His desk supported a sophisticatedptop¨Cthe expensive one Jade had bought him. Emily rolled her eyes at the thought. She slid into his chair and pressed the power button.


    The login screen appeared. Emily tried ¡°physics 123¡± first, then ¡°quantum,¡± then finally


    ¡°JadeMorgan¡°-and the screen unlocked.


    ¡°Seriously? Your password is your sister¡¯s name?¡± Emily muttered, shaking her head. ¡°Pathetic.¡±


    She quickly navigated to the browser history and found the Princeton Physics Forum. Max was


    already logged in. Emily scrolled through his messages, her eyes widening at the sheer volume- there were thousands of unread notifications and private messages.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± she whispered, scanning the messages. Many contained phrases like ¡°mathematical


    genius¡± and ¡°physics prodigy.¡± One username appeared repeatedly: Edward Sheldon, with histest message practically begging for five minutes of video conversation.


    Another message caught her eye¨Cfrom Philip Thornton, Princeton¡¯s president, offering immediate admission with a full schrship.


    Emily¡¯s heart pounded as she dug deeper. Why would Princeton¡¯s president be messaging her flunky brother? It made no sense.


    She minimized the browser and began searching through Max¡¯s files. Nothing unusual appeared until she noticed a folderbeled simply ¡°J.¡±


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    Before she could open it, movement from the corner of her eye drew her attention to Max¡¯s bed.


    Underneath a stack of math worksheets was the corner of a notebook.


    Emily grabbed it and flipped it open. Her breath caught. Six pages of dense,plex forms and equations filled the paper<b>, </b>written in handwriting she didn¡¯t recognize¨Cdefinitely not Max¡¯s messy


    scrawl.


    Shepared the equations to screenshots saved on Max¡¯sputer. They matched perfectly with


    the solutions posted on the Princeton forum¨Cthe ones that had apparently stunned the academic


    world.


    ¡°No fucking way,¡± Emily whispered, her fingers trembling slightly. ¡°This is way beyond high school


    level. There¡¯s no way Jade wrote this.¡±


    Suddenly, a warning box shed on theptop screen: ¡°WARNING: DEVICE UNDER ATTACK FROM


    UNKNOWN SOURCE.¡±


    79


    The screen turned blood red, and a ck skull icon appeared in the center. Theptop froze


    ¡°Shit, shit, shit!¡± She mmed the notebook closed and tried to arrange them exactly as she¡¯d found


    them.


    The sound of the back door opening sent a jolt of panic through her. Either Max or Jade had


    returned. Emily quickly darted toward the door, slipping out into the hallway just as footsteps approached from the kitchen.


    Ethan Haxton rubbed his eyes as he entered his Manhattan penthouse shortly after 10 PM. He¡¯d been


    working since 5 AM, closing a major acquisition for Haxton Holdings. All he wanted was a shower


    and sleep.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton, I apologize for the intrusion.¡±


    Ethan froze, then rxed when he recognized Philip sitting in his living room. The Princeton University president looked exhausted, his usually immacte appearance disheveled.


    ¡°Philip,¡± Ethan nodded. ¡°How long have you been waiting?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Sincest evening,¡± Morrison admitted, looking embarrassed. ¡°Your assistant said you¡¯d <b>be </b>home


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    eventually.¡±


    :


    Ethan hung his coat and poured two sses of scotch. ¡°Must be important if you¡¯re camping in my


    apartment.¡±


    ¡°I need your help finding someone,¡± Morrison said, epting the drink gratefully. ¡°Someone


    extraordinary.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a detective, Philip.¡±


    ¡°This person solved the quantum alignment paradox,¡± Morrison continued, ignoring Ethan¡¯sment. ¡°The one Edward and our physics department have been working on for months.¡±


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°And?¡±


    79


    ¡°And they won¡¯t respond to any of our messages,¡± Morrison said, frustration evident in his voice. ¡°We¡¯ve offered admission, schrships, research positions¨Cnothing. They just post the solution and


    disappear.¡±


    ¡°Maybe they don¡¯t want to be found,¡± Ethan suggested, sipping his scotch.


    Morrison reached for his tablet. ¡°Look at this yourself.¡±


    Ethan took the device, examining the forum post disyed on the screen. Six images showed elegant mathematical proofs, apanied by minimal text.


    ¡°This is pretty good,¡± Ethan admitted.


    ¡°It¡¯s beyond good,¡± Morrison insisted. ¡°It¡¯s revolutionary.¡±


    Ethan studied the equations more carefully. Born in Moscow, Russia, educated in Russia and America, Ethan had maintained his family¡¯s business interests even while studying at Princeton. His rtionship with Philip had evolved from student¨Cteacher to one of mutual respect.


    ¡°Your forum requires real identities for Princeton members, right?¡± Ethan asked.


    ¡°Yes, for faculty and students. Guest users don¡¯t need verification,¡± Morrison exined. ¡°We¡¯ve messaged this user repeatedly. Edward Sheldon is particrly eager to connect.¡±


    ¡°And you want me to¨Cwhat? Track them down?¡±


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    ¡°If you could spare one of your tech people,¡± Morrison said hesitantly. ¡°I would have followed up immediately, but I had a terrible migraine that day. By the time I saw the post, they¡¯d already gone


    silent. I fear they took my dyed response asck of interest.¡±


    Ethan considered for a moment, then picked up his phone. ¡°Connor? I need you in my apartment.


    Now.¡±


    Ten minutester, Connor Haxton entered the penthouse. Ethan¡¯s private assistant and technical advisor was also known in certain circles as ¡°Q¡°-ranked tenth among dar hackers.


    ¡°Sir?¡± Connor asked, ncing curiously at Morrison.


    ¡°I need you to trace an IP address,¡± Ethan exined, handing him the tablet. ¡°Find out who posted


    this.¡±


    Connor examined the screen and nodded confidently. ¡°Five minutes, tops.¡±


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 Treatment 29

    <b>Chapter </b><b>29 </b>


    <b>79 </b>


    Connor Haxton¡¯s fingers flew across the keyboard, his face bathed in the blue glow of multiple monitors. For someone ranked tenth among dar hackers, this should have been a routine trace.


    Five minutes, he¡¯d promised.


    It had been twenty.


    The screen suddenly shed red, a warning window popping up: ¡°TARGET DEVICE ACTIVATED


    ADVANCED FIREWALL.¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± Connor muttered, his confidence wavering. He¡¯d managed to bypass the initial defenses,


    narrowing the location down to Cloud City, but something felt off. Way off. The encryption architecture wasn¡¯t standard¨Cit had elements he¡¯d only seen in military¨Cgrade systems, yet with


    custom modifications that spoke of individual brilliance rather than institutional development.


    Ethan nced at his watch. ¡°Problem?¡±


    ¡°Nothing I can¡¯t handle.¡± Connor¡¯s voice betrayed his uncertainty as he initiated another attack


    vector. Sweat beaded along his hairline as he deployed three different infiltration protocols


    simultaneously. His brow furrowed as he stared at the encryption protocols appearing on his screen.


    ¡°Just¡­ this is unexpected. Whoever set up this system knows what they¡¯re doing. Like, really knows.¡±


    When Connor tried to narrow the location further, his eyes widened. ¡°Interesting¡­¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Ethan leaned closer, the light from the screen highlighting his sharp features.


    ¡°The system is adapting to my approach. It¡¯s almost like¡­¡± Connor hesitated, professional pride making the admission difficult. ¡°Like it¡¯s anticipating me.¡±


    Max Morgan limped back inside from the backyard, where he¡¯d been testing a new sr panel design. Histest experiment hadn¡¯t yielded the results he¡¯d hoped for, but that was science¨Ctrial and error. The mid¨Cmorning sun had left him sweaty and tired, but his mind was already racing with adjustments for his next attempt.


    When he opened hisptop to record his findings, he found it unresponsive. The screen disyed a menacing red warning and ck skull icon. No amount of clicking or key¨Cpressing helped.


    ¡°No, no, no,¡± he whispered, panic rising in his chest. Theptop Jade had bought him cost more than


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16 D


    anything he¡¯d ever owned. Had he broken it already?


    ??))


    <b>79 </b>


    After one more failed reboot attempt, he grabbed theputer and hurried to Jade¡¯s room, knocking


    tentatively.


    Jade had just returned from her morning run, sweat still beading on her forehead. She was calcting how many more weeks of training she¡¯d need to reach her previous physical peak when


    Max knocked.


    ¡°Come in,¡± she called, toweling off her face. Her muscles pleasantly ached from the five¨Cmile run-


    still nowhere near her former capacity, but improving daily.


    Max entered, clutching hisptop like it might shatter. His eyes were wide with worry, his knuckles white against the device¡¯s silver case. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong with myputer.¡±


    Jade took one look at the screen and smirked. ¡°Been browsing sites you shouldn¡¯t, little brother?¡±


    Max¡¯s face turned crimson. ¡°What? No! I was just¨CI didn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    Jadeughed and took theptop. ¡°Rx, I¡¯m messing with you.¡± Her fingers danced across the keyboard, bypassing the frozen screen to ess the system diagnostics with a series ofmands that made Max¡¯s eyebrows rise in admiration. Her yful expression hardened as she scanned the


    data.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a virus,¡± she said, her voice cooling. ¡°Someone¡¯s actively attacking your device. Right now.¡±


    ¡°What? Why would anyone-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I installed firewalls and anti¨Ctracking programs on all your devices when I first set them up.¡± Jade¡¯s eyes narrowed as she opened a terminal window. Lines of code reflected in her dark irises. ¡°Let¡¯s see who our uninvited guest is.¡±


    In Ethan¡¯s Manhattan penthouse, Connor¡¯s confident demeanor had evaporated. Sweat beaded on his forehead as his fingers raced across the keyboard. The quiet hum of the air conditioning couldn¡¯t cool the rising heat of frustration and concern.


    ¡°It¡¯s been twenty minutes,¡± Ethan noted, his patience wearing thin. ¡°Any progress?¡±


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    :


    ¡°They noticed the intrusion,¡± Connor said, his voice tight. ¡°Not only did they strengthen their firewall, but they¡¯ve broken through my defenses.¡± He looked up, face pale. ¡°Our system is being


    reverse¨Ctracked.¡±


    79


    Ethan frowned. ¡°Meaning?¡±


    ¡°Someone¡¯s following our digital breadcrumbs back to us.¡± Connor swallowed hard. ¡°Whoever this is, they¡¯re not just good¨Cthey¡¯re elite.¡±


    Jade¡¯sptop disyed an intricate map of intersecting lines, with a blinking red dot at the center. Her screen split into multiple windows, each showing different aspects of the attack and counterattack in progress.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Max asked, peering over her shoulder, fascinated despite his concern.


    ¡°Our attacker¡¯s location.¡± Jade zoomed in on the map, her expression focused and intense. ¡°New


    York.¡±


    ¡°New York?¡± Max¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Why would someone from New York hack myptop?¡±


    Jade¡¯s lips curved into a thin smile. ¡°Princeton. Your physics forum post is drawing attention.¡± She typed a rapid series ofmands, deploying digital countermeasures that would have impressed the most seasoned cybersecurity experts.


    ¡°But why would Princeton hack me?¡± Max¡¯s voice rose slightly.


    ¡°Because they want to know who solved their unsolvable problem.¡± Jade cracked her knuckles, a habit from her previous life. ¡°Not very polite of them, is it? Let¡¯s return the favor.¡±


    Ethan took over from Connor, removing his expensive watch and setting it aside before his fingers tookmand of the keyboard. Despite the situation, a smile yed at the corners of his mouth.


    ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this,¡± Connor observed, incredulous.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve had a worthy opponent.¡± Ethan¡¯s green eyes sparkled with intensity as he deployed a series of specialized attacks. ¡°Whoever this is, they¡¯re good. Very good.¡±


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    :


    79


    Jade noticed the shift immediately. ¡°They¡¯ve switched yers,¡± she murmured, adjusting her approach to counter the new threat.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Max hovered anxiously.


    ¡°Our first opponent was decent¨Cprobably that hacker who goes by Q, ranked tenth in the dar.¡± Her fingers flew across the keyboard. ¡°But this new yer is different. Faster, more intuitive. They


    think three moves ahead.¡±


    She deployed a countermeasure, watching the attack patterns shift in response.


    Ethan employed a digital sleight of hand, creating a diversion while inserting a tracer program


    through a backdoor. ¡°Got it,¡± he muttered triumphantly. ¡°Cloud City, eastern district.¡±


    But his victory was short¨Clived. Warning alerts cascaded across his screen as his own webcam


    activated without permission. Ethan quickly covered the lens with his hand, but not before the


    camera captured his custom¨Ctailored suit and the edge of his belt.


    ¡°Impossible,¡± Connor breathed. ¡°They turned our own system against us.¡±


    Jade smiled as the grainy webcam footage appeared on her screen. The man had covered the camera quickly, but not before she glimpsed his expensive suit and, more importantly, the ck spider


    tattoo on the first knuckle of his right index finger.


    ¡°Gotcha,¡± she whispered, saving the image to a secure folder.


    Max fidgeted beside her. ¡°So¡­ did you stop them?¡±


    ¡°For now,¡± Jade closed theptop. ¡°Better delete that forum post, though.¡±


    Max looked crestfallen. ¡°But it has over twelve thousand likes and six thousandments and


    shares. People are really interested in your solution.¡±


    Jade shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t need the offer, Max. You know that.¡±


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    :


    Max nodded reluctantly and returned to his room to delete the post, leaving Jade alone with her thoughts and a growing curiosity about the man with the spider tattoo.


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    <b>79 </b>


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 30

    <b>Chapter </b><b>30 </b>


    <b>79 </b>


    Ethan Haxton paced across his Manhattan penthouse, morning sunlight streaming through floor¨Cto- ceiling windows that framed the city skyline. His fingers absently traced the ck spider tattoo on his knuckle as he processed the previous night¡¯s digital confrontation.


    ¡°It has to be X,¡± Connor insisted, his expression a mix of frustration and reluctant admiration. ¡°No


    one else could have countered my attack that efficiently.¡±


    Ethan shook his head. ¡°X is a ghost story hackers tell to feel better about their failures. A convenient


    myth.¡±


    ¡°With all due respect, sir, X is very real. They¡¯ve breached systems everyone imed were


    imprable. The FBI, DARPA, even-¡±


    ¡°I know the legends,¡± Ethan interrupted, stopping to gaze out at the city. ¡°But this is different. Our opponent isn¡¯t just a hacker. They solved that quantum alignment paradox¨Csomething the brightest


    minds at Princeton couldn¡¯t crack.¡±


    Connor¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You think it¡¯s the same person? A hacker <i>and </i>a physics genius?¡±


    ¡°Exactly. Someone extraordinary.¡± Ethan¡¯s phone buzzed with a text from Philip Thornton. The


    Princeton dean was asking if they should increase their schrship offer.


    Ethan typed a quick response: <i>Don¡¯t </i><i>bother. </i><i>Someone </i><i>with </i><i>that </i><i>level </i>of <i>talent </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>swayed </i><i>by </i>


    <i>conventional </i><i>incentives</i>. <i>This </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>about </i><i>money </i><i>for </i><i>them</i>.


    The next morning, the Haxton Group¡¯s downtown headquarters hummed with anticipation. The quarterly board meeting was about to begin, with senior executives filling the ss¨Cwalled conference room overlooking the financial district.


    Connor Haxton straightened his tie nervously. As Ethan¡¯s cousin and head of cybersecurity, he was responsible for presenting the quarter¡¯s digital infrastructure improvements. He opened hisptop and connected it to the room¡¯s projection system.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± Connor began, forcing confidence into his voice. ¡°I¡¯m pleased to report significant progress on our-¡±


    His words died as the screen behind him shed to life. Instead of his meticulously prepared


    7:04 Tue, Sep 16


    presentation, explicit pornographic images filled the massive disy. A series of videos began


    <b>79 </b>


    ying automatically,plete with unmistakable sound effects that echoed through the conference room¡¯s premium speakers.


    ¡°What the fuck?¡± Connor frantically jabbed at keys, his face flushing crimson as elderly board members gasped in shock. ¡°This isn¡¯t¨CI didn¡¯t¨Cthis isn¡¯t my presentation!¡±


    Nothing worked. The remote control did nothing. Connor desperately mmed it against the table, then threw it at the screen, where it bounced off harmlessly as the images continued to cycle.


    Ethan¡¯s face had turned to stone. ¡°Meeting adjourned,¡± he announced, his voice cutting through the chaos. ¡°We¡¯ll reconvene when our systems are¡­ functional.¡±


    As the room cleared, Ethan remained seated, staring at Connor with icy fury. ¡°Check your files. All of


    them. Now.¡±


    An hourter, Connor reported back, his face ashen. ¡°Everything¡¯s gone. All my presentations, reports, projections¨Creced with¡­ that content. The backup servers too. It¡¯s like someone reached


    into our system and just¡­ changed everything.¡±


    ¡°Not someone,¡± Ethan said quietly. ¡°X. I¡¯d be furious if I wasn¡¯t so damn impressed.¡±


    At Cloud City High School, the hallways buzzed with spection.


    ¡°Did you hear? They fired Dr. Thompson and Mr. Peterson!¡±


    ¡°I heard Peterson got his teaching license revoked!¡±


    Ashley Williams leaned against her locker, phone in hand. ¡°My dad works for the school district. There was an emergency meetingst night. The mayor showed up personally.¡±


    ¡°Why would the mayor care about some random cheating usation?¡± someone asked,


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t random,¡± Ashley replied. ¡°My dad said Peterson used the wrong student. Someone with


    connections.¡±


    ¡°You mean Jade Morgan?¡± a sophomore girl whispered. ¡°I saw her talking to this super hot guy in an expensive suitst week. Custom tailored, Armani or something.¡±


    7:05 Tue, Sep 16


    ¡°No way! Fat Jade?¡±


    :


    ¡°She¡¯s not fat anymore,¡± Ashley corrected. ¡°Haven¡¯t you seen her? She lost like fifty pounds over weeks.¡±


    <b>79 </b>


    Orion Miller listened quietly, remembering the suited man he¡¯d seen talking to Felix Huxley outside the principal¡¯s office. He frowned, tuning out his ssmates¡® gossip as they abandoned their SAT prep to specte about Jade Morgan¡¯s mysterious connections.


    Monday morning¡¯s assembly brought another surprise. Principal Thompson was gone, reced by a middle¨Caged woman with a friendly smile.


    ¡°Good morning, students. I¡¯m Dr. Reba Winters, formerly vice principal at Jefferson High. I¡¯ll be serving as your principal for the remainder of the year.¡±


    The whispers started immediately. No exnation for Thompson¡¯s sudden departure was offered, but everyone connected it to the Jade Morgan incident. By lunchtime, there wasn¡¯t a student at Cloud


    City High who hadn¡¯t heard some version of the story.


    Max Morgan couldn¡¯t eat his lunch in peace. Every few minutes, another student would approach with questions about his sister.


    ¡°Is it true Jade has some political connection?¡±


    ¡°Did your sister really get Peterson fired?¡±


    ¡°Hey Max, nice new iPhone. Did Jade get you that too?¡±


    Max shifted ufortably, the attention making him self¨Cconscious about his left foot. ¡°She just


    studied hard and proved she didn¡¯t cheat. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°But she used to be¡­ you know,¡± a girl whispered, making a gesture to indicate obesity. ¡°Now she¡¯s like, hot. How did that happen so fast?¡±


    Max shrugged, wishing they would leave him alone.


    7:05 Tue, Sep 16


    The final period was interrupted bymotion in the hallway. A teacher rushed in, whispering urgently to their math teacher, who then left the ssroom without exnation.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Ashley asked a passing student.


    ¡°Fight in the sophomore hall. Some honors kid with a limp beat the shit out of Jason Reynolds.¡±


    ¡°The one whose dad is on the city council?¡± Ashley¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Yeah. Apparently Reynolds made some nastyments about his limp and called his sister a


    whore.¡±


    19


    The news rippled through the ssroom. Everyone knew Jason Reynolds¨Cstar athlete with powerful parents and a reputation for bullying.


    ¡°The honors kid is totally screwed,¡± someone muttered. ¡°Jason¡¯s dad will have him expelled.¡±


    Across the room, Jade Morgan had been silent all day, seemingly asleep with her head on her desk.


    The bell rang, and students rushed out, eager to learn more about the fight.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 31

    <b>Chapter 31 </b>


    :


    42


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    The final bell rang, but instead of the usual rush toward the exits, students streamed toward the


    athletic fields, moving with the determined purpose of people who sensed drama unfolding. Their


    excited voices created a buzz that traveled through the hallways like electricity.


    ¡°Fight! There¡¯s a fight at the field!¡±


    I had just finished organizing my locker when themotion caught my attention. Normally, I


    couldn¡¯t care less about teenage squabbles, but something in my gut twisted ufortably. I followed the crowd, maintaining enough distance to observe without getting pulled into their frenzy.


    By the time I reached the field¡¯s edge, a thick ring of students had formed, phones raised high to capture whatever was happening. Through gaps in the shifting bodies, I caught glimpses of what had drawn everyone¡¯s attention.


    My brother Max was in the center of the circle, blood trickling from his split lip as he faced Jason Reynolds, the school¡¯s hulking football captain. The size difference was almostical¨CJason towered over Max by at least eight inches and outweighed him by a hundred pounds of muscle.


    ¡°Look at the little cripple trying to fight back!¡± Jason¡¯s voice boomed as hended another punch that sent Max staggering backward. ¡°Not so smart now, are you?¡±


    Despite his limp and the obvious pain, Max straightened himself and raised his fists again. ¡°I told you to shut up about my sister!¡±


    My blood turned to ice. This was about me.


    Two teachers pushed ineffectually at the edge of the crowd. ¡°Break it up! Everyone, step back!¡± Mr. Bet, the PE teacher<b>, </b>shouted above the noise, but the students were packed too tightly, too hungry for violence to disperse.


    Jason circled Max like a predator. ¡°Your sister thinks she¡¯s so special now. The bitch who aced the test<b>, </b>got Peterson fired, and has the mayor wrapped around her finger.¡± He spat on the ground. ¡°What is she, fucking the whole administration?¡±


    Max lunged forward with surprising speed,nding a solid punch to Jason¡¯s jaw that actually made the bigger boy step back. ¡°I said shut your fucking mouth!¡±


    The crowd roared their approval at Max¡¯s unexpected show of courage, but their cheers quickly. turned to groans as Jason recovered and delivered a brutal blow to Max¡¯s stomach, doubling him


    over.


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°Freak!¡± Jason shouted, kicking at Max¡¯s bad leg. ¡°Look at you¨Cpathetic! Where¡¯s your high¨Cand- mighty sister now? Too busy showing off to save your crippled ass?¡±


    Something inside me shifted. The careful control I¡¯d maintained since my rebirth began to slip. I moved through the crowd, and somehow¨Cperhaps sensing the danger emanating from me¨Cstudents


    parted wordlessly, creating a path to the center.


    The noise level dropped dramatically as I stepped into the ring. Jason was too focused on Max to


    notice until the sudden quiet registered. He turned, his expression changing from confusion to a


    smirk as he saw me.


    ¡°Perfect timing,¡± he sneered. ¡°Come to watch me teach your brother a lesson?¡±


    I ignored himpletely, kneeling beside Max. ¡°You okay?¡± I asked softly, noting the bruises forming on his face. A sh of rage burned through me at the sight of his injuries.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Max whispered, trying to sit up. ¡°He was saying things about you¨CI couldn¡¯t just-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± I helped him to his feet, positioning myself between him and Jason. ¡°Stay behind me.¡±


    Jasonughed. ¡°Well, well. The famous Jade Morgan, here to save the day.¡± He looked me up and down, his expression mocking. ¡°You think your little math tricks make you tough? This isn¡¯t calculus,


    sweetheart.¡±


    I turned to face him fully, letting a cold smile touch my lips. ¡°You know what¡¯s interesting, Jason?


    There¡¯s a significant difference between picking on a disabled kid and facing someone who can actually fight back.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and that¡¯s you?¡± He chuckled, looking around at his friends for approval. ¡°What are you gonna do, solve an equation at me?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I said quietly. ¡°I¡¯m going to give you one chance to apologize to my brother and walk away.¡±


    The crowd fellpletely silent, sensing something had fundamentally changed in the atmosphere.


    ¡°Fuck you,¡± Jason spat, stepping toward me. ¡°Maybe after I finish with your brother, you and I can have some private time behind the bleachers.¡±


    :


    Mr. Bet finally broke through the crowd. ¡°That¡¯s enough! Everyone back to-¡± <ul><li><b></b>)) </li></ul>


    Jason ignored him, lunging at me with a wild haymaker that would have been devastating if it had connected. But I wasn¡¯t there anymore. I sidestepped with a precision that made it look like he was moving in slow motion.


    ¡°Stand still, bitch!¡± he growled, swinging again.


    I moved effortlessly around his attacks, not bothering to counter yet, letting him tire himself out. Each missed punch increased his frustration.


    ¡°Fight back!¡± he screamed, his face reddening with exertion and anger.


    ¡°If you insist,¡± I replied calmly.


    42


    My first strike was a quick jab to his sr plexus, delivered with just enough force to make him gasp. As he instinctively bent forward, I followed with an elbow to his ribs and a palm strike that snapped


    his head back.


    Three precise hits in less than two seconds. The crowd went silent.


    Jason staggered, disbelief written across his face. Then rage took over, and he charged like a bull,


    screaming incoherently.


    I waited until thest possible moment before pivoting, using his momentum against him. As he stumbled past, I delivered a calcted kick to the side of his right knee¨Cthe one he¡¯d nted his


    weight on.


    The sound was unmistakable¨Ca sharp crack that cut through the silence.


    Jason¡¯s scream transformed from rage to pure agony as he copsed, clutching his now¨Ctwisted leg. He writhed on the ground, face contorted in pain.


    ¡°My knee! You broke my fucking knee!¡± he wailed, tears streaming down his face.


    The entire crowd stood frozen in shock, staring at me with a mixture of fear and awe. No one spoke.


    No one moved.


    I walked calmly back to Max, who was looking at me with wide eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s go home,¡± I said quietly. ¡°There¡¯s nothing more to see here.¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    As we turned to leave, the crowd parted again<b>, </b>this time more dramatically than before. At the edge


    of the field stood Dr. Winters, her face a mask of authority and concern.


    ¡°Morgan! Stay right where you are!¡± she called out. ¡°My office, immediately!¡±


    I met her gaze evenly. ¡°Of course, Principal Winters,¡± I replied. ¡°Though perhaps you might want to address the pattern of bullying that led to this situation first.¡±


    I could feel the weight of dozens of stares as Max and I walked away from the scene, leaving behind


    the sounds of Jason¡¯s continued cries and the arrival of more school staff. Max walked slightly behind me, his expression aplex mixture of gratitude, worry, and something else¨Ca newfound respect that hadn¡¯t been there before.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 32

    <b>Chapter </b><b>32 </b>


    I sat perfectly still in Dr. Winters<b>¡® </b>office, watching her fidget behind her imposing mahogany desk. The afternoon light filtered through the blinds, casting stripes across the room that highlighted the tension hanging in the air. I kept my posture rxed, one leg crossed casually over <b>the </b>other, hands resting in myp.


    Max sat beside me, his bruised face making my blood boil all over again. In the corner<b>, </b>Jason Reynolds was still whimpering, clutching his twisted knee while a school nurse hovered over him. The sound of his pain was oddly satisfying.


    ¡°My leg! You fucking broke my leg, you psycho bitch!¡± Jason¡¯s voice cracked, echoing off the wood- paneled walls. ¡°I¡¯m the quarterback! The fucking quarterback! Do you have any idea what you¡¯ve done? My schrship to State is gone!¡±


    I suppressed a smile. Good. Actions have consequences, even for entitled brats like him.


    Dr. Winters cleared her throat, shooting Jason a warning nce before turning her stern gaze toward me. Her fingers nervously straightened an already immacte stack of papers on her desk.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan, do you understand the severity of what you¡¯ve done? Violence on school grounds is a serious vition of our code of conduct.¡± She gestured toward a framed document on the wall as if it were the Constitution itself. ¡°This kind of behavior could result in immediate expulsion.¡±


    I met her gaze directly, keeping my voice calm and measured. ¡°And what about bullying a disabled student, Dr. Winters? What does your code of conduct say about that?¡± The hypocrisy was astounding.


    Max shifted ufortably beside me. ¡°Jason started it,¡± he said, his words slightly slurred from his swollen lip. ¡°He¡¯s been at it for weeks.¡± My heart ached at the sight of his injuries, fueling the cold rage I kept carefully contained.


    Before the principal could respond, Jason¡¯s voice cut through the room. ¡°Do you know who my parents are? My dad is City Councilman Andrew Reynolds! My mom is the chief surgeon at Mercy Medical Center!¡± His face reddened with outrage as he pointed a shaking finger at me. ¡°You¡¯re finished! They¡¯ll have you expelled! You can forget about graduating, let alone college!¡±


    I¡¯d faced down professional assassins and international crime syndicates in my previous life. This spoiled child thought he could intimidate me with mommy and daddy¡¯s job titles? Pathetic.


    Jason turned toward the principal, his voice dropping to a threatening tone. ¡°Wilson, if you don¡¯t


    <b>10:06 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>


    :


    deal with this psycho immediately, my dad will have the board fire you before the week is out! He practically runs this town!¡±


    Dr. Winters<b>¡® </b><b>face </b>paled visibly as she adjusted her tie<b>, </b>beads of sweat forming along her hairline.


    ¡°Reynolds, I assure you this matter will be handled with appropriate seriousness-¡±


    42


    ¡°What a shame,¡± I interrupted, allowing myself a cold smile. ¡°Looks like your football dreams are over


    with that knee. All those years of practice, wasted in an instant.¡± Perhaps cruel, but I wasn¡¯t feeling particrly merciful today.


    ¡°You¡¯re mocking me?¡± Jason bellowed, trying unsessfully to stand before the nurse pushed him


    back down. ¡°When my parents get here, you¡¯ll regret ever being born! They¡¯ll destroy you and your entire pathetic family!¡±


    That was enough. I rose from my chair, my movements fluid and controlled. In my past life, I would have ended him for far less than what he¡¯d done to Max. Even now, the muscle memory was there,


    the knowledge of exactly where to strike to silence him permanently.


    ¡°Perhaps I should make sure you stay quiet permanently,¡± I said, taking a step toward him. ¡°How about the other leg? Seems only fair to make things symmetrical.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Morgan, please!¡± Dr. Winters jumped up in panic, knocking over her coffee mug. She quickly positioned herself between us, hands raised. ¡°Violence solves nothing! Return to your seat immediately!¡±


    I stepped back, never breaking eye contact with Jason. I could see fear beginning to creep into his eyes beneath the anger. Good. He should be afraid.


    ¡°Dr. Winters, please call Mayor Felix Huxley.¡± I knew exactly which cards to y, and when.


    The principal blinked rapidly, confusion evident as coffee seeped into her desk calendar. ¡°The¡­ the


    mayor? Ms. Morgan, this is just a school disciplinary matter-¡±


    ¡°Now,¡± I said firmly, my voice leaving no room for argument. ¡°Call him and put it on speaker.¡±


    Max looked up at <b>me</b><b>, </b>concern written across his bruised face, His fingers nervously yed with his shirt hem. ¡°Jade, is this really necessary? Maybe we should just-¡±


    I gently squeezed his hand, giving him a reassuring nod. ¡°Trust me,¡± I whispered.


    <b>10:07 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>


    ¡­


    With trembling fingers, Dr. Winters dialed and ced the phone on her desk. After a few rings, a professional female voice answered, ¡°Mayor¡¯s office.¡±


    ¡°This is Dr. Reba Winters from Cloud City High School. I need to speak with Mayor Huxley regarding an urgent matter.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid the mayor is in a meeting and cannot be disturbed,¡± the secretary replied smoothly.


    I leaned forward. ¡°Please tell Felix that Jade Morgan is calling. It¡¯s an emergency.¡± I¡¯d calcted correctly¨Cless than a minuteter, Felix¡¯s voice filled the room.


    ¡°Jade? What¡¯s happened? Are you and Max alright?¡± The concern in his voice was exactly what I needed everyone in this room to hear.


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°We¡¯ve had an incident at school,¡± I replied calmly. ¡°Jason Reynolds, the son of Councilman Reynolds, has been bullying Max because of his disability. When I intervened, things escted. Now they¡¯re threatening to have me expelled and Dr. Winters fired.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there immediately,¡± Felix responded, just as I¡¯d expected. ¡°Stay where you are. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re both safe.¡±


    Jasonughed, though it came out as more of a pained wheeze. ¡°Ooh, I¡¯m so scared. You know the mayor<b>, </b>big deal.¡± He shifted, wincing as his leg moved. ¡°My father is a city councilman. My mother is the best surgeon in this city. Who do you think you are?¡±


    <b>I </b>merely smiled, enjoying theing revtion.


    <b>I </b>spoke into the phone again. ¡°Felix, you don¡¯t need toe yourself. Just give Councilman Reynolds and his wife a call.¡± I paused before adding my coup de grace. ¡°Tell them if they can¡¯t handle this situation appropriately, you¡¯ll report the matter to Mr. Haxton.¡±


    There was a moment <b>of </b>silence before Felix responded, ¡°Understood, Jade. I¡¯ll contact the Reynolds family immediately.¡±


    The call disconnected with a soft beep. Dr. Winters stared at me with newfound wariness, clearly reassessing who exactly was sitting in front of her.


    Max¡¯s eyes darted between me and the phone, a mixture of awe and concern in his expression. He opened his mouth as if to speak, then thought better of it, settling back in his chair.


    10:07 Wed, <b>Sep </b>17


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>33 </b>

 Treatment 33

    <b>Chapter </b><b>33 </b>


    42


    ¡°My parents will be here any minute,<b>¡± </b>Jason hissed at me<b>, </b>his eyes narrowing. ¡°You¡¯re going to regret ever touching me, you psycho bitch.¡±


    I didn¡¯t bother looking up from my phone. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to meeting them.¡±


    Jason let out another exaggerated groan. ¡°Jesus Christ, it hurts so much! Coach was talking to <b>scouts </b>


    from State about me. Now I¡¯ll never get that schrship!¡±


    The nurse rolled her eyes slightly behind Jason¡¯s back, clearly unimpressed by his theatrics.


    ¡°Mr. Reynolds, I¡¯ve already told you it¡¯s a simple fracture. It will healpletely with proper care,¡± she said, adjusting the temporary splint on his leg.


    ¡°What do you know?¡± Jason snapped. ¡°You¡¯re just a school nurse!¡±


    Dr. Winters cleared her throat. ¡°Jason, please try to remain calm. Your parents should be here any


    minute.¡±


    Outside the office, I could hear footsteps approaching. Through the frosted ss of the door, I could make out several silhouettes ¨C more than just two people. The Reynolds were apparently bringing


    reinforcements.


    ¡°That¡¯s them,¡± Jason said, a smug smile recing his pained expression for just a moment before he


    resumed his victim act. ¡°Now you¡¯ll see.¡±


    The door remained closed as voices drifted in from the hallway.


    ¡°I want this girl expelled at minimum,¡± came a deep<b>, </b>authoritative male voice. ¡°Find me everything we can use against her. Assault charges, civil suit for medical expenses and emotional distress¡­¡±


    ¡°And check if there¡¯s any history of violence or mental illness in her family,¡± added a crisp female voice. ¡°No one <b>hurts </b>our son and gets away with it, especially not some girl from the poor side of


    town.¡±


    Max¡¯s hand found mine<b>, </b>squeezing it gently. I gave him a reassuring nod.


    ¡°Morgan family has no resources to fight us,¡± the man continued. ¡°This will be quick,¡±


    Through the ss, I could see a woman in a dark pantsuit typing rapidly on a tablet, presumably


    ?


    <b>10:07 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>


    Chapter <b>33 </b>


    ¨C


    taking <b>notes</b>. Next to <b>her </b><b>stood </b>a man in an expensive suit clutching a leather briefcase theirwyer<b>, </b><b>no </b>doubt.


    Suddenly, a phone rang in the hallway.


    142


    ¡°Councilman Reynolds,¡± a secretary¡¯s voice called out. ¡°There¡¯s a call for you from the mayor¡¯s <b>office</b><b>. </b>Felix Huxley is on the line personally.¡±


    There was a moment of silence.


    ¡°Felix?¡± The man¡¯s voice changed instantly, surprise recing the arrogance. ¡°What <b>can </b>I do for


    you?¡±


    Though I couldn¡¯t hear the other side of the conversation, the effect was immediate and visible even through the frosted ss. The Reynolds¡® postures stiffened, then seemed to dete simultaneously.


    ¡°Haxton? Did you say¡­¡± The man¡¯s voice had risen half an octave.


    The woman¡¯s silhouette moved closer. ¡°What¡¯s happening, Andrew?¡±


    The man covered the phone and whispered something to his wife that made her physically step backward. Their bodynguage had transformedpletely.


    ¡°Of course, Felix. I understandpletely. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. We¡¯ll handle it appropriately.¡±


    The call ended, and another hushed, frantic conversation followed outside the door. I could make out only fragments:


    ¡°<b>¡­</b>can¡¯t touch her¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­Haxton would destroy <b>us</b><b>¡­</b>¡±


    ¡°¡­political suicide¡­¡±


    After a minute of intense whispering, the door finally opened. A tall, distinguished¨Clooking man in his fifties entered, followed by an elegant woman with surgical precision to her appearance ¨C every hair in <b>ce</b><b>, </b>makeup wless, designer clothes immacte.


    What I hadn¡¯t expected was the look of barely concealed panic on both their faces.


    <b>10:07 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    :


    :


    ¡°Dr. Winters,¡± Councilman Reynolds began, his voice artificially calm. ¡°I apologize for the dy.¡±


    ¡°Dad!¡± Jason called out, his face lighting up with vindictive hope. ¡°Look what she did to me! This psycho attacked me for no reason!¡±


    Both Reynolds parents shot their son a warning look that shut him up instantly.


    ¡°Jason,¡± his father said with forced patience. ¡°Not now.¡±


    Dr. Winters rose quickly from her desk. ¡°Councilman Reynolds, Dr. Reynolds, thank you foring. I¡¯m terribly sorry about this unfortunate incident-¡±


    ¡°Yes, unfortunate indeed,¡± Mrs. Reynolds cut in, her eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. Not anger, but something closer to fear.


    42


    Jason, not reading the room, tried again. ¡°Mom, Dad, she broke my leg! You should see what she did!


    I might never y again!¡±


    Dr. Reynolds finally turned to her son, her professional demeanor taking over. She moved to examine


    his knee, pressing it in several ces with practiced efficiency.


    ¡°It¡¯s a simple fracture, Jason,¡± she said briskly. ¡°The hospital will set it properly, and you¡¯ll be back on


    the field before winter training. Stop being dramatic.¡±


    Jason¡¯s mouth fell open in shock. ¡°But Mom-¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Councilman Reynolds snapped, then visiblyposed himself. He turned to me, and to


    everyone¡¯s surprise, especially Jason¡¯s, he approached with a respectful bow of his head.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan, I want to personally apologize for my son¡¯s behavior. Whatever transpired between you


    two, I¡¯m certain he bears significant responsibility.¡±


    The room went silent. Jason¡¯s face turned from shock to betrayal.


    ¡°Dad? What the hell are you talking about? She attacked me!¡±


    His father shot him a re that could have frozen fire. ¡°Be quiet, Jason. Do you have any idea who you¡¯ve been antagonizing, you idiot?<b>¡± </b>


    Jason looked between his parents in confusion, his victim act momentarily forgotten.


    <b>10:07 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    Dr. Reynolds stepped forward. ¡°Ms. Morgan, we¡¯re prepared to offer fullpensation for any inconvenience this has caused. If there¡¯s anything we can do-¡±


    ¡°What?<b>¡± </b>Jason interrupted, his voice cracking. ¡°Mom, Dad<b>, </b>what¡¯s happening? She¡¯s the one who should be apologizing! She¡¯s the one who broke my leg!¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°One more word,¡± his father hissed, ¡°and you¡¯ll lose your car privileges for the rest of the semester.¡±


    Jason fell silent, but tears of confusion and betrayal welled in his eyes.


    Councilman Reynolds turned back to me. ¡°We propose that Jason transfers to a different school immediately. He¡¯ll issue a formal apology for his behavior, both to you and your brother.¡±


    ¡°And we¡¯ll ensure he receives appropriate counseling for his aggressive tendencies,¡± Dr. Reynolds added quickly. ¡°This type of behavior ispletely uneptable.¡±


    Jason stared at his parents, a tear rolling down his cheek. For the first time, I felt a twinge of sympathy for him. He truly had no idea what was happening.


    I nced at Max. ¡°What do you think? It¡¯s you he¡¯s been bullying.¡±


    Max considered for a moment, his kind nature winning out despite everything. ¡°<b>If </b>Jason is really sorry and promises not to bully anyone else¡­ I¡¯m okay with it.¡±


    ¡°Jason,¡± his father prompted sharply.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± Jason mumbled, his earlier bravadopletely evaporated. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have said those things or¡­ or pushed you.¡±


    Dr. Winters exhaled with visible relief. ¡°Well, I think we can consider this matter resolved then. The school epts the Reynolds¡® proposal.¡±


    Councilman Reynolds nodded stiffly, then leaned closer to me. ¡°Ms. Morgan, please give my regards to Mr. Haxton,¡± he said quietly.


    I simply nodded.


    <b>The </b>Reynolds family made a hasty exit, with Jason being half¨Ccarried by his father. Thest glimpse I caught of his <b>face </b>showedplete confusion and the dawning realization that something much bigger than him was at y.


    ¡­


    As the door closed behind them, Dr. Winters copsed into her chair.


    ¡°Well,¡± she said, wiping her brow. ¡°That was unexpected.¡±


    <b>10:07 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>

 Treatment 34

    <b>Chapter </b><b>34 </b>


    I turned to Dr. Winters, who was still sitting at her desk looking shell¨Cshocked after the Reynolds¡®


    hasty departure.


    ¡°Dr. Winters,¡± I said calmly, ¡°I need to take two days off school.¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    She blinked rapidly, as if trying to process the request after everything else that had happened. ¡°Of course, of course,¡± she stammered, nodding vigorously. ¡°Take as much time as you need.¡±


    I helped Max to his feet, noticing how he winced when he put weight on his right ankle. Jason had


    kicked him pretty hard there. I wrapped my arm around his waist to support him, and we made our


    slow way toward the door.


    ¡°The nurse¡¯s office is down the hall if you need it,¡± Dr. Winters called after <b>us</b>, her voice thin with


    stress.


    I didn¡¯t bother responding. Behind us, I could hear the school staff murmuring to each other, their


    voices a blend of confusion and disbelief. In less than an hour, their understanding of me had been


    I </b>Jade Morgan, the formerly obese nobody who kept to herself.


    Now I was someone with direct lines to the mayor and apparently the Haxton family¨Cwhoever that


    was to them.


    The walk to the nurse¡¯s office was slow. Max tried not to lean on me too heavily, but I could tell he was in pain. His face had several small cuts where Jason¡¯s ss ring had caught him, and his right eye was starting to swell. A bruise was forming on his forehead, and I suspected he had more hidden


    under his clothes.


    ¡°Stop trying to be brave,¡± I told him. ¡°Let me help you.¡±


    Max sighed and finally allowed himself to put more weight on me. ¡°I could have handled it,¡± he


    mumbled.


    ¡°Sure you could have,¡± I replied, not bothering to hide my sarcasm.


    The school nurse looked up as we entered her domain. She took one look at Max¡¯s face and immediately gestured to the exam table. ¡°Sit,¡± she ordered.


    I helped Max onto the table and stepped back, watching as the nurse began cleaning his cuts. None of them were deep enough to need stitches, which was good. I didn¡¯t want to deal with a hospital visit right now.


    <b>10:07 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    ¡°Take these,¡± I said, handing Max two anti¨Cinmmatory tablets from my bag. He swallowed them dry without question.


    After the nurse finished bandaging the worst of Max¡¯s cuts, she stepped out to file an incident report, leaving us alone in the small room. Max sat quietly on the edge of the bed, staring down at his hands. The bruises on his face looked even worse under the harsh fluorescent lights.


    I leaned against the doorframe, studying him. ¡°Scared?¡± I asked.


    Max looked up, confused. ¡°Of what?¡±


    ¡°Of me,¡± I rified. ¡°After what I did to Jason.¡±


    He shook his head immediately. ¡°No. That¡¯s not why I¡¯m¡­¡± He trailed off, searching for words.


    ¡°Not why you¡¯re what?<b>¡± </b>I prompted.


    Max looked at me directly, his eyes troubled. ¡°Jade, is this really over? I mean, with Jason and his


    parents<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    I smiled slightly. ¡°I told you before, even if you blew up the entire school today, I could make it go


    away.¡±


    42


    ¡°But how?¡± Max asked, lowering his voice even though we were alone. ¡°How do you know the mayor


    well enough for him to drop everything and call a city councilman on your behalf?¡±


    ¡°He is just a good person,¡± I said with a dismissive shrug. ¡°He cares about helping students in this


    city.¡±


    ¡°So those martial arts moves,¡± Max said, changing the subject. ¡°Where did you learn to fight like


    that? It was like watching a professional MMA fighter.¡±


    <b>I </b>smiled mysteriously. ¡°There¡¯s a lot you don¡¯t know about me, Max. You¡¯ll understand eventually.¡±


    ¡°Why did you ask for two days off school just now?¡± Max asked.


    I nodded slightly. ¡°I need to pick up some important things I left in New York.¡±


    We <b>sat </b>infortable silence for a moment before I straightened up.


    ¡°Let me see your leg,¡± I said suddenly.


    <b>10:07 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    ¡°What?¡± Max¡¯s entire demeanor changed instantly. His body tensed, and he instinctively tucked his left leg behind his right.


    ¡°Your left leg. The ¡®old injury.¡® I want to see it.¡±


    Max¡¯s face paled. ¡°Why? It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s just-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Max,¡± I interrupted, my voice gentle but firm. ¡°Let me see it.¡±


    He looked at me for a long moment, conflict clear in his eyes. Finally, with trembling hands, he slowly rolled up his pant leg, revealing the withered muscle underneath.


    I examined it carefully, noting the degree of atrophy. It wasn¡¯t as severe as I¡¯d feared. ¡°The muscle deterioration isn¡¯t too advanced,¡± I said clinically. ¡°It can still be treated.¡±


    Max¡¯s head snapped up, eyes wide with shock. ¡°Treated? But the doctors said-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m bringing something back from New York,¡± I cut in. ¡°Special medication. If we start treatment soon, you should be walking normally by the end of the year.¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°Walking¡­ normally?¡± Max repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. <b>I </b>could see the war in his eyes -hope battling against the fear of disappointment. ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡±


    ¡°Trust me,¡± I said simply.


    Before Max could respond, we heard amotion in the hallway. Momentster, the door swung open, and Felix Huxley himself strode in, nked by two aides.


    ¡°Jade!¡± he eximed, his face a perfect mask of concern. ¡°<b>I </b>came as soon as I could. Are you and your brother all right?¡±


    Max stared in amazement as the mayor of Cloud City crossed the small room to shake my hand warmly. Felix¡¯s behavior toward me was not that of a powerful politician meeting an ordinary high school student. It was the behavior of someone eager to please.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine, Mr. Mayor,¡± I replied coolly. ¡°As you can see, the situation has been resolved.¡±


    ¡°Excellent<b>, </b>excellent,¡± Felix said, beaming. ¡°Anything else you need, anything at all, you just let me


    know.¡±


    <b>As </b>Felix continued his effusive offers of assistance, I noticed Max watching me with newfound


    ¡­


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    wonder. He nced nervously at the mayor, then back to me, clearly trying to process how his sistermanded such deference from one of the most powerful men in the city.


    Felix left the infirmary, but I noticed him pause just around the corner in the hallway. He immediately pulled out his phone and made a call.


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 Treatment 35

    Author¡¯s POV:


    :


    42


    Connor Haxton walked briskly down the street<b>, </b>phone pressed to his ear as he reported thetest developments to his employer.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton, I¡¯ve just received word from Felix that there was quite a scene at Cloud City High today,¡± Connor said, his voice low despite the empty corridor. ¡°The Morgan girl broke a student¡¯s leg -the son of Councilman Reynolds, no less.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Ethan Haxton¡¯s smooth voice replied through the phone. ¡°Was it deliberate?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. ording to Felix, she did it to defend her brother, who was being bullied. But the way she did it¡­¡± Connor hesitated. ¡°Felix said it was precise, calcted. One strike, perfectly ced to cause a clean break. Not something your average teenager knows how to do.¡±


    ¡°So she¡¯s not just resourceful but trained as well,¡± Ethan mused, the interest evident in his tone. ¡°It seems our Miss Morgan has moreyers than I initially thought.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct, sir. And when confronted by the Reynolds family, she apparently mentioned the Haxton name. The mere mention of your family name caused Reynolds to back down immediately and apologize to her.¡±


    ¡°Did she now?¡± There was a pause. ¡°Meet me at my office in twenty minutes. We need to discuss this further.<b>¡± </b>


    Inside Ethan Haxton¡¯s sleek, minimalist office overlooking Manhattan, Connor stood rigidly, his reportplete. Ethan swiveled in his leather chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin, a faint smile ying on his lips.


    ¡°So she¡¯s leveraging our family name already,¡± Ethan mused, fingers steepled beneath his chin. ¡°Bold move for someone who¡¯s only had minimal contact with Alexander. I wonder what else she¡¯s capable


    of.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Haxton,¡± Connor began carefully, ¡°aren¡¯t you concerned that this girl might be a problem? Now she has the backing of both your family and Felix Huxley.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s green eyes shed. ¡°Are you suggesting we should be ungrateful to someone who saved


    <b>10:07 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    Alexander¡¯s life?<b>¡± </b>


    :


    ¡°No, <b>sir</b><b>, </b><b>of </b>course not.¡± Connor shifted ufortably. ¡°I¡¯m simply concerned that she might bring unwanted attention to <b>the </b>family.¡±


    42


    Ethanughed, the sound sharp and dismissive. ¡°How much trouble could she possibly <b>cause</b>? She¡¯s <b>a </b>high school student in a backwater town like Cloud City.¡± He stood, straightening his custom suit. ¡°You¡¯re overestimating her, Connor.¡±


    ¡°With respect<b>, </b>sir, I believe you¡¯re underestimating her.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyebrow arched slightly. ¡°Did she pass any message for me specifically?¡±


    ¡°No, sir.¡±


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    The following morning, I stepped out of a taxi in front of the Morrison Pharmaceutical Research


    Center in New York. The gleaming ss building towered above me.


    <b>I </b>walked through the automatic doors into the pristine lobby, my footsteps measured and confident


    as I approached the reception desk.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± <b>I </b>said to the receptionist, keeping my voice pleasant but businesslike. ¡°I¡¯m here to


    purchase some research materials.¡±


    The receptionist smiled with practiced politeness. ¡°Do you have an appointment?¡±


    ¡°No<b>, </b>but I have a list of what I need.¡± I ced a folded paper on the counter<b>, </b>already anticipating her


    reaction.


    Just as expected, her eyebrows rose progressively higher as she scanned the document. ¡°These are¡­ highly specializedpounds. Some of them are restricted for approved research only.¡±


    ¡®Is <b>that </b>a problem?¡± I asked coolly, though I knew it would be. Bureaucracy is always an obstacle, but rarely an insurmountable one.


    ¡°Do you have a research permit or institutional approval?¡± The receptionist looked increasingly ufortable<b>, </b>shifting in her seat.


    <b>10:08 Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°No, but I¡¯d like to speak with Dr. Walter Morrison if he¡¯s avable.¡± This was my trump card¨CI¡¯d had dealings with Morrison in my previous life, though he wouldn¡¯t recognize this face.


    The receptionist hesitated. ¡°Let me make a call.¡±


    While she picked up the phone, I noticed a man in ab coat approaching, his attention caught by our conversation. I sized him up instantly¨Cmid¨Cforties, self¨Cimportant, the type who derives pleasure from exercising what little authority he has.


    ¡°Is there an issue here, Sandra?¡± he asked, eyeing me with barely concealed suspicion.


    ¡°This young woman is requesting to purchase restrictedpounds without proper credentials,¡± the


    receptionist exined.


    The man turned to me, his demeanor instantly condescending¨Cjust as I¡¯d predicted. ¡°I¡¯m Dr. Daniel


    Mercer, head of research operations. Let me see that list.¡± He snatched the paper from the counter, a power move I chose to ignore.


    His eyes widened as he read. ¡°MR¨C27 variant? Do you have any idea what this costs?¡±


    I kept my expression neutral, though inwardly I was calcting how quickly I could ess it through less legitimate channels if this approach failed. ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡®One hundred fifty thousand dors per 10 milligrams,¡± he stated, clearly expecting shock. ¡°And that¡¯s if we were authorized to sell it to you, which we¡¯re not.¡±


    I knew this <b>was </b>a lie. Thepound wasn¡¯t that expensive, even on the ck market. <b>¡°</b>Is that the price Dr. Morrison authorized?¡± I asked calmly.


    Dr. Mercer¡¯s face flushed¨Ca tell that he was lying. ¡°Listen, youngdy, I don¡¯t know who you are or how you even know thesepounds exist, but-¡±


    ¡°I have an appointment with Dr. Morrison,¡± I cut in.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t, I oversee his schedule.¡± Mercer¡¯s voice rose as he crumpled the list and tossed it onto <b>the </b>floor¨Ca childish disy of dominance. ¡°Security.¡±


    Two security guards approached. I assessed them quickly¨Cunarmed, minimal training based on their stance. Taking them down would be trivial, but counterproductive to my goal. Before I needed to decide on an alternative approach, an older man with silver hair and keen eyes emerged from an elevator.


    <b>10:08 </b>Wed, <b>Sep </b>17


    ¡­


    ¡°Miss Morgan<b>?</b><b>¡± </b><b>he </b>called, striding toward us.


    Dr. Mercer froze. ¡°Dr. Morrison<b>, </b>you know this person?¡±


    ¡°Indeed I do. She¡¯s my special guest.¡± Morrison turned to the security guards. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary<b>, </b>gentlemen.¡±


    The guards retreated, and I savored the way Dr. Mercer¡¯s face drained of color. There¡¯s always satisfaction in watching arrogant people realize they¡¯ve miscalcted.


    ¡°Dr. Morrison,¡± I greeted with a slight nod. ¡°Thank you for seeing me. I was just discussing the materials I need with your colleague.¡±


    42


    ¡°Yes, I heard.¡± Morrison bent down to retrieve the crumpled list from the floor, smoothing it out carefully. His eyes scanned the paper, then widened slightly. ¡°I¡¯ve prepared everything you requested. Though I must admit, thesepounds are quite rare and expensive.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ve been told,¡± I replied, ncing at Dr. Mercer. ¡°One hundred fifty thousand per 10 milligrams


    for MR¨C27 variant?¡±


    Morrison¡¯s head snapped up. ¡°What? No, that¡¯s absurd.¡± He turned to Dr. Mercer with a hard stare.


    Dr. Mercer spluttered, ¡°But sir, we can¡¯t just¡ª¡±


    ¡°Who designed this protocol?¡± Morrison interrupted, examining the list more closely. ¡°Thisbination is¡­ brilliant. Unconventional, but potentially revolutionary.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t say,¡± I answered, though of course, it was my own design.


    Morrison studied my face for a long moment, and I kept my expression carefully neutral. Then he nodded slowly. ¡°Come with me to my office. We¡¯ve prepared your materials,¡±


    As we walked toward the elevator, Morrison spoke quietly. ¡°You know, MR¨C27 variant and several others on your list are incredibly rare. Two years ago, a young girl brought us exotic nts from which thesepounds were extracted. She refused payment or recognition.¡±

 Treatment 36

    <b>Jade¡¯s </b>POV:


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    I kept my expression carefully neutral, though his words triggered memories I¡¯d rather keep buried. That ¡°young girl¡± was me in my previous life¨CShadow¨Cafter a mission in the South American rainforest. I¡¯d discovered those rare medicinal nts while on assignment, but my extraction <b>hadn¡¯t </b>gone as nned. And my only trusted colleague within Shadow Organization died. I¡¯d buried him there, beneath the jungle canopy, before smuggling the samples out.


    When I¡¯d reached New York, I donated thepounds to Morrison¡¯s research center. Dr. Morrison had shown concern for my condition then¨CI was injured and exhausted¨Cbut I¡¯d brushed him off and disappeared.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan?<b>¡± </b>Dr. Morrison¡¯s voice pulled me back to the present. ¡°This way to the storage facility.¡±


    I followed him through the pristine corridor of Morrison Pharmaceutical Research Center, mentally checking the list ofpounds I needed for Max¡¯s treatment. The ss and steel architecture hadn¡¯t changed since myst visit¨Cstill the same stark minimalism disguising cutting¨Cedge research.


    ¡°Thepounds you requested are quite rare,¡± Dr. Morrison continued as we approached theboratory area. ¡°Normally we wouldn¡¯t release them, but given the circumstances¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t finish the thought. He didn¡¯t need to. We both knew what he meant¨Cthat I somehow knew aboutpounds that almost no one outside theirb should know about.


    <b>As </b>we headed toward the storage area, a man intercepted us in the corridor. Daniel again.


    ¡°Dr. Morrison, let me get those for you,¡± Daniel insisted quickly. ¡°I was just heading that way


    anyway.¡±


    Dr. Morrison hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Very well. We¡¯ll wait in my office.¡±


    Ten minutester, Daniel returned to Dr. Morrison¡¯s ss¨Cwalled office, cing a small metal case


    on the desk.


    ¡°Here you are, sir. Both samples from B¨C7.¡±


    I reached for the case<b>, </b>but Dr. Morrison held up a hand. ¡°One moment.¡± He turned to Daniel. ¡°Open it<b>, </b>please.¡±


    <b>10:08 </b><b>Wed</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>


    Daniel looked ufortable butplied, revealing two small vials containing amber liquid.


    ¡°May <b>I</b><b>?</b>¡± I asked<b>, </b>gesturing toward the vials.


    Dr. Morrison nodded. I picked up one vial, examining it against the light, then uncapped it to smell


    the contents.


    42


    ¡°This isn¡¯t it,¡± I said immediately.


    Daniel¡¯s face tightened. ¡°I assure you, these are from B¨C7.¡±


    ¡°These are synthetic substitutes,¡± I replied, recapping the vial. ¡°The originalpound has a distinct fermented undertone. This is mass¨Cproduced.¡±


    Dr. Morrison¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Daniel?¡±


    ¡°Sir, I¨CI thought it best to preserve the originals for our research. These synthetics are functionally


    identical.¡±


    ¡°Send someone to verify B¨C7¡¯s contents,¡± Dr. Morrison ordered, his voice dangerously quiet.


    A junior researcher was summoned and dispatched to the storage unit. Five minutester, she


    returned, visibly nervous.


    ¡°Sir, the original samples are no longer in B¨C7. The system logs show they were removed three weeks


    ago.¡± She hesitated before continuing. ¡°And there¡¯s something else. I checked the security footage.


    Daniel was seen removing them.¡±


    Daniel¡¯s face flushed with panic. ¡°I¡ªI can exin. Someone approached me. They offered a substantial sum-¡±


    ¡°You sold them?¡± Dr. Morrison¡¯s voice was ice cold.


    ¡°Your employment is terminated, effective immediately. Security will escort you to clear your desk,¡± Dr. Morrison stated, his finger already on the inte button. ¡°And I¡¯ll be contacting the police about the theft.¡±


    Daniel¡¯s expression morphed from panic to anger. ¡°You can¡¯t do this! Everyone knows you distribute experimentalpounds to unlicensed individuals!¡± He gestured wildly at me. ¡°Like right now!¡±


    I stood <b>up</b><b>, </b>stepping between them. ¡°What you¡¯ve done constitutes theft and corporate espionage.


    Thepounds weren¡¯t yours to sell. Would you like me to continue listing the criminal charges


    that apply?¡±


    Daniel¡¯s face contorted. ¡°Who the hell do you think you are? Some high school student? I¡¯ll make


    sure you never¡ª¡±


    ¡°Security,¡± Dr. Morrison called through the inte.


    Daniel lunged for the metal case, knocking it off the desk. As vials scattered across the floor, he grabbed a letter opener and jabbed it toward me. Without thinking, I caught his wrist, twisted it


    until the opener ttered to the ground, then swept his legs out from under him. He hit the floor hard, face pressed into the carpet by my knee between his shoulder des.


    ¡°Impressive,¡± Dr. Morrisonmented dryly as security personnel rushed in.


    After Daniel was escorted out, still shouting threats, Dr. Morrison retrieved two vials from a hidden


    safe in his bookshelf.


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°I always keep backups of our most valuable specimens,¡± he exined, cing them in a new case. ¡°I had a feeling something like this might happen, though not quite so dramatically.¡±


    He handed me the case. ¡°These are the original nt extracts. I¡¯ve also included samples of our


    synthetic versions forparison.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I tucked the case into my bag.


    Dr. Morrison walked to a cab and removed a small surgical kit. ¡°I believe you might find this


    useful as well. Micro¨Csurgical instruments, specially designed for delicate work.¡±


    The kit was identical to one I¡¯d used in my previous life. I ran my fingers over the titanium tools, memories flooding back.


    ¡°These were designed by my mentor,¡± he continued. ¡°I¡¯ve only given a set to one other person.¡±


    ¡°That girl?¡± I asked, already knowing the answer.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He studied my face. ¡°She said they were perfect for her¡­ line of work.¡±


    I closed the kit. ¡°I¡¯m sure they were,¡±


    ¡°Ms. Morgan,¡± he said carefully, ¡°this friend of yours who told you about thesepounds and


    instruments¡­ would I know her?¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    I met his gaze. ¡°You¡¯re thinking of exactly who you think you¡¯re thinking of.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± His eyes widened slightly. ¡°And did she ask you to check on me?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not really the sentimental type.¡±


    Dr. Morrisonughed softly. ¡°No, I suppose not.¡± He looked at me more intently. ¡°She disappeared two years ago. I always wondered what happened to her.¡±


    I shouldered my bag, feeling the weight of the surgical kit andpounds. ¡°Thank you for your help, Dr. Morrison.¡±


    <b>10:08 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>


    Badass in Disquise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>37 </b>

 Treatment 37

    <b>Chapter </b><b>37 </b>


    I stepped out of the pharmacy<b>, </b>tucking the small bag of medicinal supplements into my jacket pocket. The Manhattan streets were crowded with the usual afternoon rush¨Cbusinesspeople hurrying back to offices, tourists ambling along taking photos, and street vendors hawking everything from hot dogs to knockoff designer watches.


    That¡¯s when I heard it¨Camotion up ahead, voices rising with urgency.


    ¡°Someone call an ambnce!¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>Is </b>there a doctor? We need <i>a </i>doctor here!¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    People were gathering in a circle about fifty feet away. Most just stood there uselessly with their phones out, probably recording for their social media. I sighed, intending to walk past, when something made me pause. Maybe it was instinct from my previous life, where assessing situations quickly meant survival.


    I pushed through the crowd and saw an elderly man sprawled on the sidewalk. His face was ashen gray, beaded with sweat despite the cool weather. His breathing wasbored, one hand clutching at his chest. ssic signs of acute myocardial infarction¨Ca heart attack.


    I dropped my bag and knelt beside him, checking his pulse. Weak and irregr. His pupils were dted, not responding properly to the harsh sunlight.


    ¡°<b>Sir</b><b>, </b>can you hear me?¡± I asked, keeping my voice calm and authoritative.


    He managed a weak nod, pain etched across his face.


    I opened my backpack and pulled out apact medical kit. In my previous life as Shadow, I never went anywhere without emergency medical supplies. Old habits die hard.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± A muscr man in a tight¨Cfitting athletic shirt stepped forward. ¡°Are you a doctor? You look like you should be in high school.¡±


    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing,¡± I said tly, not bothering to look up as I prepared a syringe.


    ¡°Wait<b>, </b>you can¡¯t just-¡± he began.


    ¡°She¡¯s going to kill him!¡± someone in the crowd gasped.


    ??)


    I ignored them all, focusing on the task at hand. The old man needed epinephrine to stabilize his heart rhythm, followed by a vasodtor to improve blood flow. I administered both with practiced precision, then began chestpressions, counting under my breath.


    ¡°The ambnce ising,¡± someone said nearby. ¡°Should we stop her?¡±


    The fitness instructor looked uncertain now. ¡°I don¡¯t think¡­ she seems to know what she¡¯s doing.¡±


    After two minutes ofpressions, I checked the man¡¯s vitals again. His color was improving slightly, breathing bing lessbored. I ced two fingers against his carotid artery¨Cpulse strengthening. Good.


    42


    A woman in a business suit pushed forward. ¡°I¡¯m a nurse. Do you need-¡± She stopped, watching me


    work with growing admiration. ¡°You¡¯ve done this before.¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer, focused on monitoring the patient¡¯s condition. The crowd had grown, forming a tight


    circle around us. Some still recorded on their phones, but most had lowered them, their expressions


    shifting from voyeuristic curiosity to genuine concern.


    The fitness instructor had moved to keep people back, giving me space. His earlier skepticism had


    transformed into respect. ¡°Give her room to work,¡± he told the crowd firmly.


    The old man¡¯s eyes fluttered open, confusion giving way to recognition as he focused on me.


    ¡°You¡­¡± he whispered, voice barely audible.


    Before he could continue, paramedics pushed through the crowd, equipment in hand.


    ¡°What happened?¡± the first EMT asked, kneeling beside me.


    ¡°Acute myocardial infarction,¡± I said, shifting to allow them ess. ¡°Patient presented with chest pain, dyspnea<b>, </b>diaphoresis. I administered 0.3 milligrams epinephrine followed by 5 milligrams of nitroglycerin. Pulse is stabilizing but still irregr.¡±


    The EMTS exchanged impressed nces.


    ¡°Are you in medical school?¡± the second one asked, preparing an oxygen mask.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°She just came out of nowhere,¡± the fitness instructor exined, now sounding apologetic. ¡°I


    <b>10:08 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    thought¡­ well, she looks so young.¡±


    ??)


    <b>42 </b>


    As the paramedics transferred the old man to a stretcher<b>, </b>a harried¨Clooking young man in a rumpled suit pushed through the crowd.


    ¡°President Thornton!¡± he eximed, clearly distressed. ¡°Oh god, I just stepped away for coffee-¡±


    The title caught my attention. President Thornton¨CPhilip Thornton, the Princeton University


    President.


    ¡°He¡¯s stabilizing,¡± I told the assistant. ¡°But he needs to get to a hospital.¡±


    The assistant nodded gratefully. ¡°Thank you. Would you¡­ would you minding along? He might


    want to speak with you when he¡¯s more coherent.¡±


    I hesitated, calcting the time. I needed to get back to Cloud City, but this connection might prove


    useful.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I said, picking up my bag.


    At the hospital, I sat in a private room while Philip rested. The cardiac team had confirmed my diagnosis and treatment had likely saved his life.


    Philip stirred, eyes opening slowly. He looked around, gaze settling on me.


    ¡°You¡¯re the girl,¡± he said, voice hoarse but stronger than before. ¡°The one who helped me.¡±


    ¡°<b>Yes</b><b>,</b>¡±


    ¡°Jason tells me you saved my life.¡± He nodded toward his assistant, who hovered nearby. ¡°What¡¯s your


    name?¡±


    ¡°Jade Morgan.¡±


    Philip studied me with surprising intensity for someone who¡¯d just suffered a heart attack. ¡°You administered epinephrine and nitroglycerin. Not many high school students would know the correct dosage.<b>¡± </b>


    I shrugged. ¡°I read a lot.¡±


    <b>10:08 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>


    ¡°Medical textbooks, apparently,¡± he said with a weak smile. ¡°Where do you attend school<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Cloud City High.¡±


    <b>His </b>eyebrows rose slightly. ¡°Senior?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    <b>¡°</b>nning for college?¡± he asked, seeming genuinely interested despite his condition.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet.¡±


    Philip nodded thoughtfully. ¡°With your medical knowledge, you should consider Princeton¡¯s medical school.¡± He reached for the bedside table, pulling out a business card. ¡°I¡¯d like to stay in touch<b>, </b>Jade.¡±


    I took the card, noting the Princeton University emblem. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°May I have your number? I¡¯d like to rmend you to the admissionsmittee. I still have some


    influence there.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± I replied. ¡°I can get into Princeton on my own if I want to.¡±


    Instead of being offended, Philipughed, then winced as the movement hurt his chest. ¡°I believe you would. But connections never hurt.¡±


    Before <b>I </b>could respond, the door opened. A tall man in an impably tailored charcoal suit entered, nked by two security personnel in dark suits. The hospital staff in the hallway seemed to shrink against the walls as he passed.


    <b>10:08 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>38 </b>

 Treatment 38

    <b>Chapter </b><b>38 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    :


    42


    Ethan Haxton adjusted his custom¨Ctailored charcoal suit as he strode through the hospital corridor. The private wing was quiet<b>, </b>a stark contrast to the chaos of the emergency department he¡¯d passed on his way in. He checked his watch¨Ca limited edition Patek Philippe¨Cnoting he was right on schedule despite thest¨Cminute decision to visit.


    Ethan paused at the doorway of Room 507, observing the scene before announcing his presence. Thornton was sitting up in bed, looking paler than usual but animated as he spoke with a young woman whose back was to the door. Something about her slender frame and confident posture seemed vaguely familiar.


    He stepped into the room, his tall figure casting a shadow over the visitor¡¯s chair.


    ¡°Walter,¡± Ethan said, his voice smooth and authoritative. ¡°I see you¡¯re determined to give us all a scare.¡±


    Thornton looked up, surprise and pleasure washing over his tired features. ¡°Ethan! This is unexpected.¡±


    ¡°Word travels fast when brilliant minds are in jeopardy,¡± Ethan replied, moving further into the room. ¡°I heard you were admitted and thought I¡¯d check on you personally.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the concern,¡± Thornton said with genuine appreciation. ¡°Just a minor episode, nothing serious. They¡¯re releasing me tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Good to hear.¡± Ethan¡¯s gaze drifted to the young woman who had half¨Cturned in her chair to look at


    him. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you had a visitor. <b>I </b>cane backter.¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± Thornton waved dismissively. ¡°I was actually nning to call you after I got out. There¡¯s something I wanted to <b>discuss </b>about that quantumputing project. Didn¡¯t want to bother you with your <b>busy </b>schedule, though.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s interest piqued¨CThornton rarely reached out directly unless it involved a significant breakthrough. ¡°I always have time for you, Walter. You know that.¡±


    His attention shifted fully to the young woman now. There was something familiar about her¨Cthe poised stillness, the evaluating gaze. She couldn¡¯t be more than eighteen, yet carried herself with unusualposure.


    <b>10:09 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    :.


    :


    ¡°And who might this be<b>?</b>¡± Ethan asked, extending a hand in greeting. ¡°A student of yours<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Thornton chuckled. ¡°Not exactly. This <b>is </b>my rescuer<b>, </b>not a regr visitor. She quite literally saved my life on the street yesterday when I copsed.¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, lowering himself into the visitor¡¯s chair opposite the girl. As he settled in,


    something clicked in his mind. Was she the girl who saved Alexander? The face was familiar<b>, </b>though


    noticeably thinner now.


    Connor Haxton, who had been standing quietly near the door<b>, </b>caught Ethan¡¯s eye with a subtle nod


    of recognition. Their silentmunication confirmed they were thinking the same thing.


    Ethan studied her with newfound curiosity. Yesterday in Cloud City, today in New York saving more


    lives.


    ¡°And your name is?¡± he asked smoothly, extending his hand.


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    I kept my expression neutral as Haxton studied me.


    While pretending to focus on my water, I was actually studying his hands. There¨Con the first


    knuckle of his right index finger¨Cwas a small ck spider tattoo, exactly matching what I¡¯d glimpsed through theputer camera during our cyber confrontation. So Ethan Haxton<b>, </b>billionaire CEO of the Haxton Group, was also a hacker skilled enough to give me a challenge. Interesting.


    I allowed my gaze to travel over him assessingly¨Cexpensive suit, perfectly styled hair, the confident


    posture of someone used tomanding rooms. His assistant shifted ufortably under my scrutiny<b>, </b>clearly thinking I was being inappropriate or disrespectful in examining his boss so boldly.


    ¡°Jade was passing by the Morrison Pharmaceutical Research Center when I copsed,¡± Professor


    Thornton exined, oblivious to the tension. ¡°She administered emergency treatment right there on


    the sidewalk. The doctors said without her intervention, I likely wouldn¡¯t have made it to the


    hospital<b>.</b>¡±


    Haxton¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°You were at the research center?¡±


    I noticed his gaze flick to the shopping bag beside my chair, bearing the center¡¯s logo,


    <b>10:09 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    :


    ¡°Just picking up some medication,¡± I replied nomittally.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>Haxton asked, extending his hand.


    <b>¡°</b>Jade Morgan,¡± I replied<b>, </b>briefly <b>epting </b>his handshake with a firm grip.


    ¡°I thought so,¡± Connor confirmed from behind Haxton.


    42


    Professor Thornton beamed proudly, like I was his personal discovery. ¡°She¡¯s quite remarkable<b>, </b>Mr. Haxton. Not only did she save my life with expert medical intervention, but she had the presence of mind and courage to act when everyone else just stood around filming with their phones. Her future is undoubtedly bright.¡±


    Ethan leaned forward slightly. ¡°In today¡¯s world where people are so hesitant to get involved, it¡¯s refreshing to see someone willing to help aplete stranger in distress, especially a medical emergency. You must have quite apassionate nature, Ms. Morgan.¡±


    His tone was pleasant, but his eyes held a subtle challenge, testing whether I¡¯d acknowledge our previous connection.


    ¡°Very few people ever describe me that way,¡± I said tly, refusing to take his bait.


    ¡°Philip mentioned you were picking up medication,¡± Haxton continued smoothly. ¡°Are you interested in medicine as a career path?¡±


    Before I could answer, Thornton jumped in enthusiastically. ¡°She absolutely should be! With her natural aptitude, she¡¯d be brilliant in the field. And Ethan here is a Princeton alumnus¨Cone of their most distinguished, I might add.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Are you considering Princeton?¡± Haxton asked. ¡°With Philip¡¯s rmendation, I imagine the <b>medical </b>school would wee you eagerly.¡±


    <b>I </b>shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m more interested inputer science, actually.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Computer science<b>?</b>¡± Thornton echoed, sounding disappointed. ¡°But with your medical knowledge-¡±


    ¡°The Haxton Group has an excellent technology division,¡± Haxton interjected. ¡°<b>If </b>you¡¯re pursuingputer science<b>, </b>we could certainly discuss opportunities after you graduate<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    My eyebrow rose slightly before <b>I </b>could control it. Work for Haxton Group? His tone suggested he


    was offering some rare privilege.


    <b>42 </b>


    I almost wanted tough. The arrogance was astounding. Did he really think the Haxton Group was such an elite threshold? I could im any number of identities that would equal or surpass his


    position as CEO. Me, working for him? The very thought was absurd.


    I met his gaze directly, my voice cool and t. ¡°I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    <b>10:09 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17

 Treatment 39

    <b>Chapter </b><b>39 </b>


    ¡­


    Author¡¯s POV:


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    The silence in the hospital room stretched like a rubber band after Jade¡¯s blunt rejection. Connor Haxton¡¯s face twitched with barely concealed indignation. In his mind, this high school nobody was disying shocking arrogance, turning down an opportunity thousands would kill for without a second thought. Little did he know that she was his much¨Cadmired idol X, the legendary hacker he¡¯d been obsessing over for years.


    ¡°It was presumptuous of me,¡± Ethan Haxton said smoothly, his expression betraying nothing. His voice remained pleasant, though he studied Jade with renewed interest. Most people fell over themselves to gain his favor, yet this teenager dismissed his offer like it was nothing.


    Jade took a sip of water, suppressing a smile. ¡°Presumptuous? You are dreaming too big, Haxton.*


    ¡°I should be going,¡± Jade said, standing up. ¡°I need to get back to Cloud City.¡±


    ¡°So soon?¡± Philip Thornton asked, clearly disappointed. ¡°You¡¯ve barely been here.¡±


    ¡°I got what I came for,¡± Jade replied. Her reason being here had been straightforward: meet the Princeton president andy groundwork for Max¡¯s future admission to the physics department.


    ¡°Before you leave, could I at least get your contact information?¡± Thornton asked. ¡°Princeton would


    be fortunate to have someone with your talents.¡±


    Jade considered for a moment, then shook her head. ¡°No need. I¡¯ll definitely get into Princeton. See you on September 1st.¡± She quickly jotted down a number on a notepad by Philip¡¯s bed, then nodded a farewell to everyone in the room.


    <b>As </b>she walked out, Ethan¡¯s eyes narrowed on the notepad. The handwriting looked strangely familiar <b>¨C </b>confident strokes with a distinctive nt, a certain ir to how she formed the numbers.


    ¡®If you¡¯ll <b>excuse </b>me,¡± Ethan said, rising abruptly from his chair. ¡°I need to go.¡±


    Connor gave him a questioning look, immediately standing as well.


    Ethan nodded toward the door, and both men made their exit without further exnation.


    As they left<b>, </b>Philip¡¯s phone began to ring. He reached for it with a slightly confused expression, watching the two men¡¯s hasty departure.


    <b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    :


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    In the hushed corners <b>of </b>Princeton University¡¯s physics building<b>, </b>excited whispers bounced between students like particles in a quantum field.


    ¡°Did you hear? They say the forum genius is actually here on campus,¡± a grad student said, clutching hisptop.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± his friend replied. ¡°The one who solved Sheldon¡¯s impossible problem?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Yeah, and get this¨Capparently it¡¯s some high school girl. She solved in two months what Sheldon couldn¡¯t crack in six.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit,¡± another student chimed in. ¡°No high schooler could understand quantum mechanics at that level.¡±


    ¡°The proof was wless though. Even Sheldon admitted it.¡±


    In a quiet corner of the university coffee shop, Edward Sheldon leaned forward eagerly, his eyes bright with curiosity as he studied Emily Morgan. The brilliant young professor could barely contain his excitement at finally meeting the person who had solved his quantum alignment paradox. Emily, meanwhile, looked nervous, fidgeting with her sleeve as she avoided his intense gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to see your draft workings,¡± Edward said. ¡°Your approach to the quantum alignment problem was revolutionary.¡±


    Emily¡¯s smile faltered. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t have them with me. I can¡¯t find my notes anymore. I think I might have left them at home.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unfortunate,¡± Edward said, disappointment evident. ¡°Would you mind walking me through <b>your </b>thought process instead? Particrly that brilliant leap you made in section three?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Emily nced around the caf¨¦, buying time. ¡°It took me two months to work it all out. I¡¯m kind of exhausted from thinking about it, honestly.¡±


    Edward nodded, though his enthusiasm didn¡¯t diminish. ¡°Physics can be mentally draining. Maybe we could discuss something else? Are you interested in string theory as well?¡±


    Emily seized the opportunity to change topics. ¡°Actually, I¡¯d rather hear about your work. Someone


    <b>10:09 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    <b>as </b>aplished as you must have fascinating projects.¡± She leaned forward, batting her eyshes


    slightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s very kind,¡± Edward said with a polite smile, ¡°but I¡¯m really fascinated by your approach. Perhaps you could just exin the initial concept? How did you first approach the problem?¡±


    Emily¡¯s hands tightened around her cup. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ hard to exin. I just sort of¡­ saw the pattern.¡±


    Edward¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°But surely there was a methodological approach<b>? </b>The quantum alignment paradox isn¡¯t something one just ¡®sees¡®.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Emily said, her voice rising slightly. ¡°I just meant¡­ I work intuitively first, then build the mathematics around it.¡±


    442


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Edward said, reaching for hisptop. ¡°Since you¡¯re here, would you mind helping me with another problem I¡¯ve been working on? It¡¯s rted to your solution, actually.¡±


    Emily¡¯s eyes widened in panic.


    Before she could respond, a server passing by their table tripped, sending a ss of iced coffee cascading onto Emily¡¯sp. The cold liquid soaked through her pale blue designer dress<b>, </b>creating an expanding brown stain.


    Emily¡¯s body went rigid, her lips pressing into a thin line as she suppressed her initial reaction to scream. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the edge of the table.


    <b>¡°</b>Your dress,¡± Edward said, quickly offering his napkin.


    ¡°<b>It¡¯s </b>fine,¡± Emily managed through clenched teeth, a forced smile stered on her face. ¡°These things


    happen.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, miss,¡± the server stammered, frantically grabbing more napkins. ¡°The caf¨¦ will cover any cleaning costs.¡±


    ¡°This is a $450 Marchesa dress,¡± Emily said, her voice controlled but trembling with rage. She dabbed at the stain with mechanical movements, her eyes cold.


    Edward watched her carefully, noting the fury that radiated from her despite herposed words<b>. </b>


    ¡°Perhaps we should continue this another time,¡± he suggested gently. ¡°You should get that cleaned as soon as possible.¡±


    <b>10:09 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    ¡°Yes,¡± Emily said quickly, gathering her things with shaking hands. ¡°I¡¯ll be in touch. Soon<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    42


    Back at the hotel, Emily furiously scrubbed at the coffee stain on her dress, but the brown mark only seemed to spread further into the delicate fabric.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± she cursed, throwing the dress into the trash can. ¡°It¡¯s ruined!¡±


    Linda Morgan rushed over, fishing the dress out of the garbage. ¡°What are you doing? This cost <b>$</b>280


    on clearance! I had to use next month¡¯s electric bill money for this<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>It¡¯s </b>stained, Mom,¡± Emily said, exasperated. ¡°I can¡¯t wear it again, especially not around Edward.¡±


    Linda inspected the dress with desperate hands. ¡°Maybe we can get it dry cleaned. Or I could try scrubbing it myself.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Just forget it,¡± Emily muttered, copsing onto the bed. ¡°Today was a disaster anyway. That


    professor kept asking questions I couldn¡¯t answer. He wanted me to exin the solution ¡®process<b>.</b>¡® He


    almost seemed suspicious.<b>¡± </b>


    Linda barely registered her daughter¡¯s words, holding the dress up to the light and examining the


    stain with intense concentration. ¡°If we soak it in cold water and baking soda first, then use hydrogen peroxide¡­¡±


    Meanwhile, in Cloud City, Max stared at his empty desk in frustration. His physics notebook¨Cthe


    one containing all his quantum solutions and notes from Jade¨Cwas nowhere to be found. He¡¯d


    searched his room for hours, checking every possible location.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t make sense,¡± he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. ¡°It was right here two days ago.¡±


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>40 </b>

 Treatment 40

    <b>hapter </b><b>40 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    I spotted the ck Maybach with the license te ¡°NY001¡± parked outside the hospital entrance <b>as </b><b>I </b>


    stepped through the sliding doors. The sleek vehicle stood out even among the other luxury cars in


    the drop¨Coff area,manding attention without trying. It was unmistakably Ethan Haxton¡¯s car.


    My mind instantly shed back to the vehicle I¡¯d seen near my house in Cloud City a few weeks ago.


    Had it been Ethan himself, or his nephew Alexander? Either way, the Haxton family seemed to be


    circling my orbit with increasing frequency. Not a coincidence, I was certain.


    A man in a tailored suit approached me as I contemted my next move. I recognized him as Connor Haxton, Ethan¡¯s right¨Chand man.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan,¡± he called out. ¡°Mr. Haxton thought you might need a ride. He¡¯d like to see you safely on your way, on behalf of Professor Morrison.¡±


    I studied his face, noting the practiced politeness that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. Connor Haxton


    was assessing me too, probably wondering why his boss was interested in a high school girl from


    Cloud City.


    ¡°That¡¯s very considerate,¡± I replied, reaching into my bag and pulling out the medicine box I¡¯d gotten


    from the Morrison Pharmaceutical Research Center. I handed it to Connor. ¡°Be careful with this. This


    stuff isn¡¯t cheap.¡±


    Connor epted the package with a slight nod, his eyes flickering with curiosity.


    ¡°I need to stop by The Pinnacle Luxe to pick up my luggage before heading back,¡± I added, already


    walking toward the Maybach.


    The driver opened the door, and I slid into the plush leather interior. Ethan Haxton sat on the


    opposite side. Our eyes met briefly before I settled back against the seat.


    ¡°Quite the pharmaceutical shopping trip,¡± Ethan remarked once we were moving. ¡°May I ask what a


    high school student needs with specialized research¨Cgrade medications<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>I </b>shrugged, deliberately casual. ¡°I¡¯m working on ink that makes math test answers appear by


    themselves.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyebrow arched upward. It was clear he wasn¡¯t buying my ridiculous exnation, but that


    <b>10:09 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    :


    was exactly the point. Sometimes the best way to deflect curiosity was with absurdity.


    ¡°Your medical skills were impressive back there,¡± he continued, switching tactics. ¡°President Thornton mentioned you essentially saved his life.¡±


    ¡°Self¨Ctaught, just experimenting,¡± I responded with deliberate vagueness. ¡°I read a lot.¡±


    ¡°And your interest inputer science?¡± he probed. ¡°Is that also self¨Ctaught?¡±


    42


    I turned to face him directly, deciding to shift the dynamic. ¡°Mr. Haxton seems very interested in me.


    <b>Is </b>there a reason for that?¡±


    My tone carried a hint of flirtation, deliberately inappropriate, while my posture remained rxed and casual. It was a calcted move¨Cpeople often be ufortable when faced with unexpected behavior. Ethan, however, didn¡¯t flinch.


    ¡°I¡¯m interested in exceptional talent,¡± he admitted. ¡°And you, Ms. Morgan, have demonstrated several unusual capabilities for someone your age.¡±


    ¡°And you have questions.¡±


    ¡°Many.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not inclined to answer them,¡± I said with a slight smile. ¡°But I¡¯d like to hear your questions.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m curious how much you¡¯ve figured out about me.¡± The challenge in my voice was unmistakable.


    The atmosphere in the car changed, the air practically crackling with tension. Connor shifted ufortably in the front seat, but Ethan¡¯s expression remained impassive. Only the slight tightening of his jaw betrayed his reaction.


    At a red light, a luxury SUV pulled up beside us. The windows were down, and heavy metal music sted from expensive speakers. The driver¨Ca young man with designer sunsses and carefully styled hair¨Cspotted me through the window and did a double¨Ctake.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± he shouted over his music, waving excitedly.


    Ethan nced at the neer, then back at me. ¡°Your friend?¡±


    <b>10:09 </b>Wed, <b>Sep </b>17


    :..


    ¡°Never seen him before,¡± I replied tly, though I recognized him immediately as Chase Astor.


    (42<b>) </b>


    Chase leaned out his window. ¡°Hey! It¡¯s me, Chase! Remember? You won two hundred grand from me


    that time!¡±


    I stared nkly at him before hitting the button to raise the electric window. Connor¡¯s head whipped around, his expression a mixture of surprise and confusion.


    ¡°Two hundred thousand dors<b>?</b>¡± he muttered.


    Chase was still trying to get my attention, mouthing words through the ss and motioning for me to lower the window again. The light turned green, and our driver elerated smoothly, leaving Chase and his ring music behind.


    ¡°Interesting acquaintance,¡± Ethanmented. ¡°Chase is quite well¨Cknown in certain circles.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond, letting the silence hang between us<b>. </b>


    ¡°That was the Astor kid, right?¡± Connor asked, ncing back at us through the rearview mirror.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ethan replied. ¡°Chase Astor, Pierce Astor¡¯s youngest son.¡±


    Connor waited for more, but Ethan offered nothing further. The silence in the car was heavy with unasked questions and unspoken observations.


    Twenty minutester, we pulled up outside The Pinnacle Luxe.


    ¡°After you collect your luggage, allow me to have someone apany you to the airport,¡± Ethan offered as I prepared to exit the car.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± I replied. ¡°I¡¯m staying here tonight and leaving tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Then perhaps dinner? There¡¯s an excellent restaurant on the top floor.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m controlling my diet<b>,</b>¡± I said, the excuse flimsy but convenient.


    Ethan reached into his jacket pocket and produced a sleek ck card with gold lettering. ¡°A token of appreciation for your help with President Thornton. This gives you premium ess to all Haxton Group properties worldwide.¡±


    I hesitated before epting the card, examining the ck and gold surface. It wasn¡¯t just any


    ¡­


    <b>42 </b>


    membership card¨Cit was the legendary Haxton ck, rumored to be held by fewer than fifty people


    globally.


    ¡°Thank you,¡®


    ,¡± I said simply, tucking it into my pocket. The gesture was unexpected and potentially


    useful.


    As I stepped out of the car, I caught Connor¡¯s suspicious gaze following me. Ethan remained


    expressionless, but his eyes tracked my movements with calcted interest.


    I walked toward the hotel entrance without looking back.


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    <b>10:10 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17

 Treatment 41

    <b>Chapter </b>41


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    <i>Cloud </i>City


    ??))


    42


    I pushed open Max¡¯s bedroom door, pharmacy bag clutched in one hand. His head jerked up from his


    physics textbook, eyes immediately brightening when he saw me.


    ¡°You¡¯re back,¡± he said, closing his book and pushing himself to his feet.


    ¡°Just got in,¡± I replied, entering his room. I tossed my backpack onto his bed and held up the pharmacy bag. ¡°Got something for you.¡±


    Max¡¯s eyes fixed on the bag, noticing the logo: ¡°Morrison Pharmaceutical Research Center.¡± <b>I </b>could


    practically see hope blooming across his features.


    ¡°Is that-¡± he started, his voice catching.


    I nodded, emptying the bag onto his desk. Several small vials of clear liquid, packets of powdered


    substances, and a set of specialized medical instruments tumbled out.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Max whispered, reaching tentatively toward one of the vials. ¡°This is really happening?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s happening,¡± I confirmed. With practiced movements, I began organizing the items on his desk. In my previous life as Shadow, I¡¯d prepared countless medicalpounds¨Cthough usually they were designed to harm rather than heal. ¡°I need to mix these properly before you can use them.¡±


    Max watched me work, fascination evident in his expression. ¡°Where did you learn to do this<b>?</b>¡± he


    asked.


    ¡°Self¨Ctaught,¡± I replied without looking up. ¡°Every day, early morning and evening, thirty minutes after meals. That¡¯s when you¡¯ll take it.¡± I carefully filled a series of small bottles with the mixture I¡¯d created. ¡°And I¡¯ll massage your left leg for thirty minutes every day,bined with these exercises<b>.</b>¡±


    I demonstrated the movements on my own leg. ¡°Like this. The medication will reduce inmmation and promote muscle regeneration, but physical therapy is essential for proper healing.¡±


    Max stared at the bottles, clearly processing everything. ¡°How much did this cost?¡± he finally asked, voice barely audible.


    10:10 <b>Wed</b><b>, </b>Sep 17


    ¡­


    :


    <b>I </b>capped thest bottle and looked at him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡£ (42<b>) </b>


    ¡°It¡¯s still within eptable range,¡± <b>I </b>cut him off. ¡°Worth every penny.¡±


    I watched his face flush with excitement as Ibeled each bottle with precise instructions. Being able to help him gave me a satisfaction I hadn¡¯t expected when I first woke up in this body.


    ¡°People at school won¡¯t stop talking about what happened with Jason,¡± Max said, breaking the silence. ¡°Did you know he transferred to Weske High?¡±


    I nodded absently, focusing on my work. Jason Reynolds was a minor problem easily dealt with.


    ¡°The weird thing is, now everyone knows I¡¯m your brother.¡± A small smile touched his lips. ¡°It¡¯s like suddenly being rted to you is¡­ cool.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re just nosy,¡± I replied, though I wasn¡¯t truly annoyed.


    ¡°You should hear some of the theories,¡± Max continued, warming to the subject. ¡°Someone said you must be working for the CIA. Another kid swore you¡¯re in witness protection.¡± Heughed softly. ¡°My personal favorite is that you¡¯re secretly a martial arts champion who can¡¯tpete publicly for some


    reason.¡±


    My lips twitched slightly. ¡°People have active imaginations.¡± Though honestly, the truth was far more interesting than any of their theories.


    ¡°Everyone agrees on one thing though,¡± Max said. ¡°You definitely have some kind of secret


    background.¡±


    Before <b>I </b>could respond, I heard the front door m, followed by high¨Cpitched voices andughter.


    Momentster<b>, </b>Emily burst into Max¡¯s room without knocking, Linda close behind. Both were dressed in designer clothes that looked brand new, their hair professionally styled. They looked nothing like people returning from a friend¡¯s wedding.


    ¡°We¡¯re back.¡± Emily smiled.


    Linda eyed the medical supplies spread across Max¡¯s desk. ¡°What¡¯s all this?¡±


    ¡°Nothing that concerns you,¡± I replied coolly, continuing my work.


    ¡­


    :


    Emily held out a small gift bag toward me. ¡°Brought you something from the wedding.¡±


    I didn¡¯t even look up. ¡°No thanks.¡± Whatever it was, I didn¡¯t want or need it.


    Emily¡¯s face flushed with anger. She tossed the bag onto the bed. ¡°Whatever. Your loss.¡±


    As Emily flounced out, Max caught my eye. ¡°They don¡¯t look like they¡¯ve been to a wedding,¡± he whispered. ¡°More like they just won the lottery or something.¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± I responded nomittally.


    That evening, I sat Max at the kitchen table and carefully massaged his left leg. The specialized cream I applied would help stimte nerve endings and increase blood flow to the atrophied muscles. I could tell by the subtle rxation in his face that he could already feel something


    different.


    Linda walked in, stopping abruptly at the sight. Her eyes narrowed when she spotted the bottle of


    medicine on the table.


    ¡°What are you putting on him?¡± she demanded, marching forward. ¡°Stop that right now!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s medicine, Mom,¡± Max said. ¡°For my leg.¡±


    ¡°From where? Some back¨Calley pharmacy? That stuff could be dangerous!¡± Linda reached for the bottle. ¡°This could kill you for all we know!¡±


    Frank appeared in the doorway, drawn by themotion. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Your daughter is ying doctor with Max¡¯s health!¡± Linda snapped. ¡°Using God knows what!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s from Dr. Morrison,¡± Frank said calmly. ¡°Jade mentioned it earlier.¡±


    ¡°Morrison? Who the hell is that?¡± Linda¡¯s voice rose. ¡°Some quack she found online?¡±


    ¡°Dr. Walter Morrison,¡± I said evenly, continuing the massage without breaking rhythm. ¡°Head of Morrison Pharmaceutical Research Center in New York.¡±


    Linda scoffed and made a grab for the medicine bottle. I moved it away, but she lunged again, knocking it from my hand. The bottle hit the floor and shattered, its contents spreading across the


    tiles<b>. </b>


    <b>42 </b>


    10:10 Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    I felt a sh of cold rage. The medication was irreceable¨Ceach batch custom¨Cformted. In my previous life, I would have broken her wrist for such an action.


    ¡°Mom!¡± Max shouted, horror in his voice. ¡°What did you do?¡±


    Linda backed away, startled by his outburst. ¡°I¡¯m trying to protect you!¡±


    ¡°That was my only chance!¡± Max¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°Do you know how long I¡¯ve been living with this?


    Even if that medicine could kill me, I¡¯d still take it!¡±


    Silence fell over the kitchen. Linda stared at her son, mouth agape.


    42


    I continued massaging Max¡¯s leg, keeping my expression neutral despite my anger. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± I said calmly. ¡°That was just one day¡¯s dose. I have more upstairs.¡± I¡¯d prepared for such contingencies -another habit from my previous life.


    Dayster, on the morning of the SAT exam, Max appeared at my bedroom door fully dressed despite


    the early hour.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the testing center,¡± he offered, fidgeting with his shirt sleeve¨Ca new button¨Cdown I¡¯d bought him.


    I looked up from my desk. ¡°You don¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°I want to,¡± Max insisted. The changes in him were subtle but significant. He stood straighter, his eyes clearer. Though his limp remained, there was a new energy in his movements. ¡°It¡¯s a big day.¡±


    Twenty minutester<b>, </b>we arrived at the school entrance. Other students streamed past us, many apanied by anxious¨Clooking parents offeringst¨Cminute advice and encouragement.


    ¡°You¡¯re cutting it close,¡± Max said, checking his watch. ¡°Test starts in ten minutes.¡±


    I shrugged, entirely unconcerned. ¡°I¡¯ll make it.¡±


    A group of parents nearby nced at us, their expressions disapproving as they took in my rxed demeanor<b>. </b>


    ¡°That poor girl,¡± one mother whispered not¨Cquite¨Cquietly enough. ¡°She doesn¡¯t seem prepared at all. Probably won¡¯t even finish the test.¡±


    10:10 Wed, <b>Sep </b>17


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 42

    <b>Chapter </b><b>42 </b>


    :


    ¡°Go on,¡± I told Max, softening my voice. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡±


    Max nodded. Then I turned and walked unhurriedly toward the entrance.


    <b>42 </b>


    In the exam room, I tapped my pencil against the desk, ncing around. The air was thick with anxiety¨Cdozens of students hunched over their test booklets, foreheads glistening with sweat, pencils moving frantically across paper. The ssroom clock ticked loudly, each second amplifying the collective stress.


    Except for me.


    I¡¯d alreadypleted the reading and math portions of the SAT, and now stared at the essay section. The prompt asked for a personal narrative about oveing adversity. I almostughed. If I wrote honestly about my previous life¨Cabout learning to kill before learning to drive, about surviving the Shadow Organization¡¯s training¨Cthey¡¯d either think I was insane or call the police.


    ¡°Thirty minutes remaining,¡± the proctor announced, causing several students to gasp.


    I closed my test booklet and stood up. The scrape of my chair against the floor made several heads snap in my direction, eyes wide with disbelief.


    The proctor looked up, brows furrowed in confusion. ¡°Ms. Morgan? You still have time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m done,¡± I said, walking to the front and cing my test booklet on her desk.


    She flipped through it quickly, her expression shifting from surprise to disapproval when she reached the nk essay pages.


    ¡°You¡¯ve left the entire essay section empty,¡± she whispered.


    <b>I </b>shrugged. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s two hundred points,¡± she insisted, as if I¡¯d made some mistake.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡± I turned and walked out, feeling the weight of twenty pairs of eyes drilling into my back.


    Max was waiting under a tree outside, his thin frame leaning slightly topensate for his limp. His <b>face </b>brightened when he saw me, then immediately fell when he noticed the time.


    <b>10:10 </b>Wed, Sep 17


    ¡°You¡¯re out early,¡± he said as I approached. ¡°Like, really early.¡±


    ¡°Test was simple.¡±


    ¡°Did you finish everything?¡± He fell into step beside me, his gait uneven but improving since I¡¯d


    started his treatments.


    ¡°Most of it.¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    Max stopped walking. ¡°Most of it? What does that mean?¡±


    I kept walking, forcing him to catch up. ¡°I didn¡¯t do the essay.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± His voice cracked. ¡°Jade, that¡¯s two hundred points! The total is sixteen hundred, and Princeton¡¯s average eptance scorest year was fifteen¨Ctwenty. You just threw away two hundred points for no reason!¡±


    ¡°Not for no reason,¡± I replied. ¡°I didn¡¯t feel like writing that much.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t feel like-¡± Max sputtered, his face flushing. ¡°Are you serious right now?<b>¡± </b>


    I spotted a coffee shop across the street. ¡°Let¡¯s get something to drink.¡±


    The caf¨¦ was filling up with other test¨Ctakers, their voices rising in a chorus ofints about the exam¡¯s difficulty. Max and I imed a small table by the window, away from the crowd.


    ¡°The reading section had this passage about economic theory that made no sense,¡± one girl moaned to her friends. ¡°And that math problem with the parab? Impossible.¡±


    Max leaned across our table. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t you write the essay? It asked about oveing adversity, right? You could¡¯ve made something up.¡±


    I took a sip of my ck coffee. ¡°It¡¯s boring. Why write about fake struggles when my real ones would get me institutionalized?¡±


    ¡°But Princeton-¡±


    I set my cup down. ¡°If they reject me, I¡¯ll just go there with that physics problem. Is that okay.¡±


    Max stared at me for a long moment before his expression softened into reluctant eptance.


    10:10 Wed, <b>Sep </b>17


    <b>42 </b>


    Over the next two weeks, I took the rest of my standardized tests with the same approach¨Cminimal effort, maximum efficiency. ACT, AP Calculus, AP Physics¨CI was always the first to finish, often using less than half the allotted time.


    After each exam, Max would check College Confidential forums, reporting back that everyone thought this year¡¯s tests were ¡°brutal¡± and ¡°the hardest in years.¡± His concern for my scores grew.


    ¡°At least you have that special recruitment thing with Princeton,¡± he said after my final exam.


    He was waiting for me outside the testing center with a small bouquet of flowers. A school reporter mistook him for someone¡¯s boyfriend, making Max blush furiously.


    ¡°These are for you,¡± he said, thrusting the flowers at me awkwardly. ¡°To celebrate finishing all your


    exams. And, well, everyone else gets flowers from someone.¡±


    I epted them, realizing it was the first time anyone had given me flowers. Well, except for Night at that formal dance years ago, when he¡¯d ced a single rose between his teeth and made a show of <ol><li>it. </li></ol>


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, meaning it.


    Before we could leave, a girl with a microphone and a boy with a camera approached <b>us</b>¨Cthe school


    media team.


    ¡°Can we get your thoughts on this year¡¯s SAT and AP exams?¡± The girl shoved the microphone


    toward my face. ¡°Everyone¡¯s saying they were incredibly difficult.¡±


    I looked directly into the camera. ¡°They were fine. Anyone with hands could do it.¡±


    The reporter blinked, clearly thrown by my arrogance. ¡°But even the top students are worried about


    their scores. Do you really think-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in my way,¡± I cut her off, stepping around her.


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Move,¡± I said coldly. ¡°You¡¯re crushing my flowers.¡±


    The clip went viral that night. My dismissive ¡°Anyone with hands could do it¡±ment was trending on Instagram and TikTok. Students from across the district were posting angry responses, calling me everything from ¡°delusional¡± to ¡°the most arrogant bitch alive.¡±


    ¡­


    <b>42 </b>


    Someone on Reddit imed I¡¯d been at the bottom of my ss for three years and had cheated on a


    math test. Another anonymous ount posted what they imed was my previous report card, along


    with other ¡°dirt¡± from my past.


    ¡°They¡¯re all waiting for your scores toe back low,¡± Max told me as he scrolled through his phone. ¡°There are betting pools.¡±


    That evening, Frank came home with news that interrupted our daily routine.


    ¡°Your Uncle Patrick called,¡± he announced, hanging his jacket by the door. ¡°He¡¯s invited us to y golf at the Grand za Hotel tonight.¡±


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 43

    Jade¡¯s POV:


    ¡°We are going to Grand za Hotel,¡± Emily announced, smoothing down her brand new pink and white golf outfit. ¡°Not somemunity center. You can¡¯t wear that.¡±


    I watched my sister¡¯s reflection in the hallway mirror as she adjusted her visor with manicured fingers. Her disgust was directed at Max, who stood awkwardly in the doorway wearing a in gray t-shirt and ck athletic pants.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with this?¡± Max asked, his voice quiet but defiant.


    Emily rolled her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s the most exclusive hotel in Cloud City. People who matter go there.¡± She flicked his sleeve with disdain. ¡°This discount rack garbage will embarrass all of us.¡±


    I felt my jaw tighten. ¡°Leave him alone.¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°Do you know how much it costs to y golf there?¡± Emily continued, ignoring me. ¡°I looked it up- at least two hundred dors per person, and you need reservations weeks in advance.¡±


    Frank appeared in the hallway, wearing what was clearly his only decent outfit¨Ca navy zer with slightly worn elbows paired with khaki pants that had been pressed with military precision.


    ¡°The Uber will be here in five minutes,¡± he announced, tugging nervously at his cor. ¡°Everyone


    ready?¡±


    Linda emerged from the bedroom, her face caked with makeup and wearing a floral print outfit that screamed ¡°trying too hard.¡±


    The six¨Cperson Uber arrived¨Ca minivan driven by a middle¨Caged man with tired eyes who barely acknowledged us as we piled in. Emily immediatelymandeered the conversation with Linda.


    ¡°The indoor golf facility is world¨Css,¡± Emily gushed. ¡°They host PGA professionals there.¡±


    I tuned them out, staring out the window. Max nudged me, holding out his phone.


    ¡°Jade, look at this,¡± he whispered.


    I nced at the screen. It was my interview clip from after the SATs, now with hundreds of thousands ofments beneath it. Most were predictably hostile: ¡°Who does this bitch think she


    :


    is?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t wait to see her fail!¡± ¡°Another entitled American thinking she¡¯s better than everyone.¡±


    ¡°You could take this down,¡± Max suggested quietly. ¡°You have the skills.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°Why bother? Let them waste their energy.¡±


    The Grand za Hotel rose before us. The circr driveway was lined with luxury vehicles-


    Mercedes, BMWs, the asional Bentley.


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°Oh my God,¡± Emily breathed, phone already out and recording. ¡°This is so going on my Instagram.¡±


    As we approached the entrance, a uniformed doorman stepped forward.


    ¡°Do you have a reservation, sir?¡± he asked, then his eyes widened in recognition as he looked at Max


    and me. ¡°Wee to the Grand za.¡±


    Frank fumbled with his wallet, clearly preparing to tip. ¡°Uh, yes, we¡¯re here to meet Patrick Morgan.


    And for the, uh, golf tee time.¡±


    The doorman waved away the crumpled bills. ¡°No need, sir. Mr. Patrick Morgan¡¯s party is in the Fairway Lounge on level three. Your tee time is scheduled for 9 PM.¡±


    Author¡¯s POV:


    As the Morgan family entered the lobby, a sleek ck Range Rover pulled up, followed by a Mercedes GLS. The doors opened, Orion Miller stepped out with his father¨Ca tall, distinguished man with salt- and¨Cpepper hair and the confident bearing of someone ustomed to authority.


    From the Mercedes emerged Robert Williams and his daughter Ashley, both dressed in expensive golf attire. Ashley¡¯s blonde hair was pulled back in a perfect ponytail, her outfit clearly chosen to highlight her athletic figure. Her eyes locked on Orion, her smile hopeful but ignored.


    ¡°Tyler! Great to see you,¡± Robert called out, his voice carrying across the driveway. ¡°Where is Felix?¡±


    ¡°Minor crisis at city hall,¡± Mr. Miller replied. ¡°He¡¯ll join uster.¡±


    Robert nodded toward Orion. ¡°How¡¯s the college search going?¡±


    ¡°Princeton¡¯s still my top choice,¡± Orion replied.


    Ashley¡¯s smile remained fixed, but her eyes darkened at the mention of Princeton. Once her own


    <b>10:10 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    42


    dream school, now likely out of reach. The school drama Jade had causedst month had thrown off her entire study schedule right before the SATs<b>, </b>not to mention how the resulting chaos had prevented her from securing a crucial rmendation letter.


    The Fairway Lounge was elegantly appointed with dark wood, leather chairs, and golf memorabilia disyed in ss cases. This pre¨Cgame gathering area served as a meeting point for golfers before


    their tee times.


    Patrick Morgan, Frank¡¯s little brother, stood near the bar examining an expensive putter<b>, </b>easy to spot in his lime green golf shirt and white pants. He was shorter than Joe but carried himself with the confidence of someone who believed money equaled worth.


    ¡°Top of the line, Patrick!¡± Joe called out, his voice carrying a forced joviality that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°Scotty Cameron, right? Must have set you back at least five hundred.¡±


    Patrick nodded with self¨Csatisfaction. ¡°Custom fittedst week. Makes all the difference.¡±


    Nancy, a thin woman with over¨Cprocessed blonde hair and a permanent look of judgment,


    immediately zeroed in on Linda¡¯s outfit. ¡°Oh, Linda. There¡¯s a dress code, you know¡±


    Linda¡¯s smile faltered. ¡°It¡¯s activewear. For golf.¡±


    ¡°If you say so,¡± Nancy sniffed.


    ¡°Jade? Is that you? I barely recognized you! You¡¯ve lost so much weight!¡± Nancy stared at Jade for


    several seconds before recognition dawned.


    Every eye turned to examine Jade. She kept her face neutral.


    ¡°My goodness,¡± Nancy added, looking between the sisters, ¡°you actually have quite stunning features now that we can see them. Even prettier than Emily, I¡¯d say.¡±


    Emily¡¯s smile froze in ce, a sh of fury darkening her eyes for just a moment before she forced a


    cheerful expression.


    ¡°Emily!¡± Nancy continued, her voice warming considerably. ¡°Don¡¯t you look adorable! That outfit is


    perfect for golf.¡±


    Emily preened, determined not to show how much theparison had stung. ¡°Thanks, Aunt Nancy, I¡¯ve been practicing my swing too.¡±


    10:10 Wed<b>, </b>Sep 17


    :>))


    ¡°Have you really?¡± Joe, Frank¡¯s second brother, asked with apparent interest. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful.¡±


    ¡°When do we actually start ying?¡± Jade asked, making no effort to hide her impatience.


    ¡°The course is quite popr today. We specifically chose this time slot because it allows us towork with other professionals. Exclusivity isn¡¯t everything, you know.¡± Nancy said.


    What Nancy wouldn¡¯t admit was that they wanted VIP treatment but couldn¡¯t get it. They¡¯d tried bookingst¨Cminute, not realizing the club required weeks of advance notice for premium slots. Their attempt to impress had backfired, leaving them waiting like everyone else.


    Jade didn¡¯t bother responding.


    A young man who looked like he¡¯d stepped out of a prep school catalog approached the group. Bill


    had Joe¡¯s narrow face and Nancy¡¯s calcting eyes, dressed in a polo shirt that probably cost more than the entire Morgan family¡¯s monthly food budget.


    ¡°Hey, family,¡± he greeted everyone before his gaze settled on Jade. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s your cousin Jade,¡± Nancy exined. ¡°You remember.¡±


    Bill looked her up and down. ¡°No way. The fat girl? Damn, what happened?¡±


    42


    ¡°I saw your little video online. Quite the performance.¡± He made an exaggerated motion mimicking her from the viral clip. ¡°What¡¯s next? Hollywood calling? Because they don¡¯t just take anyone who can lose a few pounds,¡± he continued.


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 Treatment 44

    <b>Chapter </b>44


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    ¡°Well, at least some of us have academic achievements to be proud of,¡± Linda interjected, clearly stung by Bill¡¯s mockery. ¡°Emily¡¯s math scores have improved tremendously this semester. Her counselor says Princeton is practically a guarantee now.¡±


    Frank¡¯s face lit up, desperation for good news evident in his expression. ¡°Princeton? Really? Is that


    true, Emily?¡±


    Emily flipped her hair back, confidence radiating from her perfect posture. ¡°Getting into Princeton is definitely happening for me.¡±


    I noticed Max¡¯s eyebrows furrow slightly as he studied Emily. She quickly averted her gaze from his questioning look, suddenly bing fascinated with her manicure.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s just wonderful!¡± Patrick eximed while practicing his swing with a titanium driver. His lime green polo shirt strained against his golf¨Cinduced pot belly. ¡°If you get into Princeton, I¡¯ll have a special gift waiting for you.¡±


    Nancy adjusted her designer golf gloves with manicured fingers. Her over¨Cprocessed blonde hair was pulled back in a severe ponytail that seemed to stretch her skin ufortably tight. ¡°Impressive. Princeton is extremely selective these days.¡± Her smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes.


    Before Emily could respond, Nancy¡¯s gaze shifted to Max, who was awkwardly holding a golf club, trying to mimic the stance of a professional golfer on a nearby poster.


    ¡°Poor boy,¡± Nancy said with exaggerated sympathy that dripped with condescension. ¡°With that leg, you can¡¯t even manage a proper stance. Such a shame.¡± She shook her head dramatically.


    I watched Max¡¯s face go pale. He quietly ced the club back in the rental bag, his eyes fixed on the floor, his shoulders hunched forward like he was trying to disappear.


    Something cold and dangerous stirred inside me. I put down my sparkling water and turned to Nancy. ¡°Since you¡¯re so concerned about my brother¡¯s condition, maybe you¡¯d like to donate a few tens of thousand dors toward his corrective surgery? I¡¯m sure with Uncle Joe¡¯s sessful business,


    you could spare it.¡±


    The lounge fell silent. Every eye turned toward us. Nancy¡¯s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, her perfectly lined lips forming an ¡®O¡® of shock.


    10:10 Wed<b>, </b>Sep 17


    ¡°I¡­ well, that¡¯s not what I meant,¡± she sputtered, her face reddening. ¡°We all have our burdens to


    bear. Life isn¡¯t fair, you know.¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t pretend to care while using someone else¡¯s pain as conversation fodder,¡± I replied, my


    voice low but clear enough to carry across the silent room.


    <b>42 </b>


    Frank tugged at his cor nervously, a vein in his forehead throbbing. ¡°Jade, please. That¡¯s no way to speak to your aunt.¡± His voice was pleading, eyes darting between me and his siblings.


    Joe set down his premium golf club with a deliberate ck against the marble floor. His face flushed with the righteous indignation of the perpetually privileged. ¡°Frank, you really need to teach your daughter some manners. This kind of disrespect is uneptable. In my house, children know their ce.¡±


    ¡°What do you expect?¡± Bill sneered. His polo shirt cor was popped, and his khakis pressed to perfection. ¡°Look where they live. You can¡¯t expect trailer park kids to know how to behave in ces like this. Probably their first time seeing cloth napkins.¡±


    Frank¡¯s forehead beaded with sweat as he apologized profusely, his hands fluttering nervously. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. Jade¡¯s just been under a lot of pressure with exams. She didn¡¯t mean any disrespect.¡±


    I stared directly at Bill, wondering how he¡¯d look with that smug smile broken. But Max¡¯s presence beside me kept my darker impulses in check.


    Patrick waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Let¡¯s not ruin our family time with arguments. We¡¯re here to enjoy ourselves.¡±


    Emily pulled out her phone and began angling it for a selfie, though I could see she was actually trying to capture the luxurious surroundings in the background. Her fingers trembled slightly as she tried to frame the shot to include the crystal chandelier and herself, while excluding the tense family standoff.


    ¡°Let our Princeton¨Cbound schr document this special asion,¡± Nancy said with a fake smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Go ahead, Emily. Make sure you get the chandelier in the shot. That lighting will be divine for your Instagram.¡±


    Emily adjusted her position awkwardly, clearly ufortable with Nancy¡¯s sudden attention.


    ¡°We just stayed at an even more¡­¡± Linda began, but Emily interrupted her with a forced cough.


    Joe began showing off his custom golf clubs, exining the purpose and price of each one in


    <b>10:11 </b>Wed, Sep 17


    excruciating detail. ¡°This putter alone cost nearly a thousand dors,¡± he boasted, holding it like it


    was made of solid gold.


    <b>42 </b>


    He turned to Frank with a patronizing smile. ¡°Real business deals happen on courses like this, Frank. Maybe if you yed golf<b>, </b>you wouldn¡¯t be stuck in that dead¨Cend job. Connections are everything.¡±


    Frank nodded ufortably, his eyes downcast, epting the humiliation without protest.


    ¡°Actually, Jade,¡± Joe continued, examining me like I was a mildly interesting specimen under a microscope, ¡°if college doesn¡¯t work out for you, mypany could use a receptionist. Fifteen dors an hour. Not bad for someone with your¡­ qualifications.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the offer,¡± Frank said quickly before I could respond, clearly terrified of what mighte out of my mouth.


    ¡°Jade won¡¯t need your charity job,¡± Max suddenly spoke up, his voice surprisingly firm. ¡°My sister will


    be attending Princeton University. She¡¯s smarter than everyone herebined.¡±


    Billughed, the sound sharp and mocking. ¡°Right. We all saw that video of her bombing the SAT


    essay. Empty test booklet goes viral! That¡¯s the only way she¡¯ll make it into college headlines.¡±


    Max¡¯s hands clenched into fists, but I ced my hand on his shoulder, silently telling him to let it <ol><li>go. </li></ol>


    The tense atmosphere was broken when an impably dressed server approached our group, carrying a silver tray with champagne flutes and elegant hors d¡¯oeuvres. He walked directly to us, bypassing other waiting guests who had been there longer.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan,¡± he addressed me with unexpected deference, ¡°these are our exclusive ck Card member refreshments. I hope they¡¯re to your liking.¡±


    Another server whispered to the manager, who immediately hurried over, adjusting his tie as he approached.


    ¡°Ms. Morgan,¡± the manager said with a broad smile, ¡°wee to Grand za. We¡¯re honored by your patronage. Your private reserved tee is ready whenever you¡¯d like to begin.¡±


    <b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 45

    I noticed Patrick and Nancy exchange confused nces. The manager gestured toward a hallway I hadn¡¯t paid attention to before. ¡°If you and your family would follow me, I¡¯ll show you to our exclusive ck Card members¡® area.¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    Linda¡¯s mouth fell open. Emily nearly dropped her phone. The shocked expressions on Patrick and Nancy¡¯s faces would have beenical if I wasn¡¯t so irritated by this whole charade. My recent spending here had apparently qualified me for their elite membership program<b>¨C</b>something I hadn¡¯t particrly aimed for, but I wasn¡¯t going to turn down perks that clearly drove my rtives crazy.


    We followed the manager through a set of frosted ss doors that opened automatically at our approach. The regr indoor golf facility had been nice enough, but this was an entirely different level. Lush green carpet stretched across an expansive area with private driving ranges separated by elegant dividers. A small waterfall feature created a peaceful ambient sound, and floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows overlooked the hotel¡¯s manicured gardens. Not bad, though I¡¯d seen better in my previous


    life.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Patrick whispered, unable to contain himself. His eyes darted around the room like he was mentally calcting the membership cost. I suppressed a smirk.


    Nancy adjusted her golf glove nervously, suddenly looking less confident in her designer outfit. Bill stood frozen, his smug expression faltering as he took in the surroundings. The sight of their


    difort almost made this tedious family outing worthwhile.


    ¡°This must be some mistake,¡± Joe muttered under his breath. ¡°There¡¯s no way-¡±


    ¡°Your private bay is ready, Ms. Morgan,¡± the manager continued, leading us to the far end of the room where thergest practice area awaited. ¡°Refreshments will be served momentarily, and our golf pro <b>is </b>avable for any assistance you might require.¡±


    I picked up a carbon fiber club from the rack, testing its weight with practiced ease. The bnce was


    perfect. I took a casual practice swing, deliberately making it look effortless. In my previous life, golf had asionally been useful for meeting targets in a controlled environment.


    ¡°Would you like anything specific from our premium bar, Ms. Morgan?¡± the manager asked.


    ¡°Sparkling water is fine,¡± I replied, keeping my voice neutral.


    Emily was frantically trying to take photos, but her frustration was evident as she stared at her phone screen. ¡°No signal in here,¡± sheined.


    <b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    :


    ¡°The ck Card member areas have signal dampeners for privacy<b>,</b>¡± the manager exined apologetically. ¡°There¡¯s a dedicated Wi¨CFiwork you can connect to with Ms. Morgan¡¯s <b>ess </b>


    code.¡±


    42


    I didn¡¯t offer to share the code. Let her stew in her frustration.


    Bill, apparently unable to stand being in an environment where he wasn¡¯t the most privileged person, turned his attention to Max, who was awkwardly trying to position himself with a golf club.


    ¡°Look at this,¡± Bill snickered, pointing at Max. ¡°A cripple trying to y golf. That¡¯s the funniest thing


    I¡¯ve seen all day.¡±


    Max froze, his knuckles whitening around the club¡¯s grip. I felt a surge of cold rage spread through


    my chest.


    ¡°Sir, would you like some assistance?¡± A staff member stepped forward, clearly trying to diffuse the


    situation.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t need help,¡± Bill cut in before Max could respond. ¡°He needs a miracle. Or maybe a


    wheelchair with a golf attachment.¡±


    Frank shifted ufortably, looking like he wanted to defend his son but couldn¡¯t find the courage.


    I set my sparkling water down carefully, my movements deliberate as I turned to face Bill. I allowed my mask to slip just enough that he could see what lurked beneath.


    ¡°Say that again,¡± I said quietly, allowing a hint of threat to seep into my voice.


    Nancy<b>, </b>oblivious to the dangerous shift in atmosphere, chose that moment to add her opinion. ¡°Well, a pretty young girl like you must have¡­ special ways of getting memberships like this.¡± She gave a knowing smile to Joe. ¡°Rich men are always looking for attractivepany.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Joe nodded, crossing his arms. ¡°Some of these businessmen like to keep young girls around. Is that how you got your fancy card, Jade?¡±


    Frank finally found his voice. ¡°That¡¯s enough! How dare you speak about my daughter that way!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Frank?¡± Joe smirked. ¡°Hit a nerve?¡±


    I walked slowly toward Nancy, each step measured and controlled. The room fell silent as 1 approached. I watched her confidence waver as something in my demeanor made even the staff


    10:11 Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    retreat a step. I wondered <b>if </b>she could sense how close she was to genuine danger.


    ¡°Would you care to repeat what you just implied<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>I asked, my voice dangerously soft.


    <b>42 </b>


    Before Nancy could respond, there was amotion at the entrance. I turned to see a group of well- dressed men entering the exclusive area, led by a familiar face Felix Huxley, the mayor of Cloud


    ¨C


    City. Just what I needed¨Cmoreplications.


    ¡°Miss Morgan?¡± Felix¡¯s surprised voice carried across the room as he spotted me. He broke away from


    hispanions and strode toward us. ¡°What a pleasant surprise to find you here!¡±


    The men with him ¨C clearly important businessmen and politicians based on their attire and bearing ¨C paused their conversation to observe the interaction. Among them, I recognized the faces of Orion Miller¡¯s father, the deputy mayor, and Robert Williams with his family trailing behind. Interesting


    convergence of power yers.


    ¡°Mayor Huxley,¡± Max said, his voice revealing his surprise.


    The tension in the room shifted instantly. I observed Joe and Nancy exchanging rmed nces. Patrick straightened his posture, suddenly eager to make a good impression. How quickly the rodents


    scurry when a bigger predator enters the room.


    Felix Huxley approached with an outstretched hand and a warm smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his calcting eyes. ¡°Ms. Morgan, I had no idea you were a member here. Though I shouldn¡¯t be


    surprised


    ¨C


    a woman of your<b>¡­ </b>connections would naturally appreciate the finer things<b>.</b>¡±


    The implication hung in the air, transforming the earlier usations into something far moreplex. My extended family stood frozen, suddenly realizing they might have severely underestimated exactly who they were dealing with.


    The Miller family and the Williams family slowly approached, curiosity evident on their faces.


    <b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 46

    <b>Chapter </b><b>46 </b>I noticed Patrick and Nancy exchange confused nces. The manager gestured toward a hallway I hadn¡¯t paid attention to before. ¡°If you and your family would follow me, I¡¯ll show you to our exclusive ck Card members¡® area.¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    Linda¡¯s mouth fell open. Emily nearly dropped her phone. The shocked expressions on Patrick and Nancy¡¯s faces would have beenical if I wasn¡¯t so irritated by this whole charade. My recent spending here had apparently qualified me for their elite membership program<b>¨C</b>something I hadn¡¯t particrly aimed for, but I wasn¡¯t going to turn down perks that clearly drove my rtives crazy.


    We followed the manager through a set of frosted ss doors that opened automatically at our approach. The regr indoor golf facility had been nice enough, but this was an entirely different level. Lush green carpet stretched across an expansive area with private driving ranges separated by elegant dividers. A small waterfall feature created a peaceful ambient sound, and floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows overlooked the hotel¡¯s manicured gardens. Not bad, though I¡¯d seen better in my previous


    life.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Patrick whispered, unable to contain himself. His eyes darted around the room like he was mentally calcting the membership cost. I suppressed a smirk.


    Nancy adjusted her golf glove nervously, suddenly looking less confident in her designer outfit. Bill stood frozen, his smug expression faltering as he took in the surroundings. The sight of their


    difort almost made this tedious family outing worthwhile.


    ¡°This must be some mistake,¡± Joe muttered under his breath. ¡°There¡¯s no way-¡±


    ¡°Your private bay is ready, Ms. Morgan,¡± the manager continued, leading us to the far end of the room where thergest practice area awaited. ¡°Refreshments will be served momentarily, and our golf pro <b>is </b>avable for any assistance you might require.¡±


    I picked up a carbon fiber club from the rack, testing its weight with practiced ease. The bnce was


    perfect. I took a casual practice swing, deliberately making it look effortless. In my previous life, golf had asionally been useful for meeting targets in a controlled environment.


    ¡°Would you like anything specific from our premium bar, Ms. Morgan?¡± the manager asked.


    ¡°Sparkling water is fine,¡± I replied, keeping my voice neutral.


    Emily was frantically trying to take photos, but her frustration was evident as she stared at her phone screen. ¡°No signal in here,¡± sheined.


    <b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    :


    ¡°The ck Card member areas have signal dampeners for privacy<b>,</b>¡± the manager exined apologetically. ¡°There¡¯s a dedicated Wi¨CFiwork you can connect to with Ms. Morgan¡¯s <b>ess </b>


    code.¡±


    42


    I didn¡¯t offer to share the code. Let her stew in her frustration.


    Bill, apparently unable to stand being in an environment where he wasn¡¯t the most privileged person, turned his attention to Max, who was awkwardly trying to position himself with a golf club.


    ¡°Look at this,¡± Bill snickered, pointing at Max. ¡°A cripple trying to y golf. That¡¯s the funniest thing


    I¡¯ve seen all day.¡±


    Max froze, his knuckles whitening around the club¡¯s grip. I felt a surge of cold rage spread through


    my chest.


    ¡°Sir, would you like some assistance?¡± A staff member stepped forward, clearly trying to diffuse the


    situation.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t need help,¡± Bill cut in before Max could respond. ¡°He needs a miracle. Or maybe a


    wheelchair with a golf attachment.¡±


    Frank shifted ufortably, looking like he wanted to defend his son but couldn¡¯t find the courage.


    I set my sparkling water down carefully, my movements deliberate as I turned to face Bill. I allowed my mask to slip just enough that he could see what lurked beneath.


    ¡°Say that again,¡± I said quietly, allowing a hint of threat to seep into my voice.


    Nancy<b>, </b>oblivious to the dangerous shift in atmosphere, chose that moment to add her opinion. ¡°Well, a pretty young girl like you must have¡­ special ways of getting memberships like this.¡± She gave a knowing smile to Joe. ¡°Rich men are always looking for attractivepany.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Joe nodded, crossing his arms. ¡°Some of these businessmen like to keep young girls around. Is that how you got your fancy card, Jade?¡±


    Frank finally found his voice. ¡°That¡¯s enough! How dare you speak about my daughter that way!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Frank?¡± Joe smirked. ¡°Hit a nerve?¡±


    I walked slowly toward Nancy, each step measured and controlled. The room fell silent as 1 approached. I watched her confidence waver as something in my demeanor made even the staff


    10:11 Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    retreat a step. I wondered <b>if </b>she could sense how close she was to genuine danger.


    ¡°Would you care to repeat what you just implied<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>I asked, my voice dangerously soft.


    <b>42 </b>


    Before Nancy could respond, there was amotion at the entrance. I turned to see a group of well- dressed men entering the exclusive area, led by a familiar face Felix Huxley, the mayor of Cloud


    ¨C


    City. Just what I needed¨Cmoreplications.


    ¡°Miss Morgan?¡± Felix¡¯s surprised voice carried across the room as he spotted me. He broke away from


    hispanions and strode toward us. ¡°What a pleasant surprise to find you here!¡±


    The men with him ¨C clearly important businessmen and politicians based on their attire and bearing ¨C paused their conversation to observe the interaction. Among them, I recognized the faces of Orion Miller¡¯s father, the deputy mayor, and Robert Williams with his family trailing behind. Interesting


    convergence of power yers.


    ¡°Mayor Huxley,¡± Max said, his voice revealing his surprise.


    The tension in the room shifted instantly. I observed Joe and Nancy exchanging rmed nces. Patrick straightened his posture, suddenly eager to make a good impression. How quickly the rodents


    scurry when a bigger predator enters the room.


    Felix Huxley approached with an outstretched hand and a warm smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his calcting eyes. ¡°Ms. Morgan, I had no idea you were a member here. Though I shouldn¡¯t be


    surprised


    ¨C


    a woman of your<b>¡­ </b>connections would naturally appreciate the finer things<b>.</b>¡±


    The implication hung in the air, transforming the earlier usations into something far moreplex. My extended family stood frozen, suddenly realizing they might have severely underestimated exactly who they were dealing with.


    The Miller family and the Williams family slowly approached, curiosity evident on their faces.


    <b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    Badass in Disguise


    ¡­


    :..


    42


    The tension in the air froze as Felix Huxley broke away from his entourage and approached our group. Robert Williams<b>, </b>dressed in an impable navy golf outfit, looked puzzled at the sudden halt in their progression through the club. His tanned face crinkled slightly in confusion<b>, </b>eyes darting between the mayor and our peculiar family gathering.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± Felix said warmly, gesturing toward me with an open palm. His voice carried that particr tone politicians reserve for important constituents. ¡°What a pleasant coincidence to find


    you here.¡± His eyes shifted to Max, who stood ufortably with a golf club still in hand, his


    posture slightly tilted due to his condition. ¡°And this must be Miss Morgan¡¯s brother.¡±


    I noticed Nancy¡¯s face tighten with uncertainty as she nced between Felix and me, her heavily


    mascaraed eyes widening slightly. The realization that these weren¡¯t <b>just </b>random rich men but


    potentially important political figures seemed to dawn on her like an approaching thunderstorm. Her


    fingers nervously adjusted her golf glove.


    Joe and Patrick straightened their postures almost in unison, both suddenly trying to look more


    dignified than they had moments ago when they were hurling insults at my family. Joe even sucked


    in his protruding belly, an amusing and futile attempt at appearing more impressive.


    ¡°Mayor Huxley,¡± Robert Williams stepped forward with a politician¡¯s practiced smile, teeth unnaturally white against his tan. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you were acquainted with¡­¡± His eyesnded on me<b>, </b>clearly trying to ce my significance in this unexpected social equation.


    Ashley Williams, standing slightly behind her father, stared at me with undisguised shock. Her perfectly styled blonde hair framed a face frozen in disbelief. I could practically see the gears turning in her head as she tried to reconcile the ¡°Miss Morgan¡± Felix had referred to with the fat, awkward Jade Morgan from school rumors. Her designer golf outfit suddenly seemed to give her little


    confidence.


    Orion Miller¡¯s expression mirrored Ashley¡¯s bewilderment. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied <ol><li>me. </li></ol>


    Robert extended his hand toward me. ¡°Miss Morgan, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. Robert Williams.¡±


    I stared at his outstretched hand without moving to take it. The seconds stretched ufortably, the silence broken only by the distant thwack of golf balls and murmured conversations from other


    members.


    Felix smoothly intervened, his political instincts clearly well¨Choned. ¡°Miss Morgan doesn¡¯t


    <b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>


    42


    particrly enjoy physical contact with people she¡¯s just met,¡± he exined with a diplomatic <b>smile</b><b>. </b>¡°Nothing personal, Robert.¡±


    Robert awkwardly withdrew his hand, wiping it briefly against his pants as if to erase the rejection. ¡°Of course<b>, </b><b>of </b>course. Ipletely understand.¡± His smile faltered slightly, uncertain how to proceed.


    Patrick suddenly pushed forward, his entire demeanor transformed. The contempt he¡¯d shown minutes earlier had vanished, reced by an eager¨Cto¨Cplease grin that stretched his face unnaturally. ¡°Mr. Williams! We¡¯ve actually met before. Patrick Morgan, Morgan Stone Supply. Mypany provided materials for your Riverside development projectst month.¡±


    Robert¡¯s face remained nk for a moment before recognition flickered across his features. ¡°Ah, yes,¡± he said with practiced politeness. ¡°Good work on that project.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to join us for a round?¡± Patrick asked eagerly, gesturing to our group as if we were all one happy family unit. His voice had taken on a tone I hadn¡¯t heard before desperate but trying


    to sound casual.


    ¡ª


    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m here with the mayor and the deputy mayor for our monthly game,¡± Robert replied,


    nodding toward Miller Senior, who stood watching the exchange with the careful neutrality of a


    career politician.


    The reaction from my family was immediate and fascinating to observe. Patrick¡¯s jaw literally


    dropped when he realized he was in the presence of not just a wealthy businessman but the actual mayor and deputy mayor of Cloud City. Linda¡¯s eyes widened with naked opportunism.


    ¡°Mayor Huxley and Deputy Mayor Miller,¡± Nancy breathed, her voice suddenly honey¨Csweet, all previous venom evaporated. ¡°What an honor to meet you both.¡±


    Joe stepped forward, practically shoving his wife aside in his eagerness. ¡°Joe Morgan<b>, </b>sir. If you ever


    need-¡±


    ¡°Actually,¡± <b>I </b>cut in coldly, enjoying the ripple of shock that passed through the gathered rtives, ¡°I¡¯ve never met any of these people before today.¡± I gestured toward Joe, Nancy, Patrick and his wife with a dismissive wave. ¡°They¡¯re distant rtives I can hardly im to know,¡±


    Bill¡¯s mouth hung open in indignation, while Patrick¡¯s eager smile froze ufortably.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t afford to associate with such wealthy and influential connections,¡± I added with deliberate sarcasm, letting my gaze sweep over them. ¡°They¡¯re clearly out of my humble league.¡±


    <b>10:11 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>


    Nancy¡¯s <b>face </b>flushed crimson<b>, </b>the color shing horribly with her peach golf shirt.


    ¡°Jade,¡± Linda stepped forward with a desperate smile, her voice pitched unnaturally high. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly! Of course we¡¯re family. We¡¯ve always been so proud of you!¡±


    42


    I raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t dignify her sudden change of heart with a response. Max shifted ufortably beside me<b>, </b>but I could see the slight curl at the corner of his mouth¨Che was enjoying thiseuppance as much as I was.


    ¡°What a beautiful facility,¡± Nancy gushed, pivoting to address Felix directly, her jewelry clinking as she gestured expansively. ¡°We were just saying how lucky we are to have such a wonderful mayor who¡¯s done so much for Cloud City¡¯s development.¡±


    Linda nodded enthusiastically, clearly relieved to shift the conversation. ¡°Oh yes! We were just


    discussing that, weren¡¯t we, Frank?¡± She nudged my adoptive father, who looked like he wanted


    nothing more than to sink into the plush carpet beneath our feet.


    I caught Max rolling his eyes beside me. At least someone else appreciated the absurdity of this


    charade.


    ¡°Dad!¡± A sharp, irritated voice cut through the awkward exchange.


    We all turned to see a young man in expensive golf attire striding toward us, his expression impatient. Sterling Huxley, Felix¡¯s son, looked every bit the entitled rich kid as he approached, his expertly styled hair not moving despite his brisk pace. His eyes brieflynded on Orion with obvious distaste before he offered a curt nod of acknowledgment.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting at the course for fifteen minutes,¡± Sterlingined, stopping beside his father. His designer golf shoes squeaked slightly on the polished floor. ¡°What¡¯s the hold¨Cup?¡±


    Felix¡¯s expression tightened slightly, the only indication of his annoyance. ¡°Sterling, don¡¯t interrupt.


    We¡¯re in the middle of something.¡±


    ¡°But-¡± Sterling began before noticing me. His words died in his throat as recognition dawned across his face<b>, </b>eyes widening dramatically, ¡°Wait¡­ it¡¯s you!¡±


    Felix looked between his son and me with sudden interest, his political radar clearly detecting a potentially significant connection. ¡°You know Miss Morgan<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Holy shit<b>, </b>it really is you,¡± Sterling continued, ignoring his father¡¯s question. He took a step closer, examining me with unabashed curiosity. ¡°You look so different¨Cthinner. You¡¯re the one Chase told


    me to find!¡±


    ¡°Chase?¡± Felix asked carefully, his tone measured. ¡°Chase Astor?¡±


    Sterling nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Yeah! He¡¯s been looking everywhere for her!¡±


    42


    <b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>

 Treatment 47

    <b>Chapter </b><b>47 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Felix Huxley¡¯s political instincts visibly kicked in as he ced a restraining hand on his <b>son¡¯s </b>


    shoulder. The gesture appeared casual<b>, </b>but Jade recognized the subtle pressure he applied¨Ca silent


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± Felix said smoothly, his eyes assessing Jade with newfound interest. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize


    you were acquainted with the Astor family as well.¡±


    Sterling ignored his father¡¯s subtle warning. ¡°You¡¯re not easy to track down. I¡¯ve been to Cloud City High several times looking for you.¡±


    ¡°That exins the unfamiliar car that kept circling the school parking lot,¡± Jade replied, keeping her


    expression neutral.


    Sterling nodded eagerly. ¡°Chase mentioned he met you in New York. He¡¯s been quite persistent about


    reconnecting.¡±


    Jade noticed Robert Williams watching their exchange with calcted interest, clearly trying to determine her importance in this social equation. The weight of his gaze suggested he was mentally recalibrating his assessment with each passing second.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± Felix gestured toward the exclusive golf course, ¡°would you care to join us for a round? It would be my pleasure to have you in our party.¡±


    ¡°Well<b>, </b>Mayor Huxley,¡± Jade said, stepping back slightly. ¡°I think I¡¯ll pass on golf today. Perhaps another time, when I can properly host you.¡±


    Felix¡¯s eyebrows rose slightly at her phrasing¨Cas if she were the one with the power to extend invitations, not him. ¡°Of course, Miss Morgan. My schedule is at your disposal,¡±


    She turned to Robert Williams, who straightened immediately under her gaze. ¡°Mr. Williams, some <b>free </b>advice¨Cin business partnerships, always verify character first. Partners with questionable ethics tend to stab you in the back when profits are involved.¡±


    Robert¡¯s tanned face paled slightly. ¡°I¡­ appreciate the counsel<b>, </b>Miss Morgan.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you do,¡± she replied coolly, catching the sudden tension in his shoulders. ¡°I noticed you¡¯re considering a partnership with Morgan Stone Supply. Just something to think about.¡±


    <b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    Robert cleared his throat, his politician¡¯s smile faltering. ¡°I always value due diligence. For Mr. Huxley¡¯s friend, I¡¯ll certainly keep your words in mind.¡±


    ??


    41


    Max stood silently beside Jade, his eyes wide as he witnessed the exchange. The questions forming <b>in </b>his mind were almost visible on his face.


    ¡°Max, let¡¯s go,¡± Jade said quietly<b>, </b>gesturing toward the exit.


    As they turned to leave, Felix Huxley stepped forward. ¡°Miss Morgan, must you leave so soon? We¡¯ve only just-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Dad, wait,¡± Sterling interrupted, moving to follow Jade before his father¡¯s hand mped firmly on his arm.


    ¡°Another time, Sterling,¡± Felix said with quiet authority, though his eyes remained fixed on Jade.


    Max and Jade walked toward the exit, the weighted silence of the room following them. Through her peripheral vision, honed through years of training, she caught Robert Williams¡® firm headshake when Patrick eagerly tried to approach him again.


    Jade noticed Orion and his father quietly excusing themselves as well. Frank¨Clookingpletely overwhelmed by the events¨Cfollowed them in a daze.


    ¡°J¨CJade,¡± Frank stammered once they reached the hotel lobby. ¡°You¡­ you know the mayor?¡±


    She didn¡¯t bother responding, already scanning the parking area for their ride home.


    Behind them in the grand lobby, Felix Huxley was addressing hispanions.


    ¡°Yes, I have Miss Morgan¡¯s contact information,¡± Felix was saying to his son. ¡°I¡¯ll share it with you when we return home. You can provide it to young Mr. Astor.¡±


    ¡°Who exactly is she?¡± Tyler Miller, Orion¡¯s father, asked with undisguised curiosity. ¡°Her name sounds familiar.¡±


    Felix chuckled softly. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare specte,¡± he replied, though his tone suggested he knew perfectly well.


    In the Huxley¡¯s private <b>car</b>, Felix was already nning his next move.


    ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for your college admission in New York,¡± he told Sterling. ¡°It¡¯s time you focused on your


    <b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>


    education anyway, and since Miss Morgan will likely attend university there, it will put you in proximity to both her and the Astor family.¡±


    Sterling looked up from his phone. ¡°What¡¯s <b>so </b>special about her anyway, Dad<b>? </b>I mean<b>, </b>Chase is obsessed with finding her, and now you¡¯re-¡±


    41


    ¡°Some people have value beyond what¡¯s immediately apparent,¡± Felix replied cryptically. ¡°Remember


    that lesson, son.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s<b>¡­ </b>a ssmate,¡± Orion finally admitted, his voice strained.


    ¡°Just a ssmate?¡± his father pressed.


    ¡°Well, she¡­¡± Orion swallowed hard. ¡°She used to bring me breakfast sometimes.¡±


    Tyler Miller was practically bouncing with excitement in their car.


    ¡°She brought you breakfast?¡± he eximed to his son. ¡°Orion, do you understand what this means<b>? </b>


    She¡¯s obviously interested in you!¡±


    Orion stared out the window, his mind reying his past interactions with Jade. ¡°I never thought¡­ I mean, she was different back then.¡±


    ¡°Different how?¡±


    ¡°Heavier,¡± Orion mumbled. ¡°But she was always nice to me.¡¯


    ¡°And now she¡¯s connected to the mayor and clearly has money,¡± his father added, not bothering to hide his mercenary interest. ¡°Plus<b>, </b>she¡¯s quite striking to look at.¡±


    In the car heading home<b>, </b>Max couldn¡¯t contain himself any longer,


    ¡°How the hell do you know Mayor Huxley?¡± he demanded, his voice a mixture of awe and confusion. ¡°And who¡¯s this Sterling guy? And Astor?¡±


    Jade kept her eyes on the passing scenery, ¡°Felix¡¯s son is just someone I met briefly, Chase is nobody important.¡±


    <b>10:11 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    41


    <b>Max </b>looked unconvinced but switched topics. ¡°My leg feels different today,¡± he said suddenly, flexing his foot experimentally. ¡°I think¡­ I can actually put some weight on it.¡±


    Jade turned to him then<b>, </b>genuinely interested. ¡°The medication is starting to work. Keep taking it


    exactly as prescribed.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Max promised, his eyes bright with hope.


    Later that evening, Jade entered Max¡¯s room with several small packages. His eyes widened at the


    sight.


    ¡°This is a three¨Cmonth supply,¡± she exined, arranging vials and pills on his desk. ¡°<b>Use </b>them ording to my instructions. I need to go away for a while¨Ctomorrow, actually. It¡¯s quite far.¡±


    She demonstrated a massage technique on his calf. ¡°You need to do this twice daily, like this.¡±


    Max watched intently, memorizing each movement. ¡°Will this really help me walk normally again?¡±


    ¡°If you follow the regimen precisely, yes.¡± She showed him the pressure points and circr motions again. ¡°The nerves and muscles will gradually reconnect and strengthen.¡±


    After ensuring Max understood the routine, Jade returned to her room and powered up herptop. The screen flickered to life, revealing an encrypted message that had arrived while they were out.


    It was from Night.


    Meanwhile, in the Williams¡® luxury sedan, a very different conversation was unfolding.


    ¡°Ashley,¡± Robert began, his tone thoughtful as he navigated through Cloud City¡¯s upscale district, ¡°that Miss Morgan seems quite well¨Cconnected. Felix clearly holds her in high regard.¡±


    Ashley¡¯s jaw tightened, her manicured nails digging into the leather seat.


    ¡°Perhaps you should try to befriend her,¡± Robert continued, not noticing his daughter¡¯s darkening expression. ¡°Having connections to someone with the mayor¡¯s ear could be beneficial for-


    ¡°Stop calling her ¡®Miss Morgan¡®!¡± Ashley finally erupted, her perfect features contorted with rage. ¡°God, Dad<b>, </b>that Morgan girl is the one who caused all that trouble at school! She¡¯s the reason those thugs came to me<b>!</b>¡±


    ¡­


    Robert¡¯s smile vanished. ¡°She what?¡±

 Treatment 48

    <b>Chapter </b><b>48 </b>


    :


    ??))


    Jade nced at herptop screen as the encrypted message shed. Her lips curved into a slight smile as she decoded his message.


    ¡°Back in the States. Need to meet. Where are you?<b>¡± </b>


    She typed back quickly: ¡°Heading to Venezu tomorrow. Business to attend to.¡±


    41


    His response came almost instantly: ¡°Venezu? Dangerous territory. Especially after what you did to the Transcendent Military Alliance headquarters.¡±


    Jade paused, fingers hovering over the keyboard. He was right, of course. In her previous life, she¡¯d blown half their headquarters to kingdome with ten pounds of C4. Not exactly something they¡¯d forget, even if they didn¡¯t know who she was now.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful. Always am,¡± she typed. ¡°Meet me there.¡±


    She closed theptop, satisfied. Dawn was just breaking when she finished packing her light blue backpack.


    By 6 AM, Jade had slipped out of the house unnoticed.


    Linda knocked on Jade¡¯s door around 9 AM, bncing a tray of breakfast. ¡°Jade? Sweetheart?¡± Her voice was honey¨Csweet, nothing like her usual bitter tone. ¡°I made you pancakes. You can sleep in, but don¡¯t forget to eat something.¡±


    From down the hall, Emily watched with disgust.


    ¡°She¡¯s not going to suddenly love you just because you¡¯re bringing her breakfast,¡± Emily muttered as Linda ced the tray outside Jade¡¯s door.


    Linda shot her a warning re, ¡°Hush. This is how normal families treat each other.¡±


    Emily rolled her eyes. ¡°Since when are we normal?<b>¡± </b>


    By noon<b>, </b>the house was filled with Frank¡¯s brothers and their wives. They¡¯d arrived bearing gifts-


    <b>10:12 </b>Wed, <b>Sep </b>17


    :


    expensive watches, designer clothing items, and even a newptop. All for Jade, apparently.


    Patrick Morgan seemed particrly anxious. ¡°She¡¯s still sleeping?¡± he asked for the fifth time, checking his watch. ¡°I really need to speak with her.¡±


    ¡°Let her rest,¡± Linda said, ying the protective mother. ¡°She¡¯s been studying so hard.¡±


    Frank nodded. ¡°She¡¯ll be up soon<b>, </b>I¡¯m sure.<b>¡± </b>


    41


    They waited in the living room, making awkward small talk while constantly ncing toward Jade¡¯s


    bedroom door. Nobody dared knock or disturb her, not after witnessing what happened at the golf


    club.


    At two o¡¯clock, Patrick¡¯s phone rang<b>. </b>His face fell as he listened. ¡°What do you mean<b>, </b>canceled? We¡¯ve had that contract for three years!¡± He stepped outside to continue the conversation, returning minutester looking pale.


    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Frank asked.


    ¡°The Williams construction contract,¡± Patrick said numbly. ¡°They just canceled it. No exnation.¡±


    The room fell silent. That contract had been Patrick¡¯srgest source of ie.


    Max came home from school around three, looking bewildered at the gathering. ¡°What¡¯s everyone doing here?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re waiting to see Jade,¡± Joe, Frank¡¯s second brother, exined. ¡°Is sheing downstairs soon?¡±


    Max looked confused. ¡°Jade? She left this morning.¡±


    The collective shock was palpable.


    ¡°Left?¡± Linda¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°What do you mean, left<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°She said she had business out of town,¡± Max replied, grabbing a soda from the fridge. ¡°She would not interested in your gifts. You can take them back.¡±


    Patrick sank into a chair, his face ashen. ¡°She¡¯s gone? But¡­ mypany¡­ my contracts¡­¡±


    Nancy squeezed his hand. ¡°What are we going to do? Joe works for yourpany too. If you lose your contracts¡­¡±


    <b>10:12 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    :


    41


    Venezu greeted Jade with humid air and the distant sound of gunfire. She checked into a modestly upscale hotel in Caracas, far enough from tourist areas to avoid attention but safe enough for her first night. As darkness fell, the sporadic pop¨Cpop¨Cpop <b>of </b>gunfire became more frequent. From her window, she could see people hurrying to get indoors, shops closing early, and police vehicles patrolling with increasing frequency.


    The metallic smell of gunpowder drifted through her open window. She inhaled deeply<b>, </b>feeling a familiar rush. This was the world she knew best¨Cchaotic, dangerous<b>, </b>unpredictable. For the first


    time since her rebirth, Jade felt truly at home.


    The next morning, she checked out and traveled deeper into the country. Her destination was a small town near the alleged location of a Transcendent Military Alliance training facility. The Latino


    taxi driver looked at her like she was insane when she told him where she wanted to go.


    ¡°Double the fare,¡± she offered.


    His eyes narrowed, but he nodded. ¡°Your funeral, se?orita.¡±


    The hotel she checked into was significantly worse than the first¨Cpeeling paint, questionable


    plumbing, and armed guards at the entrance. Perfect. As she approached the front desk, Jade noticed


    a group of men checking in ahead of her. Their military¨Cprecise movements and vignt scanning of exits marked them as professionals.


    ¡°We need four rooms,¡± said their leader, a brown¨Chaired American with steely gray eyes. ¡°Ground floor if possible.¡±


    She recognized him immediately. Ryan. One of her top lieutenants in her previous life. He didn¡¯t


    seem to recognize her now¨Cnot surprising given herplete physical transformation.


    ¡°Fucking waste of timeing here,¡± one of hispanions muttered. ¡°The old boss is dead. Has to


    be.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that,¡± Ryan snapped. ¡°Nobody found a body.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s been over a year, Ryan,¡± the man continued. ¡°If she was alive, we¡¯d know.¡±


    Ryan shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m going to La Corona in ten days. I¡¯ll win first ce and take leadership. That¡¯s the n.¡±


    <b>10:12 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    A tall ck man¨CXavier<b>¨C</b>scoffed. ¡°You? First ce? Dream on.¡±


    ¡°You want to challenge me for it?¡± Ryan stepped toward him.


    Xavier spat on the floor and walked away.


    41


    Jade watched this exchange with a mixture of amusement and nostalgia. So her former team was struggling without her. Interesting that they still held out hope she might be alive. Even more interesting that they were entering La Corona¨Cthe fightingpetition that determined leadership in certain mercenary circles.


    Ryan suddenly turned, catching her gaze. Jade didn¡¯t look away. Instead, she smiled slightly, enjoying the flicker of confusion on his face. Something about her seemed familiar to him, but he couldn¡¯t ce it.


    Later that night, she stood at her window, looking toward the distant lights of what she knew was a Transcendent Military Alliance headquarters. Thest time she¡¯d been there, she¡¯d reduced half of it to smoking rubble. Perhaps that¡¯s why her former team was struggling¨Cthe chaos she¡¯d left in her wake had disrupted their operations and contracts.


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    <b>10:12 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17

 Treatment 49

    41


    Ryan leaned against the elevator wall, fatigue etched into every line of his face. Two <b>days </b>of rest in this mediocre Venezun hotel hadn¡¯t done much to ease the bone¨Cdeep exhaustion guing him. The fluorescent lights flickered overhead, casting harsh shadows across the faces of his <b>team</b>.


    ¡°We got Xavier back,¡± he announced to the three men crowded into the elevator with him. ¡°That¡¯s something at least.¡±


    Zach snorted, adjusting his tactical vest. ¡°Yeah, and we¡¯re burning through our savings <b>just </b>staying in this shithole. Remember when we used to get the presidential suite?¡±


    ¡°Remember when we used to get paid?¡± Xavier added bitterly, his dark eyes fixed on the descending floor numbers. ¡°It¡¯s been almost a year since we lost a decent contract. Another month like this and


    Titan Defense Group will be nothing but a fucking memory.¡±


    Ryan clenched his jaw. ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯re taking this escort job.¡±


    ¡°Escort job?¡± Zachughed humorlessly. ¡°You mean babysitting some diplomat¡¯s nephew for pocket


    change? We¡¯re worth ten times what they¡¯re offering.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re worth whatever the market says we¡¯re worth,¡± Ryan replied sharply. ¡°And right now, this is our


    only option to keep the team operational.¡±


    The elevator stopped on the fifth floor, doors sliding open to reveal a slender young woman. Ryan immediately noted her casual stance¨Ctoo casual, almost deliberately so. Their eyes met briefly, and something about her gaze made the hair on his neck stand up.


    She stepped in without hesitation, positioning herself in the corner. Ryan couldn¡¯t shake the feeling


    he¡¯d seen her before.


    Xavier leaned closer, dropping his voice. ¡°After this job, I¡¯m out, Ryan. I¡¯m not going down with this


    sinking ship.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Ever since the Commander died, we¡¯ve been nothing in the mercenary market,¡± Xavier hissed. ¡°We used to be elite. Now we¡¯re cannon fodder taking scraps no one else wants.¡±


    Ryan started to respond when he noticed the young woman watching them with undisguised interest. He fell silent as the elevator reached the lobby.


    <b>10:13 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    As they exited, the woman followed, maintaining a careful distance but clearly trailing them.


    <b>41 </b>


    Six hourster, Ryan gripped the steering wheel of an armored transport vehicle<b>, </b>leading a convoy of seven identical vehicles down a winding mountain road. Dust billowed behind them<b>, </b>obscuring the dense Venezun jungle on either side.


    The radio crackled. ¡°This is bullshit,¡± came Zach¡¯s voice. ¡°Fifth time we¡¯ve taken a job below market


    rate. We used to have standards.¡±


    ¡°Save theints for after we deliver the package,¡± Ryan responded tersely


    Zach was about to respond when a deafening explosion rocked his vehicle. The front left tire blew out, sending the armored transport into a violent spin. He fought the wheel, managing to bring it to


    a stop just before hitting a tree.


    ¡°Ambush!¡± he shouted into the radio, reaching for his weapon.


    Gunfire erupted from the surrounding jungle. Ryan counted at least twenty armed men emerging


    from the foliage, their weapons trained on the convoy.


    ¡°Look what we have here,¡± a voice called out in ented English. A tall man with a scar running


    down his cheek stepped forward. ¡°The famous Titan Defense Group. Not so impressive anymore, are


    you<b>?</b>¡±


    Ryan took cover behind his vehicle, assessing their options. They were outnumbered nearly three to


    one<b>. </b>


    ¡°You can¡¯t even do basic recon,¡± the man continued, advancing confidently. ¡°This route has been


    under our control for weeks.¡±


    Xavier, blood streaming from a cut on his forehead, suddenly broke cover. ¡°I¡¯m fucking sick of being disrespected!¡± He opened fire, taking down two of the attackers before being forced back by return


    fire.


    Ryan joined the fight, his training taking over as he moved between positions, trying to even the odds. But it was hopeless. Within minutes, Xavier took a bullet to his leg, copsing with a pained <b>cry</b>. Two more of Ryan¡¯s men were hit, and their position became untenable.


    The scarred man approached, stepping deliberately on Ryan¡¯s tactical vest where hey pinned.


    10:13 Wed, <b>Sep </b>17


    41


    ¡°Your Commander died, and Titan Defense Group should have died with her. You can¡¯t even handle a simple escort job.¡±


    With that, the attackers seized their cargo and departed, leaving Ryan and his team bloodied and


    defeated in the dirt.


    ¡°Just scored another easy win against those Titan Defense losers,¡± the scarred man gloated into his radio as his convoy sped away. ¡°They¡¯re nothing without their Commander. Complete waste of-¡±


    He never finished the sentence. No one noticed the extra person who had somehow appeared in the convoy. The middle transport suddenly swerved, crashing into the vehicle ahead. The entire convoy ground to a chaotic halt amid screeching metal and shouting.


    The scarred man jumped from his vehicle, weapon drawn. ¡°What the hell is happening?¡±


    His answer came when one of his men flew from the driver¡¯s seat of the lead transport,nding in


    the dirt with a sickening thud.


    ¡°We have to go after them,¡± Ryan growled, helping Xavier bind his wounded leg. ¡°This has gone on


    long enough.¡±


    ¡°Are you insane?¡± one of his men protested. ¡°We¡¯re outnumbered and outgunned.¡±


    ¡°Ever since the Commander got blown to hell, our reputation¡¯s been in the gutter,¡± Xavier said through gritted teeth. ¡°Every two¨Cbit outfit thinks they can push us around.¡±


    Ryan checked his weapon. ¡°Then we prove them wrong. Today. We get the cargo back andplete the mission, or Titan Defense Group really is finished.¡±


    Xavier struggled to his feet. ¡°Fuck it. I¡¯d rather go down fighting than live like this. Let¡¯s do it.¡±


    As they prepared to pursue, the rumble of engines caught their attention. Ryan raised his weapon,


    then froze in disbelief.


    Their stolen transport vehicles were returning.


    The lead vehicle stopped twenty yards away. The door opened, and a young woman jumped down-


    <b>10:13 </b><b>Wed</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>17 </b>


    the same one from the elevator. Behind her, the scarred man stumbled out, <b>his </b><b>face </b>bloodied <b>and </b>


    swollen.


    1411


    Ryan stared, uprehending.


    ¡°I heard your Commander is dead,¡± the woman said casually, walking toward them. ¡°Seems like <b>Titan </b>


    Defense Group has been rudderless for a while now.¡±


    Zach stepped forward, his expression incredulous. ¡°And what the fuck do you think you¡¯re going to do about it, little girl? Lead Titan Defense Group yourself?¡±


    The woman smiled, a cold, dangerous curve of her lips that sent a chill down Ryan¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Not good enough?¡± she asked, her voice soft but carrying an unmistakable edge of authority.


    Ryan couldn¡¯t help the strange sense of familiarity washing over him. Something about her stance, her eyes, the way she held herself¡­


    He knew her. But that was impossible.


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 50

    Jade¡¯s POV:


    I snatched Ryan¡¯s tactical knife from its sheath with lightning¨Cfast precision. Before he could <b>react</b><b>, </b><b>I¡¯d </b>also plucked the zippo lighter from his vest pocket.


    ¡°Borrowing these,¡± I said, my tone making it clear it wasn¡¯t a request. I twirled the de once between my fingers, testing its weight and bnce.


    41


    Zach stepped forward, his hand instinctively moving toward his sidearm. ¡°Who the fuck do you think


    ¡°Stand down,¡± Ryan ordered, raising his hand to stop Zach. Something in his eyes told me he found my movements hauntingly familiar.


    Zach¡¯s face flushed with anger, but he backed off, turning away with a scowl. <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t help but smile internally. Little Zachie, still as cute and temperamental as ever. Some things never change.


    I walked toward Xavier, who was propped against a tree trunk, his face pale from blood loss. The bullet wound in his thigh had soaked his pants with an expanding circle of dark crimson. He needed


    immediate attention.


    ¡°<b>Stay </b>back,¡± Xavier warned in heavily ented English, his gun trained on me despite his shaking hands. ¡°What do you want? Who sent you?¡±


    I knelt beside him, ignoring the weapon. ¡°Put that down before you hurt yourself worse. I¡¯m going to


    remove the bullet.¡±


    Without waiting for permission, I ripped his pant leg open to examine the wound. The bullet had entered at an angle, missing the femoral artery but remaining lodged in the muscle tissue. Straightforward extraction.


    ¡°This will hurt,¡± I stated tly, then plunged the knife into the wound,


    Xavier howled, his back arching in pain. Zach lunged forward, but Ryan caught him by the shoulder, holding him back with surprising strength.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Ryan said, eyes narrowed <b>as </b>he watched my hands work with practiced efficiency.


    I located the bullet, wedged it against the de, and extracted it in one smooth motion. The small


    10:13 <b>Wed</b>, <b>Sep </b>17


    piece of metal clinked as I dropped it onto a nearby rock. Blood flowed freely now, but that was


    expected.


    41


    ¡°Hold still,¡± 1manded, flicking Ryan¡¯s zippo open. I heated the back of the de until it glowed dull red, then pressed it against the wound.


    The sizzle of burning flesh was followed by Xavier¡¯s muffled scream as he bit down on his belt. The


    smell of cauterized tissue filled the air, but the bleeding stopped almost immediately.


    ¡°Where did you learn to do that?¡± Ryan asked, his voice quiet with suspicion.


    I wiped the de clean on Xavier¡¯s torn pant leg before handing it back to Ryan, handle first. ¡°Does


    it matter? He¡¯ll live.¡±


    The leader of the Apex Tactical Group, the rival mercenary team that had ambushed them<b>, </b>stepped


    forward with his hands slightly raised. His face was swollen from the beating I¡¯d given him earlier,


    one eye nearly closed shut.


    ¡°Listen,¡± he said, addressing me directly. ¡°We¡¯ve done our job. The Transcendent Military Alliance


    doesn¡¯t allow unnecessary casualties. Let us leave.¡±


    I studied him for a moment. ¡°Four of your men stay to help transport the cargo. The ones with minor


    injuries. The rest can go.¡±


    He nodded quickly, relieved at the rtively lenient terms.


    I turned back to Ryan¡¯s team. ¡°Your trucks are operational. Let¡¯s finish the delivery<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Ryan looked like he was about to argue, but I cut him off by holding out my hand. ¡°Your sidearm.


    Now.¡±


    His eyes widened with disbelief, but something in my expression must have convinced him. He handed over his gun, grip first.


    Without hesitation, I aimed and fired. The bullet tore through the Apex leader¡¯s thigh, almost the exact spot where Xavier had been shot. He copsed with a scream,


    ¡°That¡¯s for Xavier,¡± I exined calmly, returning the weapon to a stunned Ryan. ¡°Now we¡¯re even<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    The remaining Apex mercenaries quickly gathered their wounded leader and retreated, casting fearful nces over their shoulders. Four stayed behind as instructed, standing awkwardly next to


    10:13 Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>17


    the trucks<b>. </b>


    ¡­


    :


    ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± I ordered, walking toward the lead vehicle. ¡°We have a delivery toplete.¡±


    ? C


    41


    The sun was setting by the time we reached the designated drop point ¨C an abandoned factory on the outskirts of a small town. The exchange went smoothly; the client didn¡¯t ask questions about the change in personnel, just inspected the cargo and handed over payment.


    Ryan distributed the cash among his team members, the mood noticeably lighter now that they had sessfullypleted the mission and earned a substantial payout. I watched from a distance, noting how the dynamics worked within the group ¨C not much had changed since I¡¯d led them in my previous life.


    ¨C


    We relocated to a safe house a run¨Cdown apartment in a nondescript building that had clearly seen better days. Xavier needed proper medical attention, but the n was to get him to an underground


    clinic in the morning.


    Ryan approached me with a te of food and an envelope. ¡°Your share,¡± he said, offering both items.


    I took only the te. ¡°Keep the money. I don¡¯t need it.¡±


    He hesitated, studying my face. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Someone who knows what it¡¯s like when no one respects your outfit anymore,¡± I answered, taking a bite of the reheated beans and rice. ¡°Your Commander built something impressive. Shame to see it


    falling apart.¡±


    Zach¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Our Commander isn¡¯t dead.¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯d take over for your dead Commander,¡± I corrected him, putting special emphasis on the word ¡®dead. ¡°No point denying it. I saw the explosion myself.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you,¡± he spat. ¡°You don¡¯t know shit about our Commander. And you sure as hell aren¡¯t taking


    over Titan Defense,¡±


    I looked at him, allowing a small smile to form. ¡°Sit down, Zachie.¡±


    The nickname hit him like a physical blow. His face drained of color, and he staggered back a step. The others froze<b>, </b>exchanging confused nces.


    <b>10:13 </b>Wed<b>, </b>Sep 17


    ¡°What did you just call me?¡± Zach whispered.


    :


    ¡°Zachie,¡± I repeated. ¡°That¡¯s what your Commander called you, isn¡¯t it? Because you were the youngest. The baby of the group.¡±


    Ryan slowly set down his te, his movements deliberate. ¡°Only one person ever called him that.¡±


    41


    ¡°And that person is dead,¡± I said, my voice softening just slightly. ¡°Body blown to pieces. Nothing left


    to bury.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit,¡± Ryan growled, but uncertainty had crept into his expression.


    Zach shook his head violently, then stormed out of the safe house, mming the door behind him.


    ¡°Your Commander¡¯s enemies are my enemies,¡± I continued, addressing the remaining men. ¡°And I¡¯m going to finish what was started.¡±


    Xavier, propped up on a makeshift cot, spoke up for the first time since we¡¯d arrived. ¡°If our Commander is dead, we¡¯ll avenge her ourselves.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Admirable. But you need resources, reputation, and connections.¡± I set my empty te aside. ¡°Seven days from now, I¡¯m entering La Corona.¡±


    ¡°When I win La Corona,¡± I interrupted, ¡°you¡¯ll either follow me or disband. Because without the Alliance¡¯s recognition, Titan Defense is finished anyway.¡±


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 Treatment 51

    <b>Chapter </b><b>51 </b>


    ¡°Only if you can beat me in La Corona,¡± Ryan said, his voice carrying that familiar edge of challenge I knew too well. ¡°If you do that, I¡¯ll be the first to acknowledge you.¡±


    I kept my face neutral, though something warm and nostalgic stirred inside me. This was exactly. why I¡¯d always favored Ryan as my lieutenant in my previous life. Smart, strategic, and always testing boundaries¨Ceven mine.


    ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± I replied, watching his eyes narrow at my easy eptance.


    The next few days unfolded like a violent ballet I¡¯d choreographed before. I followed Titan Defense Group on missions, observing how far they¡¯d fallen since my ¡°death.¡± The tropical humidity clung to my skin as we navigated through dense jungle foliage and dpidated urban areas that reeked of desperation and rotting vegetation.


    Their reputation was in shambles. ording to what I overheard duringte¨Cnight campfire discussions, they¡¯d been lucky to sessfullyplete one mission out of five this past year.


    But with me in the mix, things were different. I saw it in Ryan¡¯s sideways nces, the way he studied my movements, the growing questions behind his eyes. The team¡¯s efficiency had doubled, their


    confidence building with each sessful operation.


    On our third mission together, we encountered Apex Tactical Group again. We were escorting a


    shipment of medical supplies through a particrly treacherous mountain pass when they ambushed


    us from the ridge above.


    ¡°Well, well,¡± their leader sneered through split lips I¡¯d given him days earlier. ¡°Thought you¡¯d learned your lesson.¡±


    I stepped forward before Ryan could respond. The man¡¯s eyes widened when he saw me, recognition


    and fear battling across his features.


    ¡°You again,¡± he spat, hand instinctively moving toward his weapon.


    I moved with deliberate slowness, making sure everyone could follow what happened next. My fist connected with his nose, a clean, precise strike that ended with the distinct crack of cartge giving


    way.


    Blood erupted from his nostrils as he dropped to his knees, howling. The rest of his team froze, weapons half¨Craised, clearly uncertain. The mountain air filled with the metallic scent of fresh blood.


    9:04 Thu, Sep 18 G


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± someone whispered behind me.


    I turned to see Ryan staring, something like recognition flickering in his eyes. His grip on his rifle had ckened, and his mouth hung slightly open.


    Later, after Apex had retreated with their wounded leader, Ryan pulled me aside. The evening sun cast long shadows through the trees, painting everything in deep oranges and reds.


    ¡°The way you move¡­ you¡¯re not just good. You¡¯re like her,¡± he said, voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Like who?¡± I asked, though I knew exactly who he meant.


    ¡°Our Commander,¡± he replied, watching my reaction carefully. ¡°You fight like her. It¡¯s uncanny.¡±


    The Apex leader hobbled back toward us, supported by one of his men. Blood had dried around his nose and chin, making him look like a second¨Crate horror movie extra. His eyes darted nervously between me and the ground.


    ¡°Titan Defense Group is supposed to be finished,¡± he growled, though his voicecked conviction. ¡°Your leader is dead. Who the fuck are you?¡±


    <b>83 </b>


    I smiled slowly, letting the menace seep into my expression. ¡°Someone who suggests you take your men and disappear before I decide to remind you of the nightmare you experienced over a year ago.¡±


    His face paled beneath the blood. ¡°You¨Cthat¡¯s impossible.¡±


    ¡°Try me,¡± I stepped closer, lowering my voice so only he could hear. ¡°Or would you rather join Apex Tactical with me instead? I¡¯m sure your skills would be¡­ valuable.¡±


    He flinched at my proximity. I could smell the fear on him, sour and pungent beneath the blood and


    sweat.


    ¡°Fuck you,¡± he spat, backing away. ¡°We¡¯re done here.¡±


    As they retreated, Zach red at me. ¡°You talk about our Commander like you knew her.¡±


    We made camp in a small clearing, the evening jungle heat making everything sticky and ufortable. Xavier¡¯s leg was healing well, thanks to the field medicine I¡¯d applied. The rest of the team was gathering supplies and setting up a perimeter. Insects buzzed incessantly around us, and distant thunder promised another night of tropical downpours.


    9:04 Thu<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>18 B


    I sat beneath a tree, cleaning my borrowed weapons, when Zach approached. His youthful face was set in hard lines, watching me with barely contained suspicion.


    ¡°Your Commander,¡± I remarked casually, not looking up from the knife I was polishing. ¡°Gave you guys a heap of enemies, then just pped her hands and died, huh?¡±


    (83


    Zach¡¯s face instantly flushed with rage. He lunged forward, knife gripped white¨Cknuckled in his hand. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you myself if you ever disrespect her memory again,¡± he snarled, trembling with fury.


    Ryan pulled him back with a firm grip on his shoulder. ¡°Easy, Zach. She¡¯s on our side.¡±


    ¡°For now,¡± Zach muttered, stalking away, kicking at the underbrush as he went.


    Ryan sat beside me, offering a can of beer. ¡°Sorry about him. He¡¯s the Commander¡¯s most devoted fan boy. Worshipped the ground she walked on.¡±


    ¡°I can tell,¡± I said, popping the tab and taking a swig of the lukewarm beer. It wasn¡¯t great, but it was


    alcohol.


    ¡°She built something impressive here,¡± Ryan continued, looking around at what remained of Titan Defense Group. The men were setting up camp with practiced efficiency despite their reduced numbers. ¡°We were ranked fifth in Venezu under her leadership. And she personally maintained thirty¨Cthree consecutive wins in La Corona¨Can unbroken record.¡±


    I nodded, memories of those fights washing over me. The roar of the crowds, the metallic taste of blood in my mouth, the rush of victory after victory. The strategic nning before each fight, the calcted risks. I¡¯d built that reputation from nothing.


    ¡°Nobody could touch her,¡± Ryan said, his voice dropping to almost a whisper. ¡°We called her ¡®Nobody¡® because that¡¯s what she¡¯d say when people asked who she was.¡±


    ¡°Sounds mysterious,¡± I remarked, fighting the urge to smile at my old code name.


    Ryan studied my face intently. ¡°You remind me of her. The way you move, the way you fight¨Chell, even the way you give orders.¡± He leaned forward, firelight dancing across his weathered features. ¡°Who are you, really? Why are your fighting styles identical?¡±


    I smiled enigmatically. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m her, reborn.¡±


    He stared at me for a long moment beforeughing softly. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be something.¡±


    83


    9:04 Thu, Sep 18 G¡­


    But I could see the seed of doubt¨Cor perhaps belief¨Ctaking root behind his eyes.


    ¡Þ


    Over the next few days, word spread throughout the undergroundworks of Venezu: Titan Defense Group¡¯s Commander might have returned. Former members who had abandoned ship after my ¡°death¡± began reaching out, testing the waters. Contracts that had dried up suddenly became avable again.


    ¡°It¡¯s weird,¡± Xaviermented one evening as we reviewed a new high¨Cpaying contract offer. ¡°It¡¯s


    like the ghosts of our past are stirring.¡±


    He didn¡¯t know how right he was. The ghost of Nobody was rising, and with it, the legacy I¡¯d built and lost. This time, I wasn¡¯t going to let anyone take it from me.


    As I watched my former team preparing for our next mission with renewed purpose in their


    movements, I felt something close to pride. They had survived without me, battered but unbroken.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 52

    <b>Chapter </b><b>52 </b>


    La Corona isn¡¯t just any mercenary gathering¨Cit¡¯s the main event in Venezu¡¯s undergroundbat world. Hosted by the Transcendent Military Alliance, it draws the most elite fighters from across the globe. I¡¯d been here before, of course, when I was Nobody. Now I¡¯m back as Jade Morgan, though the objective remains the same: dominate.


    The venue sprawls across Venezu¡¯s northwestern border¨Ccivilization to the west, wilderness to the east. Perfect for an event that exists in the gray space between legitimatepetition and outright warfare. Mercenary teams have already established temporary camps throughout the eastern wilderness. The air smells like gun oil, sweat, and ambition.


    ¡°Want to check out the area, Zachie?¡± I ask, nodding toward the bustling camps. The nickname slips out naturally, just as it did in my previous life.


    Zach¡¯s face contorts like I¡¯ve offered him a shit sandwich. ¡°Don¡¯t call me that,¡± he growls, adjusting his tactical vest with unnecessary force.


    I shrug, letting a hint of a smile y on my lips. ¡°Force of habit.¡±


    ¡°What habit?¡± he snaps. ¡°We just met a week ago.¡±


    Ryan shoots me a curious look but says nothing.


    ¡°We should keep a low profile,¡± Ryan warns, scanning the area. His fingers tap rhythmically against his holster, a nervous habit I recognize from before. ¡°Half the teams here have a grudge against us, and they¡¯re all watching. This isn¡¯t just aboutpetition anymore¨Cit¡¯s about revenge.¡±


    Xavier limps over, his injured leg healing but still stiff. The desert wind whips sand against his tactical pants as he tosses me a rolled¨Cup nket. ¡°Desert gets cold as fuck at night. Don¡¯t freeze to death, little girl!¡±


    I catch it without looking, my eyes fixed on the surrounding camps. ¡°Thanks for the concern.¡±


    The irony isn¡¯t lost on me. In my previous life, I¡¯d lectured Xavier about desert temperature drops at least a dozen times. Now he¡¯s passing that knowledge back to me, unaware he¡¯s teaching his former teacher.


    My gaze drifts across the makeshift campground. To earn back my reputation, I¡¯d need thirty¨Cthree consecutive victories¨Cmatching Nobody¡¯s legacy. Each win in La Corona adds a mark to your reputation, a notch that mercenary groups respect. Nobody¨Cme¨Chad never been defeated. Now I


    9:04 Thu, Sep 18 B


    need to reim that perfect record, even if it means fighting my way through every mercenary in


    Venezu.


    83


    ¡°You know,¡± I say quietly, mostly to myself, ¡°they say it takes thirty¨Cthree consecutive wins here to


    be truly respected.¡±


    Ryan¡¯s head snaps toward me. ¡°Nobody told you that.¡± It¡¯s not a question.


    I maintain my poker face. ¡°Word gets around.¡±


    As dusk approaches, hundreds of temporary camps dot thendscape like a chaotic, militarized festival. The elite of the mercenary world have gathered, their weapons gleaming in the fading light.


    Campfires flicker to life, casting long shadows across the rocky ground. I feel their eyes on us as we


    move through the area¨Cpredatory, calcting, hungry for weakness.


    Titan Defense Group¡¯s return to prominence has made us a target. We¡¯re no longer the pitiful has-


    beens ofst week. The whispers follow us: <i>They¡¯ve </i><i>found </i><i>a </i><i>new </i><i>leader</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>girl </i><i>fights </i><i>like </i><i>Nobody</i><i>. </i><i>Titan </i>is <i>back </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>game</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°Let theme,¡± I mutter, meeting a particrly hostile stare from a Russian group whose leader


    sports a scar across his left cheek. ¡°If they¡¯re eager to die.¡±


    Night falls quickly in the desert. People begin moving toward the main arena for the evening¡¯s first matches, a steady stream of the world¡¯s deadliest flowing toward the valley. Our small group joins


    the flow, and immediately I feel the shift in attention. Heads turn. Conversations pause. Eyes narrow.


    In this world of hardened killers, I stand out¨Cyoung, female, and unfamiliar to most. Yet I move with


    the confidence of someone who belongs here more than anyone else. The contradiction draws


    attention like blood in shark¨Cinfested waters.


    ¡°That¡¯s her,¡± someone whispers loudly enough for me to hear, a bearded man with arms thick as tree trunks. ¡°The one who took down Apex¡¯s leader.¡±


    ¡°Heard she¡¯s Nobody¡¯s recement,¡± another voice responds, belonging to a woman with a tactical


    knife strapped to each thigh.


    ¡°Bullshit. Nobody was legendary. This girl¡¯s just a sh in the pan.¡±


    Ryan walks beside me, his hand resting casually on his holstered sidearm. ¡°You¡¯re making quite an impression,¡± he says quietly, eyes scanning the crowd for immediate threats.


    <b>9:04 </b>Thu, Sep 18 B


    ¡°That¡¯s the idea,¡± I reply, my voice carrying just enough for nearby eavesdroppers. I want them nervous. I want them watching.


    <b>83 </b>


    The arena sits nestled in a natural valley, with high ground surrounding it on all sides¨Cperfect for spectators to look down on the battles below. The packed dirt floor has absorbed the blood of countless fighters over the years, including my own. Ryan leads us to an inconspicuous spot near the eastern rim, away from the more prominent mercenary groups.


    Zach bounces on his heels, excitement overriding his earlier annoyance. ¡°I¡¯m putting money on the Russian to win the first match,¡± he says, eyes bright with anticipation. ¡°He destroyed three guys in


    the preliminaries. Broke one guy¡¯s arm in two ces.¡±


    I scan the gathering crowd, calcting odds and assessing threats out of habit. The floodlights cast harsh shadows across battle¨Chardened faces, each one a potential opponent. ¡°Save your money,¡± I tell


    him. ¡°Bet on me for the final day instead.¡±


    Ryan gives me a sideways nce. ¡°You sound pretty confident for someone who¡¯s never fought in La


    Corona before.¡±


    ¡°Instinct,¡± I reply with a shrug, the desert breeze carrying the scent of blood and anticipation.


    He doesn¡¯t look convinced, but something in his eyes tells me he¡¯s starting to piece things together.


    The firstpetitors begin to enter the arena below as the crowd roars. I barely register them, my attention suddenly caught by a familiar silhouette across the valley. My body goes still, every sense


    suddenly heightened.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Ryan asks, noticing my sudden focus.


    I don¡¯t answer, my eyes locked on the figure standing in the shadows on the opposite side of the


    arena.


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 Treatment 53

    I felt him before I saw him.


    There¡¯s a particr shift in the atmosphere when someone of true power enters a room. The air gets a little thinner, conversations drop a few decibels, and people instinctively make space without even realizing it. That¡¯s exactly what happened at La Corona¡¯s main arena when Ethan Haxton walked in.


    Wearing a perfectly tailored Tom Ford suit amid a sea of tactical gear andbat boots, he looked ridiculously out of ce yet somehow more dangerous than anyone else. A team of professional security personnel surrounded him, creating a mobile fortress of dark suits and earpieces.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Ryan muttered beside me, his eyes fixed on Ethan. ¡°Is that who I think it is?¡±


    I ducked behind Ryan¡¯s broader frame, using him as a shield. Thest person I expected to see in this hellhole was Ethan fucking Haxton. What was a Wall Street titan doing at an underground mercenarypetition in Venezu?


    Ethan surveyed the arena with casual interest, like he was browsing a gallery rather than watching killers prepare to tear each other apart. His gaze swept across our section, briefly locking eyes with


    Ryan.


    ¡°You know who that is?¡± Ryan asked, turning toward me.


    ¡°Ethan Haxton,¡± I replied, keeping my voice deliberately t. ¡°CEO of Haxton Industries.¡±


    Ryan¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°You know him?¡±


    ¡°Not really.¡±


    Zach leaned forward, a smirk ying on his lips. ¡°Then why are you hiding behind Ryan like he¡¯s your school¡® principal?¡± He tilted his head to get a better look at my face.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Fuck off, Zach.¡±


    Xavier chuckled, wincing slightly as the movement aggravated his injured leg. ¡°Those guys with him.


    are Transcendent Military Alliance security. They monitor La Corona, make sure things don¡¯t get too


    out of hand.¡±


    I watched as Ethan settled into what was clearly a VIP section, Connor Haxton at his side constantly scanning the crowd. Ethan¡¯s presence hereplicated things. I needed to understand why he was


    attending La Corona before making my next move.


    Three matches passed, each more brutal than thest. The crowd roared as a Brazilian fighter snapped his opponent¡¯s arm before delivering a knockout blow. Blood spattered across the sand floor, adding to the rust¨Ccolored stains from previous fights.


    Ethan appeared bored throughout, checking his watch several times. After the third match, he stood up and adjusted his cuffs, clearly having seen enough.


    ¡°I need to go take care of something,¡± I announced, rising from my seat. ¡°Might not make it back to camp tonight.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Zach snorted. ¡°You really think you¡¯re the boss now? Just going wherever you want?¡±


    Ryan shot him a warning look.


    ¡°Tonight¡¯s not going to be quiet,¡± Zach added, his tone somewhere between concern and challenge.


    ¡°Word is Apex is nning something.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I need to find an actual bed to sleep in. I¡¯m not staying in those tents.¡±


    ¡°Princess,¡± Zach muttered, but there was less bite in it than usual.


    I didn¡¯t wait for furthermentary, weaving through the crowd toward the exit. Outside, the evening air provided minimal relief from the packed arena. Food vendors and weapons dealers had set up stalls, creating a bizarre carnival atmosphere.


    ¡°Miss Morgan?¡±


    The voice came from behind me, cultured and confident. I turned slowly, feigning surprise when I


    saw Ethan Haxton standing there, nked by Connor.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton,¡± I said, my voice deliberately neutral. ¡°What a coincidence.¡±


    Connor¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°You look thinner than when Ist saw you,¡± he observed.


    I smiled, a practiced, empty gesture. ¡°Been working out.¡±


    ¡°What brings you to Venezu, Miss Morgan?¡± Ethan asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp with interest. ¡°Not exactly a typical tourist destination.¡±


    <b>9:04 </b><b>Thu</b>, Sep 18 <b>B </b>


    ¡°Cultural immersion,¡± I replied glibly. ¡°I find these authentic local experiences so¡­ educational.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s lips twitched with something that might have been amusement. ¡°Indeed. Though La Corona isn¡¯t listed in most travel guides.¡±


    ¡°The best experiences rarely are.¡±


    Connor shifted his weight, eyes continuously scanning our surroundings with professional paranoia.


    ¡°Any decent ces to stay around here?¡± I asked casually, gesturing at the shabby buildings nearby.


    ¡°I¡¯m staying at El Presidente Hotel in the city,¡± Ethan said, right on cue. ¡°They have excellent


    security and clean sheets. I¡¯d be happy to arrange a room for you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very generous,¡± I said. ¡°I ept.¡±


    Fifteen minutester, I was sitting in the backseat of Ethan¡¯s armored luxury car, watching the dusty


    ¡°So,¡± Ethan broke the silence, ¡°what¡¯s the real reason you¡¯re in Venezu, Miss Morgan? La Corona


    isn¡¯t exactly a venue for casual sightseeing.¡±


    My demeanor shifted, the friendly fa?ade dropping like a discarded mask. ¡°What¡¯s your reason for being here, Mr. Haxton? I don¡¯t see many Wall Street executives attending underground fighting


    tournaments.¡±


    ¡°Business and pleasure,¡± he replied smoothly. ¡°I have investments in the region.¡±


    ¡°How convenient.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my question.¡±


    I tilted my head. ¡°I was curious about La Corona. Wanted to see it for myself.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the kind of ce travel agencies rmend,¡± Ethan said, studying me with renewed interest. ¡°This is a hundred times more brutal than Olympic boxing. These people aren¡¯t fighting for medals¨Cthey¡¯re fighting for survival.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I¡¯m interested,¡± I said, meeting his gaze directly. ¡°I prefer realbat to choreographed performances.¡±


    <b>9:04 </b><b>Thu</b>, Sep 18 B


    (83)


    The car swerved slightly to avoid a pothole, momentarily pressing Ethan¡¯s shoulder against mine. He smelled expensive¨Csandalwood and something uniquely his own.


    As the car wound through the hills, I caught sight of a sprawlingpound nestled against the mountainside, its perimeter lined with what looked like decorative fencing and observation towers.


    ¡°Wow, what¡¯s that fancy ce?¡± I asked with exaggerated curiosity, pointing toward the facility. ¡°Some kind of luxury resort? The views must be amazing from up there.¡±


    Connor¡¯s head jerked slightly in surprise, his eyes meeting mine briefly in the rearview mirror before


    darting away.


    ¡°That?¡± Ethan replied without missing a beat. ¡°That¡¯s the Transcendent Retreat. Very exclusive vacation spot. Only the most¡­ distinguished guests get to stay there.¡±


    ¡°Really? It looks incredible,¡± I gushed, leaning closer to the window like an excited tourist. ¡°Do they offer tours? I¡¯d love to see what it¡¯s like inside.¡±


    ¡°I could arrange a personal tour for you,¡± Ethan said, his eyes glittering with amusement as he yed along. ¡°They have quite remarkable amenities. Swimming pools, spas, exceptional security


    features.¡±


    From the front seat, Connor coughed abruptly, his knuckles turning white on the steering wheel. The look of absolute disbelief on his face reflected in the mirror was priceless.


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 Treatment 54

    The journey from La Corona to the hotel was smooth¨Ctoo smooth. I stared out the bulletproof window of Ethan¡¯s luxury SUV, watching thendscape transform from dusty outskirts to more


    developed areas.


    ¡°That ck SUV has been following us since we left the arena,¡± I thought to myself as I stared out the bulletproof window of Ethan¡¯s luxury SUV. I¡¯d spotted it three turns back, maintaining perfect


    distance.


    The hotel appeared ahead of us, a gleaming structure that seemed out of ce in this rough part of Venezu¨Ctwelve stories of luxury amid poverty and chaos. As we pulled up to the entrance, valets


    rushed to open our doors.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Ethan muttered, stepping out. ¡°I just realized I didn¡¯t arrange for your luggage to be


    collected.¡±


    I followed him onto the curb. ¡°No worries. I travel light.¡±


    He nced at me, eyebrow raised. ¡°As in¡­no luggage at all?¡±


    ¡°Backpacking,¡± I shrugged. ¡°Budget travel, you know.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± he said, his tone suggesting he didn¡¯t believe me for a second. ¡°I¡¯ll have some clothes sent up. Anything specific you need?¡±


    ¡°Just the basics. Something to sleep in, something for tomorrow.¡±


    The lobby was marble and crystal, with armed security positioned discreetly at strategic points. Ethan didn¡¯t bother with the front desk, instead leading me directly to a private elevator that


    required a keycard.


    ¡°Top floor,¡± he exined as the doors closed. ¡°Best security in the building.¡±


    I leaned against the elevator wall, watching him through half¨Clidded eyes. In the confined space, his cologne was more noticeable¨Cexpensive and subtle. The elevator doors opened to a short hallway with only two doors.


    ¡°You¡¯re here,¡± he said, stopping at the first door and swiping a card. ¡°I¡¯m right next door if you need anything.¡±


    I nodded, stepping into a suite that wasrger than our entire house back in Cloud City. Floor¨Cto- ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city and the distant mountains. I heard Ethan and Connor talking in low voices in the hallway before my door clicked shut.


    ¡°Sir, we were definitely followed from La Corona,¡± Connor was saying.


    ¡°I know,¡± Ethan replied. ¡°But they¡¯re not after me. They¡¯re after her.¡±


    ¡°What do you want me to do?¡±


    ¡°Double the security on this floor. And find out who they are.¡±


    ¡°Already on it.¡±


    Their footsteps retreated, and I heard the door next to mine open and close. I moved to the window, looking down at the hotel entrance. Sure enough, the ck SUV had parked across the street. Fourrge men stepped out, followed by several others who arrived in vehicles that had been behind us. I


    counted fifteen men entering the hotel lobby.


    I recognized a few faces from La Corona. Not difficult to guess what they wanted. Word had spread quickly that I might be taking over Titan Defense Group, and clearly some people weren¡¯t happy


    about it.


    Fifteen men against one woman. Hardly seemed fair¨Cfor them.


    Still, fighting here would be messy and would draw attention I didn¡¯t need right now. Better to avoid the confrontation altogether. I examined the suite¡¯s security features, noting the reinforced door and electronic lock. Not bad, but not enough if they had someone who knew what they were doing.


    I waited twenty minutes before slipping out of my room. One quick knock on Ethan¡¯s door was all it


    took.


    ¡°Miss Morgan?¡± He opened the door wearing only dress pants, his hair damp, a towel draped around his shoulders. Clearly, I¡¯d interrupted his shower preparations.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared,¡± I said, making my eyes wide. ¡°Can I stay here tonight? I think someone followed us from


    that awful arena.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. He wasn¡¯t buying my frightened act, but he stepped aside anyway. ¡°Of


    course. Come in.¡±


    <b>9:05 </b><b>Thu</b>, Sep 18 B


    <b>83 </b>


    His suite was identical to mine but with slightly more masculine furnishings. A liquor cab stood in one corner, stocked with bottles that probably cost more than most people made in a year.


    ¡°I was about to shower,¡± he said, gesturing toward the bathroom where steam was already escaping. ¡°Make yourselffortable. I won¡¯t be long.¡±


    I nodded, pretending to be nervous as I perched on the edge of a sofa. As soon as the bathroom door closed, I moved to the window, scanning the street below. Three men had positioned themselves at


    various points around the hotel entrance.


    My attention shifted to the liquor cab. I opened it, examining the collection until I found a


    bottle of Macan 25¨Cyear¨Cold whiskey. Perfect.


    A knock at the door interrupted my inspection. I opened it to find a hotel staff member with


    clothing draped over his arm.


    ¡°Delivery for Mr. Haxton and Miss Morgan,¡± he said pleasantly.


    I epted the packages, noting they¡¯d included items for both of us. Efficient. I set Ethan¡¯s clothes


    on the bed and ced mine aside, returning to the whiskey.


    By the time Ethan emerged from the bathroom, dressed in lounge pants and a t¨Cshirt, I was standing


    by the window again, watching the street below. The whiskey bottle sat on the coffee table, significantly depleted.


    ¡°The security here is excellent,¡± Ethan said, toweling his hair dry. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry.¡±


    His eyes fell on the whiskey bottle, and his expression changed. ¡°Did you¡­ drink that?¡±


    I nced at the bottle, now missing about half its contents. ¡°I was thirsty. Couldn¡¯t find any water.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a five¨Chundred¨Cdor bottle of Macan,¡± he said, sounding more amused than angry.


    ¡°Is it? Tasted like regr whiskey to me.¡±


    Ethan studied me for a moment, then asked abruptly, ¡°How old are you?¡±


    ¡°Why ask that? You wanna¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡± he asked, noticing my peculiar gaze.


    9:05 Thu, Sep 18 ¡­


    I realized my mistake. He wasn¡¯t thinking about intimacy¨Che was worried about the legal drinking age. Of course he would think that way. To him, I was just a high school student. Still, why would someone like Ethan Haxton, one of America¡¯s most eligible bachelors, keep his distance from women? I nced at his athletic frame. He certainly didn¡¯t look like he had any physical issues.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± I replied, picking up my bundle of clothes. ¡°I¡¯m going to shower now. Thanks for the


    clothes.¡±


    <b>83 </b>

 Treatment 55

    <b>Chapter 55 </b>


    I let the hot water cascade over my skin, relieving the tension from the long journey. The shower facilities in this hotel lived up to its reputation¨Cperfect pressure, consistent temperature, and body wash that smelled of expensive citrus and cedar. Finding this level of luxury in Venezu was something only someone like Haxton could arrange.


    Just as I was about to turn off the water, footsteps and low voices came from outside the bathroom door. With the heightened senses I¡¯d spent a lifetime developing, I quickly shut off the water and held my breath, positioning myself closer to the door.


    ¡°Sir, we¡¯ve detected unauthorized personnel on this floor,¡± Connor¡¯s voice was clear despite his attempt to speak quietly. ¡°Security cameras caught at least three men attempting to ess the restricted elevator about ten minutes ago.¡±


    ¡°Who are they?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice remained calm but focused.


    ¡°They seem to be searching for someone.¡±


    ¡°Double the security detail on this floor,¡± Ethanmanded. ¡°And get me everything you have on


    these intruders.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    I heard Connor¡¯s footsteps fade away and the door close softly. I turned the water back on, letting it mask my presence while I quickly rinsed off the remaining soap.


    This feeling was familiar¨Cbeing tracked, being hunted.


    After shutting off the water, I grabbed the hotel¨Cprovided towel and dried myself, my eyesnding on the clothing Ethan had arranged. A silk robe, soft andfortable, along with underwear. I picked them up to check the tags¨Cperfect size.


    ¡°Fucking impressive,¡± I muttered under my breath. This wasn¡¯t luck but precise observation and calction. In my former life, I¡¯d sized up targets with simr uracy, but for very different


    reasons<b>. </b>


    Dressed, I opened the bathroom door, letting steam billow out. Ethan sat on the sofa with a magazine in hand, appearing casual and rxed, but I could sense his vignce. The slight tension. in his shoulders betrayed his awareness.


    ¡°Do the clothes fit?¡± he asked without looking up.


    ¡°They¡¯re fine,¡± I replied coldly, unable to hide my irritation. ¡°Your eye for measurements is quite remarkable, Mr. Haxton.¡±


    Ethan looked up, a ghost of a smile ying on his lips. ¡°Just experience. I often need to prepare gifts


    for business associates.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do you prepare underwear for all your ¡®business associates¡°?¡±


    He finally set down the magazine and studied me with those prating green eyes. ¡°Miss Morgan, if you¡¯re ufortable with my arrangements, I can immediately have another suite prepared for


    you.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°This is fine, thanks.¡± I turned toward the couch. ¡°I¡¯ll sleep here.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Ethan called out. ¡°The bed is more thanrge enough. You take it. I¡¯ll sleep on the couch.¡±


    I turned back, crossing my arms. ¡°What¡¯s this, Mr. Haxton? Interested in me?¡± I purposely made my tone challenging, watching for his reaction.


    His expression remained unchanged. ¡°Purely courtesy. You¡¯re my guest.¡±


    I noticed him pick up something and hold it out to me. ¡°You might need this.¡±


    A hair dryer. I took it, somewhat surprised by his thoughtfulness.


    ¡°Sleeping with wet hair can make you sick,¡± he exined matter¨Cof¨Cfactly.


    ¡°Wow, Mr. Haxton really knows how to take care of people,¡± I teased.


    ¡°Basicmon sense,¡± he replied, returning to the sofa and picking up his tablet. ¡°Make yourself


    I nodded and began drying my hair, wondering what game Ethan was ying. Men like him always


    had motives beyond simple courtesy.


    When I finished with my hair and returned to the main room, I noticed Ethan had changed into


    sleep clothes a simple t¨Cshirt and lounge pants that likely cost more than my entire wardrobe. Even


    ¨C


    in such casual attire, he maintained his inherent elegance, the kind that came from generations of wealth and power.


    <b>9:05 </b><b>Thu</b>, <b>Sep </b>18 B


    I was already lying on the bed, enjoying the silky sheets. ¡°The bedding is really nice,¡± Imented absently, running my hand over the Egyptian cotton.


    ¡°The hotel may be small, but the amenities are first¨Css,¡± Ethan found afortable position on


    the sofa and used the remote to dim most of the lights.


    83


    The room fell into semi¨Cdarkness, and I suddenly blurted out: ¡°Does Mr. Haxton have many women?¡±


    He was clearly caught off guard by my direct question, pausing briefly before countering: ¡°What¡¯s the purpose of that question?¡±


    ¡°Just curious.¡± I rolled over to face his direction. ¡°A man with your qualifications shouldn¡¯t be short of femalepany, right? Young, rich, powerful¡­ you must have quite the collection.¡±


    ¡°My personal life is irrelevant to our¡­ business rtionship, Miss Morgan.¡± His tone was calm but


    firm, establishing a clear boundary.


    Iughed softly. ¡°Shy? Or is there something you¡¯re hiding?¡±


    ¡°Get some sleep, Miss Morgan. We have an early start tomorrow.¡± He deliberately changed the


    subject.


    Just then, my phone vibrated. It was an encrypted message from Ryan: ¡°Are you safe? Word is that Apex Tactical Group is nning toe after you.¡±


    I quickly replied: ¡°Apex Tactical Group¡¯s men are already downstairs. Don¡¯t worry, I have backup.¡±


    After sending the message, I nced at Ethan, who seemed focused on his own phone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s turn off the lights then,¡± I said, adding, ¡°By the way, Mr. Haxton, isn¡¯t making investments alone in a ce like Venezu more dangerous than solo traveling?¡±


    He looked up at me, his eyes evaluating. ¡°Every choice carries risk. The key is managing that risk.¡±


    He reached over and turned off thestmp, plunging the room into darkness. ¡°I¡¯m a light sleeper,


    Miss Morgan. If you need anything, just say so.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± I responded.


    ¡°Goodnight, Miss Morgan.¡±


    9:05 Thu, Sep 18 B


    <b>83 </b>


    ¡°Goodnight, Mr. Haxton.¡±


    The room fell silent except for the asional car horn and distantmotion from outside. Iy in bed, trying to rx my body while remaining vignt¨Ca survival instinct ingrained through years of training. My mind kept working, analyzing the situation, nning my next moves for the approaching confrontation at La Corona.


    Time ticked by slowly. Ethan¡¯s breathing gradually became steady and rhythmic, suggesting he was asleep. But I knew someone like him would never truly sleep deeply with a stranger present. Men who reached his level of sess developed the same kind of paranoia that kept assassins alive.


    I counted the minutes, waiting patiently. Around two in the morning, when hotel activity had almostpletely ceased, I quietly got up. Each movement was carefully calcted to make no sound. I padded barefoot to the door, gently opened it, and slipped out.

 Treatment 56

    <b>Chapter </b><b>56 </b>


    :


    <b>93 </b>


    A soft knock on the hotel suite door pulled me from my light sleep. I¡¯d returned to bed hours ago after my midnight excursion<b>, </b>careful not to wake Ethan who seemed to be sleeping on the couch.


    Through the slightly open bedroom door, I heard Connor¡¯s voice: ¡°Sir, I need to-¡±


    ¡°Not now,¡± Ethan cut him off firmly.


    I stretched and got up, pulling my fingers through my tangled brown hair. Might as well face the <b>day</b>. I opened the door fully and stepped out of the bedroom, wearing the silk robe Ethan had provided. The morning sunlight filtered through the half¨Cdrawn curtains, casting long shadows across the


    luxurious suite.


    Connor¡¯s reaction was immediate and intense. His expression contorted into something between shock and horror as he looked at me emerging from his boss¡¯s bedroom, then back at Ethan who was fully dressed and appeared to have been awake for hours. His mouth opened and closed several times


    before any words came out.


    ¡°She<b>¨C</b>she¡­¡± Connor stammered, apparently unable to form aplete sentence. The vein in his forehead pulsed visibly as his face flushed crimson.


    I gave him a cold nce as I walked toward the suite¡¯s coffee machine. Poor guy probably thought I¡¯d spent the night with his precious boss. The thought almost made me smile. I could practically hear the gears in his head grinding to a halt as he tried to process what he was seeing.


    ¡°Good morning, Miss Morgan,¡± Ethan said smoothly, not a hint of difort in his voice. ¡°Did you sleep well?¡±


    I poured myself a cup of coffee before answering, inhaling the rich aroma that filled the air. ¡°Well enough. How was the couch? Not exactly the luxury you¡¯re ustomed to, I imagine.¡± I took a deliberate sip, watching Connor over the rim of my cup.


    Connor¡¯s <b>eyes </b>widened further, darting between Ethan and me like a tennis spectator on amphetamines. <b>The </b>mental gymnastics ying out on his face were almost entertaining enough to


    make this whole charade worthwhile.


    ¡°I¡¯ve <b>slept </b>in worse conditions,¡± Ethan replied, his expression revealing nothing. He folded the newspaper he¡¯d been reading and set it aside. ¡°Military training tends to cure one of needing


    excessivefort.¡±


    7:56 Fri, Sep 19


    I arched an eyebrow at that interesting tidbit but filed it away forter analysis. ¡°I¡¯m sure you have.¡±


    Ethan watched me over his tablet. ¡°You gave me quite a startst night.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Did I?¡±


    ¡°When you got up in the middle of the night,¡± he rified. ¡°Do you often sleepwalk?¡±


    I set my cup down, meeting his gaze directly. My mind raced through possible responses, calcting the best approach. ¡°Sleepwalk? No, not that I¡¯m aware of.¡±


    ¡°Interesting.¡± Ethan tilted his head slightly. ¡°Around two in the morning, you were standing in front


    of the couch, just¡­ staring at me.¡±


    His tone suggested he didn¡¯t believe for a second that I had been sleepwalking. He was testing me, watching for my reaction. Those green eyes missed nothing, analyzing every micro¨Cexpression that


    crossed my face.


    I shrugged, maintaining a perfectly calibrated level of casual indifference. ¡°Strange. I don¡¯t remember that at all. Did I do anything else embarrassing I should know about?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Ethan said, his eyes never leaving mine. ¡°You just stood there,pletely still. Like you were


    deciding something.¡±


    The tension in the room thickened. Connor shifted ufortably, tugging at his cor as if it had suddenly tightened around his neck.


    Connor cleared his throat, clearly ufortable with whatever was happening between us. ¡°Sir, if I


    could have a moment of your time¨Cit¡¯s rather urgent.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Ethan replied, finally breaking our eye contact. ¡°Miss Morgan, please make yourself


    They stepped toward the suite¡¯s entrance, speaking in hushed tones. I pretended to focus on my coffee<b>, </b>leaning against the counter in a pose of rxation while stretching my enhanced hearing to


    its limits.


    ¡°Those men we spottedst night¨Cthey¡¯ve been identified,¡± Connor whispered urgently. ¡°They¡¯re with Apex Tactical Group.¡±


    ¡°Apex Tactical Group?¡± Ethan asked, his voice dropping even lower.


    7:57 Fri<b>, </b>Sep 19


    ¡°Yes, sir. About twenty of them checked into the hotel. They¡¯re on the floor below us, watching the elevators. Their presence coincides exactly with our arrival.¡±


    ¡°Interesting timing,¡± Ethan murmured, ncing briefly in my direction.


    ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t understand why professional mercenaries would be tracking¡­¡± Connor hesitated, ncing in my direction. ¡°¡­a high school student.¡±


    93


    I suppressed a smile while taking another sip of coffee. If only he knew who he was really dealing with. The coffee was excellent¨Cdark and rich with hints of chocte and cherry. Even in dangerous


    situations, I appreciated quality.


    ¡°Have they made any moves?¡± Ethan asked.


    ¡°No, sir. Just surveince so far. But they¡¯re heavily armed. My team spotted at least three men with concealed submachine guns.¡±


    ¡°Keep our security detail alert,¡± Ethan instructed. ¡°And Connor, I¡¯d like to know more about Apex¡¯s


    recent activities.¡±


    They returned to where I was sitting, Connor still looking at me with barely concealed suspicion. His right hand kept drifting toward his jacket¨Cwhere he undoubtedly carried a weapon.


    ¡°Shall we have breakfast?¡± Ethan suggested, his tone conversational as if we were on a casual vacation. ¡°The hotel restaurant is quite good.¡±


    ¡°Lead the way,¡± I replied, rising from my seat. ¡°Just give me a few minutes to get dressed.¡±


    Walking into the hotel restaurant felt like entering a lion¡¯s den. The spacious dining area was crowded, but not with the usual tourists or business travelers, Nearly every table was upied by hard¨Cfaced men with military postures and vignt eyes¨Cmercenaries from around the world, all in


    town for La Corona.


    Conversations dimmed as we entered. I felt dozens of eyes tracking our movement across the room. The air seemed to thicken with testosterone and hostility. Ethan, either oblivious or indifferent to the attention, led us to a table near the center of the restaurant.


    ¡°Quite the crowd this morning,¡± hemented casually as a waiter pulled out my chair.


    7:57 Fri, Sep 19


    ¡°La Corona brings all sorts to town,¡± I replied, unfolding my napkin and cing it on myp with


    deliberate precision.


    93


    I scanned the room methodically, identifying threats by priority. In the far corner sat a group of six men, their muscr builds and matching wristwatches marking them as Apex Tactical Group operatives. Their eyes burned with undisguised hostility as they tracked my every movement. One of


    them¡ªa particrly bulky specimen with a scar running down his arm¨Cwhispered something to his


    <b>¡°</b>Acquaintances of yours?¡± Ethan asked, following my gaze to the Apex table.


    ¡°Not particrly,¡± I replied, picking up the menu and studying it with feigned interest.


    ¡°They seem very interested in you,¡± he observed. ¡°The way they¡¯re looking at you¡­ it¡¯s almost


    personal.¡±


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 Treatment 57

    <b>Chapter </b><b>57 </b>


    :


    <b>93 </b>


    Taking a sip of orange juice, I leaned toward Ethan. ¡°You know,¡± I said casually, ¡°the bald guy two tables behind you has been watching you since we sat down. His right hand keeps drifting toward his jacket¨Cinside holster, I¡¯d guess.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but his eyes narrowed slightly. Instead of turning to look, he simply checked his watch.


    ¡°Perhaps he admires my tie,¡± he replied smoothly. ¡°Tom Ford does excellent work.¡±


    I smiled, appreciating hisposure. ¡°Oh, absolutely. Though I think he¡¯s more interested in what¡¯s under your jacket than what¡¯s around your neck.¡± I dabbed my lips with a napkin. ¡°What¡¯s on your


    agenda today?¡±


    Connor, seated nearby pretending to read financial news, kept ncing our way with confusion. His


    forehead vein pulsed every time Ethan smiled in my direction.


    ¡°Actually,¡± Ethan said, cutting his steak with precision, ¡°I have a business meeting scheduled. Nothing particrly entertaining, I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    ¡°Business in Venezu? How fascinating.¡± I lowered my voice. ¡°The man to your left just received a


    text. Now three more of them are watching us.¡±


    ¡°Internationalmerce knows no borders<b>, </b>Miss Morgan. Especially in emerging markets.¡±


    ¡°Sounds intriguing. Mind if I tag along? I¡¯ve always been curious about how deals get done in ces


    like this.¡±


    Connor¡¯s head snapped up, silently pleading with Ethan to refuse.


    ¡°These aren¡¯t the sort of meetings covered in high school business sses,¡± Ethan warned. ¡°They can get¡­plicated.¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m good withplicated,¡± I replied steadily. ¡°Besides, it might be safer for me to stick with you than to wander around alone. Those guys from Apex seem unusually interested in me.¡±


    ¡°You know their name,¡± Ethan observed casually. ¡°Apex Tactical Group.¡±


    I shrugged<b>, </b>realizing my slip. ¡°I overheard your assistant mention it earlier.¡±


    7:57 Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    ¡°It might be dangerous.¡±


    ¡°I trust you¡¯ll keep me safe,¡± I said with just enough vulnerability to appeal to his protective


    instincts.


    Back in the suite, Connor didn¡¯t wait for the door to close before objecting.


    ¡°Sir, bringing a high school student to meet with Ian ispletely inappropriate,¡± he hissed. ¡°These aren¡¯t the kind of people who-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m well aware of who they are, Connor,¡± Ethan interrupted. ¡°I¡¯ve changed the meeting location. We¡¯ll meet at Ian¡¯spound instead. It¡¯s neutral ground, rtively speaking.¡±


    Connor looked incredulous. ¡°That¡¯s even worse! At least at headquarters there are rules, protocols. At


    hispound-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s decided,¡± Ethan said firmly, ncing toward the bathroom where I was supposedly refreshing myself. ¡°She¡¯s not what she appears to be, Connor.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not certain yet. But I intend to find out.¡±


    The hotel entrance buzzed with activity when we descended thirty minutester. A convoy of ck SUVS and armored vehicles lined the driveway, with nearly seventy security personnel establishing a


    perimeter.


    ¡°Expecting trouble?¡± I asked, eyeing the impressive disy.


    ¡°In Venezu? Always,¡± Ethan replied.


    As we approached the lead vehicle, I spotted an Apex operative across the street. He spoke urgently into a radio, eyes locked on me. What caught my attention wasn¡¯t his surveince but his bodynguage. While he clearly viewed me as a target, he seemed genuinely wary of Ethan, maintaining extra distance and positioning himself with clear escape routes.


    Interesting. Apex was a top¨Ctier mercenary outfit¨Cthey didn¡¯t show fear easily.


    <b>7:57 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>19 </b>


    :


    A


    <b>93 </b>


    Thendscape changed dramatically as we drove. Modern buildings gave way to dpidated structures, makeshift roadblocks, and increasingly sparse poption centers. After two hours, we were traveling through what looked like a war zone¨Cbuildings pockmarked with bullet holes and


    small groups of armed men watching our convoy with predatory interest.


    ¡°Scenic route?¡± I asked, breaking the tense silence.


    ¡°Venezu has been through difficult times,¡± Ethan replied. ¡°Failed economic policies<b>, </b>corruption,


    international sanctions. The infrastructure copses, and people adapt however they can.¡±


    The convoy eventually turned onto a dirt road leading to an abandoned industrialplex beside a


    river. Rusted equipment and crumbling structures created a maze of potential ambush points.


    Armed guards surrounded our vehicle as it stopped. They wore no uniforms, but their weapons and


    stance identified them as professional soldiers¨Cnot local militia or cartel muscle.


    ¡°They¡¯ll need to search us,¡± Connor exined as Ethan helped me out. ¡°Standard procedure.¡±


    One guard approached Connor, performing a thorough pat¨Cdown before removing a Desert Eagle handgun from his shoulder holster.


    The guard moved toward Ethan next, but a sharpmand from inside halted him. He hesitated, then stepped aside. When he reached me, his eyes quickly scanned my form before he too stepped


    away without searching me.


    Connor selected fifteen of our security detail to apany us inside, leaving the rest to secure the perimeter. As we walked toward the main building, I mentally mapped escape routes¨Can old habit from my previous life.


    Inside, the decrepit exterior gave way to a surprisingly well¨Cappointed interior. We were led to an open¨Cair terrace overlooking the river.


    A man rose from a cushioned chair, arms spread wide. ¡°Mr. Haxton! Wee, wee to my humble


    abode!¡±


    I froze, recognition hitting me like a physical blow. I knew that face¨Cthe distinctive scar running from his left temple to jaw. Ian Matthews, arms dealer extraordinaire.


    ¡°Ian,¡± Ethan acknowledged with a polite nod. ¡°Thank you for amodating the change of venue.¡±


    <b>7:57 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    ?? 93


    Ian¡¯s eyes shifted to me with predatory interest. ¡°And who is this lovely creature<b>? </b>You didn¡¯t mention you¡¯d be bringingpany.¡±


    ¡°This is Miss Morgan,¡± Ethan said, smoothly guiding me to sit next to him. ¡°She¡¯s visiting Venezu and expressed interest in seeing how business is conducted here.¡±


    , </b>eh<b>, </b>Ethan? <b>I </b><b>can </b>arrange introductions to many more like her if you wish. Venezu has beautiful women who would be most amodating to a man of your¡­ resources.¡±


    I kept my expression neutral, though internally I was calcting how many seconds it would take to cross the terrace and push this sleaze over the railing.


    ¡°Miss Morgan is a personal friend, Ian. Nothing more.¡±


    Ian raised his hands in mock surrender. ¡°Of course, of course.¡± He snapped his fingers, and a servant appeared with a crystal decanter. ¡°Some of Venezu¡¯s finest rum? Aged fifteen years.¡±


    ¡°No, thank you,¡± Ethan declined politely. ¡°I prefer to keep a clear head during negotiations.¡±


    Ian shrugged and poured himself a ss. Then, switching to Spanish, he began discussing his proposal with animated gestures.


    ¡°As a gesture of goodwill,¡± Ian said, snapping his fingers again. Two armed men carried in several wooden crates, cing them on the terrace. One was opened to reveal high¨Cend assault rifles. ¡°I wish to establish myself in Venezu permanently, with your blessing. I understand the Haxton family has¡­ interests here that I would never wish to disturb.¡±


    Ethan studied the weapons without touching them. ¡°Your reputation precedes you,n. I appreciate the gesture, but let¡¯s be direct. Did you intercept my shipmentst month?¡±


    Jan¡¯s smile faltered just enough for me to notice.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>58 </b>


    <b>93 </b>


    Ian¡¯s face split into an exaggerated look of surprise<b>, </b><b>his </b>scarred eyebrow lifting dramatically.


    ¡°It¡¯s a misunderstanding.¡± He pressed a hand to his chest, feigning innocence. ¡°This is quite embarrassing. My men just arrived here and already they¡¯ve offended Mr. Haxton. Truly


    unforgivable.¡±


    I could practically smell the bullshit. His theatrical apology was clearly meant to mock rather than


    cate. The way his men positioned themselves around the perimeter¨Chands resting not¨Cso-


    casually on their weapons¨Ctold the real story.


    Ethan remained perfectly still, only the slight narrowing of his eyes betraying his irritation. ¡°Return what you took exactly as you took it,¡± he said, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. <b>¡°</b>If anything is


    missing, you¡¯ll regret setting foot on Venezun soil.¡±


    The tension in the air thickened. Connor shifted slightly behind Ethan, his stance widening into a


    more defensive position.


    Ian waved his hand dismissively. ¡°These supplies,¡± he gestured toward the wooden crates, ¡°consider


    them my gift to Mr. Haxton. A token of goodwill as I establish my presence here.¡± His smile didn¡¯t


    reach his eyes. ¡°Venezu offers many opportunities these days.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your gifts,¡± Ethan interrupted coldly. ¡°And this region isn¡¯t weing to


    neers. You have 72 hours to pack your bags and leave. Immediately.¡±


    Ian¡¯s fake smile faltered, a sh of genuine anger crossing his features before he rposed


    himself. <b>¡°</b>Is it Mr. Haxton who doesn¡¯t wee me, or the entire region?¡± He leaned forward,


    challenge evident in his posture.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Is </b>there a difference?¡± Ethan countered, not backing down an inch. ¡°In this part of the world, I make


    the rules.¡±


    Ian¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Mr. Haxton, one shouldn¡¯t be too arrogant. An overlyrge appetite can be¡­


    fatal.¡±


    ¡°Are you volunteering to be eaten?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice remained calm, but there was something lethal in his tone. ¡°Because I assure you, I have quite the appetite for dealing with those who cross me<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    The temperature <b>in </b><b>the </b>room seemed to drop several degrees.n¡¯s men shifted uneasily, hands moving to grip their automatic rifles more firmly. Connor and the other security personnel


    7:57 Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>19


    :


    immediately formed a human wall around Ethan and me.


    ¡°You came to mypound with this pathetic security detail,¡± Ian hissed, his theatrical facade crumbling. ¡°Your overconfidence will be your undoing, Mr. Haxton!¡±


    Just as the first rifle safeties clicked off<b>, </b>my phone sted a notification sound that seemed obscenely loud in the tense silence. Everyone froze, heads swiveling toward me.


    93


    ¡°Princeton admission results will be posted at midnight tonight. Remember to send me a screenshot when you check!¡± The cheerful voice message echoed in the suddenly quiet room.


    I nced up to find everyone staring at me, expressions ranging from confusion to disbelief.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I shrugged, casually checking my phone. ¡°The signal here sucks.¡±


    I continued scrolling through my notifications as if we weren¡¯t all seconds away from a bloodbath. In my peripheral vision, <b>I </b>could see Connor looking at me like I¡¯d grown a second head. How could anyone be checking their phone at a moment like this<b>? </b>


    But the interruption had broken the deadly momentum, giving everyone a moment to reconsider the consequences of what they were about to do.


    Ian studied me with renewed interest, his anger temporarily disced by curiosity.


    ¡°You,¡± he said, switching to heavily ented English, ¡°remind me of someone I knew. American girl,


    in Russia.¡±


    I looked up, feigning mild interest while carefully observing the jagged scar running across his left eye. That scar had been Night¡¯s work¨Cpunishment for when Ian had made unwee advances toward me in my previous life. Night had expelled him from Russia afterward, marking him as


    permanently unwee in that territory.


    ¡°She was much prettier than you,¡± Ian added with a dismissive wave.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I replied tly.


    My response clearly caught him off guard, Connor looked equally confused by my reaction to what was clearly meant as an insult.


    The standoff continued for several more tense moments before I decided to take advantage of the broken tension. ¡°I need to use the restroom,¡± I announced.


    <b>7:57 </b>Fri<b>, </b>Sep 19


    :


    Ethan looked like he wanted to object<b>, </b>but I was already standing.


    <b>¡°</b>Connor can escort you,¡± he suggested, clearly concerned about letting me wander alone.


    ¡°No need,¡± I said firmly. ¡°I¡¯ll find it myself.¡±


    Ethan held my gaze for a moment, then nodded. ¡°All right¨Cbe careful, Miss Morgan.¡±


    A


    <b>93 </b>


    I walked toward the door, feeling dozens of eyes tracking my movement. ¡°Continue your discussion,¡±


    I said over my shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Once outside, I quickly oriented myself in thepound. The main building where we¡¯d been


    meeting was surrounded by several smaller wooden structures. Most had minimal security, but one


    cabin on the far side had four armed guards posted outside¨Cfar more protection than seemed necessary for a simple storage shed.


    I circled around casually, noting the patrol patterns and blind spots. Years of training made this second nature. When I reached the back of the heavily guarded cabin, I waited for the patrol to pass, then silently slipped to the window.


    The lock was simple. Within seconds I was inside, moving silently through the shadows.


    What I found confirmed my suspicions. The cabin was filled with advanced weaponry¨Cfar more sophisticated than what Ian had ¡°gifted¡± to Ethan. Military¨Cgrade assault rifles, anti¨Ctank missiles, and in the corner, a carefully arranged set of timing devices attached to what appeared to be explosivepounds.


    I examined one of the timer bombs closely, my expression unreadable. This wasn¡¯t standard mercenary equipment¨Cthese were specialized demolition charges designed for targeted structural copse.


    <b>I </b>tilted my head slightly, a dangerous glint shing in my eyes as I considered the implications. My lips curved into a small, cunning smile.


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 Treatment 59

    <b>Chapter </b><b>59 </b>


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    193


    The <b>tea </b>had <b>gone </b>cold by the time I strolled back to the open¨Cair terrace. Ian and Ethan were <b>still </b>locked in their verbal chess match<b>, </b>though the atmosphere had shifted from openly hostile <b>to </b><b>warily </b>civil. I slid back into my seat, crossing my legs and leaning back.


    Ethan shot me a questioning nce. I responded with a slight shrug that said <i>nothing </i><i>interesting </i><i>happened</i><b><i>. </i></b>His eyes lingered on mine for a beat longer than necessary before he turned back <b>to </b>Ian.


    ¡°We¡¯re done here,¡± Ethan said, rising from his chair. ¡°I believe our business <b>is </b>concluded.¡±


    I stretchednguidly. ¡°Great timing. I¡¯m starving.¡±


    Ian¡¯s eyes narrowed as he studied me. Something in his expression had changed¨Ca new wariness that hadn¡¯t been there before. He was looking, at me the way people look at snakes they¡¯ve discovered in their garden¨Cwith a mixture of fascination and dread.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you something to eat,¡± Ethan agreed smoothly, cing a hand on the small of my back as


    we turned to leave.


    We hadn¡¯t made it three steps when the unmistakable sound of guns being cocked filled the air. Ian¡¯s men had formed a loose circle around us, their weapons raised.


    ¡°Is this how you conclude business in Venezu?¡± Ethan asked, his voice deadly quiet.


    Ian spread his hands in a gesture of mock helplessness. ¡°My men are simply concerned about your safety, Mr. Haxton. There are many dangers in these parts.¡±


    ¡°The only danger I see is standing right in front of me,¡± Ethan replied coldly.


    I remained perfectly still, mentally calcting how many of Ian¡¯s men I could take down before they could react. The answer was pleasingly high.


    Ian studied Ethan for a long moment, then flicked his gaze to me. Something in my expression must have unsettled him because he abruptly signaled his men to lower their weapons.


    ¡°You have three days,¡± Ethan reminded him, the warning clear in his voice.


    ¡°You should choose yourpanions more carefully, Mr. Haxton,¡± Ian said, his eyes still on me. ¡°Some are more dangerous than they appear.¡±


    <b>7:57 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± Ethan¡¯s hand pressed more firmly against my back as he guided me away.


    We were barely back in our convoy <b>of </b>vehicles when a massive explosion ripped through the air behind us. The ground shook, and a plume of ck smoke billowed into the sky. Looking back, I could seen¡¯spound engulfed in mes.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Connor eximed, twisting in his seat to stare at the inferno.


    <b>93 </b>


    Ethan didn¡¯t even nce in the rearview mirror. ¡°Electrical malfunction,¡± he said calmly. ¡°Old wiring, faulty generators. These remotepounds are notorious for spontaneousbustion.¡±


    Connor shot him an incredulous look. ¡°Sir, that was no electrical fire. That was-¡±


    ¡°An unfortunate ident,¡± Ethan cut him off, his tone brooking no argument. His eyes met mine in


    the mirror. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you agree, Miss Morgan?¡±


    ¡°Looks like an Independence Day fireworks disy to me,¡± I replied with a slight smirk. ¡°Speaking of which, I¡¯ve never seen proper fireworks. The ones in Cloud City are pathetic.¡®


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to remedy that,¡± Ethan said, his lips quirking upward. ¡°New York has an excellent Fourth of July celebration.¡±


    Connor kept ncing between us, clearly baffled by our casual conversation in the wake of what had just happened. ¡°Sir, people are going to assume we had something to do with that explosion.¡±


    ¡°Innocent until proven guilty, Connor,¡± I said, reaching for a bottle of water from the car¡¯s mini- fridge. ¡°And since we were already driving away when it happened, we have an alibi.¡±


    Connor¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°How are you so calm about this?¡±


    ¡°Because there¡¯s nothing to be worried about,¡± Ethan answered for me. ¡°We were nowhere near the


    st.¡±


    The rest of the journey passed in rtive silence. Connor kept checking his phone, presumably monitoring local reactions to the explosion, while Ethan drove with the rxed confidence of


    someone who hadn¡¯t just narrowly escaped a potential ambush,


    Back at the hotel, Ethan escorted me to the private elevator that led directly to our floor.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to discuss some private matters with Miss Morgan,¡± Ethan told Connor once we reached the suite. ¡°Why don¡¯t you check on our security arrangements?¡±


    7:57 <b>Fri</b><b>, </b><i>Sep </i><b>19 </b>


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    :


    A


    <b>93 </b>


    Connor hesitated, clearly wanting to say more about the explosion<b>, </b>but nodded and retreated.


    ¡°You¡¯reing in?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow <b>as </b>Ethan followed me into the suite.


    ¡°I thought you might appreciate thepany,¡± he replied. ¡°Those Apex mercenaries could still be


    around.¡±


    I hid a smile. It was a convenient excuse, but not an unwee one.


    His phone rang <b>just </b>as we settled in the sitting area. Connor¡¯s voice came through clearly on speakerphone.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯ve been analyzing the situation. Given the timing and precision, I believe Apex Tactical Group might be responsible for the explosion. They¡¯ve been tracking us since we arrived, and they¡¯re known


    for this kind of-¡±


    ¡°Your brain works, Connor,¡± Ethan interrupted, ¡°just not very much.¡±


    I stifled augh, but it quickly turned into a wince as a sudden cramping pain shot through my


    abdomen. Shit. Not now.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ethan asked, immediately noticing my difort.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I lied, shifting ufortably. ¡°Just¡­ female troubles.¡±


    Understanding dawned on his face. ¡°Ah.¡±


    <b>I </b>grimaced as another cramp twisted through me. I¡¯d forgotten how bad the first day could be. My body had been so finely tuned in my previous life that I¡¯d rarely experienced this level of difort.


    Ethan pressed a button on his phone. ¡°Connor, I need you to make a purchase. The nearest pharmacy


    should have what we need.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow at him, surprised by his directness.


    <b>As </b>Connor stammered his acknowledgment on the other end of the line, Ethan moved to the minibar and poured me a ss of water. He turned up the room¡¯s thermostat, then grabbed a throw nket


    from the couch.


    ¡°This might take a while,¡± he said, handing me the nket. ¡°Make yourselffortable.¡±


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 Treatment 60

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    Connor returned to the suite in less than thirty minutes, shopping bag in hand and slightly out of


    breath.


    ¡°Found a pharmacy, sir,¡± he reported to Ethan. ¡°Though not every store here carries these items.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Connor,¡± Ethan said, taking the bag with a satisfied nod. ¡°That was efficient.¡±


    ¡°Everything you requested and some pain medication are in there, sir,¡± Connor added, ncing briefly toward the closed bathroom door where I was still hiding.


    I heard their exchange through the door and felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. Great. Now both billionaire boss and his assistant knew I was dealing with period cramps. <b>Just </b>another fantastic development in my Venezu adventure.


    A gentle knock pulled me from my thoughts. ¡°Miss Morgan?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice came through the door. ¡°Connor¡¯s back with what you need.¡±


    I cracked the door open just enough to stick my hand through. ¡°Thanks. That was fast.¡±


    ¡°Looks like Connor knows his way around,¡± I added with a hint of amusement, taking the bag.


    ¡°He¡¯s not usually this efficient,¡± Ethan replied, his voice carrying a note of humor.


    When I finally emerged from the bathroom twenty minutester, I was still pale but at least standing upright without wanting to curl into a ball. Ethan looked up immediately from hisptop, his eyes quickly assessing my condition.


    ¡°Feeling any better?¡± he asked, closing hisputer.


    ¡°<b>I¡¯ll </b>live<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>I replied, fighting another wave of cramping. ¡°Unfortunately.¡±


    Ethan gestured to the coffee table where a steaming cup of tea sat beside what appeared to be a hot water bottle. ¡°This should help relieve some of your difort.¡±


    I blinked at the items, genuinely surprised. ¡°So the billionaire knows how to take care of sick people? That¡¯s unexpected.¡±


    He smiled, the corner of his mouth quirking up slightly. ¡°Our fortune wasn¡¯t made on medical knowledge, I assure you.¡±


    <b>7:58 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>19


    I sank onto the sofa and pressed the hot water bottle against my abdomen, sighing with relief as the heat prated my muscles. The tea was perfectly steeped¨Cnot too strong, with just a hint of


    honey.


    ¡°This helps, but¡­¡± I hesitated, then decided to take a chance. ¡°Do you think you could help me find a portable TENS unit? <b>It¡¯s </b>really effective for muscle spasms.¡±


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimtion device? Isn¡¯t that prescription medical equipment?¡±


    I was impressed he knew the full term. ¡°It¡¯s a physical therapy method I learned about in medical ss. Works wonders for menstrual cramps.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve used one before?¡± He seemed both curious and skeptical.


    ¡°Yes. The electrical pulses disrupt the pain signals to the brain. Much more effective than painkillers for this kind of pain.¡±


    Ethan considered this for a moment, then nodded and reached for his phone. ¡°Connor? I need you to find a portable TENS unit. Yes, the pain relief device¡­ I don¡¯t care how difficult it is to find, just get


    it.¡± He hung up and turned back to me. ¡°It might take a while.¡±


    While we waited, Ethan adjusted the room¡¯s thermostat, raising the temperature slightly. He


    returned with a soft throw nket, draping it over my legs without a word.


    ¡°Do you need an actual doctor?¡± he asked after a moment. ¡°Or stronger medication? Venezu has very good doctors<b>, </b>contrary to what you might think.¡±


    ¡°I just need that device,¡± I insisted. ¡°I can handle it myself.¡±


    His gaze was assessing. ¡°Where did you learn all this medical knowledge?¡±


    <b>I </b>shrugged, keeping my answer vague. ¡°I wanted to be a doctor once. I studied a lot on my own.¡±


    Connor returned quicker than I expected, this time with a small case that contained exactly what I needed¨Ca portable TENS unit with multiple settings and electrode pads. I immediately set about adjusting it<b>, </b>my fingers moving confidently over the controls.


    ¡°You really do know what you¡¯re doing,¡± Ethan observed as I ced the electrode patches on specific


    points around my ankle.


    <b>7:58 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    ¡°Different frequencies and intensities work for different types of pain,¡± I exined, adjusting the settings. ¡°This one¡¯s good for acute pain, while this one works better for dull<b>, </b>chronic difort.¡±


    <b>93 </b>


    ¡°Fascinating,¡± Ethan murmured, watching me with unexpected intensity. ¡°You know more than most


    medical students <b>I¡¯ve </b>met.¡±


    I smirked. ¡°I¡¯m a woman of many talents.¡±


    The first wave of electrical stimtion pulsed through the muscle, and I felt the familiar relief <b>as </b>my


    nerves responded to the interruption in pain signals.


    ¡°There¡¯s one spot I can¡¯t reach,¡± I admitted reluctantly. ¡°Would you mind helping me?¡±


    Ethan hesitated, and I could see the wariness in his eyes. Still, he nodded. ¡°Of course.¡±


    I turned andy face¨Cdown on the sofa, lifting my shirt just enough to expose my lower back. ¡°I need


    an electrode right here.¡± I reached around awkwardly, trying to touch the spot.


    Ethan remained frozen, his hesitation palpable.


    I twisted slightly and reached for his hand, guiding it to my lower back. ¡°Just there, next to the


    lumbar vertebrae¡­ Feel that muscle indentation?¡±


    His fingers were warm against my skin, and I felt him tense slightly at the contact. But his touch


    remained clinical as he carefully ced the electrode patch exactly where I¡¯d indicated. When he


    finished, he gently tugged my shirt back down, his movements precise and respectful.


    The full effect of the TENS unit was almost immediate. The tight knot of pain in my abdomen began


    to loosen, and I felt my entire body rx for the first time in hours.


    ¡°Better?¡± Ethan asked, handing me the control unit.


    ¡°Much<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>I admitted, sitting up and adjusting the settings again. ¡°Thanks for your help, Dr. Haxton.


    Not a bad assistant.¡±


    His mouth quirked into that half¨Csmile again. ¡°Walter Morrison wasn¡¯t exaggerating when he said you had medical talent. I¡¯m impressed.¡±


    ¡°I could give <b>you </b>free treatment for any physical difort you might have,¡± I offered with a slight smirk.


    7:58 Fri, Sep 19


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do I look like I have health problems, Miss Morgan? You seem awfully


    interested in my physical condition.¡±


    Our eyes met, and something shifted in the air between <b>us</b>¨Ca subtle current, not unlike the one


    pulsing through the electrodes on my skin.


    ¡°Just offering my services,¡± I said lightly, breaking the tension. ¡°Professional courtesy and all that.¡±


    93


    Ethan¡¯s eyes remained on mine for a beat longer than necessary before he nodded and turned away.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    The room felt suddenly warmer than it had a moment ago, and I wasn¡¯t entirely sure it was due to


    the adjusted thermostat.


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 Treatment 61

    Author¡¯s POV:


    (93<b>) </b>


    ¡°For a billionaire businessman, you make a surprisingly decent nurse,¡± Jade said, settling back as the


    TENS unit eased her pain.


    Ethan gave her that signature half¨Csmile. ¡°I¡¯ll add it to my resume. Right after ¡®expert negotiator¡® and


    ¡®asional explosives enthusiast.¡°¡±


    Jadeughed despite herself. The reference to the ¡°idental¡± explosion at Ian¡¯spound was


    ballsy, especially since they both knew exactly how idental it wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°I should get some sleep,¡± she said, eyelids growing heavy from the painkillers.


    ¡°You take the bed. I insist,¡± Ethan replied.


    She didn¡¯t argue, but made no move to get up from the sofa. Thebination of medication, heat,


    and electrical stimtion had made her drowsy. Within minutes, her head tilted to the side and her


    breathing deepened as she drifted off to sleep right there on the couch.


    Ethan watched her for a moment, then quietly set hisptop aside. He approached the sofa carefully,


    weighing his options before deciding she¡¯d be morefortable in the bedroom. With practiced ease,


    he slid one arm beneath her knees and the other around her shoulders.


    As he lifted her from the sofa, Jade¡¯sbat reflexes triggered instantly despite her unconscious state. Her muscles tensed, adrenaline flooding her system. Through barely¨Copen eyes, she registered


    being carried across the room.


    For a split second, Shadow¨Cthe killer¨Csurfaced. Her eyes snapped open, pupils dting as she prepared to eliminate the threat. A sh of lethal intent must have shown on her face because Ethan froze mid¨Cstep.


    He stood perfectly still, his expression shocked as he looked down at her. Something in his gaze changed¨Ca recognition of the predator he was holding.


    ¡°You¡¯re heavier than you look,¡± he murmured, voice deliberately light though his eyes remained watchful.


    Jade forced her body to rx, pushing Shadow back into the depths. ¡°Are you saying I¡¯m fat, Haxton?¡± she mumbled, injecting sleepy indignation.


    .1/5


    7:58 Fri<b>, </b>Sep 19


    :


    He chuckled, but the sound didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m saying you¡¯re surprisingly dense for someone <b>so </b>slim. Must be all that muscle.¡±


    93


    In a wood¨Cpaneled conference room at Princeton University, admissionsmittee members


    reviewed exceptional applicant profiles.


    ¡°I¡¯d like everyone to look at these test scores,¡± said Philip Thornton, the university president, sliding


    a folder across the table.


    The admissions director whistled. ¡°Perfect 800 on mathematics, 600 on reading and writing¡­ but


    they didn¡¯t write the essay portion at all? Left itpletely nk?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Philip nodded. ¡°And look at the AP scores.¡±


    ¡°Five perfect scores, including Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry. But minimal effort on written


    portions.¡±


    The director frowned. ¡°What kind of student aces the hardest parts but skips the sections most


    people find easier?¡±


    ¡°A very interesting one,¡± Philip replied enthusiastically. ¡°The kind that deserves our immediate


    attention.¡±


    ¡°Who is this student?¡± asked amittee member.


    ¡°Her name is Jade Morgan from Cloud City. And I believe she may be exactly the brilliant mind


    Princeton needs.¡±


    ¡°Every Ivy League school must be trying,¡± Philip said, checking his watch. ¡°Which is why I¡¯m going personally. Today.¡±


    Jade woke up next morning. Squinting at the screen, she saw <b>137 </b>missed calls from various university area codes, plus several from Max.


    Her phone rang again. Max¡¯s face appeared on screen,


    ¡°Jade!¡± His voice was breathless with excitement. ¡°The house is packed with people from college


    7:58 Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>19


    :


    admissions offices! They all want to talk to you about your test scores!¡±


    She frowned. ¡°The scores are out already?¡±


    ¡°Yes! They were released at midnight. You¡¯re in the top fifty for the state!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you back,¡± she said, then hung up.


    <b>93 </b>


    With practiced ease, Jade hacked into the testing service¡¯s database and found herplete results: 800 in mathematics and 600 in reading and writing. The essay section was marked ¡°iplete.<b>¡± </b>


    Just as she expected.


    Max received a text from Jade¨Ca screenshot of herplete results.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± he whispered, almost dropping his phone.


    He couldn¡¯t believe it. She¡¯d achieved these scores while deliberately skipping the essay portion.


    What could she have scored if she¡¯d actuallypleted everything?


    Emily dragged Linda into the bedroom, her face pale with panic.


    ¡°We¡¯re screwed,¡± she muttered, voice cracking. ¡°The Princeton schrship¨CI didn¡¯t earn it.¡±


    Linda crossed her arms. ¡°What are you talking about?<b>¡± </b>


    Emily exined everything she did.


    Linda¡¯s face went nk with shock. ¡°You did what?¡±


    In the living room<b>, </b>Philip Thornton made himselffortable on the worn sofa.


    ¡°Mr. Morgan,¡± he said warmly, ¡°I¡¯m here about your daughter Jade¡¯s remarkable test performances.¡±


    Frank looked bewildered. ¡°She never mentioned taking tests recently.¡±


    7:58 <b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    <b>93 </b>


    <b>¡°</b>Yet she scored in the top percentile statewide. Her mathematics score was perfect¨Csomething fewer than one percent of students achieve.¡±


    ¡°Princeton would be honored to have Jade join us,¡± Philip continued. ¡°If she¡¯s interested in our medical program, we¡¯re prepared to offer a full schrship, including research opportunities.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very generous, but-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not generosity,¡± Philip interrupted gently. ¡°It¡¯s investment in extraordinary talent. And between us¡­ I owe your daughter my life.¡±


    Frank stared in confusion.


    ¡°She¡¯ll know what I mean,¡± Philip said cryptically. ¡°A few weeks ago, in New York.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s phone rang as Jade finished breakfast. His expression changed when he checked the caller <ol><li>ID. </li></ol>


    ¡°Philip,¡± he answered. After listening briefly, he nced at her. ¡°That¡¯s quite a coincidence. Yes, actually, she¡¯s with me right now.¡±


    He extended the phone toward Jade. ¡°It¡¯s Philip Thornton, president of Princeton University.¡±


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± came an enthusiastic voice. ¡°I¡¯ve just been to your home. Your test scores are


    remarkable.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she replied, watching Ethan studying her with renewed interest.


    ¡°I¡¯ve spoken with your guardian about our offer,¡± Philip continued. ¡°A full schrship to Princeton, with focus on our medical program.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s generous<b>,</b>¡± she said. ¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I recognize exceptional talent.¡±


    ¡°The fact that I didn¡¯t write the essay shouldn¡¯t matter much, should it?¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyebrows rose slightly.


    7:58 Fri<b>, </b>Sep <b>19 </b>


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Philip assured her. ¡°Your mathematical abilities alone would secure your ce.¡±


    After ending the call, Jade handed the phone back to Ethan.


    ¡°You didn¡¯tplete the essay portion?¡± he asked.


    She shrugged, returning to her breakfast. ¡°I didn¡¯t see the point. The math and reading scores are enough to get in anywhere I want.¡±


    ¡°Most students would disagree,¡± Ethan said. ¡°They¡¯d maximize every possible point.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not most students,¡± Jade replied simply.


    Ethan studied her for a long moment. ¡°No,¡± he finally said. ¡°You certainly aren¡¯t.¡±


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 62

    <b>Chapter </b><b>62 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    ¡°So, are youing with us to La Corona today?¡± Ethan asked casually over breakfast.


    I looked up from my coffee. ¡°The final day? Sure, why not. I¡¯m curious to see how it ends.¡±


    93


    Connor¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°You¡¯re bringing her to that bloodbath?¡± He nced at me with concern.


    ¡°Miss Morgan, it¡¯s not exactly a tourist attraction. People die in those fights.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s tougher than she looks,¡± Ethan replied, not taking his eyes off me.


    The ride to La Corona was tense. Connor kept throwing nervous nces my way, clearly wondering


    why his boss was bringing a high school girl to watch men beat each other to death. If only he knew


    I¡¯d seen¨Cand done¨Cfar worse.


    As we approached the established arena built into the natural mountainside amphitheater, I spotted


    them immediately¨CRyan and the others from Titan Defense Group, watching from a midpoint


    section of the stands. Ryan¡¯s eyes narrowed when he saw me entering with Ethan Haxton¡¯s


    entourage.


    Our appearance created quite a stir. Not just because of Ethan¡¯s obvious wealth and power, but


    because of me. The whispers spread like wildfire.


    ¡°That¡¯s the girl who¡¯s been with Titan Defense Group¡­¡±


    ¡°Who is she with now? Must¡¯ve jumped ship¡­¡±


    ¡°No wonder Titan¡¯s been such a disappointmenttely.¡±


    We settled into the VIP section, which offered the best view of the fighting pit below.


    Below, the crowd roared as a massive ck fighter entered the arena, his muscles gleaming with oil. He¡¯d won yesterday¡¯s match, apparently, and now strutted around the pit like he owned it, flipping <b>his </b>middle finger at the crowd to a chorus of boos.


    ¡®Charming,¡± I muttered.


    Across the arena, Zach had spotted me and started to rise from his seat, but Ryan grabbed his arm, holding him back. ¡°Not now,¡± I read Ryan¡¯s lips as he spoke to Zach.


    <b>7:58 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    :


    The announcer¡¯s voice boomed through the speakers, dering the final day of La Corona officially open. The crowd erupted in cheers as the ck fighter paced the arena, taunting potential challengers.


    ¡°Anyone brave enough to <b>face </b>the champion?¡± the announcer called out.


    93


    After a tense moment, a man stepped into the ring. I recognized him immediately¨CJohn, formerly of Titan Defense Group. What the hell was he thinking? He didn¡¯t stand a chance.


    ¡°That idiot,¡± Zach¡¯s voice carried across the arena. ¡°He¡¯s going to get himself killed!¡±


    ¡°Who is he?¡± I asked Ethan, ying dumb.


    ¡°No idea,¡± Ethan replied, watching with interest. ¡°But judging by the odds on the board, nobody¡¯s betting on him.¡±


    Sure enough, the electronic betting board showed odds heavily favoring the Apex fighter. People were cing bets frantically, most against John.


    ¡°Is this legal?<b>¡± </b>I asked, already knowing the answer.


    Ethan¡¯s lips curved into a slight smile. ¡°La Corona operates outside conventionalw. Fighters sign waivers absolving organizers of responsibility. It¡¯s their choice to enter¨Ctheir choice to risk death.¡±


    John circled cautiously as the ck fighter stalked him. Then it happened¨Ca blur of movement as therger man lunged. His fist connected with John¡¯s jaw with a sickening crack that echoed through the arena. Blood sprayed from John¡¯s mouth.


    The crowd roared. This wasn¡¯t sport¨Cit was bloodlust.


    John stumbled back but managed to stay on his feet. The ck fighter didn¡¯t wait, delivering a punishingbination of blows to John¡¯s ribs. I heard bones snap from where I sat.


    ¡°Jesus,¡± Connor muttered.


    The ck fighter grabbed John by the throat, lifting him off his feet before mming him down. Then he mounted him, raining blows on John¡¯s face, transforming it into a bloody mess.


    ¡°So they just let people die here? No one stops it?¡± I asked, keeping my voice even.


    ¡°Life and death bybat,¡± Ethan replied. ¡°There¡¯s now here, only rules. The organizers of


    7:58 Fri, Sep 19


    Transcendent Military Alliance-¡±


    ¡°You mean you?¡± I interrupted casually.


    Ethan froze, his expression shifting from shock to careful neutrality in a split second. Connor tensed


    beside him.


    ¡°What makes you say that?¡± Ethan asked carefully.


    I smiled. ¡°I forgot to mention to Mr. Haxton that I speak pretty decent Spanish.¡± I gestured around us. ¡°People talk, I listen. ¡®La Corona¡®¨Cthe crown. Fitting name for the Alliance¡¯s recruiting ground,


    isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Ethan studied me with new intensity. ¡°When did you figure it out?¡±


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± I stood up. ¡°The final day usually has the biggest payouts. You might want to ce


    a bet soon.¡±


    Below, the Apex fighter had John pinned, preparing to break his back. I¡¯d seen enough.


    I vaulted over the railing of the VIP section, dropping fifteen feet tond in a crouch at the edge of the fighting pit. The crowd fell silent in shock.


    With deliberate steps, I walked toward the fighters. Just as the Apex man raised his fist for a potentially fatal blow, I caught his wrist in mid¨Cair.


    The sudden halt of motion created a tableau that froze the entire arena. His wrist felt like iron in my


    grip, but I held it steady.


    ¡°She caught his arm,¡± Someone shouted in disbelief from above. ¡°How the hell¡­¡±


    The fighter turned to <b>me</b><b>, </b>rage contorting his features. With my free hand, I delivered a lightning- fast strike to his face. His head snapped back, blood spraying from his mouth as his teeth rattled. He staggered backward, forced to release John.


    He spit blood onto the dirt floor, his eyes now focused entirely on me, filled with murderous intent.


    Game on.

 Treatment 63

    <b>Chapter </b><b>63 </b>


    :


    A993


    The ck fighter¡¯s rage was a palpable thing¨Chot and dense in the dusty air between us. I could feel the crowd¡¯s collective intake of breath as we squared off. My intervention had created a tableau that no one had expected to see at La Corona.


    ¡°Zach,¡± I called out, not taking my eyes off my opponent. ¡°Get John out of here.¡±


    Zach hesitated only a moment before vaulting into the pit and dragging John¡¯s bloody form away. The ck fighter didn¡¯t even spare them a nce¨Chis focus was entirely on me now, his new prey.


    ¡°Who the fuck does this bitch think she is?¡± someone shouted from the crowd.


    ¡°Is she trying to be Nobody?¡± another voice called out. ¡°Looks like a cheap knockoff to me!¡±


    The murmurs spread through the arena. Nobody¨Cthe nickname they¡¯d given Titan Defense Group¡¯s formermander. My former identity. The reputation I¡¯d built with blood and broken bones.


    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate her,¡± a voice warned. ¡°I saw her fight a few days before. She¡¯s better than Ryan.¡±


    The ck fighter circled me, muscles gleaming with sweat and oil. He was at least twice my weight, towering over me like a small mountain of testosterone and aggression. His smile revealed a gold


    tooth as he sized me up.


    ¡°Little girl,¡± he said, voice thick with a Nigerian ent. ¡°You made big mistake.¡±


    He bent down, dipping his fingers in John¡¯s blood that pooled on the ground. Then, maintaining eye contact with me, he brought those fingers to his mouth and licked them clean. The crowd roared its


    approval at this theatrical disy of savagery.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to enjoy breaking you,¡± he continued, cracking his massive knuckles. ¡°Maybe keep you alive a little longer than thest one.¡±


    My voice came out cold and t. ¡°You¡¯re digging your own grave.¡±


    From the corner of my eye, I caught movement in the VIP section. Ethan Haxton had moved to the edge of his seat, his sharp gaze fixed on me. He wasn¡¯t watching with horror like Connor beside him. No, there was something else in his eyes¨Cassessment, calction, and unmistakable interest.


    The fighter lunged without warning, surprising me with his speed. But my body reacted on pure instinct, muscle memory from a lifetime ofbat. I pivoted, using his momentum against him as I


    7:58 Fri, Sep 19 <ol start="93"><li>93. </li></ol>


    dropped and spun, rising with a vicious knee strike aimed at his blocking forearm.


    The impact was jarring. I heard gasps from the crowd as the force of my strike drove the muchrger man backward. His eyes widened in shock¨Che clearly hadn¡¯t expected such strength from someone


    my size.


    I didn¡¯t give him time to recover. I pressed forward, ducking under his desperate swing and delivering a perfect side kick to his sternum. The sound of his ribs cracking echoed in the sudden.


    silence of the arena.


    He staggered back, his face contorted with pain and disbelief. Then, with a roar of fury, he charged like a wounded bull. I waited until thest possible second before dropping to one knee and driving


    my fist upward into his sr plexus.


    The fighter¡¯s momentum carried him forward even as his body went limp. He crashed to the ground face¨Cfirst, skidding through the dirt until he hit the wall of the arena. Blood poured from his mouth


    as he tried and failed to rise.


    Complete silence fell over La Corona. I stood alone in the center of the pit, not even breathing hard.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± someone finally whispered, the words carrying in the stillness.


    I turned slowly, facing the crowd. ¡°Anyone else want to try?¡±


    In the VIP section, I saw Connor¡¯s jaw hanging open. Ethan, on the other hand, had a slight smile ying at the corners of his mouth.


    A man jumped into the pit¨Clean and muscr, with a tattoo of a scorpion on his neck. He didn¡¯t waste time with words, immediatelyunching into a flying kick. I sidestepped, caught his ankle, and used his momentum to m him into the ground. Before he could recover, my foot connected with his temple, and he was out cold.


    ¡°Next,¡± I said coolly.


    They came one after another. A fighter with brass knuckles who nevernded a single blow. A knife fighter whose weapon I turned against him, leaving a shallow cut across his chest before knocking him unconscious. A man who tried to grapple me to the ground, only to find himself in a chokehold until he tapped out.


    Five<b>, </b>six fighters in rapid session. Each time, I stood victorious, barely breaking a sweat. After each victory, I spoke the same word: ¡°Next.¡±


    7:58 Fri, Sep 19


    A


    The seventh fighter tried to be clever, circling behind me while I was finishing with his predecessor. The crowd¡¯s reaction gave him away¨Ca subtle shift in their focus, a few gasps of anticipation. I spun just as he lunged, meeting his charge with a perfectly timed knee to the face. Blood sprayed as his nose shattered, and he dropped like a stone.


    I turned in a slow circle, surveying the crowd. The atmosphere had changedpletely. The mockery was gone, reced by a stunned, almost reverent silence.


    ¡°Is this the best La Corona has to offer?¡± I called out, my voice carrying across the arena. ¡°I thought


    this was where the elite came to prove themselves.¡±


    My eyes found the section where various mercenary group leaders were seated¨Cmen whomanded teams of killers, who had built reputations on blood and victory. They shifted ufortably under my gaze.


    ¡°You,¡± I pointed at a scarred man with a Apex Tactical Group patch on his jacket. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be one of the best. Why don¡¯t youe down and test yourself against me?¡±


    The man¡¯s face darkened with anger, but he remained seated.


    ¡°I¡¯m the newmander of Titan Defense Group,¡± I announced. ¡°That gives me the right to


    challenge any of you.¡±


    Connor¡¯s shock was visible even from the pit. Ryan, watching from elsewhere in the stands, looked


    like he¡¯d been struck by lightning.


    ¡°Or are you afraid to lose to a woman?¡± I taunted. ¡°A few years ago, Nobody had you all eating dirt, and now you strut around like kings. Let¡¯s see what you¡¯re really made of.¡±


    The mercenary leaders exchanged nces, their pride visibly wounded by my challenge.


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 Treatment 64

    <b>Chapter </b><b>64 </b>


    I stood in the center of La Corona¡¯s dirt arena, my eyes scanning the thirty¨Cfive mercenary leaders who formed a loose circle around me. Their faces were weathered maps of violence¨Cscars, broken noses, and cold eyes that had witnessed the worst humanity had to offer. Each was a legend in Venezu¡¯s underworld,manding groups that specialized in everything from hostage extraction to political assassinations.


    And they all wanted me dead.


    The crowd¡¯s murmurs washed over the arena like waves against a shore¨Cdisbelieving, excited, confused. I rolled my shoulders, feeling the pleasant anticipation of violence humming through my muscles. It had been too long since I¡¯d fought at full capacity. Too long since I¡¯d shown the world. what I was capable of.


    ¡°Little girl,¡± one of the mercenary leaders called out, his voice carrying a thick Russian ent. ¡°There is still time to walk away. Even Nobody never faced more than thirty¨Cthree opponents.¡±


    I smiled, feeling the desert heat against my skin. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t have that luxury. For over a year, you¡¯ve been stepping on Titan Defense Group, stealing our contracts, attacking my men. It¡¯s


    time to settle that ount.¡±


    The crowd¡¯s whispers grew louder. In the stands, I caught sight of Xavier and Ryan watching with undisguised concern. Further up, in the VIP section, Connor was frantically whispering to Ethan Haxton, who sat perfectly still, his eyes never leaving me.


    ¡°She¡¯s fucking insane,¡± someone shouted from the crowd. ¡°One against thirty¨Cfive? They¡¯ll tear her


    apart!¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the record thirty¨Cthree? Nobody¡¯s record?¡± another voice called out.


    Thergest of the mercenary leaders stepped forward¨Ca mountain of a man with tattoos covering his neck and arms. He cracked his knuckles, the sound like breaking twigs in the sudden quiet.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start,¡± he growled. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to know what it feels like to break a woman¡¯s neck.¡±


    The othersughed, a harsh sound that echoed around the arena. I remained still, my breathing even, my heartbeat steady, I felt nothing but anticipation¨Cthe calm before the storm.


    The big man lunged, his fist aiming straight for my face. To everyone else, he must have seemed fast for his size. To me, he moved like he was underwater.


    7:59 Fri, <b>Sep </b>19


    <b>93 </b>


    I caught his fist mid¨Cswing, my fingers closing around his meaty hand. His momentum stopped instantly, his eyes widening in shock. Before he could react, I twisted his arm at an angle the human body isn¡¯t designed to bend. The crack of his radius breaking echoed through the arena, followed by


    his scream.


    I didn¡¯t pause. Pivoting on my left foot, I delivered a precise kick to his temple. He dropped like a


    stone.


    The crowd fell silent.


    ¡°Who¡¯s next?¡± I asked quietly.


    They came at me in waves after that. Two, then three at once. I moved between them like water, each strike calcted for maximum damage with minimum effort. I wasn¡¯t just fighting¨CI was sending a message.


    A Brazilian mercenary leader tried to tackle me. I sidestepped, grabbing his cor and using his momentum to m him face¨Cfirst into the dirt. A woman with a spider tattoo on her neck attempted a roundhouse kick. I caught her ankle and dislocated it with a quick twist.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± someone whispered in the stands. ¡°She¡¯s using blind spot attacks.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± another voice asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s a technique where you strike from angles outside the opponent¡¯s visual field. The brain can¡¯t process the defense fast enough. Nobody was famous for it.¡±


    I smiled as I heard this. My old reputation preceding me.


    By the tenth opponent, the remaining mercenaries had begun to understand the gravity of their situation. They started coordinating, trying to surround me and attack simultaneously.


    I responded by increasing my speed. To the observers, it must have looked like I¡¯d been holding back -which I had been.


    Fifteen minutester, twenty¨Cfive mercenary leadersy unconscious or groaning in pain around me. The remaining ten had formed a tight circle, their earlier confidence reced by grim determination.


    ¡°Together,¡± one of themmanded. ¡°She can¡¯t take all of us at once.¡±


    They rushed me simultaneously, a coordinated attack that might have overwhelmed a lesser fighter.


    7:59 Fri, Sep 19


    But I wasn¡¯t just any fighter.


    I dropped to one knee, sweeping my leg in a wide arc that took down three of them. As I rose, I caught the arm of a fourth, using him as a shield against two others. My elbow connected with a fifth¡¯s sternum, the crack of bone audible even over the crowd¡¯s gasps.


    Within seconds, nine of the teny defeated at my feet. Only the Apex Tactical Group¡¯s leader remained standing, blood streaming from a cut above his eye.


    ¡°You¡¯re good,¡± he admitted, circling me warily. ¡°Better than I expected.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond, conserving my energy. I could tell from his movements that he was more skilled than the others¨Ca genuinely dangerous opponent.


    <b>93 </b>


    He feinted left, then struck right, his fist grazing my cheek as I turned just a fraction too slow. I felt a smile spread across my face. Finally, a challenge.


    We exchanged blows for nearly a minute, testing each other¡¯s defenses. The crowd had gone


    savor this moment¨Cmy public reemergence as the fighter I truly was.


    Finally, I decided enough was enough. I caught his punch, twisted inside his guard, and delivered three rapid strikes to pressure points along his torso. He staggered back, his nervous system temporarily scrambled.


    ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± I said.


    He shook his head, backing away. ¡°Not quite.¡±


    I sensed the movement before I saw it¨Chis hand slipping to his boot, extracting a tactical knife. The de glinted in the sun as he lunged toward me.


    I sidestepped effortlessly, grabbing his wrist and applying precise pressure. The knife dropped from his nerveless fingers into my waiting hand. In one fluid motion, I spun him around, the de now pressing against his throat.


    ¡°In front of me, you want to y with knives?¡± I whispered in his ear. ¡°You¡¯re a century too early.¡±


    I released him with a push, slicing the de across his wrist as he stumbled forward. Blood sprayed from the shallow but precise cut.


    7:59 Fri, Sep 19


    ¡°I could have severed your artery,¡± I said loud enough for everyone to hear. ¡°Remember that.¡±


    The arena was absolutely silent. Thirty¨Cfive of Venezu¡¯s most feared mercenary leadersy


    defeated around me. Some unconscious, others clutching broken limbs, all thoroughly beaten.


    <b>93 </b>


    I turned slowly, facing the stunned crowd. Blood spattered my face and clothes, but I hadn¡¯t broken a sweat. My breathing remained even, my posture rxed.


    ¡°From today forward, anyone who dares to mess with Titan Defense Group or cause trouble on our turf will end up like them.¡± I gestured to the groaning men around me.


    I walked over to the Apex leader, who was clutching his bleeding wrist, and lifted him by his cor


    with one hand. The crowd gasped as I tossed him toward his team members in the stands.


    ¡°And for those who stole Titan¡¯s cargo,¡± I continued, my voice ice cold, ¡°return it. Double. Don¡¯t make


    mee collect it personally.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 65

    <b>Chapter </b>65


    Suddenly, the sound of slow, deliberate apuse cut through the silence. I looked up to see Ethan Haxton rising from his seat in the VIP section, his expression rxed but his eyes sharp with interest. His pping drew everyone¡¯s attention, and soon the entire arena erupted in thunderous apuse and cheers.


    Our eyes met across the distance. His lips curved into a slight smile that didn¡¯t reach his calcting green eyes. I¡¯d seen that look before¨Cthe expression of a predator recognizing another of its kind.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± someone in the crowd shouted. ¡°She¡¯s just like that American girl from a few years back-


    Nobody!¡±


    ¡°Better than Nobody,¡± another voice called out. ¡°Nobody¡¯s record was thirty¨Cthree. She just took down thirty¨Cfive!¡±


    The whispers spread like wildfire through the arena, and I could feel the weight of hundreds of eyes on me. My reputation would spread through Venezu by nightfall, possibly throughout South America by morning. Part of me weed it¨Clet them know who they were dealing with. Another part knew this meant Shadow Organization would eventually hear of it too.


    I walked out of the arena with my head high, ignoring the shocked stares and whispered


    conversations that followed me. The message had been delivered. Titan Defense Group was back, and


    I was its newmander.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been hiding quite a lot, Miss Morgan,¡± Ethan said as he leaned back in his chair.


    We were seated in a room at the Transcendent Military Alliance headquarters. The room was elegant but spartan¨Cpolished mahogany table,fortable leather chairs, and bullet¨Cresistant windows offering a view of the surrounding jungle.


    ¡®I don¡¯t know what you mean,¡± I replied, keeping my expression neutral. ¡°I just work out a lot.¡±


    Ethanughed, the sound rich and genuine. ¡°Is that what you call it? You single¨Chandedly defeated thirty¨Cfive of the most dangerous men in Venezu. That¡¯s quite a workout regime.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to lose weight,¡± I said with a straight face.


    His smile remained, but his eyes turned serious. ¡°I think it¡¯s time we had an honest conversation,


    7:59 Fri, Sep 19


    don¡¯t you?¡±


    I matched his gaze. ¡°About what?¡±


    93


    ¡°About how a high school student from Cloud City knowsbat techniques that only elite military personnel are trained in. About why you¡¯re here in Venezu. About your connection to Nobody.¡±


    The name hung in the air between us. I knew this moment woulde¨CEthan was too smart not to


    make the connection.


    ¡°What makes you think I have any connection to Nobody?¡± I asked carefully.


    ¡°Your fighting style is identical. And I find it interesting that you¡¯ve taken such an interest in a mercenary group that was once led by her.¡± Ethan leaned forward. ¡°Nobody caused quite a stir here a few years ago. She even blew up one of the Transcendent Military Alliance facilities.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°People die. Debts die with them.¡±


    ¡°So you admit she¡¯s dead?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she?¡± I countered, then added casually, ¡°She always had a thing for explosives. Hardly worth


    holding a grudge over.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyebrows shot up at my casual mention of Nobody¡¯s bombing habits. Before he could


    respond, the door opened, and Ryan walked in with Xavier and Zach.


    Ryan¡¯s eyes immediately found mine, and he gave a respectful nod. ¡°Boss, we¡¯ve secured the


    perimeter as requested.¡±


    I noticed Ethan¡¯s subtle reaction to Ryan calling me ¡°Boss.¡± His expression betrayed nothing, but I


    could sense his interest sharpening.


    ¡°Ryan,¡± I said, ¡°this is Ethan Haxton, head of the Transcendent Military Alliance. Essentially, he runs


    Venezu.¡±


    Ryan¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and behind him, Xavier muttered a curse. They¡¯d been operating in Venezu for years without ever meeting the man pulling the strings. Zach looked between Ethan and me, his expression a mixture of confusion and suspicion.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton,¡± Ryan said, recovering quickly. ¡°It¡¯s an honor.¡±


    7:59 Fri, Sep 19


    :


    Ethan nodded in acknowledgment but kept his attention on me, ¡°What are your ns now, Miss Morgan? Or should I call you the newmander of Titan Defense Group?¡±


    ¡°I have a few requests,¡± I said, cutting straight to business. ¡°First, I¡¯d like my people to stay at the Transcendent Military Alliance base until we sort out our arrangements.¡±


    ¡°And second?¡±


    ¡°I wantnd adjacent to yourpound to build our own base.¡±


    Ethan studied me for a long moment. ¡°I could offer you something better. Titan could join the


    Transcendent Military Alliance. You¡¯d have our resources, our protection.¡±


    I smiled. ¡°I¡¯m used to being in charge, Mr. Haxton. Are you offering me your position?¡±


    His lips twitched with amusement. ¡°Touch¨¦. Very well, I¡¯ll grant your requests. Land,


    amodations, and assistance with construction.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, surprised by his easy acquiescence.


    After Ethan left, Ryan turned to me. ¡°Boss, what just happened?¡±


    ¡°We got ourselves a home base,¡± I replied, stretching. ¡°Now we need to build our team. Here¡¯s the n: Offer fifty thousand dors a month base sry. Seventy thousand for the skilled ones. Mission


    bonuses start at six percent.¡±


    Ryan¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°That¡¯s more than double the market rate.¡±


    ¡°I want the best,¡± I said simply. ¡°And I want them loyal to us, not tempted by ourpetitors.¡±


    ¡°Where is this moneying from?¡± Xavier asked skeptically.


    ¡®Let me worry about that,¡± I said. ¡°I have resources.¡±


    Ryan studied me. ¡°Your fighting style¡­ it¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve seen except from Nobody. Where did you learn to fight like that?¡±


    I met his gaze. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I have history with Shadow Organization. Blood feud. They took everything from me once.¡±


    Ryan nodded slowly. ¡°Then your fight is our fight. Anyone whoes after you deals with all of us.¡±


    7:59 Fri, Sep 19


    ¡°Speaking of which,¡± I said, my voice dropping lower, ¡°Shadow Organization might have noticed me


    after today¡¯s disy. Keep it quiet for now, but stay alert.¡±


    93


    As they left to implement my ns, I looked out the window at the Venezun jungle. Things were finally falling into ce. I had a team, resources, and soon a base of operations. Shadow


    Organization thought they¡¯d eliminated me once.


    They were about to discover how badly they¡¯d failed.


    Chapter Comments


    ? 2

 Treatment 66

    <b>Chapter </b><b>66 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    :


    <b>93 </b>


    Connor Haxton stood at the window of the conference room, watching Jade Morgan walking across


    the Transcendent Military Alliancepound. His brow furrowed as he turned to Ethan.


    ¡°There¡¯s something off about her,¡± Connor said, keeping his voice low despite being alone with


    Ethan. ¡°Herbat skills are far too exceptional for a high school student. And have you noticed her ent? It doesn¡¯t quite match Cloud City.¡±


    Ethan nced up from hisptop. ¡°What are you suggesting?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but no teenager fights like that. The way she took down those mercenaries¨Cit was


    textbook perfect. Military grade. And her confidence¡­ it¡¯s unnerving.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Ethan replied, his tone measured. ¡°But let¡¯s not rush to conclusions. Whatever her


    background, she¡¯s proven herself a valuable ally. For now, that¡¯s enough.¡±


    Connor frowned. ¡°You¡¯re being unusually cautious. Normally you¡¯d want every detail about someone


    like her.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes wisdom lies in patience, Connor.¡± Ethan closed hisptop. ¡°Besides, I¡¯d rather not make


    an enemy of someone who defeated thirty¨Cfive mercenary leaders without breaking a sweat.¡±


    The conversation was interrupted by Ethan¡¯s phone. He checked the caller ID and sighed before


    answering.


    ¡°Alexander. I thought you were heading to Venezu.¡±


    ¡®Change of ns, Uncle,¡± came the young voice. ¡°I was thinking ofing straight back to the States


    instead.¡±


    ¡°Good decision,¡± Ethan replied. ¡°Return home immediately.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something else,¡± Alexander added hesitantly. ¡°Grandma has arranged another dinner with the Sullivan family. She wants you to meet their daughter.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°I have absolutely no interest in the Sullivan heiress. Make that clear


    to her.¡±


    .1/4


    <b>7:59 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    ¡°But <b>Grandma </b><b>insists-</b>¡±


    :


    1.)


    <b>93 </b>


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what she insists. End of discussion.¡± Ethan ended the call abruptly, his jaw tight with


    irritation.


    Connor raised an eyebrow but said nothing.


    On a private ind in the Caribbean, a group of men sat around a polished obsidian table. The room was dimly lit, with state¨Cof¨Cthe¨Cart security systems visible at every entrance.


    ¡°The footage from Venezu is concerning,¡± said a man in an impable suit, sliding a tablet across the table. ¡°This woman, who calls herself Jade Morgan, disys fighting techniques identical to


    Shadow¡¯s.¡±


    The figure at the head of the table watched the video of Jade dismantling thirty¨Cfive opponents with clinical precision. His face remained impassive, but his fingers tightened slightly on his armrest.


    ¡°Shadow was trained with countless resources by our organization,¡± he finally said, his voice cold and dismissive. ¡°No one deserves to bepared to her.¡±


    ¡°But sir, the simrities are undeniable. The same uniquebination of techniques, the same


    efficiency-¡±


    ¡°Enough,¡± the leader cut him off. ¡°What do we know about this girl?¡±


    Another man cleared his throat. ¡°She ims to be the new leader of Titan Defense Group. She¡¯s operating in Venezu, seemingly with Transcendent Military Alliance¡¯s blessing.¡±


    ¡°Investigate her thoroughly,¡± the leader ordered. ¡°If she¡¯s one of Shadow¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦s, eliminate her immediately.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s more,¡± the first man added. ¡°Our preliminary investigation shows she¡¯s never left Cloud City before this trip to Venezu. There¡¯s no record of her ever encountering Shadow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± the leader snapped. ¡°No one naturally fights like that.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve discovered something else,¡± the second man continued. ¡°Three months ago¨Caround the time <b>of </b>Shadow¡¯s death¨Cthis Jade Morgan underwent a dramatic personality change. From an overweight, bullied teenager to¡­ this.¡±


    7:59 Fri, Sep 19


    :


    The leader leaned forward, suddenly interested. ¡°And her background?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the most intriguing part,¡± the man replied. ¡°She¡¯s not actually a Morgan. She¡¯s from the Sullivan family in New York.¡±


    The leader¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Continue surveince. I want to know everything about her.¡±


    93


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    I spotted Ethan Haxtoning down the hallway of the Transcendent Military Alliancepound, his expensive shoes clicking against the polished floor. It waste, and I hadn¡¯t expected to run into


    anyone.


    ¡°Can¡¯t sleep, Miss Morgan?¡± he asked, stopping a respectful distance away.


    ¡°Just stretching my legs,¡± I replied, studying his face. He looked perfectly put together even at this


    hour.


    ¡°I could keep youpany if you¡¯d like,¡± he offered with a slight smile.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°Getting addicted to sleeping in sofa, Mr. Haxton?¡±


    His smile didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Just trying to be hospitable.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m curious,¡± I said, taking a step closer. ¡°Do you think you could beat me in a fight?¡±


    The question seemed to amuse him. ¡°I doubt there are many people in this world who would be a


    match for you, Miss Morgan.¡±


    ¡°Smart answer.¡± I tilted my head. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid I might break your wrist?¡±


    ¡°Should I be?¡± His eyes met mine, unflinching.


    Before I could respond, my phone buzzed. It was Night,


    I answered, putting it on speaker without thinking. ¡°Yes?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m sending you some Macan M whisky to celebrate your La Corona record,¡± Night¡¯s voice came through clearly. ¡°Breaking Nobody¡¯s thirty¨Cthree¨Cwin streak deserves something special.¡±


    7:59 Fri, Sep 19


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I replied. ¡°While you¡¯re at it, add it to the list of bottles I owe to certain people. Five hundred dors for one¡­¡±


    93


    ¡°You¡¯ve be easy to please,¡± Night chuckled. ¡°I remember when you wouldn¡¯t touch anything less than thirty¨Cyear¨Cold single malts.¡±


    I noticed Ethan watching me with interest and quickly switched to text messaging.


    On my phone, I typed to Night: <i>I </i><i>need </i><i>you </i><i>to </i>sell <i>the </i>cars at <i>my </i><i>Monaco </i><i>vi</i><i>. </i><i>Keep the </i><i>Koenigsegg One</i><i>:</i><i>1</i><i>, </i><i>but </i>get <i>rid </i>of <i>the </i><i>rest</i>.


    Night¡¯s reply came quickly: <i>Money </i><i>problems</i>? <i>That¡¯s </i><i>new</i>. <i>Your </i><i>offshore </i><i>ounts </i><i>are </i><i>untouched</i>.


    <i>They¡¯re </i><i>being </i><i>monitored</i>. <i>Using </i><i>them </i><i>would </i><i>alert </i><i>Shadow </i><i>Organization</i>.


    <i>How </i>much <i>do </i><i>you </i>need<i>? </i>A <i>few </i><i>million</i>? I <i>can </i><i>transfer </i><i>it </i><i>immediately</i>.


    I nced at Ethan, who was pretending not to be interested in my conversation.


    <i>I </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>pay </i><i>Titan </i><i>Defense </i><i>Group </i><i>properly </i><i>and </i><i>build </i><i>a </i><i>four</i><i>¨C</i><i>thousand </i><i>square </i><i>foot </i><i>vi</i>. <i>The </i><i>usual </i><i>rates</i>.


    1 Reviews >

 Treatment 67

    <b>Chapter </b><b>67 </b>


    ¡°How much longer are you nning to eavesdrop, Mr. Haxton?¡±


    93


    I didn¡¯t even bother turning around as <b>I </b>spoke. The silence behind me confirmed what <b>I </b>already knew


    -Ethan Haxton had been listening to Night¡¯s voice messages for the past few minutes. <b>I </b>could feel his presence lingering near the doorway of the Transcendent Military Alliance¡¯s living room.


    To his credit, Ethan didn¡¯t seem embarrassed at being caught.


    ¡°You deliberately let me hear,¡± he said, his voice smooth and unruffled.


    I smiled, turning to face him. ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°About those bottles of wine you mentioned owing¡­¡± His eyes glinted with amusement. ¡°No need to


    repay me. A few bottles aren¡¯t worth mentioning.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even like wine,¡± he added after a pause.


    ¡°Well, well.¡± I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall. ¡°Aren¡¯t you generous? As expected from the


    head of the Haxton family in New York. Money to burn, huh?¡±


    Ethan studied me for a moment, clearly trying to figure out if I was serious about paying him back. His expression shifted subtly as he seemed to decide on a different approach.


    ¡°Your boyfriend seems quite concerned about you,¡± he said, casually dropping the bomb while watching for my reaction.


    So he¡¯d definitely heard Night¡¯s messages. I didn¡¯t bother correcting his assumption about Night being my boyfriend¨Cit was easier this way.


    ¡°Him?¡± I replied with deliberate vagueness.


    Ethan¡¯s brow furrowed slightly at my non¨Canswer. ¡°Yes, him. He seems quite invested in your financial situation.¡± His eyes never left mine. ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but overhear something about selling


    cars in Monaco.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± I shrugged, offering no further exnation.


    ¡°By the way,¡± he continued, his tone suddenly conversational, ¡°I asked Mayor Felix Huxley to look after you in Cloud City.¡±


    <b>8:00 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    That caught me off guard. ¡°That was you?¡± I always thought it was Alexander.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ethan nodded. ¡°You saved my nephew Alexander¡¯s life. It seemed appropriate to return the favor.¡±


    93


    I felt a smile tug at my lips. ¡°Mayor Huxley has been quite helpful indeed.¡±


    My mind raced. Why was Ethan telling me this now? What was he trying to aplish? Was this a way to establish trust, or was he trying to remind me that I owed him?


    My phone buzzed, interrupting my thoughts. I nced down to see a social media friend request from Orion Miller with a message: ¡°I¡¯m Orion Miller.¡±


    I dismissed the notification without responding.


    Several dayster, I was sitting in the main hall of thepound when Connor Haxton walked in, carefully cradling an ornate wooden box. His expression was a mixture of reverence and anxiety as he ced it on the table.


    ¡°This just arrived for you, Miss Morgan,¡± he said, stepping back as if handling a bomb.


    I moved forward and opened the box. Inside, nestled in ck velvet, were several bottles of whiskey -each with diamonds embedded in the ss and gold¨Cleafbels. Night had always been


    extravagant, but this was excessive even for him. ssic Night¨Csubtle as a rhinestone tank top at a


    funeral.


    Connor couldn¡¯t contain his curiosity. He picked up one bottle, turning it to examine thebel, then nearly dropped it when he found the price online.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± he whispered, his eyes widening to the size of saucers. ¡°This is Macan M Imperiale


    Scotch whisky from <b>the </b>Isle of Iy. Limited edition. Market value¡­ <b>$</b>398,000 per bottle.¡±


    He carefully set the bottle down as if it might explode, then picked up another with trembling hands. ¡°And this one¡­ Dalmore 62¡­ $215,000.¡± He looked at me, bewilderment written across his face.


    ¡°There¡¯s over a million dors of whiskey here. And they¡¯re all¨Cthey¡¯re all just sitting in this box like¡­ like ordinary bottles.¡±


    ¡°My best friend,¡± I exined with a casual shrug, as if receiving million¨Cdor whiskey collections was a weekly urrence.


    <b>8:00 </b>Fri, <b>Sep </b>19


    Connor¡¯s face went through a fascinating series of expressions¨Cshock, disbelief<b>, </b>awe, and finally something approaching existential crisis. ¡°What kind of best friend sends whiskey that costs more than my parents¡® house? What kind of best friend do you have?¡±


    ¡°The generous kind,¡± I replied, enjoying his reaction perhaps more than I should.


    Connor stared at me as if I¡¯d grown a second head. ¡°These aren¡¯t for drinking, right? They¡¯re


    collector¡¯s items. People buy these as investments, not to actually consume them.¡±


    I found his reaction oddly amusing. ¡°What else would you do with whiskey?¡±


    ¡°Museums disy them! Collectors lock them in climate¨Ccontrolled vaults!¡± Connor¡¯s voice rose an


    octave. ¡°But they¡¯re¨Ceach one is worth more than a house!¡± He stammered, hisposure


    ¡°Then some people should make better friends,¡± I said dryly.


    Without waiting for his answer, I reached for one of the $300,000 bottles, broke the seal with a


    satisfying crack, and poured two fingers into a ss.


    93


    Connor made a sound like he was being strangled. His face turned ashen as the seal broke¨Clike he¡¯d


    just witnessed me set fire to the Mona Lisa.


    ¡°Want some?¡± I offered, holding up the bottle.


    Connor backed away, hands raised. ¡°I¨CI couldn¡¯t possibly¡­¡± He looked like he might faint at the


    mere suggestion.


    The sound of footsteps interrupted us as Ethan descended the staircase. His eyes immediately locked


    onto the open whiskey bottle in my hand, then shifted to the wooden box on the table.


    His expression was unreadable as he approached, but I noticed the slight tightening around his eyes -the only indication that even Ethan Haxton was impressed by Night¡¯s extravagant gift.


    ¡®I see your friend delivered the whiskey he promised,¡± Ethan said, his voice casual despite the fortune sitting on the table.


    I raised my ss slightly. ¡°He always keeps his promises.¡±


    ¡°Always,¡± Ethan repeated.

 Treatment 68

    <b>Chapter </b><b>68 </b>


    :


    <b>93 </b>


    ¡°Would you like a drink?¡± I asked, walking over to him. ¡°Oh, shit. I forgot you don¡¯t drink.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s lips curved into a slight smile. ¡°Morgan¡¯s wine? I think I¡¯ll make an exception.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow, pouring us each a ss. The rich burgundy liquid swirled in the crystal, catching the light. I raised my ss to his with a soft clink, then knocked it back in one smooth motion, feeling the warmth slide down my throat. I could feel Ethan¡¯s gaze following the movement, studying <ol><li>me. </li></ol>


    ¡°I¡¯ll pour myself another,¡± I said, reaching for the bottle again. ¡°Help yourself, Mr. Haxton. <b>It¡¯s </b>on


    me.¡±


    I filled my ss and took a small sip before setting it down on the coffee table.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got some work to catch up on upstairs. Make yourselffortable.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyebrows rose slightly. ¡°I thought we might have dinner together. After all, you did invite me


    over.¡±


    ¡°Did I<b>?</b><b>¡± </b><b>I </b>smiled innocently. ¡°I just invited you for a drink. Which you¡¯ve had.¡±


    He studied me for a moment, amusement ying at the corners of his mouth. ¡°So I¡¯m dismissed


    already? That must be a record, even for you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t take it personally,¡± I said, already heading for the stairs. ¡°The living room is all yours. Plenty more wine in the cab.¡±


    ¡°And here I was looking forward to our stimting dinner conversation,¡± Ethan called after me, his


    voiceced with dry humor.


    I paused at the bottom <b>of </b>the staircase and nced back over my shoulder. ¡°Maybe next time, if you¡¯re lucky.¡±


    In my room, I was looking myputer when a knock interrupted me, I didn¡¯t need to look up to know who it was.


    ¡°Come in,¡± <b>I </b>called, quickly switching my screen to a harmless search page.


    Ethan pushed the door open, holding an elegant ck box. ¡°Hope I¡¯m not disturbing you, Miss


    <b>8:00 </b>Fri, Sep <b>19 </b>


    Morgan.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± I asked, feigning casual indifference.


    :


    He ced the box on the desk in front of me. ¡°A small token of appreciation. I thought you might


    find it useful.¡±


    93


    I opened it to reveal a high¨Cend microneedle skin regeneration system. This wasn¡¯t the kind you¡¯d


    find in upscale department stores¨Cthis was professional¨Cgrade equipment used in top medicalbs. I recognized it immediately as superior even to the multi¨Cthousand dor units I¡¯d used at the


    Morrison Pharmaceutical Research Center.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± I lifted the device, examining eachponent with practiced precision<b>, </b>testing the needle gauge and material quality. My fingers traced the titanium applicator, immediately recognizing the


    precision engineering.


    ¡°Something I happened to acquire,¡± Ethan said simply, a hint of pride in his voice.


    Bullshit. This kind of equipment doesn¡¯t just fall into yourp. He must have pulled some serious


    strings to get his hands on it. But I didn¡¯t call him out.


    ¡°The precision on this is incredible,¡± I said, adjusting the needle depth settings. ¡°Themercial


    versions don¡¯t evene close to this calibration.¡±


    <b>A </b>flicker of interest crossed Ethan¡¯s face. ¡°You seem quite knowledgeable about medical equipment.¡±


    <b>I </b>shrugged, realizing I¡¯d revealed too much. ¡°I¡¯ve done my research. Skin care is serious business<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°Indeed it is,¡± he replied, clearly not believing my casual exnation.


    ¡°Thanks, Haxton. Actually useful, unlike most gifts.¡±


    He seemed satisfied with my response, nodding slightly before excusing himself and leaving my room. Once the door closed, I allowed myself a small smile.


    That night, I sank into the luxurious bathtub, hot water enveloping my body. Steam rose around me <b>as </b>I reached for Ethan¡¯s gift. The microneedle system felt cool in my hands as I activated it, the tiny needles extending with a soft mechanical hum.


    8:00 Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    :


    ?(93)


    I began applying it to specific areas¨Cmy face, neck<b>, </b>shoulders. The sensation was familiar¨Ca controlled burn as the microscopic needles prated the surface, delivering regenerativepounds directly where needed.


    After about thirty minutes, ayer of metabolic byproduct appeared on my skin¨Cevidence that the device was working as intended. I submerged myselfpletely, letting the warm water wash away the residue. When I resurfaced, an oily film floated on the water¡¯s surface¨Ctoxins drawn out by the


    treatment.


    Rising from the bath, I wrapped myself in a plush towel and examined my reflection. Even after just one use, my skin glowed with renewed vitality. The high¨Cgrade equipment was already showing results¨Cmyplexion more luminous, the texture smoother. A small scar near my corbone had already begun to fade.


    Over the next few days, I used the skin regeneration system every evening. The results were remarkable¨Cmy skin became increasingly wless, and my overall appearance took on a new dimension of vitality. The changes were subtle enough that most people wouldn¡¯t notice immediately, but significant enough to create a cumtive effect.


    I caught my reflection in the mirror on the fourth morning, surprised by the transformation. The skin around my eyes had tightened, the slight discoloration on my jawline had vanished, and there was a healthy radiance that hadn¡¯t been there before. In my former life as Shadow, appearance had been merely functional¨Ca tool, nothing more. But now, I found myself appreciating the aesthetic


    improvement.


    Ethan, however, noticed. Of course he did. Nothing escaped those calcting green eyes of his.


    One morning when we crossed paths in the dining room, his gaze lingered on my face for several seconds longer than usual. Connor was there too, arranging security details, but even he paused momentarily, doing a subtle double¨Ctake.


    ¡°You look well, Miss Morgan,¡± Ethanmented. ¡°Is it the wine?¡±


    Iughed softly. ¡°It¡¯s your fancy skin system, Haxton. After using it for several nights, it¡¯s not just improved metabolic processes and toxin elimination¨Cthe body contouring effects are particrly impressive.¡±


    ¡°The system shouldn¡¯t work that quickly,¡± Ethan observed, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    8:00 Fri, Sep 19


    ¡°It does if you know how to maximize its effectiveness,¡± I replied. ¡°Proper technique makes all the


    difference.¡±


    Ethan nodded slightly, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re finding it


    beneficial.¡±


    <b>93 </b>


    Connor nced between us, clearly confused by the technical nature of our conversation. He opened his mouth to speak, then thought better of it and returned to his tablet.


    Chapter Comments


    ? 2


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 Treatment 69

    <b>Chapter </b><b>69 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    :


    ?


    <b>93 </b>


    In a dimly lit building on the outskirts <b>of </b>town<b>, </b>the once¨Cproud headquarters of Apex Tactical Group stood in disarray. Dust gathered on unused equipment, and the few remaining men looked like


    ghosts haunting an abandoned fortress. In the central office, their leader sat slumped in a leather chair, staring at his mangled hands¨Ctendons severed with surgical precision<b>, </b>fingers permanently


    curled into useless ws.


    ¡°Boss,¡± one of his remaining loyal men said, hovering near the doorway. ¡°We lost three more guys to Titan this morning.¡±


    The leader¡¯s eyes, bloodshot fromck of sleep and excess alcohol, flickered with rage. ¡°How many


    does that make now?¡±


    ¡°Over half our force. Ever since that bitch took over and humiliated you at La Corona¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. Mention. That.¡± Each word dripped with venom as he struggled to lift a ss of whiskey with


    his ruined hands.


    The man shifted ufortably. ¡°There¡¯s something else. I¡¯ve been talking to a contact at Memorial


    Hospital. There¡¯s an American surgeon named Dr. ckwell who specializes in microsurgery. They might be able to-¡±


    The leader¡¯s head snapped up, hope briefly illuminating his haggard face. ¡°Where? How much?¡±


    Before his subordinate could answer, the door swung open. A man with Southeast Asian features walked in, nked by two armed guards. His left eye was marred by a jagged scar that pulled at the corner of his lid, and a fresher wound created a pink line across his neck.


    <b>¡°</b>Gentlemen,¡± the neer said, his ent difficult to ce. ¡°I believe I can help with your¡­


    situation.¡±


    ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡± the Apex leader growled.


    The man smiled, revealing perfect teeth. ¡°My name is Ian. And I happen to know Dr, ckwell personally,¡±


    .1/5


    <b>8:00 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    Zach wandered aimlessly through the Transcendent Military Alliancepound, kicking at loose stones and avoiding the main pathways. As Titan¡¯s youngest member, he should have been running drills or maintaining equipment, but his mind was elsewhere.


    <b>93 </b>


    He found himself approaching the private vi where she was staying. Jade Morgan. The new boss. who had somehow earned the respect of Ryan and Xavier in record time. Despite his initial resistance, he had to admit her skills were impressive¨Cthe fighting style, the tactical knowledge, her natural leadership. But epting her meant letting go of Nobody, themander he¡¯d idolized, and he wasn¡¯t ready for that yet.


    Zach stopped short of the vi¡¯s perimeter. He couldn¡¯t face her yet. Not when his mind was still mourning themander he¡¯d followed faithfully, the one whose death had shattered Titan¡¯s foundation. Nobody had been like no other, and no matter how qualified this Jade Morgan was, his loyalty to his former leader¡¯s memory held him back.


    ¡°Lost?¡± a voice called out.


    Zach turned to see Connor Haxton approaching, tablet in hand, expression neutral but eyes


    calcting.


    ¡°Just stretching my legs,¡± Zach replied.


    Connor nodded toward the direction Zach had been walking. ¡°That¡¯s Miss Morgan¡¯s temporary


    residence.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Zach turned away. ¡°Something happen at base?¡±


    ¡°Actually<b>, </b>yes. We¡¯ve got reports of trouble at the eastern mining operation. I was just heading there


    to check it out.¡±


    Zach seized the opportunity. ¡°I¡¯lle with you. Better than standing around here<b>.</b>¡±


    In the SUV, Connor kept ncing at Zach in the rearview mirror. ¡°So, you¡¯ve known Jade Morgan for how long exactly?¡±


    Zach¡¯s face remained impassive. ¡°Not long. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Just curious about her background. She seems¡­ unusually skilled for someone her age.¡±


    <b>8:00 </b>Fri, <b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    :


    ¡°You think?¡± Zach replied dryly. ¡°What¡¯s Ethan¡¯s interest in her anyway?¡±


    Connor¡¯s hands tightened on the steering wheel. ¡°Mr. Haxton sees potential in unique individuals.¡±


    ¡°Potential, huh?¡± Zach snorted. ¡°Is that what they¡¯re calling it these days?¡±


    Neither man gained the information they sought, and the rest of the drive passed in silence.


    93


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    I sat on the windowsill of my temporary bedroom, nursing a ss of Night¡¯s ridiculously expensive whiskey and watching thepound below. The military precision of the guards¡® movements reminded me of my former life¨Cstructured, disciplined, deadly.


    Amotion near the eastern gate caught my attention. Several men were rushing toward themand center, their movements urgent. Something was wrong.


    I set down my ss and headed downstairs. In the central courtyard, I intercepted a young soldier jogging toward themunications building.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± I asked, my voice automatically taking on themanding tone I¡¯d used as Nobody.


    He hesitated, then seemed to recognize me as someone important. ¡°Connor Haxton and one of your men have been taken, ma¡¯am.¡±


    My blood ran cold. ¡°Taken? By whom?¡±


    ¡°Unknown hostiles. They were ambushed returning from the eastern operation.¡±


    The monitoring room was a hive of controlled chaos when I entered. Screens disyed satellite imagery<b>, </bmunication channels buzzed with chatter, and technicians worked frantically at their stations<b>. </b>


    ¡°Who authorized you to be in here?¡± a heavyset man demanded, rising from his chair. ¡°This area is restricted.¡±


    8:00 Fri, <b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    I ignored him, moving directly to the main disy. ¡°Show me thest known location.¡±


    A young technician looked up.


    ¡°Everyone here has subcutaneous trackers,¡± he exined, pulling up a map. ¡°Standard TMA protocol. But the signal from Connor¡¯s tracker went dark about twenty minutes ago.¡±


    ¡°Jamming technology?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Most likely. The trackers are our most advanced models¨Cmilitary grade. Whoever took them knew exactly what they were doing.¡±


    ¡°The tech expertise required to block these signals is considerable,¡± I noted, studying the disy.


    The technician looked frustrated. ¡°The tracking is difficult. Our bestputer expert was actually Connor, but Connor¡­¡± He gestured helplessly at the screen showing the lost signal.


    I nodded, processing this information. ¡°Where¡¯s Ethan?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Haxton left early this morning,¡± another staff member replied.


    ¡°The call ising through!¡± someone shouted.


    The main screen flickered, then stabilized with audio only.


    ¡°We have your men,¡± a distorted voice announced. ¡°If you want them back alive, Ethan Haxtones alone to the coordinates we¡¯re sending. Montana Range, ska.<b>¡± </b>


    I recognized the voice immediately, despite the distortion. Ian.


    ¡°Signal origin?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Kansas,¡± the technician replied. ¡°Moving north toward ska. But we can¡¯t confirm if the hostages are with them.¡±


    As the technicians scrambled to trace the signal more precisely, the door burst open. Ryan and Xavier rushed in, faces grim.


    ¡°Boss,¡± Ryan said. ¡°Zach¡¯s gone too.¡±

 Treatment 70

    <b>Chapter </b><b>70 </b>


    :


    Ryan and Xavier burst through the door, faces grim.


    ¡°Boss, Ryan said, breathing hard. ¡°Zach¡¯s gone too. He went with that Connor guy to check out the mining operation.¡±


    93


    My jaw tightened. The situation was worse than I¡¯d thought¨Cboth Connor and Zach inn¡¯s hands. My first instinct was to call Ethan Haxton, but I dismissed the thought immediately. This wasn¡¯t the


    time for phone calls and exnations.


    ¡°These idiots can¡¯t track worth shit,¡± I muttered, scanning the room for the most capable technician.


    <b>I </b>spotted a pale, heavyset man with a thin beard hammering away at a keyboard, muttering in Russian. Without hesitation, I walked straight, to his station, grabbed him by the cor of his tactical


    shirt, and physically lifted him from his chair.


    ¡°What the fuck-¡± he started in heavily ented English.


    <i>¡°</i><i>§Ùamk§ßuc§î</i>,¡± I snapped in perfect Russian. <i>Shut </i><i>up</i>. I slid into his seat, eyes already scanning the


    screens. ¡°I need ess to your tracking system.¡±


    The tech operator¡¯s face flushed crimson. ¡°You crazy bitch, you can¡¯t just¡ª¡±


    ¡°I said shut up,¡± I repeated in English this time, fingers already flying across his keyboard. ¡°Your


    encryption is shit, by the way.¡±


    Two security personnel moved toward me, but Ryan and Xavier stepped between us. The room¡¯s temperature seemed to drop ten degrees as everyone realized we were seconds away from a physical


    confrontation.


    ¡®Do you people have any idea what you¡¯re doing?¡± The monitoring station chief stormed over, face purple with rage. ¡°You¡¯re in Transcendent Military Alliance territory. You don¡¯t give orders here.¡±


    I didn¡¯t bother looking up from the screen. ¡°Your men are missing. I¡¯m finding them.¡±


    ¡°If anything happens to Mr. Haxton¡¯s assistant because you interfered with our rescue protocols, yourbined lives won¡¯t be worth enough topensate,¡± he snarled.


    The man who¡¯d brought me shuffled nervously. He knew my skills but weren¡¯t sure if backing me against their own organization was the right y.


    <b>8:00 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± he said cautiously, ¡°maybe we should-¡±


    ¡°Got him,¡± I announced, cutting through the tension. The main screen lit up with a pulsing dot.


    ¡°Connor Haxton is in the trunk of an SUV heading north on Highway 17.¡±


    The tech whose seat I¡¯d stolen gaped at me. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. We¡¯ve been trying to <b>locate </b><b>that </b>


    signal for almost an hour.¡±


    ¡°You were doing it wrong,¡± I said simply, already typing again. ¡°Send three teams to these coordinates. And make sure my guy is safe.¡±


    ¡°Your guy?¡± the station chief said incredulously.


    ¡°Zach. If he¡¯s hurt, someone¡¯s going to pay.¡±


    <b>93 </b>


    Nobody noticed the tall figure who had silently entered the monitoring center and was now standing at the back of the room, watching the scene unfold with calcting green eyes. But I felt his presence immediately¡ªa subtle shift in the room¡¯s energy that my heightened senses couldn¡¯t <b>miss</b>.


    Ethan Haxton had arrived.


    I didn¡¯t acknowledge him. Instead, I focused on bypassing Ian¡¯s phone security, my fingers dancing


    across the keyboard in a blur. The room fell silent except for the click of keys and my asional


    mutteredmand.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± breathed one of the techs, watching over my shoulder. ¡°Are you actually¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m hacking his phone remotely,¡± I confirmed. ¡°And yes, I¡¯m nting a monitoring virus despite his signal jammers. And yes, it¡¯s technically impossible, and yes, I¡¯m doing it anyway.¡±


    On the main screen, a call interface appeared¨CIan¡¯s phone connecting to someone listed only as ¡®A.¡®


    ¡°Put it on speaker,¡± I ordered, and someoneplied.


    A panicked voice filled the room: ¡°-following us! How the fuck did Transcendent find us? You said


    this was clean!¡±


    ¡°Calm down,¡± camen¡¯s measured reply. ¡°They must have better tracking than we anticipated.¡±


    ¡°This wasn¡¯t <b>the </b>deal! Where¡¯s Dr. ckwell? I need their skills now more than ever if Transcendent


    <b>is </bing after us.¡±


    <b>8:00 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    :


    The station chief frowned. ¡°Dr. ckwell? The micro¨Csurgeon?¡±


    I nodded, the pieces clicking into ce. The Apex Tactical leader needed the surgeon to repair his hands¨Cthe hands I¡¯d deliberately mangled.


    ¡°She¡¯s being brought in tomorrow,¡± Ian replied. ¡°But first we need leverage against Haxton. His


    assistant will provide that.¡±


    ¡°I see a helicopter!¡± the Apex leader suddenly shouted. ¡°Fuck, they¡¯re-¡±


    The call disconnected abruptly.


    From the back of the room, Ethan¡¯s voice cut through the silence. ¡°How long until our teams intercept?¡±


    ¡°Three minutes to visual contact,¡± a tech reported, seemingly relieved that someone with actual


    authority had arrived.


    I didn¡¯t turn around. Instead, I refocused on Ian¡¯s phone, bypassing his security again. This time, I


    wasn¡¯t just listening¨CI was taking control.


    On my screen, a connection established. I hit the speaker button.


    ¡°Who is this?¡± Ian¡¯s voice was cold, controlled. ¡°How did you ess this number?¡±


    *H<i>, </i><i>pendejo</i>,¡± I replied in wless Spanish, my voice dripping with contempt. ¡°You targeted the wrong people. That camp you hitst month? I¡¯m the one who blew it up.¡±


    A sharp intake of breath from Ian. ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡±


    ¡°Am <b>I</b>? When Night had you pinned down in Southeast Asia,¡± I continued, ¡°he should¡¯ve taken both your eyes instead of just scarring one.¡±


    I turned then<b>, </b>meeting Ethan¡¯s stare directly. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes burned with intensity. For a moment, I worried I¡¯d revealed too much¨Cbut who would believe in a soul¡¯s rebirth? They¡¯d assume I was connected to Shadow¡¯swork, not that I was Shadow herself.


    ¡°We have visual on the target vehicle,¡± a tech announced. ¡°Helicopter in position.¡±


    <b>93 </b>


    On the main screen, thermal imaging showed an SUV racing down a remote road. A ck helicopter swooped into view, spotlight illuminating the vehicle.


    8:00 Fri, Sep 19


    ¡°Take the shot,¡± I ordered. ¡°Disable the vehicle.¡±


    0:0


    No one moved for a beat, all eyes turning to Ethan. He gave a single nod.


    ¡°Fire authorized,¡± the station chief confirmed.


    ??


    <b>93 </b>


    On screen, a missile streaked from the helicopter, striking the road directly in front of the SUV. The vehicle swerved violently, then flipped, rolling several times beforeing to rest on its roof.


    ¡°Recovery team moving in,¡± someone reported. ¡°Two heat signatures still active in the vehicle. One


    in the trunk.¡±


    I nodded, satisfied. ¡°Bring Ian back alive. I want him to understand exactly who he¡¯s dealing with.¡±


    1


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 Treatment 71

    <b>Chapter </b><b>71 </b>


    :.


    <b>80 </b>


    Ian looked like hell. Blood crusted over half his shaved head, hisbat fatigues torn and filthy as


    the Transcendent Military Alliance guards dragged him into the concrete room. They threw him


    unceremoniously onto the floor in front of me and Ethan Haxton. The Apex Tactical Group leader followed,nding beside him with a pathetic whimper that echoed in the sparse interrogation chamber. Both men were bound tightly, industrial zip ties cutting into their wrists until thin lines of


    blood trickled down their fingers.


    When Ian tried to struggle to his feet, one of the guards kicked him squarely in the ribs, sending him back down to his knees with a grunt of pain. I couldn¡¯t help but smile, enjoying the role reversal. Earlier, he¡¯d been the one giving orders, threatening Connor and Zach. Now he knelt before me, broken and bleeding.


    Ethan stood silently beside me, his expression unreadable. His green eyes calcted everything, missing nothing as he observed the scene with the detached interest of a chess master watching pieces being removed from the board.


    Ian¡¯s eyes widened when they finally focused on me. Recognition flickered across his scarred face,


    followed quickly by confusion that morphed into disbelief.


    ¡°You?¡± he croaked, voice rough from the zip tie that had been around his throat during transport. ¡°Who the fuck are you really?¡±


    I crouched down to his level, meeting his gaze directly. The room smelled of sweat, blood, and fear-


    a familiar cocktail from my previous life.


    Ian¡¯s remaining eye narrowed, the pupil constricting with shock. ¡°What¡¯s the rtionship between you and that Ameri¡­¡±


    I moved faster than anyone expected, grabbing his throat with one hand, squeezing just enough to cut off his words but not his air. My fingers found pressure points with practiced precision.


    <i>¡°</i><i>La </i>persona <i>que </i>hizo <i>explotar </i><i>tu </i><i>campamento</i>.¡± The person who blew up your camp. My Spanish was wless, the same dialect he¡¯d used when giving orders to his men.


    ¡°Behind Ian<b>, </b>the Apex leader watched our exchange with growing horror. Sweat beaded on his forehead as his eyes darted between me and the exit. He¡¯d already seen what I could do with my bare hands¨Cto his own hands, specifically. The memory of me precisely severing the tendons in his wrists must have been fresh in his mind, judging by how his useless hands trembled despite the restraints<b>.</b>¡±


    <b>10:19 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>


    <b>The </b><b>door </b>mmed open <b>as </b>Ryan <b>strode </b>into the room, his expression grim. His tactical vest was sttered with what looked like blood, and his knuckles were raw.


    880


    ¡°<b>Boss</b><b>,</b><b>¡± </b><b>he </b>said<b>, </b>addressing me directly despite Ethan¡¯s presence. ¡°They brought Zach in. Both his <b>legs </b>


    are broken.¡±


    My expression cooled instantly, warmth draining from my face like water down a drain<b>. </b><b>I </b>released Ian¡¯s throat with deliberate slowness and turned my attention to the Apex leader, whose face had gone ashen at Ryan¡¯s report.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me,¡± he blurted, words tumbling out in panic. ¡°I swear to God, it was Ian¡¯s idea<b>. </b>I didn¡¯t touch your man. I was just there for the doctor¨Cfor Dr. ckwell. Please, you have to believe me<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    Ethan reached inside his tailored jacket and pulled out a sleek ck handgun. The movement was casual, almost elegant. He offered it to me, grip first, his eyes never leaving the two prisoners.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t get your hands dirty,¡± he said quietly, the first words he¡¯d spoken since we entered the


    <b>room</b><b>. </b>


    I took the weapon, feeling its perfect bnce. German engineering at its finest¨Clikely a custom piece worth more than most cars.


    ¡°Cut him loose,¡± I said, nodding toward the Apex leader.


    The guards looked to Ethan, their true allegiance clear. He gave a slight nod, and they moved forward, producing tactical knives that sliced through the zip ties binding the Apex leader¡¯s wrists and ankles.


    The moment he was free, desperation took over. He scrambled up, adrenaline momentarily overriding the pain of his mangled hands. He bolted for the door, stumbling and frantic.


    I raised the gun and fired twice in rapid session. Two precise shots, one through each thigh. The sound echoed in the concrete room like thunder as he copsed with a howl of pain, writhing on the floor <b>just </b>short of <b>the </b>exit. Blood immediately began pooling beneath him, dark against the gray


    concrete,


    ¡°Not lethal,¡± I noted clinically. ¡°But you won¡¯t be running anywhere for a while.¡±


    I walked over to him calmly, my boots leaving faint red prints from where I¡¯d stepped through his blood. <b>I </b>crouched down beside his trembling form. His eyes were wide with terror as he clutched <b>at </b>his bleeding legs.


    <b>2/4 </b>


    <b>10:19 </b><b>Sat</b>, Sep <b>20 </b>


    ¡­


    ¡°You wanted Dr. ckwell to fix your hands,¡± I said softly, almost intimately. ¡°Well, here I am.¡±


    Understanding dawned on his face, followed byplete despair. He stopped struggling, his body going limp as the fight drained out of him.


    I stood, addressing Ryan without looking away from the bleeding man. ¡°Find a doctor. Keep them both alive. Zach gets to decide what happens to them when he¡¯s back on his feet.¡±


    Ryan nodded, already on his phone.


    ¡°Just alive?¡± he asked, a slight gleam in his eye.


    <b>80 </b>


    ¡°The pulse stays. Everything else is negotiable.¡± I looked back at Ian, who was watching the exchange with new understanding¨Cand fear.


    Ryan¡¯s smile was cold. ¡°Understood, boss.¡±


    As the guards dragged both men away, leaving smears of blood on the concrete, Ethan came to stand beside me. His cologne¨Csomething expensive and understated¨Ctemporarily masked the metallic


    scent of blood.


    ¡°Nice shooting,¡± hemented, hands in his pockets. ¡°Double tap, both non¨Clethal but incapacitating. Military training?¡±


    I checked the safety and held the gun out to him. ¡°Nice gun. German precision.¡±


    ¡°Keep it if you like it.¡± He made no move to take it back.


    <b>I </b>considered the offer, then tucked the weapon into my waistband. ¡°I do like German engineering.¡±


    We walked together toward the exit, our footsteps echoing on the concrete.


    ¡°You came back fast,¡± I said, ncing at him. ¡°But you didn¡¯t help.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s lips quirked upward. ¡°You seemed to have things well in hand. I¡¯ve learned to recognize when my intervention would be¡­ superfluous.¡±


    ¡°Connor is important to you,¡± I noted. ¡°Your right¨Chand man.¡±


    ¡°He is.¡± Something in his tone suggested there was more to the rtionship than mere business.


    10:19 <b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>


    ¡°And Zach is important to me.¡±


    Ethan studied me for a long moment. ¡°I understand debts, Miss Morgan. I pay mine.¡±


    I stopped walking, turning to face him directly. ¡°Even a drop of kindness deserves a flood in return,


    let alone an entire life.¡±


    <b>80 </b>


    His green eyes held mine, searching. ¡°What does Miss Morgan want? If it¡¯s within my power<b>, </b>consider


    it yours.¡±


    Chapter Comments


    ? 2

 Treatment 72

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>72 </b>


    ¡­


    The hospital room reeked of antiseptic and cheap floor cleaner. Zachy in the bed, both legs encased in thick white casts, looking more pissed off than in pain when I walked in with Ryan and Xavier.


    80


    ¡°Well, look who decided to grace us with his presence,¡± I said, approaching his bed. ¡°How¡¯s it feel to be the dumbass who got his legs broken because he couldn¡¯t follow simple instructions<b>?</b>¡±


    Zach¡¯s face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and anger. ¡°Fuck off. It wasn¡¯t my fault.¡±


    ¡°Ryan specifically told you to keep a low profile in someone else¡¯s territory,¡± I reminded him. ¡°Instead, you went joy¨Criding with Connor Haxton into a mining area crawling with hostile forces.¡±


    Ryan crossed his arms. ¡°Told you she¡¯d be pissed.¡±


    I leaned closer to Zach, studying his casts. ¡°How bad is the pain?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Zach grunted, his jaw tight enough to crack walnuts. The sheen of sweat on his forehead told a different story.


    ¡°Bullshit.¡± I turned to Ryan and Xavier. ¡°Take his pants off.¡±


    Zach¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What the fuck? No!¡±


    ¡°Do it,¡± I ordered, ignoring his protests.


    Ryan and Xavier exchanged amused nces before moving to either side of the bed. Despite Zach¡¯s increasingly colorful profanity and attempts to fight them off, they efficiently stripped him down to


    his boxers<b>. </b>


    ¡°This is fucking assault!¡± Zach bellowed, his face crimson with rage and humiliation. ¡°I¡¯ll kill both of


    you<b>!</b>¡±


    I pulled out an elegant leather medical case from my bag and ced it on the bedside table. Opening it revealed several thin needles and small vials of clear liquid.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Zach asked, his anger giving way to apprehension.


    I filled a syringe with precise amounts from two different vials. ¡°Trigger point injections. The fractures aren¡¯t just causing bone pain¨Cthey¡¯re creating muscle spasms that are making everything


    <b>10:19 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>


    worse.¡±


    Just as I prepared to administer the first injection, the door opened. Ethan Haxton stepped into the room, his eyes immediately drawn to the medical scene unfolding before him.


    <b>80 </b>


    I ignored his presence, focusing on locating the precise spots in Zach¡¯s thigh muscle. With practiced precision, I inserted the needle and delivered the medication.


    ¡°Our boss knows medical stuff,¡± Ryan said quietly to Xavier, though loud enough for everyone to


    hear. ¡°Reminds me of our formermander-¡± He stopped abruptly when he noticed Ethan standing


    by the door, his expression carefully nk.


    I administered five more injections in different muscle groups around Zach¡¯s legs<b>, </b>working with


    clinical efficiency. When I finished and stepped back, Zach¡¯s expression had transformed from pain


    to astonishment.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± he breathed, tentatively shifting his position. ¡°The pain is¡­ it¡¯s like eighty percent gone.


    What the hell was in that?¡±


    ¡°Custom blend of muscle rxants and neural blockers,¡± I exined, packing up my medical kit. ¡°I


    developed it myself. It targets both muscle and nerve pain simultaneously without the mental fog of


    opioids.¡±


    Zach stared at me with newfound respect, then his eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°You know, you look different. Thinner. Actually kind of hot now.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the objectification,¡± I said dryly. I turned to Ethan, who¡¯d been watching the entire


    procedure with undisguised interest. ¡°Have you visited your assistant yet?¡±


    ¡°Connor is fine,¡± Ethan replied smoothly. ¡°A few cuts and bruises.¡±


    ¡°I could do the same pain management for him,¡± I offered, gesturing to my medical kit.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. He¡¯s not in pain.¡± The finality in Ethan¡¯s tone suggested the subject was


    closed.


    ¡°When can I get the hell out of here?¡± Zach demanded, attempting to sit up straighter.


    ¡°Now<b>, </b>if you want,¡± I told him. ¡°Those injections willst about twelve hours. Long enough to get you back to base and settled in.¡±


    10:19 <b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>


    ¡­


    ? ? ? 80 )


    ¡°I want to see Connor,¡± I said to Ethan as we left Zach¡¯s room.


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary,¡± Ethan replied, his tone brooking no argument. ¡°As I said, his injuries were


    minor.¡±


    I studied his face for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Back at the Transcendent Military Alliance base, Zach¡¯s eyes widened as he wheeled himself into the temporary quarters we¡¯d been assigned. Crates of advanced weaponry lined the walls¨Cassault rifles, precision sniper systems, and tactical gear worth millions.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± he breathed, rolling toward the nearest crate. ¡°Is this all for us?¡±


    Xavier grinned, tossing Zach a Desert Eagle handgun. ¡°Compensation for your broken legs<b>, </b>courtesy


    of the TMA.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s at least two million in hardware here,¡± Zach said, examining the weapon with appreciation.


    ¡°Ethan Haxton pays his debts,¡± Xavier confirmed, running his hand over a Barrett sniper rifle.


    My phone chimed with an email notification. I scanned the message, then looked up at the others. ¡°Princeton University. First¨Cyear orientation starts in two weeks.¡±


    ¡°When are you heading back to the States?<b>¡± </b>I asked Ethanter that day, finding him reviewing security footage in themand center.


    ¡°Soon,¡± he replied without looking up. ¡°I¡¯ve been in Venezu longer than usual this year.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving with you, then,¡± I said. ¡°I have to get back for school.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a fucking student?¡± Ryan looked at me like I¡¯d grown a second head. ¡°Like, an actual college


    student?¡±


    We were gathered in the Titan Defense base camp. I¡¯d called everyone together to exin my imminent departure.


    ¡°Princeton,¡± I confirmed. ¡°SAT score of 1400.¡±


    10:19 <b>Sat</b>, Sep 20


    :


    ¡°Only 1400?¡± Zach seemed genuinely shocked. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you get a perfect score?¡±


    ¡°I skipped the writing section,¡± I said with a shrug. ¡°Didn¡¯t need it.¡±


    (80 )


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Zach said, shaking his head. ¡°Why the hell would someone like you waste time


    with college?¡±


    ¡°To experience the sunshine life,¡± I replied, using the mercenary ng for civilian existence. ¡°I have


    unfinished business back home.¡±


    The next day, I met with Ryan and Xavier in the Titan Defensepound. ¡°I¡¯m leaving you two in


    charge while I¡¯m gone. Keep expanding our operations, but stay within the parameters I¡¯ve


    established.¡±


    ¡°Want toe get educated, Zach?¡± I asked, half¨Cjoking.


    ¡°Fuck that,¡± he snorted from his wheelchair. ¡°I barely finished high school.¡±


    ¡°If any of you are in New York, look me up,¡± I told them. ¡°Just be discreet.¡±


    1


    As I walked away, I heard Ryan murmur to Xavier, ¡°Can you imagine her in a ssroom? Those poor


    college kids have no idea who¡¯s sitting next to them.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s response was even quieter. ¡°I¡¯m more concerned about who might go after her there. College campuses aren¡¯t exactly secure.¡±


    I smiled to myself. They weren¡¯t wrong.


    By the time I left Venezu, I still hadn¡¯t seen Connor Haxton. Given what I¡¯d observed of his ¡°minor injuries¡± through the security system I¡¯d hacked, Ethan¡¯s description had been a significant understatement. But that was a conversation for another time.


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 Treatment 73

    <b>Chapter </b><b>73 </b>


    :


    Themercial flight from Venezu to New York felt like crossing between worlds. One minute I wasmanding mercenaries in South America, the next I was heading back to my civilian life. Ethan had offered his private jet, but I¡¯d declined¨Cpartly because I didn¡¯t want to owe him more than I already did, and partly because arriving home on a billionaire¡¯s ne would raise too many questions.


    As the ne began its descent into JFK, I mentally switched gears from Shadow, the deadliest


    assassin alive, to Jade Morgan, Princeton¨Cbound student.


    <b>80 </b>


    The terminal was packed when I stepped off the jetway. I adjusted my dark sunsses¨CEthan¡¯s parting gift¡ªand made my way toward the exits. I caught glimpses of my reflection in the ss


    dividers. The change was still startling sometimes. When I¡¯d left Cloud City months ago, I¡¯d been slightly overweight. Now, after rigorous training, I was lean and toned with cheekbones I didn¡¯t know I possessed.


    The arrivals hall was a sea of expectant faces. I scanned the crowd and saw Max near the front,


    clutching a small bouquet of flowers, checking his watch nervously. He looked different¨Ctaller, his face less rounded. His left leg was still braced, but he was putting more weight on it than before.


    I approached him directly. He didn¡¯t recognize me yet, his eyes scanning the faces behind me. When


    I reached for the flowers, his hand jerked back reflexively.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, pushing his sses up. ¡°These are for my sister.¡±


    I removed my sunsses, watching his expression transform from polite caution to absolute shock.


    ¡°Jade¡­?¡± he whispered, staring at me like I was an apparition. ¡°Is that really you?¡±


    ¡°Hey, genius,¡± I said, a genuine smile breaking through. ¡°Miss me?¡±


    Max continued to gape. ¡°Holy shit. What happened to you? You look¡­ you look¡­¡°


    ¡°Different?¡± I offered.


    ¡°Amazing,¡± he breathed. ¡°Like,pletely different. If you hadn¡¯t spoken, I wouldn¡¯t have recognized


    you at all.¡±


    I took the flowers from his still¨Cstunned grip. ¡°Thanks for these.¡±


    10:19 <b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>20


    Max stepped forward for a hug, which I allowed, briefly wrapping one arm around his shoulders. ¡°You¡¯re crushing the flowers,¡± I said after a moment.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, stepping back with a sheepish grin. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ wow, Jade. Did you have surgery or something?¡±


    ¡°Just diet and exercise,¡± I replied. ¡°Turns out European food agrees with me.¡±


    A deep voice cut through our reunion. ¡°I believe these are yours, Miss Morgan.¡±


    Max¡¯s head whipped around as Ethan Haxton approached, carrying my small duffel bag. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, his blond hair immactely styled. Security personnel maintained a discreet distance behind him.


    80


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Max whispered, suddenly tense.


    ¡°Ethan Haxton,¡± I said, keeping my voice neutral. ¡°We met while I was traveling.¡±


    Max¡¯s eyes widened as Ethan extended his hand.


    ¡°You must be Max,¡± Ethan said, his voice warm and confident. ¡°Your sister has mentioned you.¡±


    Max hesitantly shook Ethan¡¯s hand. ¡°Nice to meet you, sir.¡±


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind my apanying Jade home,¡± Ethan continued smoothly. ¡°I had business in New York anyway.¡±


    ¡°Ethan and I crossed paths in Europe,¡± I exined to Max. ¡°Cultural immersion trip.¡±


    ¡°My flight to the city isn¡¯t for a few hours,¡± Ethan said. ¡°Perhaps I could join you? I¡¯d love to see where you live.¡±


    ¡°Our ce isn¡¯t really set up for visitors,¡± I said firmly. ¡°Especially not of your¡­ caliber. I can rmend the Grand za Hotel downtown.¡±


    Disappointment flickered across Ethan¡¯s face before hisposure returned. ¡°Of course. Perhaps another time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in touch,¡± he said quietly, before walking away.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Max whispered once Ethan was out of earshot. ¡°Who the hell was that? He looks way


    ?


    more important than the mayor. Those guys following him were definitely security. How do you know someone like that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± I replied. ¡°Let¡¯s get a cab.¡±


    80


    In the taxi, Max couldn¡¯t stop staring at me.


    ¡°Seriously, Jade, you need to tell me everything. You left looking like¡­ well, you know¡­ and you


    Max reached into his pocket and pulled out a small gift box. ¡°I got you something. It¡¯s not much,


    but¡­¡±


    Inside was a vintage¨Clooking wristwatch with a dark green face.


    ¡°I saved up from my summer tutoring jobs,¡± Max exined. ¡°But now that I see you¡­ I mean, it


    probably doesn¡¯t match your new style.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect,¡± I said, slipping it onto my wrist. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Really? You like it?¡±


    ¡°I love it.¡± And I meant it. Coming from Max, this meant more than all of Ethan¡¯s expensive gifts


    The taxi hit a pothole, and I noticed Max wince slightly.


    ¡°How¡¯s the leg?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Better,¡± he said, straightening proudly. ¡°Physical therapy¡¯s been helping a lot. And I grew two


    inches!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Emily got into Princeton. Left for early orientationst week. Mom hasn¡¯t stopped bragging


    about it.¡±


    The taxi turned onto our street. Our house looked different¨Cfreshly painted, with a new fence and gate.


    10:20 Sat<b>, </b>Sep <b>20 </b>


    ¡­


    ¡°Mom got the ce fixed up with Emily¡¯s academic achievement money,¡± Max exined.


    (80


    As we pulled up, I spotted Linda chatting with a neighbor, gesturing animatedly. When she noticed the taxi, she paused mid¨Csentence, her eyes narrowing with curiosity.


    Max paid the driver while I stepped out. Linda approached, her eyes widening appreciatively at my appearance. She immediately switched on her charm, smoothing her blouse and fixing a dazzling


    smile on her face.


    ¡°Well, hello there!¡± she said with exaggerated warmth, ncing between me and the taxi we¡¯d arrived in. ¡°I¡¯m Linda Morgan, Max¡¯s mother. We¡¯re always delighted to meet Max¡¯s¡­ friends.¡±


    She extended her hand eagerly, her eyes rapidly taking in my designer sunsses, toned figure, and confident posture. I could practically see her calcting the potential social value I represented.


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    <b>10:20 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>

 Treatment 74

    <b>Chapter </b>74


    Max shifted ufortably beside me. ¡°Mom, this is Jade.¡±


    Linda¡¯s smile remained frozen as she processed the information, her eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°Jade


    who, sweetie?¡±


    ¡°Jade Morgan,¡± Max sighed. ¡°Your daughter.¡±


    The transformation on Linda¡¯s face was almostical. Her jaw went ck, eyes widening to the


    size of quarters as she stared at me. ¡°Jade? My Jade?¡± Her gaze traveled from my face down to my


    toned physique and back up again. ¡°Is that really you?¡±


    ¡°Hello.¡± I said tly.


    <b>80 </b>


    ¡°Oh my God!¡± She squealed, throwing her arms around me in an awkward hug I didn¡¯t return. ¡°Look at you! You¡¯re absolutely gorgeous! Come in,e in!¡± She grabbed my arm, practically dragging me


    toward the house. ¡°Frank! FRANK! You won¡¯t believe who¡¯s home!¡±


    As we entered the newly painted living room, I noticed the fresh furniture and decorations. Max had mentioned Emily¡¯s academic achievement money being used to fix up the ce. Linda couldn¡¯t stop staring at me, circling like a shark scenting blood in the water.


    ¡°You look amazing,¡± she gushed, touching my hair. ¡°What happened in Europe? A special diet? Some kind of treatment? I always told you that losing weight would make such a difference, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    I gently moved out of her reach. ¡°Just exercise and healthy eating.¡±


    ¡°Well, it certainly worked wonders.¡± She plopped down on the sofa, patting the spot beside her. ¡®Come, sit with me. Tell me everything about your trip. Did you meet anyone¡­ special?¡± Her


    emphasis on thest word was about as subtle as a sledgehammer,


    ¡°I was on a cultural immersion trip. Not looking for dates.¡±


    ¡°But surely with your new looks, you must have had men falling at your feet!¡± She leaned forward conspiratorially. ¡°A pretty girl like you in Europe? I bet you met all sorts of wealthy businessmen. Anyone special I should know about?¡±


    Max rolled his eyes. ¡°Mom<b>, </b>seriously<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°What?¡± Linda feigned innocence. ¡°I¡¯m just saying, you look like a model now. Not that you weren¡¯t


    <b>10:20 </b><b>Sat</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>


    :


    <b>80 </b>


    pretty before, of course, but now¡­ my goodness! You could find yourself a rich husband in no time. A girl with your looks could have her pick of millionaires.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to Princeton<b>, </b>not husband¨Chunting,¡± I replied coldly.


    ¡°Of course, of course. Education first,¡± Linda nodded, though her eyes said otherwise. ¡°But there¡¯s nothing wrong with keeping your options open. Not every girl is lucky enough to have your beauty, darling. It would be a shame to waste it.¡±


    The front door opened, and Frank Morgan walked in, still in his work clothes. He stopped dead when


    he saw me, his tired eyes widening in surprise.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± he asked, looking between Linda and Max.


    ¡°It¡¯s Jade,¡± Max exined again.


    ¡°Jade?¡± Frank blinked several times. ¡°Our Jade?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Frank, our daughter,¡± Linda said impatiently. ¡°Doesn¡¯t she look amazing?¡±


    Frank approached slowly, as if afraid I might disappear. ¡°I almost didn¡¯t recognize you.¡± He smiled genuinely. ¡°Wee home, kiddo.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I said, offering him a small smile.


    ¡°You won¡¯t believe what happened,¡± Frank said, his voice animated for once. ¡°Mayor Huxley gave me a job at the city parks department. Better hours, better pay. Linda doesn¡¯t even have to work at the


    factory anymore.¡±


    Linda preened. ¡°Felix has been very generous to our family.¡±


    ¡°Because of you<b>, </b>Jade,¡± Frank continued.


    ¡°<b>Oh</b>, and Emily got into Princeton,¡± Frank added proudly. ¡°She¡¯s already gone for some pre¨Cfreshman


    program.¡±


    ¡°Max told me,¡± I replied.


    Linda pped her hands. ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch! I¡¯ve prepared all your favorites.¡± She hadn¡¯t<b>, </b>of course- she had no idea what my favorites were¨Cbut I didn¡¯t bother correcting her.


    <b>Sat</b><b>, </b>


    <b>80 </b>


    During lunch, Linda couldn¡¯t stop talking, filling me in on neighborhood gossip I couldn¡¯t care less about. Then, as if casually changing subjects<b>, </b>she said, ¡°Remember when Dr. Thornton visited us<b>? </b>You know, <b>the </b>Princeton University president?¡±


    I nodded, taking a bite of sd.


    ¡°He mentioned something about giving you an apartment in New York as part of your schrship package. Isn¡¯t that generous of him?¡±


    ¡°Very,¡± I agreed.


    ¡°I was thinking,¡± Linda leaned forward, ¡°it might be best if we put that apartment in my name. For tax purposes, you understand. I¡¯m the adult, after all.¡±


    I met her gaze evenly. ¡°Why would it need to be in your name?¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re still a minor, and these things can getplicated.¡± Her smile tightened. ¡°Writing it in my name is practically the same as writing it in yours. We¡¯re family.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s the same, then it can stay in my name,¡± I replied.


    Linda¡¯s smile faltered. ¡°Jade, dear, you don¡¯t understand how these things work-¡±


    ¡°<b>I </b>understand perfectly.¡±


    Linda nced at Frank for support, but he suddenly became very interested in his mashed potatoes. She quickly shifted tactics.


    ¡°Maybe we could put it in Max¡¯s name then,¡± she suggested brightly. ¡°A young man needs a good start in life, and girls eventually get married anyway, right?¡±


    Max nearly choked on his drink. ¡°Mom, what are you talking about? That¡¯s Jade¡¯s apartment.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just thinking of the family,¡± Linda insisted. ¡°What if Jade drops out? Or decides to transfer? Max could take over-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Jade¡¯s,¡± Frank said firmly, surprising us all. ¡°If Principal Thornton wants to give her an apartment, it belongs to her.¡±


    Linda¡¯s smile turned brittle. ¡°Of course<b>, </b>I¡¯m just trying to be practical.¡±


    10:20 <b>Sat</b><b>, </b>Sep 20


    :.


    ?? ?80


    I took out my phone and scrolled through my contacts. ¡°I should call Principal Thornton back anyway. He¡¯s called me several times.¡±


    Linda perked up. ¡°Yes<b>, </b>good idea!¡±


    I dialed the number, putting it on speaker. When Thornton answered, I said, ¡°Principal Thornton, it¡¯s Jade Morgan. I¡¯m returning your call about the apartment.¡±


    ¡°Jade! Wonderful to hear from you. Yes, the paperwork is almost ready. I just need your approval on


    a few details.¡±


    ¡°I want the deed in my name,¡± I said clearly.


    Linda started to speak, but I silenced her with a look that made her physically recoil.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Thornton replied. ¡°That was always the n. It¡¯s your gift, after all.¡±


    ¡°Perfect. Thank you.¡±


    After hanging up, I turned to Linda. ¡°Felix Huxley gave you money for my academic excellence schrship, didn¡¯t he? I want it.¡±


    Linda¡¯s face went pale. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mom,¡± Max warned, ¡°don¡¯t lie to her.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ he¡­¡±


    ¡°How much?¡± I asked.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t much, really-¡±


    ¡°<b>I </b>can call Felix and ask him directly,¡± I said, already scrolling through my phone again,


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 75

    <b>Chapter </b><b>75 </b>


    <b>80 </b>


    Linda¡¯s face paled as I scrolled through my contacts, finger hovering over Felix Huxley¡¯s name.


    ¡°Wait!¡± She held up her hands in surrender. ¡°Fine. Yes, Felix gave us some money.¡±


    I lowered my phone but kept it in hand¨Ca silent threat. ¡°How much exactly?¡±


    ¡°A hundred thousand dors,¡± she admitted reluctantly. ¡°For your academic achievements. The mayor presented it himself.¡±


    Max¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°A hundred thousand?¡±


    Linda nced between Max and me, clearly weighing her options. The money was meant to fund my education, but with Princeton offering a full schrship, she¡¯d obviously decided to repurpose it.


    ¡°Fine,¡± she muttered, pushing back from the table. ¡°I¡¯ll get it.¡±


    She disappeared upstairs, her footsteps heavy with reluctance. Frank and Max exchanged ufortable nces.


    ¡°Max deserves that money more than you do,¡± Linda announced when she returned, clutching a bank card. ¡°He¡¯s still in high school. You already have everything handed to you.¡±


    I remained expressionless. ¡°The card.¡±


    Linda hesitated, her fingers tightening around the stic. ¡°I¡­ I already used some of it. For the house renovations<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°How much?¡±


    ¡°Just a little. Eight thousand seven hundred dors.¡± She avoided my eyes. ¡°For the repairs, new appliances, and¡­ a few pieces of jewelry,¡±


    I extended my hand. ¡°Give me the card.¡±


    Linda finally surrendered it, her lips pressed into a thin line. I pocketed the card without looking at <ol><li>it. </li></ol>


    ¡°If you want to keep all your limbs functioning into old age,¡± I said quietly, ¡°I suggest you stop treating my things as yours.¡±


    <b>10:20 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>


    ¡­


    Linda nched. Frank choked on his water. Max stared at me<b>, </b>half¨Chorrified, half¨Cimpressed.


    I stood up. ¡°I¡¯m going to my room. Don¡¯t disturb me.¡±


    <b>80 </b>


    Once I was safely behind my closed door, I heard Linda¡¯s voice in the living room: ¡°She¡¯s always been difficult. Not like Emily. Now <i>that¡¯s </i>a daughter who appreciates her mother. Just wait until she gives me her schrship money and that New York apartment.¡±


    By the next morning, I¡¯d made my decision. Linda¡¯s false enthusiasm and constant hovering made


    the house unbearable. I¡¯d leave for Princeton a day early.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving already?¡± Max asked, watching me zip up the small suitcase Ethan had given me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stand another minute of Mom¡¯s sudden ¡®motherly love,¡± I replied, making air quotes.


    ¡°Besides, I should get settled before orientation.¡±


    The suitcase contained only a few outfits Ethan had bought me and myptop. I also had several


    bottles of expensive whiskey from Night that I hadn¡¯t finished.


    ¡°Call me when you get there?¡± Max asked, his voice smaller than usual.


    I paused, looking at my brother¡¯s worried face. ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll miss you,¡± he admitted.


    ¡°You coulde with me,¡± I offered, not for the first time. ¡°Finish your senior year in Princeton.¡±


    Max shook his head stubbornly. ¡°I need to do this my way. Get into Princeton on my own merit.¡±


    ¡°<b>I </b>could arrange-¡±


    ¡°I know you could,¡± he interrupted with a small smile. ¡°That¡¯s what scares me. But I want to earn it myself.¡±


    I nodded, respecting his decision even if I thought it unnecessary. I pulled out the bank card Linda had given me yesterday.


    ¡°Here,¡± I said, handing it to him. ¡°For your expenses this year.¡±


    10:20 <b>Sat</b><b>, </b>Sep 20


    :


    Max tried to refuse, but I closed his fingers around the card. ¡°It¡¯s yours. Use it for whatever you


    need.¡±


    <b>80 </b>


    ¡°But you earned it.¡±


    ¡°And now I¡¯m giving it to you.¡± I squeezed his hand. ¡°Just don¡¯t tell Linda.¡±


    Max hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Will you be okay in Princeton? By yourself?¡±


    The question almost made meugh. If he knew what I¡¯d been doing in Venezu, he wouldn¡¯t worry


    about me living alone in Princeton.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± I assured him. ¡°Remember the guy who came with me at the airportst night?¡±


    ¡°The scary rich guy with the intense eyes?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the one. He has people keeping an eye on things.¡±


    Max didn¡¯t look entirely reassured, but he nodded. ¡°Just¡­ be careful, okay? You¡¯re different now. Not just how you look, but¡­¡± He trailed off, struggling to articte the change he sensed in me.


    ¡°I will,¡± I promised, though I knew I was thest person who needed protection.


    At the airport, I pulled out my phone and dialed Ethan Haxton¡¯s number. He answered on the third


    ring.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± his smooth voice came through. ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m at the Cloud City airport, about to board for Princeton,¡± I said. ¡°Are you back in the city yet?¡±


    ¡°I arrived this morning,¡± he replied. ¡°Do you need me to arrange transportation once yound?¡±


    I nced around the terminal. ¡°Actually, I was wondering about those protection details you had arranged before. Are they still around my house in Cloud City?¡±


    There was a brief pause as Ethan processed what I was really asking. ¡°Yes, they¡¯re still in position,¡± he answered smoothly, though I knew they weren¡¯t. I didn¡¯t need them actually, but it was useful to establish this pretense for family protection.


    10:20 <b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>


    ¡°Good. Then I¡¯ll rest easy knowing my Cloud City family is looked after.¡±


    After we hung up, I smirked slightly. Ethan would undoubtedly send a team to watch over Max and Frank now. Perfect.


    <b>80 </b>


    My phone rang almost immediately. Felix Huxley this time.


    ¡°Jade! I was hoping to coordinate with you,¡± Felix¡¯s jovial voice boomed through the speaker. ¡°Sterling is heading to Princeton this week. I thought perhaps we could all travel together, make it a proper send¨Coff!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m actually at the airport now,¡± I replied. ¡°Boarding soon for Princeton tonight.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m a dayte then,¡± he sounded genuinely disappointed. ¡°Have a safe flight, my dear. We¡¯ll catch up in Princeton.¡±


    As I ended the call, I scanned the terminal once more. I¡¯d sensed eyes on me since arriving in Cloud City. Shadow Organization was watching, as expected after the La Corona event. It was partly why I¡¯d decided to leave early.


    I¡¯d left Transcendent Military Alliance¡¯s protection, and here I had no team. Asking Ethan for


    security was a necessary precaution. I just hoped they wouldn¡¯t target Max or Frank to get to me.


    The boarding announcement came over the loudspeaker. Time to go.


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 Treatment 76

    <b>Chapter </b><b>76 </b>


    <b>The </b>hotel room was pristine but forgettable¨Cneutral tones, standard furnishings, and that <b>peculiar </b>non¨Csmell <b>of </b>industrial cleaning products<b>. </b>I¡¯d chosen to stay here rather than go straight to <b>campus</b>.


    Standing at the window, I gazed at the darkening New Jersey skyline. My phone buzzed with a <b>text </b>from Night: ¡°All clear on surveince<b>. </b>Shadow Organization activity minimal in Princeton area<b>. </b><b>Stay </b>


    alert.¡±


    I replied with a simple thumbs¨Cup emoji. Even Night had adapted to my new cover identity<b>¨C</b><b>careful </bmunication, nothing traceable. The whiskey he¡¯d sent me sat half¨Cempty on the desk<b>, </b>a reminder of who I really was beneath this college student facade.


    Morning came too quickly. I packed my minimal belongings, checked out, and took a cab to campus<b>. </b>The driver dropped me at the main entrance, where Princeton¡¯s imposing gothic architecture rose against the clear blue sky.


    I stood before the ornate wrought¨Ciron gates, momentarily frozen by the weight of what this moment represented. The original Jade Morgan never made it here. In her timeline, high school graduation led straight to the factory floor, standing beside Linda for ten¨Chour shifts until her body broke down. Then a loveless marriage to escape, trading one prison for another.


    Now her life had beenpletely rewritten. I¡¯d given her¨Cgiven us¨Ca different destiny.


    Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my suitcase and walked through the gates into my new reality.


    The campus bustled with orientation activity. Upperssmen in brightly colored T¨Cshirts representing different departments greeted iing freshmen, handing out water bottles and offering to help with luggage. Engineering students in orange shirts were enthusiastically directing neers. English department representatives in purple were reciting Shakespeare while distributing campus maps.


    Then I spotted the Computer Science wee point. Unlike the other stations, the CS upperssmen looked distinctly unenthusiastic. Onenky student slouched in his chair, barely looking up from his phone as he gestured vaguely toward a building.


    ¡°<b>Just </b><b>go </b>straight for three hundred yards, then right for two hundred, then left¡­¡± he mumbled to a confused¨Clooking freshman.


    <b>¡°</b>Come on<b>, </b>Leo,¡± said the student beside him, trying to salvage <b>the </b>situation. ¡°The <b>least </b><b>you </b><b>could </b><b>do </b>


    <b>is </b>walk them there.¡±


    <b>1/4 </b>


    <b>12:31 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>21 M<b>¡­ </b>


    61


    The <b>freshman </b>looked between <b>them </b>hesitantly. ¡°Um<b>, </b>the other departments have upperssmen girls showing people around. Doesn¡¯t Computer Science have any?¡±


    Leo snorted, finally looking up from his phone. ¡°Dude, we barely have twenty female students in <b>the </b>entire CS program. They¡¯re practically treated like royalty around here. You think they¡¯re gonna stand in the sun carrying luggage? Dream on.¡±


    The freshman muttered something under his breath, looking disappointed.


    ¡°You can still switch majors if you want,¡± Leo called after him. ¡°More resources for the rest of <b>us</b><b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    A well¨Cdressed student with perfectly styled hair shot Leo a disapproving look. ¡°Leo, would you


    please try to be professional? You¡¯re representing the department.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, Mr. Student Body President,¡± Leo replied with a mock salute. ¡°Just having a bit of fun,


    Julian.¡±


    I approached their table, pulling my suitcase behind me. ¡°New student check¨Cin. What¡¯s the procedure?¡±


    Leo¡¯s head snapped up so fast I thought he might get whish. His eyes widened as he took me in,


    and in his haste to stand, he knocked into the table, nearly toppling it over. Julian, standing nearby,


    stumbled backward from the impact.


    Without thinking, I reached out and steadied Julian with one hand, my grip firm enough to prevent


    his <b>fall </b>but controlled enough not to hurt him. The movement was pure reflex¨Cquick, precise, and


    betraying years of training.


    Leo stared open¨Cmouthed between Julian and me, while Julian looked at my hand on his shoulder with surprise.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Julian said, straightening his posture. ¡°That was quite a save.¡±


    I withdrew my hand immediately, mentally cursing myself for the slip. ¡°No problem<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    By now, several other CS upperssmen had noticed themotion and were gathering around, their previous indifferencepletely forgotten as they stared at me.


    <b>Leo </b><b>scrambled </b>to check the registration list. ¡°Name?¡± he asked, his voice cracking slightly.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Jade </b>Morgan.¡±


    <b>12:31 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>21 </b>M<b>¡­ </b>


    :


    <b>The </b>effect was immediate. Leo¡¯s eyes bulged<b>, </b>and excited whispers spread among the group.


    <b>61 </b>


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re Jade Morgan?¡± Leo blurted out. ¡°The one who didn¡¯t write the essay part of the SAT but still scored 1400? The one Thornton personally went to recruit?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± I replied coolly.


    Suddenly<b>, </b>every male upperssman was offering to carry my luggage, show me around, get me coffee, or help me find my dorm. Their eagerness was almostical.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need help,¡± <b>I </b>said firmly. ¡°Just tell me the check¨Cin process.¡±


    Julian stepped forward. ¡°I¡¯ll show you to the registration office. It¡¯s on the way to the CS building


    anyway.¡±


    I gave him a slight nod, ignoring the disappointed looks from the others. As we walked away, I could


    hear them still whispering about me.


    *Thank you again for the save back there,¡± Julian said as we walked across the leafy quad. ¡°I¡¯m Julian Sheldon, by the way<b>. </b>Student body president, junior year. <b>If </b>you need anything at all, just let me


    know.¡±


    ¡°Julian!¡±


    We both turned to see a well¨Cdressed young man striding toward us.


    ¡°Edward,¡± Julian acknowledged. ¡°I thought you¡¯d left already.¡±


    ¡°Grandpa wants us both for dinner tonight,¡± Edward said, then noticed me. ¡°Sorry, didn¡¯t mean to


    interrupt.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Julian replied. ¡°Edward, this is Jade Morgan, new CS student. Jade, this is my brother Edward Sheldon.¡±


    Edward gave me a polite nod, which I didn¡¯t return. My attention had shifted to the girl behind him, who was now looking directly at me.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Hi</b><b>, </b><b>Julian</b>!¡± she said with a bright smile. Her voice was sickeningly sweet.


    Julian¡¯s expression cooled noticeably. ¡°Emily.¡±


    12:31 <b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>21 M¡­


    :


    B


    61


    ¡°<b>This </b>is¡­¡± Julian began, turning to <b>me</b><b>, </b>but his words died as Emily finally looked at my face.


    Her expression transformed from practiced charm to utter shock. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, her eyes wide with disbelief.


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 Treatment 77

    <b>Chapter </b><b>77 </b>


    Emily¡¯s <b>face </b>transformed instantly from practiced charm toplete shock when her eyes met mine. Her mouth opened and closed wordlessly, her mask <b>of </b>sweetnesspletely shattered by surprise and what looked like mounting anger. It was almost satisfying to watch her struggle to <b>process </b>my


    new appearance.


    ¡°Emily? Are you okay?¡± Edward asked, clearly noticing her strange reaction.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she managed, quickly forcing her lips into that familiar fake smile I¡¯d seen countless times at home. ¡°Just surprised to see someone from back home.¡±


    Edward nodded and turned to make introductions. ¡°This is a new freshman, Jade Morgan. She¡¯s from Cloud City too, just like you.¡±


    I kept my expression neutral, revealing nothing. I had no interest in acknowledging our connection.


    Julian looked between us with interest. ¡°Do you two know each other?¡±


    Emily hesitated, clearly unsure how to respond. Before she could decide, I spoke first.


    ¡°No,¡± I said coolly, looking past her as if she were a stranger. ¡°Cloud City isrger than it seems.¡±


    Julian frowned slightly. ¡°That¡¯s odd. I thought everyone knew everyone in smaller towns.¡±


    ¡°Not everyone is worth knowing,¡± I replied with a slight shrug before turning to Julian. ¡°Could you show me to my dorm now? I¡¯d like to get settled.¡±


    1


    Julian nodded, seeming impressed by my directness. ¡°Of course. This way.¡±


    As we walked away, I could feel Emily¡¯s eyes boring into my back. I didn¡¯t need to look to know she was furious at being dismissed sopletely.


    Julian chatted enthusiastically as we crossed the quad toward the dormitories. I half¨Clistened, nodding at appropriate intervals while processing the encounter with Emily. Her shocked <b>expression </b><b>had </b>been almostical¨Cworth the three months of rigorous training just for that moment alone.


    ¡°Your building is one of the newer ones,¡± Julian was saying as we approached a red<b>¨C</b>brick <b>structure</b>. <b>¡°</b><b>You¡¯re </b><b>lucky</b>¨Cprivate bathrooms shared between Just four students instead <b>of </b><b>the </b><b>whole </b><b>floor</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>12:31 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>21 </b>M¡­


    ¡°Wonderful,¡± I replied, not caring either way.


    Julian swiped his ID at the entrance and held the door for me. ¡°I¡¯ll take you up to your room, then I need to get back to orientation duties.¡±


    The elevator ride was brief<b>, </b>and soon we were standing outside room <b>312. </b>Julian knocked before using a master key to open the door.


    Three girls looked up as we entered. One was sprawled across what was clearly meant to be my bed, judging by the empty shelves and desk beside it. She had curly blonde hair and designer clothes that probably cost more than what Linda made in a month at the factory.


    ¡°New roommate?¡± she asked Julian with a familiarity that suggested previous acquaintance.


    ¡°Yes, this is Jade Morgan,¡± Julian replied. ¡°Jade, these are your roommates: Megan, Kylie, and Zoe.¡±


    The curly¨Chaired girl¨CMegan¨Cgave me a once¨Cover, her expression shifting from curiosity to thinly veiled hostility. ¡°Well, well, look who¡¯s getting the VIP treatment. I didn¡¯t realize the student body president personally escorted a freshmen to her room.¡±


    Julian¡¯s smile tightened. ¡°Just doing my job, Megan.¡±


    ¡°Sure you are,¡± she drawled, sitting up but making no move to vacate the bed. ¡°I thought you¡¯d be too <b>busy </b>to y personal escort.¡±


    I set my suitcase down with a deliberate thud. ¡°That¡¯s my bed you¡¯re on.¡±


    Megan¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Oh, this one? Sorry, honey, I switched. That one-¡± she pointed to a bed in the corner near a heating vent ¡°-is yours now. The pipe makes this annoying ticking sound all night, so I figured I¡¯d save myself the trouble.¡±


    The other two girls exchanged nervous nces but said nothing.


    I stepped forward, my movement fluid and controlled. ¡°Get <b>off </b>my bed.¡±


    Meganughed, looking to her friends for support. ¡°Excuse me? I don¡¯t think you understand how things work here. I-¡±


    I grabbed her wrist and pulled her upright with enough force to make her gasp but not <b>enough </b>to <b>bruise</b>¨Cnot yet, anyway. With my other hand, I shoved her Louis Vuitton suitcase <b>off </b><b>the </b>bed, sending it skidding <b>across </b>the floor.


    <b>12:32 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>21 M


    ¡°<b>Hey</b><b>!</b><b>¡± </b><b>she </b>shrieked<b>, </b>trying to wrench her arm away. ¡°What the fuck do you think you¡¯re doing<b>?</b>¡±


    Julian stepped forward. ¡°Jade, maybe we should-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± I cut him off without looking away from Megan. ¡°We¡¯re just establishing boundaries.¡±


    Megan¡¯s face flushed red. ¡°You crazy bitch!¡± She swung her free hand toward my face in what would have been a p if I hadn¡¯t caught her other wrist mid¨Cair.


    I tightened my grip just enough to make her wince. ¡°I don¡¯t like being touched without permission.¡±


    ¡°Let go of me,¡± she hissed, her voice low and dangerous. ¡°You have no idea who my family is. One call and I¡¯ll have you thrown out of Princeton before sses even start.¡±


    I squeezed harder, watching impassively as the skin around my fingers whitened, then darkened to a bruising purple. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    <b>I </b>released her suddenly, and she stumbled backward, cradling her wrists. I calmly gathered her remaining belongings from the bed and tossed them into the nearby trash can.


    ¡°What the hell?!¡± one of the other girls¨CKylie or Zoe, I didn¡¯t care which¨Ceximed.


    Megan looked at her wrists, then at me, fury and disbelief warring on her face. ¡°You¡¯re dead. You


    hear me? Dead.¡±


    Julian stepped forward, his expression concerned as he noticed the darkening bruises on Megan¡¯s wrists. ¡°I should <b>get </b>you to the medical center,¡± he said to Megan, then turned to me with a worried


    look.


    ¡°Take me there now,¡± Megan demanded, her twockeys already helping her toward the door. ¡°You¡¯ll regret this,¡± she <b>spat </b>in my direction.


    Julian hesitated, clearly torn between his duty to help Megan and his desire to make sure I was okay. ¡°Try not to worry too much. This kind of thing happens during orientation week.¡±


    As they left, I could hear Megan¡¯s voice echoing down the hallway: ¡°That crazy bitch attacked me for no reason! Did you see what she did to my wrists<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ??


    After they left, I finished unpacking my minimal belongings, then stretched out on <b>the </b><b>bed</b>, finally alone. My phone buzzed with texts:


    <b>12:32 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>21 </b>M<b>¡­ </b>


    From Max: <i>How¡¯s </i>Princeton? Miss you <i>already</i>.


    :


    <b>I </b>smiled, typing back: All good. <i>Made </i>an <i>impression </i>on my roommates. <i>Miss </i><i>you </i><i>too</i><i>. </i>


    Another notification:


    From Ethan Haxton: <i>Hope </i><i>your </i><i>first </i><i>day </i><i>at </i><i>Princeton </i><i>is </i><i>going </i><i>well</i>. <i>Let </i><i>me </i><i>know </i><b><i>if </i></b><i>you </i><i>need </i><i>anything</i><i>. </i>


    I replied with a simple: <i>Thanks</i>.


    61


    A momentter, a new notification appeared¨CJulian had added me to a GroupMe chat for Computer


    Science freshmen and sent a Discord server invitation for the dorm building.


    I epted both, scrolling through the messages. Several usernames I didn¡¯t recognize were already asking for ¡°the new girl to post a selfie,¡± particrly someone called ¡°Jennifer¡± who seemed especially insistent.


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    12:32 <b>Sun</b><b>, </b>Sep 21 0 ¡­


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 78

    <b>Chapter </b><b>78 </b>


    ¹«Ë¾


    <b>MathWhiz</b><b>: </b>Jade Morgan? That girl who took the SAT and got a perfect score on everything except the essay, which she didn¡¯t even attempt.


    <b>CodeMaster</b>: Wait, seriously? That¡¯s insane. Why wouldn¡¯t she just write the essay and get a full perfect score?


    Lily Chen<b>: </b>@Jade_Morgan why didn¡¯t youplete the essay portion? Everyone¡¯s curious.


    Then the conversation shifted when someone named Jennifer posted six heavily filtered selfies to the group.


    <b>Julian_S</b><b>: </b>Looking good, Jennifer!


    <b>Math Whiz</b><b>: </b>Princeton¡¯s future CS department flower right there!


    1 snorted. Before I could put my phone down, a new message appeared.


    <b>Julian_S</b><b>: </b>Though our new freshman Jade might give you a run for your money.


    My finger hovered over the screen. Julian was drawing attention to me, which was exactly what I didn¡¯t need.


    <b>Jennifer_T</b>: Her features are pretty refined, I¡¯ll give her that. But isn¡¯t she like almost 200 pounds? <b>I </b>saw her in that news clip outside after the SAT.


    1 set the GroupMe to ¡°Do Not Disturb¡± and closed the app. My notifications were still flooding in- friend requests from half the male poption <b>of </b>my ss, several girls I hadn¡¯t met, Dr. Thornton the university president<b>, </b>and Emily.


    I epted only Dr. Thornton¡¯s request. Almost immediately, a private message appeared.


    Dr. Thornton: Wee to Princeton, Jade! If you need anything at all, my door is always open. Perhaps we could meet this evening? I¡¯d like to introduce you to a couple of friends who would <b>be </b>very interested in meeting you.


    Me: Thank you for the warm wee, Dr. Thornton. I¡¯m still settling in today, but I appreciate <b>the </b>offer. Perhaps we could schedule something forter in the week?


    ¡­


    <b>12:32 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>21 </b>M.


    His reply came quickly:


    461


    61


    <b>Dr. </b><b>Thornton</b><b>: </b>Of course! Just let my office know what works for you. Enjoy orientation week!


    I put my phone down and stretched out on my newly imed bed<b>, </b>enjoying a brief moment of quiet after the earlier confrontation. It didn¡¯tst long.


    The door swung open, and Megan returned with two girls in tow. She deliberately turned up the volume on her phone, sting some generic pop song as she tossed her designer bag onto her bed.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re still here,¡± she said, feigning surprise. ¡°I thought you might have transferred to another room after our¡­ misunderstanding.¡±


    I didn¡¯t bother looking up from my phone. ¡°And I thought you might have learned your lesson about


    boundaries.¡±


    Sheughed, high and fake. ¡°The housing office said they couldn¡¯t move me. Something about all rooms being assigned.¡± She turned to her friends. ¡°Can you believe I have to share with someone who attacked me on my first day?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I didn¡¯t attack you,¡± I said evenly, finally meeting her eyes. ¡°If I had, you wouldn¡¯t have just bruised


    wrists<b>.</b>¡±


    Her music seemed to get even louder, the bass vibrating through my bed. A deliberate provocation.


    ¡°You know,¡± I said, my voice dropping to that quiet, dangerous tone that had made cartel leaders sweat, ¡°it seems you not only want to lose one hand, but the other one as well.¡±


    Megan¡¯s face paled slightly, but she maintained her bravado. ¡°Are you threatening me? Again?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± I smiled, the expression not reaching my eyes. ¡°Just making an observation.¡±


    She stared at me for a long moment, then grabbed her purse. ¡°This room is toxic. Let¡¯s go, girls.¡±


    As they filed out, I caught snippets of their whispered conversation:


    ¡°¡­personally recruited by the president¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­heard her family has connections¡­¡±


    ¡°<b>¡­</b><b>not </b>worth <b>the </b>trouble¡­¡±


    <b>12:32 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>21 </b>M¡­


    By evening, I was hungry enough to venture to the dining hall.


    The dining hall buzzed with excited conversation, new students forming tentative friendships over shared meals. I grabbed a tray and selected a simple pasta dish<b>, </b>then found an empty table in the corner. No sooner had I taken my first bite than I noticed the whispers and nces.


    ¡°Look!¡±


    ¡°Who is she?¡±


    <b>61 </b>


    ¡°Damn, she¡¯s gorgeous<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    I ignored them, focusing on my food. From the corner of my eye, I spotted several students discreetly lifting their phones, taking photos.


    Author¡¯s POV:


    In her dorm room across campus, Emily Morgan stared at her phone in disbelief. Her roommate had


    just shoved it in her face, bubbling with excitement.


    ¡°Have you seen what¡¯s blowing up on Tiger Board? Some freshman beauty is breaking the inte!¡±


    Emily scrolled through the Princeton campus forum with growing horror. The top post, with over three hundredments<b>, </b>was titled ¡°Who is the mysterious new beauty in CS department?¡± Beneath it was a slightly blurry photo of Jade sitting alone in the dining hall, her perfect profile captured in the golden evening light.


    ¡®I don¡¯t believe this,¡± Emily muttered, her fingers frantically scrolling through thements.


    ¡°<i>New </i>campus queen right there.¡±


    <i>¡®</i>Does <i>anyone </i>know her <i>name</i>? Asking for research purposes¡­¡±


    ¡°The way she just showed up <i>and </i>dethroned <i>Aurelia </i>as the campus beauty without even trying<i>? </i>Iconic.¡±


    Emily¡¯s roommates crowded around her, reading over her shoulder.


    ¡°There¡¯s even a poll!¡± one eximed, pointing to another trending post. ¡°Who¡¯s hotter: Jade Morgan vs. Aurelia Hayes (current campus flower)? <b>And </b>Jade¡¯s winning by andslide!<b>¡± </b>


    <b>12:32 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>21 M¡­


    Emily¡¯s <b>face </b>contorted with a mixture <b>of </b>disbelief and envy. <ul><li>?)) </li></ul>


    Meanwhile, Jade remained blissfully unaware of her new campus celebrity status as she headed back


    to her dorm. Tomorrow would be the start of Freshman Orientation Week, and she needed to


    prepare. Sheid out simple athletic clothes for the physical challenges and team¨Cbuilding exercises.


    Her phone pinged with a text from Ethan Haxton:


    <b>Ethan</b><b>: </b>How¡¯s Princeton treating you? Ready for the infamous Freshman Challenge tomorrow?


    Jade smiled despite herself.


    <b>Jade</b><b>: </b>Fine so far. And yes, I¡¯ve got my running shoes ready.


    <b>Ethan</b><b>: </b>I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re participating in those team¨Cbuilding exercises. Seems beneath someone of your¡­ particr skill set.


    <b>Jade</b><b>: </b>If I chose to be a student, I should act like one. Complete immersion is the best cover.


    <b>Ethan</b><b>: </b>I can¡¯t quite picture you following rules and ying nice with others. The deadly assassin


    turned model student.


    <b>Jade</b><b>: </b>You¡¯d be surprised what I can adapt to when necessary. Goodnight, Ethan.


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 Treatment 79

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>79 </b>


    The rm red at 5:30 AM, though I¡¯d been awake for nearly an hour already. I put on the simple athletic clothes I¡¯did out the night before. When I arrived at the meeting point, we were all given orange Princeton t¨Cshirts and ck athletic pants to wear over our clothes.


    I caught myself checking my weapons out of habit before remembering I wasn¡¯t carrying any<b>. </b><i>Civilian </i>mode, <b>I </b>reminded myself. My own words to Ethanst night echoed in my head: ¡®If I chose to be a student, I should act like one. He had responded with amusement, as if he couldn¡¯t quite picture me following rules and ying team- building games.


    The residence hall buzzed with nervous energy as sleepy freshmen stumbled toward the buses lined up outside. I joined the stream of orange¨Cd students, my small duffel bag containing only the essentials.


    ¡°That¡¯s her!¡± I heard someone whisper as I approached theputer science department¡¯s designated bus.


    The chatter immediately died down as I stepped onto the bus. Forty pairs of eyes turned to stare at me<b>, </b>conversation. halting mid¨Csentence. I scanned the faces, recognizing a few from orientation.


    ¡°Holy shit, it really is her, someone muttered from the back.


    I found an empty seat, ignoring the continued stares.


    ¡®Damn, she¡¯s even prettier in person, someone whispered behind me.


    ¡®I know, right? I thought Megan was hot, but she doesn¡¯t evenpare.¡®


    ¡®Wait, is that the girl from the Tiger Board post? The one everyone¡¯s been talking about?¡®


    ¡®Yeah, Jade Morgan. Did you see those photos someone posted from the dining hall yesterday?¡®


    Jennifer, sitting a few rows ahead, turned around with a scowl. ¡®I barely recognized her from those blurry pictures<b>,</b>¡® she said loudly. ¡®Unlike some people, I don¡¯t need filters on my GroupMe photos.¡®


    A guy nearby snorted. ¡®Sure, Jennifer. That¡¯s why you lookedpletely different when you got on the bus. We almost didn¡¯t recognize you without your sixyers of Photoshop.¡®


    Laughter rippled through the bus as Jennifer¡¯s face reddened. She shot me a venomous re before turning back


    around.


    I <b>kept </b>my expression neutral and turned my attention to the window, though I could still feel dozens of eyes on me.


    ¡°All right, freshmen!¡± <b>A </b>faculty advisor pped his hands at the front of the bus. ¡°We¡¯re heading to Camp Harrison for the annual Princeton Freshman Challenge. It¡¯s about an hour drive, so getfortable<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    The military training facility came into view after exactly fifty¨Cseven minutes of driving. It wasn¡¯t particrly impressive¨Cstandard obstacle courses, rappelling towers, and a series of low buildings that probably housed barracks and ssrooms. What interested me more were the armed personnel at the entrance. They weren¡¯t regr army; their stance and equipment suggested private contractors or reservists.


    As we filed off the buses, a tall man with a crew cut and perfect posture addressed the group. ¡°Wee to Camp Harrison, freshmen. I¡¯m Sergeant Ford, retired Marine Corps, and I¡¯ll be your head instructor for the next three


    days.¡±


    ¡°The Princeton Freshman Challenge is a tradition dating back decades. You¡¯ll be participating in team¨Cbuilding exercises, physical challenges, and survival skills training that will prepare you for the rigors of academic life.¡±


    I scanned the perimeter automatically, noting security cameras, patrol patterns, and the M9 Beretta handgun carried by one of the younger guards. His grip was all wrong¨Cthumb too high on the slide, finger hovering near the trigger instead of extended along the frame. Amateur mistake that could lead to an idental discharge.


    ¡°Something interesting about my men, Miss¡­?¡± Sergeant Ford was suddenly standing in front of me, eyes narrowed.


    I hadn¡¯t realized I¡¯d been staring. ¡°Morgan. Jade Morgan.¡±


    ¡°Well, Miss Morgan, see something fascinating?¡±


    I could have lied, yed dumb like a normal college freshman. Instead, I nodded toward the young guard. ¡°His grip. is incorrect. Increases risk of idental discharge by approximately thirty percent.¡±


    Ford¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but something flickered in his eyes. ¡°Follow your group to the barracks, Miss.


    Morgan.¡±


    I rejoined my ssmates, who were already struggling to navigate the facility with their campus maps. Megan rolled her eyes when she saw me approach.


    ¡°Great, it¡¯s Miss Perfect. I suppose you know exactly where we¡¯re supposed to go?¡±


    I nced at the map, memorized it in seconds, and nodded. ¡°Building C, east side of thepound.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re a military expert now too?¡± Jennifer snickered.


    I shrugged and started walking in the correct direction. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, the rest of the group followed.


    Twenty minutester, after dropping off our belongings at the barracks, we assembled at the central training ground. I¡¯d led our group directly to Building C earlier, much to Megan¡¯s annoyance<b>, </b>who had loudly proimed I was just getting lucky¡® with directions.


    Sergeant Ford paced in front of us, exining the rules. ¡°For the next three days, you will function as a unit. You will eat together, train together, and solve problems together. This is about building the teamwork skills you¡¯ll need to seed at Princeton.¡±


    12:19 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b><ul><li><b></b>>)) </li></ul>


    He pointed to a collection box. ¡°All electronics and any items not essential to training go in here. You¡¯ll get them back when you leave.¡±


    Students groaned but began emptying their pockets. I handed over my phone but made no move to remove my


    watch.


    ¡°All items, Miss Morgan, Ford said, singling me out. ¡°Including that timepiece.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I said simply.


    The crowd went silent. Ford¡¯s eyebrows shot up.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°The watch stays with me, I said. ¡°It¡¯s valuable and easily damaged. I¡¯ll take it back to the barracks after we¡¯re


    dismissed.¡±


    62


    ¡°You have five minutes to return that watch to your quarters and rejoin the group,¡± Ford said, checking his own


    watch. ¡°Starting now.¡±


    The students around me exchanged nces. The barracks were at least a ten¨Cminute round trip at a normal pace.


    I smiled slightly. ¡°Three minutes is plenty. But that¡¯s boring.¡± I cocked my head. ¡°How about this? I¡¯ll race you there. If you win, you get my watch. If I win, you return my phone you just collected.¡±


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 Treatment 80

    A collective gasp rippled through the group as my challenge hung in the air. Sergeant Ford¡¯s face darkened, his eyes narrowing to slits. The other freshmen backed away from me like I was radioactive.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he said finally, his voice dangerously quiet. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got.¡±


    The tension was palpable as we walked to the starting line. I could feel dozens of eyes burning into my back. Other instructors from different departments had paused their activities to watch. I removed my watch and held it up, then deliberately slipped it back onto my <b>wrist</b>, making sure everyone saw the gesture of defiance.


    I¡¯ll give you a thirty¨Csecond head start, Ford offered, his tone patronizing.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± I replied coolly.


    His lips tightened into a thin line. I could see he was internally fuming at my audacity. Good. Anger makes people sloppy.


    ¡°She¡¯s so desperate for attention, Megan whispered loudly to Jennifer, making sure I could hear.


    ¡°Give her a break,¡± one of the guys responded. At least she¡¯s got the guts to stand up to him.¡±


    ¡°Standing up to a drill sergeant doesn¡¯t make you brave¨Cit makes you stupid, Megan shot back.


    The whispers continued until Ford raised his hand. ¡®On my mark. Three¡­ two¡­ one¡­ GO!¡±


    We both shot forward like arrows. I could have easily outpaced him from the start, but I stayed just half a step behind him for the first hundred yards. I wanted to study his form, his breathing pattern, his stride length. Military training had taught him efficiency, but years of instruction had slowed him down.


    After we rounded the first corner, out of sight from the main group, I elerated. The sensation of my muscles working at their full capacity felt glorious after months of restraint. I quickly put distance between us, my feet barely touching the ground as I flew past the barracks, made a perfect turn, and headed back.


    When I came back into view of the waiting students, their jaws dropped collectively.


    ¡°Holy shit! She¡¯s actually outrunning him!¡± someone shouted.


    I maintained my pace, crossing the finish line a full thirty seconds before Ford even came into view. I walked calmly to the collection box, reached in, and retrieved my phone. The students watched in stunned silence as I pocketed it.


    Ford returned, his face flushed with exertion and humiliation. He didn¡¯t look at me as he barked, ¡°Everyone form up!


    Count off!¡±


    The students scrambled into lines, counting off in sequence. When it was my turn, I said ¡°Twenty¨Cthree¡® in a clear voice.


    12:20 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    ¡°Name?¡® Ford demanded, finally looking at me.


    ¡°Jade Morgan, sir.¡±


    A ripple of recognition passed through the group.


    ¡°Wait, <i>that¡¯s </i>Jade Morgan?¡± someone whispered.


    :


    ¡°The one who got perfect SAT scores without writing the essay?¡±


    ¡°I heard the university president personally went to her house to recruit her.¡±


    ¡°Silence!¡± Ford bellowed. ¡°The military training begins now. First exercise: standing at attention!¡±


    <b>62 </b>


    The basic drills were child¡¯s y. Standing at attention, parade rest, about¨Cface¨Cmovements I¡¯d mastered before <b>I </b>could drive. Ford walked up and down the lines, finding fault with everyone¡¯s posture, everyone except mine. I could see it infuriated him that he couldn¡¯t criticize my form.


    ¡°First phase of physical assessment includes five events,¡± Sergeant Ford announced. ¡°Two¨Cmile run, push¨Cups<b>, </b>sit- ups, pull¨Cups, and obstacle course. You¡¯ll be divided into groups.¡±


    I was ced in the same group as Megan and Jennifer. Perfect.


    The two¨Cmile run was first. I set afortable pace, staying just ahead of the fastest male student. I could have gone much faster, but drawing too much attention would be counterproductive. Still, I finished well ahead of everyone else, barely breaking a sweat while others copsed on the grass<b>, </b>gasping for air.


    ¡°Fifty push¨Cups, as many as you can do without stopping,¡± Ford instructed next.


    Most of the girls managed between ten and fifteen before their arms gave out. I dropped down and executed eighty perfect push¨Cups, maintaining the same rhythm from first tost. Ford¡¯s expression darkened as he watched me.


    ¡®Damn, she¡¯s making us look bad,¡± one of the guys muttered, havingpleted only forty¨Ceight.


    The zing sun beat down on us as we continued through sit¨Cups and pull¨Cups. Several girls looked close to heat exhaustion. Ford reluctantly called for a water break before the obstacle course,


    The obstacle course featured low walls to vault over, a section where rubber tires were arranged in rows on the ground, and a rope to climb. The tire section required quick, high steps through each tire opening, a test of agility and coordination.


    <b>As </b>we lined up, Megan and Jennifer exchanged meaningful nces, positioning themselves in the tirenes adjacent


    to mine.


    I knew what they were nning before they did. As I navigated through the tire section with ease<b>, </b>carefully cing each foot in <b>the </b>center of each tire, Megan suddenly shifted sideways, extending her foot into my pathway<b>. </b>To an


    observer, it would look idental¨Ca simple misstep as she struggled with her own tire sequence.


    ¡é????6?)


    62


    But I wasn¡¯t an ordinary observer. With minimal adjustment, I made it appear as though I was simply avoiding her foot, while actually using my ankle to tap her extended leg just enough to disrupt her bnce.


    Megan¡¯s foot caught on the edge of a tire, and she went down hard, her knee striking the rubber edge. She howled in pain, clutching her leg which was already starting to bruise.


    ¡°She pushed me!¡± Megan shrieked, pointing at me. ¡°She deliberately tripped me!¡±


    Jennifer immediately backed her up. ¡°I saw it too! She pushed Megan when no one was looking!¡±


    I stopped and turned, my expression neutral. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you trying to trip me, but ended up falling yourself?<b>¡± </b>


    I nced at Jennifer, whose foot had quickly retreated back to herne. ¡°You pulled your foot back pretty quickly, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Jennifer¡¯s face flushed red, giving her away more effectively than any confession could have.


    Sergeant Ford approached, his face unreadable as he assessed the situation.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± he demanded.


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 Treatment 81

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>81 </b>


    ¡°She pushed me!¡± Megan shrieked, her face contorted with a mixture of pain and rage. ¡°She deliberately tripped me when no one was looking!¡±


    Jennifer immediately backed her up. ¡°I saw it too! She waited until the instructors weren¡¯t watching and then shoved


    Megan!¡±


    Before I could respond, several male students stepped forward.


    ¡°That¡¯s bullshit,¡± said a tall guy with sses who had been running behind us. ¡°I was right there. Morgan didn¡¯t


    touch her.¡±


    A guy with scruffy stubble and a Princeton baseball cap nodded in agreement. ¡°Yeah, I saw the whole thing. Megan and Jennifer deliberately moved closer to Morgan¡¯sne. If anything, they were trying to trip her up.¡±


    Megan¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment, but she doubled down on her usation. ¡°You¡¯re only defending her because she¡¯s pretty,¡± she spat.


    The guy with stubble rolled his eyes. ¡°I saw exactly what happened. You extended your foot into herne, but somehow ended up tripping yourself. Not Morgan¡¯s fault you can¡¯t coordinate your own feet.¡±


    Other students began murmuring among themselves, most seeming to side with me. Megan¡¯s expression grew increasingly desperate as she realized her n was backfiring.


    Ford¡¯s eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation, ncing between me and Megan¡¯s reddening knee.


    ¡°Medical team,¡± he called over his shoulder, and two staff members with a first aid kit hurried over. ¡°Take Hayes to the infirmary and check that knee.¡±


    As they helped Megan to her feet, she shot me a venomous re. ¡°This isn¡¯t over,¡± she mouthed silently.


    I simply raised an eyebrow in response. If she wanted to continue this little war, I was more than equipped to


    handle it.


    Once Megan was escorted away, Ford blew his whistle. ¡°Final station for today¡¯s physical assessment: rope climb!¡±


    He led us to a section where six thick ropes hung from a metal frame. Most students groaned, their arms trembling from previous exercises. In contrast, I felt perfectly fine¨Cbreathing even, muscles warm but not strained.


    When my turn came, I gripped the rope and ascended with smooth movements, reaching the top quickly and descending with precision.


    ¡°Twenty¨C<b>six </b>seconds total,¡± Ford announced, sounding impressed. ¡°New record for freshmen.¡±


    <b>As </b><b>I </b>rejoined the group, <b>I </b>could sense both admiration and resentment from my peers.


    12:20 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    ¡°How is she not even tired?¡® one girl whispered.


    ¡°Probably on performance enhancers,¡± another muttered.


    When the assessment ended, Ford dismissed everyone for dinner. As the crowd dispersed, he called out to me.


    ¡°Miss. Morgan.¡±


    ¡°That was quite a performance today,¡± Ford said.


    I met his gaze evenly. ¡°The best defense is letting your opponent defeat themselves.¡±


    A ghost of a smile flickered across his face. ¡°That¡¯s one way of putting it.¡±


    Author¡¯s POV:


    The first day of challenges had ended, leaving most students copsed in their bunks by nine o¡¯clock. Exhausted bodies lined the barracks, soft snores and asional groans of muscle pain filling the air.


    In the instructor quarters, Sergeant Ford winced as his roommate applied a salve to his left shoulder.


    ¡°You should really get this looked at by a doctor, man,¡± his roommate said, recing the cap on the medicinal cream. ¡°That old wound isn¡¯t healing right.¡±


    Ford rotated his shoulder carefully, grimacing at the pain. ¡°Doctors gave up on it three years ago. Nothing more they


    can do.¡±


    ¡°Still, that race today couldn¡¯t have helped. Who was that girl anyway? Runs like she¡¯s had military training.¡±


    Ford¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Morgan. Jade Morgan. Something¡¯s off about her, but I can¡¯t ce it.¡±


    Their conversation was interrupted by a sharp knock. Ford opened the door to find Jennifer Theodora standing there, looking anxious.


    ¡°Sergeant Ford, sir. I need to report something,¡± she said, her voice quivering with what appeared to be concern. ¡®It¡¯s about Morgan. She¡¯s not in her bunk.¡±


    Ford¡¯s eyes narrowed, ¡°What do you mean, ¡®not in her bunk¡°?¡±


    ¡°I went to use the bathroom and noticed her bed was empty,¡± Jennifer exined. ¡°I checked the bathrooms andmon areas, but she¡¯s nowhere to be found.¡±


    Back in the women¡¯s barracks, several girls huddled near the entrance, whispering excitedly as Jennifer filled them in on the developing situation.


    ¡°I told Sergeant Ford she wasn¡¯t here,¡± Jennifer was saying. ¡°He¡¯s organizing a search party right now.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she snuck out to meet someone,¡± one girl suggested with a giggle.


    ¡°Or maybe she just couldn¡¯t handle the pressure and bailed,¡± Megan added, her knee now wrapped in a bandage.


    Or maybe I just went to the bathroom,¡± Jade said from the doorway, causing all of them to jump. ¡°Am I tonight¡¯s entertainment topic?¡±


    Jennifer¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment, while Megan¡¯s eyes narrowed in suspicion.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t in the bathrooms,¡± Megan used. ¡°I checked all of them.¡±


    ¡°Clearly not thoroughly enough,¡± Jade replied coolly.


    Before Megan could respond, heavy footsteps approached, and Sergeant Ford appeared behind Jade, his face stern.


    ¡°Morgan,¡± he said, his voice clipped. ¡°There¡¯s been a report that you were missing from your bunk.¡±


    Jade turned to face him, her expression neutral. ¡°Just a bathroom break, Sergeant. Nothing exciting.¡±


    His eyes searched hers, looking for any sign of deception. ¡°Camp Harrison has strict regtions, Morgan. This isn¡¯t your personal yground.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Sergeant,¡± Jade replied calmly.


    Ford¡¯s walkie¨Ctalkie crackled. ¡°Perimeter checkplete, sir. No breach detected in any of the boundary sensors or


    cameras.¡±


    Ford kept his eyes on Jade as he responded. ¡°Roger that. Stand down the search.¡± He gave her onest scrutinizing look before turning to address all the women. ¡°Lights out was twenty minutes ago. Anyone not in their bunks in the next sixty seconds will face additional physical training tomorrow.¡±


    The girls scrambled to their beds, the excitement of potential drama reced by fear of extra push¨Cups.


    The following morning, arge truck loaded with high¨Cend training equipment pulled into Camp Harrison, followed by a sleek ck Maybach.


    Inside Colonel Edwards¡® office, Ethan Haxton sat across from the camp¡¯smanding officer, discussing the newly delivered equipment.


    A


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°Princeton¡¯s grateful for your contribution, Mr. Haxton, Colonel Edwards said. ¡°These simtors will significantly enhance our training capabilities.¡±


    Ethan nodded politely. ¡°I¡¯m happy to give back to my alma mater.¡±


    ¡°Any standouts in this year¡¯s ss?¡± Ethan asked casually, though his interest was anything but.


    Colonel Edwards shook his head. ¡°Not particrly. It¡¯s still early, of course. They¡¯re all adjusting to the regimen.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s expression remained neutral, but inwardly he wondered if Jade was deliberately keeping a low profile or if news of her exceptional performance simply hadn¡¯t reached the Colonel yet. Knowing her capabilities, he found it hard to believe she hadn¡¯t already distinguished herself.


    ¡°Would you be interested in observing today¡¯s training exercises? Colonel Edwards offered. ¡°You could see the freshman ss in action.¡±


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    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>82 </b>


    ¡­


    :


    ¡°Would you prefer observing from the field?¡± Colonel Edwards asked, gesturing toward the door.


    Ethan shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here, if you don¡¯t mind.¡± He lifted a pair of high¨Cpowered binocrs from his briefcase. ¡°This vantage point gives me a better perspective on the entire operation.¡±


    Edwards looked surprised but nodded. ¡°As you wish, Mr. Haxton.¡±


    Ethan positioned himself by therge window overlooking the training grounds, adjusting the focus on his binocrs. His eyes methodically scanned the students below until they locked onto a particr figure ¨C Jade Morgan observing her with unusual intensity.


    ¡°What¡¯s different about this year¡¯s challengepared to previous years?¡± Ethan asked casually, not lowering the binocrs. ¡°Particrly regarding the physical capabilities of the students.¡±


    Edwards shrugged. ¡°Standard parameters. Though we¡¯ve incorporated more tactical elements this year.¡±


    62


    Ethan continued his observation for another half hour before finally setting the binocrs down. As he turned away from the window, he missed Jade ncing up toward his position, her eyes narrowing slightly before returning her attention to her team.


    Before heading out, Ethan instructed his assistant to deliver high¨Cprotein energy bars and electrolyte drinks to support the participants in the challenge.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t realize you cared so much about Princeton freshmen,¡± Edwardsmented.


    Ethan¡¯s face remained impassive. ¡°Just supporting my alma mater. I remember how demanding these challenges can be.¡±


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    ¡°We should form a direct assault team and charge straight through the main entrance,¡® suggested a stocky guy named Trevor, jabbing his finger at the tactical map we¡¯d been given. ¡°Speed is our advantage.¡±


    I fought the urge to roll my eyes. ssic amateur thinking. No reconnaissance, no diversionary tactics, just frontal assault and hope for the best.


    ¡°That¡¯s suicide,¡± I said tly, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°We¡¯d be exposed from multiple angles with no cover.¡±


    Trevor scoffed. ¡°Got a better idea?¡±


    ¡°Actually, yes.¡± I leaned forward, pointing to different sections of the map. ¡°We split into three teams. Sniper team takes position here on this ridge for overwatch and enemy suppression. Assault team approaches from the eastern


    12:20 Mon<b>, </b>Sep <b>22 </b>


    :


    (62


    nk where there¡¯s more cover. Support team creates a diversion at the south entrance, drawing attention away from the main operation.¡±


    The six other students stared at me, some with surprise, others with skepticism.


    ¡°How do you know this would work?¡± asked a girl with thick sses.


    I shrugged. ¡°I y a lot of tactical shooters. This is basic stuff.¡±


    After a moment of silence, Trevor nodded reluctantly. ¡°It¡­ actually makes sense.¡±


    ¡°Who should be in charge?¡± asked another teammate.


    Before I could speak, three people pointed at me. ¡°Her,¡± they said almost in unison.


    ¡°Jade should be our tactical coordinator,¡± said the girl with sses. ¡°She clearly knows what she¡¯s doing.¡±


    I epted with a nod, ignoring the flutter of satisfaction. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>a </i><i>while </i>since I <imanded </i><i>a </i><i>team</i><i>. </i>


    At the equipment station, we received our gear: tactical vests equipped with sensors<b>, </bmunication earpieces, and infrared¨Cemitting rifles that registered hits on the electronic scoring system.


    I checked my rifle automatically, field¨Cstripping it halfway before catching myself. <i>Too </i><i>professional</i>. <i>Dial </i><i>it </i><i>back</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°Wow, you really know your way around that thing,¡± remarked Sergeant Ford, watching me from a few feet away.


    ¡°Video games,¡± I exined with a practiced casual smile. ¡°Spent way too many hours in first¨Cperson shooters.¡±


    Ford¡¯s expression remained skeptical<b>, </b>but he moved on to inspect other students,


    In the briefing room, Ford outlined our mission: ¡°Today¡¯s challenge is a tactical hostage rescue simtion. You¡¯ll navigate through the mock urban environment, locate the hostage, and extract them safely. Teams will be scored on time, uracy, and casualties.¡± He tapped a diagram on the screen. ¡°Teamwork and precision shooting are equally important. Individual performance contributes to your team¡¯s overall score.¡±


    I memorized every detail of the terrain map, identifying optimal routes, potential ambush points, and key tactical positions. This is child¡¯s ypared to actual operations in <i>Kabul </i>or Bogot¨¢.


    The challenge began with a piercing siren. I positioned myself at the highest point in the simted urban environment, assuming the role of both coordinator and primary sniper. Through my scope, I could see everything.


    ¡°Trevor, hostile at your two o¡¯clock behind the blue barrel,¡± I said calmly into mym. ¡°Wait for my mark¡­ now.¡±


    <b>12:20 </b>Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    ¡­


    <i>A </i>


    <b>62 </b>


    Trevor fired and hit his target square in the chest. ¡°How did you see that guy? He waspletely hidden from my position.¡±


    ¡°Good eyes,¡± I replied simply. ¡°Lisa, two tangos approaching from the alley. Jamal, cover her six.¡±


    My teammates moved with increasing confidence under my guidance, trusting my directions without question. <b>I </b>tracked every movement, calcting angles and predicting enemy positions with ease.


    ¡°This is uncanny,¡± whispered Lisa over them. ¡°It¡¯s like she has a satellite view or something.¡±


    The opposing team set up an ambush at the hostage location, catching two of our teammates in a crossfire. <i>Shit</i>. <i>Recalcting</i>.


    ¡°Everyone hold position,¡± I ordered, scanning for a solution. ¡°I¡¯m going to create an opening.¡±


    I took a deep breath, aimed, and squeezed the trigger three times in rapid session. Three perfect hits on three different targets<b>, </b>creating a gap in the enemy defense.


    ¡°Assault team, move now. Support team, suppressing fire on the second¨Cfloor windows.¡±


    My team executed wlessly, extracting the hostage without taking additional casualties. As we reached the


    extraction point, the final buzzer sounded.


    Ford checked the electronic scoreboard, his eyebrows rising slightly. ¡°Team Fourpletes the challenge with the fastest time and¡­ perfect uracy from their sniper position.¡± He looked directly at me. ¡°Morgan, you registered twenty¨Cthree hits on twenty¨Cthree shots. 100% uracy<b>.</b>¡±


    My teammates erupted in cheers, pping my back and calling me their ¡°tactical genius.¡±


    As we walked back to the barracks, I felt Ford¡¯s gaze following me, his expression thoughtful and calcting.


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 Treatment 83

    The tactical simtion had barely ended when Sergeant Ford gathered all the students at the center of Camp Harrison.


    ¡®Congrattions onpleting the tactical rescue simtion,¡± Ford announced. ¡°But your Princeton Freshman Challenge isn¡¯t over yet. The final phase begins now<b>¨C</b>wilderness survival training.¡±


    <b>A </b>collective groan rose from the students. I kept my face neutral, though inside I felt a flicker of excitement.


    ¡°For the next twenty¨Cfour hours<b>, </b>you¡¯ll be divided into groups and assigned to different sectors of our wilderness area,¡± Ford continued. ¡°Your objective is simple: find water, build shelter, and locate food. Each group will receive only the essentials.¡±


    He held up a small backpack. ¡°Each pack contains apass, flint, military¨Cgrade knife, and fifty feet of paracord. That¡¯s it.¡±


    When my team was assigned to the northwestern sector, a guy immediatelyined.


    ¡°We got the hardest area,¡± he said, studying the map. ¡°There¡¯s literally no water source marked anywhere.¡±


    I leaned in, scanning the contour lines. ¡°There should be water here, here, and possibly here,¡± I said, pointing to three different locations. ¡°See how the elevation drops? And these vegetation patterns usually indicate groundwater.¡±


    My teammates stared at me with expressions ranging from skepticism to surprise.


    ¡°What are you, some kind of wilderness survival expert?¡± Jennifer asked sarcastically.


    I shrugged. ¡°I watch a lot of Discovery Channel.¡±


    Twenty minutester<b>, </b>we were trekking through dense forest. When I spotted fresh deer tracks in a patch of soft


    earth, <b>I </b>crouched down to examine them.


    ¡°These tracks are fresh,¡± I said. ¡°Animals usually follow established paths to water sources.¡±


    Julian looked skeptical. ¡°How can you possibly know that?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°The edges aren¡¯t dried out yet,¡± I exined. ¡°And see how they¡¯re all heading in the same direction? They¡¯re not foraging¨Cthey¡¯re traveling.¡±


    Despite their doubts<b>, </b>the group followed my lead. Less than thirty minutester, we found a small stream cutting through a rocky ravine.


    :.


    12:20 Mon<b>, </b>Sep 22


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Trevor breathed. ¡°You actually found water.¡±


    62


    Back at our campsite, the team had divided responsibilities. I¡¯d taken responsibility for finding food, setting up a series of traps around our camp.


    ¡°Where did you learn to make these?¡± Jamal asked.


    ¡°Books, videos<b>, </b>camping with my uncle when I was younger,¡± I lied smoothly.


    Twenty minutester, we heard screaming from the eastern edge of our camp. We found Jennifer on her knees, wing at her arms and neck where angry red welts were forming.


    ¡°Poison ivy,¡± Jamal said. ¡°Shit, she¡¯s having an allergic reaction.¡±


    Jennifer¡¯s face was beginning to swell, her breathing bingbored.


    ¡°Move,¡± I ordered, kneeling beside her. Without epinephrine, this could be life¨Cthreatening.


    I spotted a cluster of ntain leaves growing nearby. I grabbed several, crushed them between my palms, and mixed in mud to create a poultice.


    ¡°Natural antihistamine,¡± I exined, applying the mixture to Jennifer¡¯s affected areas. ¡°It won¡¯t rece an EpiPen, but it should help reduce the inmmation.¡±


    I guided Jennifer through controlling her breathing. ¡°In through your nose, four counts. Hold for seven. Out through your mouth, eight counts.¡±


    Sergeant Ford approached <b>us</b>. ¡°What happened here?¡±


    ¡°Allergic reaction to poison ivy,¡± I replied. ¡°I¡¯ve applied a ntain poultice to reduce inmmation and slow histamine response. She needs medical attention¨Cpossible anaphxis.¡±


    Ford¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°And what exactly is in that¡­ poultice?¡±


    ¡°ntago majormon ntain. It contains aucubin and antoin, naturalpounds that reduce inmmation and provide topical pain relief.¡±


    An hourter<b>, </b>I found myself being escorted to Colonel Edwards¡® office by Sergeant Ford.


    Colonel Edwards sat behind his desk when we entered. He looked up, and I felt a jolt of recognition. <b>I¡¯d </b>seen him before¨Cnot as Colonel Edwards, but as Major General Edwards years ago.


    <b>12:20 </b>Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    ¡°What¡¯s your name, Colonel?¡± I asked.


    :


    ¡°Colonel Tristan Edwards,¡± he replied, looking surprised by my question. ¡°Please, have a seat, Miss Morgan.¡±


    Ford tapped on a tablet, then handed it to Edwards. ¡°Sir, I think you should see this footage from today¡¯s survival training exercise.¡±


    As Edwards reviewed the footage, Ford turned to me. ¡°Miss Morgan, do you know we have drones monitoring <b>all </b>student activities for safety purposes?¡±


    I kept my expression neutral. ¡°I assumed there was some kind of surveince.¡±


    Ford¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Then perhaps you can exin the military¨Cgrade traps you constructed in less than fifteen minutes? The Paiute deadfall with the modified trigger system that¡¯s only taught to special forces<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Edwards looked up from the tablet, his expression grave.


    62


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± Ford continued, ¡°I spent fifteen years in Force Recon, and I¡¯ve only seen Delta Force operators make traps that sophisticated. No ROTC student or civilian wilderness enthusiast would know these techniques.¡±


    I remained silent, my mind racing through possible exnations.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± Sergeant Ford pressed, ¡°please exin how you possess what are clearly military¨Cgrade survival skills?¡±


    ¡°I read a lot,¡± I replied calmly.


    ¡°No one learns to construct a modified Paiute deadfall trap from reading books,¡± Ford insisted. ¡°That specific modification was developed for special operations in Southeast Asia. It¡¯s not in any civilian manual.¡±


    I held up my hands. They were smooth, unblemished¨Cthe hands of a student, not a soldier. ¡°What exactly are you using me of, Sergeant?<b>¡± </b>


    Colonel Edwards and Sergeant Ford exchanged nces.


    ¡°We¡¯re not using you of anything,¡± Edwards said carefully. ¡°We¡¯re simply¡­ curious about your background.¡±


    I met his gaze steadily. ¡°My background is in the file Princeton sent you, I¡¯m a first¨Cyearputer science student who happens to have read a lot of survival manuals and taken a wilderness first aid course. Is there something wrong with being prepared?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± Sergeant Ford said finally, ¡°the level of expertise you¡¯ve demonstrated today goes far beyond ¡®being prepared. The drone footage clearly shows you constructing multiple advanced traps with military precision in less time than it takes most trained soldiers to set up just one.¡±


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 84

    <b>Chapter </b><b>84 </b>


    :


    Colonel Edwards leaned back in his metal chair, regarding me with calcted suspicion. His office smelled of stale coffee and military¨Cgrade disinfectant. The walls were bare except for framedmendations and arge American g. A row of challenge coins lined his desk ¨C silent testaments to his various postings and achievements.


    ¡°Jade Morgan,¡® he said, flipping through a man folder. ¡°Eighteen years old. Cloud City High School. Perfect SAT scores except for an iplete essay portion. epted to Princeton on a full schrship to studyputer science.¡± He closed the folder and fixed his steely gaze on me. ¡°That¡¯s <b>what </b>the paperwork says.¡±


    I kept my expression neutral<b>, </b>taking in the security camera in the corner and the position of the two armed guards outside the frosted ss door. ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±


    ¡°What the paperwork doesn¡¯t exin,¡± he continued, ¡®is how you outran Sergeant Ford, a former Marine with fifteen years of service. Or how you broke the camp record for the obstacle course by twenty¨Cseven seconds. Or how you disyed professional¨Clevel sniper uracy with no prior training ¨C twenty¨Cthree perfect shots from variable distances in changing wind conditions.¡±


    I remained silent, watching him. The clock on the wall ticked loudly in the quiet room. My mind calcted fourteen different responses and discarded them all.


    ¡°Miss Morgan, we need you to remain here for additional questioning. Your behavior suggests specialized training inconsistent with your background.¡± His tone hardened. ¡°We need to determine if you¡¯re an operative for a foreign intelligence service.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°You think I¡¯m some kind of spy?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯re trying to determine. Your performance metrics align with special forces training protocols. No civilian achieves that level of proficiency without professional instruction.¡±


    I nced at my watch ¨C Max¡¯s gift. ¡°Two hours. That¡¯s how long you¡¯ve had to investigate me, and <b>all </b>you¡¯ve found is my basic information?¡± I couldn¡¯t help the contempt that crept into my voice. ¡°Not very impressive for military intelligence. May I make a phone call?¡±


    Colonel Edwards¡¯s jaw tightened. He nodded to someone behind me, and I heard the soft click ofputer keys. They were setting up to monitormunications.


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Edwards said, sliding andline phone across the desk. ¡°The line is <b>secure</b><b>. </b>


    I almostughed at his confidence. Instead, <b>I </b>picked up the receiver and dialed a number from memory.


    A technician in the corner whispered urgently to Edwards, <b>¡°</b>Sir<b>, </b><b>we </b>can¡¯t <b>trace </b>the <b>call</b>. The signal¡¯s being rerouted through multiple nodes.


    I pretended not to hear as the call connected.


    12:20 Mon, <b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°Mr. Haxton? It¡¯s Jade Morgan.¡± I kept my voice casual. ¡°I¡¯m at Camp Harrison for the Princeton Freshman Challenge. There seems to be some confusion about my background. Colonel Edwards is concerned about my performance during training exercises. Something about running too fast and shooting too well.¡± I paused. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    The technician¡¯s frantic typing grew louder. ¡°Sir, we¡¯ve lost the signalpletely. Someone¡¯s blocking our intercept. This is military¨Cgrade encryption.¡±


    Colonel Edwards¡¯s phone rang. He answered it, his expression shifting from confidence to surprise, then to something approaching fear.


    ¡°Yes, sir. I understand. Yes<b>, </b>she¡¯s right here.¡± He hung up and looked at me differently. ¡°Miss Morgan<b>, </b><b>I </b>apologize for


    the misunderstanding. It seems you have¡­ connections I wasn¡¯t aware of.¡±


    I handed him back the receiver. ¡°Are we done here?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Sergeant Ford will escort you back to your barracks.¡±


    After I left, Colonel Edwards turned to Sergeant Ford. ¡°Did you hear that call?<b>¡± </b>


    Ford nodded grimly. ¡°Haxton. As in the Haxton family?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°As in Ethan Haxton himself. The same Haxton who just donated two million dors¡® worth of tactical training equipment to this facility.¡± Edwards ran a hand through his thinning hair. ¡°No wonder she¡¯s so well¨Ctrained. She¡¯s one of his people.¡±


    Back at the barracks, whispers followed me as I entered. The girls who¡¯d been discussing me fell silent, watching as I crossed to my bunk. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to outright fear.


    ¡°Did you get kicked out?¡± Jennifer finally asked, unable to contain her curiosity.


    I ignored her, lying down on my bunk and closing my eyes. I could hear their hushed voices specting about what had happened.


    Ten minutester<b>, </b>Sergeant Ford appeared at the door. ¡°Morgan, you¡¯re needed again.¡±


    The room erupted in whispers as I followed him out.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Is </b>she in trouble<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re recruiting her!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid. They don¡¯t recruit freshmen.¡±


    12:20 Mon<b>, </b>Sep <b>22 </b>


    ¡°Then why does a colonel want to see her twice in one day?¡±


    62


    When I entered Colonel Edwards¡¯s office again, Ethan Haxton was standing by the window, immacte in a tailored charcoal suit. His presence seemed to fill the room, making the space feel smaller somehow.


    ¡°I exined everything on the phone,¡± I said, not bothering with formalities. ¡°Why¡¯d youe all the way out here?¡±


    Colonel Edwards looked shocked at my casual tone. Nobody spoke to Ethan Haxton that way.


    Ethan smiled slightly. ¡°I wanted to make sure there were no further misunderstandings.¡± He picked up a ss of water from the desk, examining it carefully before rinsing it out and refilling it from a bottle he¡¯d brought. He handed it to me. ¡°Hydration is important after tactical exercises.¡±


    I epted the ss<b>. </b>¡°This training camp isn¡¯t nearly as interesting as Venezu.¡±


    Edwards¡¯s eyes widened at the mention of Venezu, but he said nothing. The tension in the room was palpable.


    Ethan took the empty ss from my hand, setting it down carefully. ¡°I think Colonel Edwards understands the situation now.¡± He turned to Edwards. ¡°Jade¡¯s performance is exceptional because she is exceptional. That¡¯s all you need to know.¡±


    Edwards nodded quickly. ¡°Of course, Mr. Haxton. We¡¯re honored to have Miss Morgan participating in our program.¡±


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 85

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter 85 </b>


    The tension in the room lingered even after Edwards¡¯s acknowledgment. I crossed my legs, settling back into the ufortable metal chair while Ethan remained standing, his tailored suit making him look out of ce in <b>the </b>spartan military office.


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°Speaking of Venezu,¡± Ethan said, breaking the silence, ¡°Perhaps during Thanksgiving break this year, or we could wait until Christmas vacation if that works better with your schedule.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Hearing Mr. Haxton¡¯s tone, it sounds like you want me toe along?¡±


    The corner of Ethan¡¯s mouth twitched upward. ¡°It would be more interesting withpany.¡±


    ¡°You mean it would be more interesting to watch me cause trouble,¡± I replied dryly, remembering the chaos that had erupted during ourst visit.


    Ethan didn¡¯t deny it. His eyes glinted with something that might have been amusement. ¡°Any excitement in Venezu would certainly involve you, Miss Morgan.¡±


    Colonel Edwards cleared his throat, drawing our attention. His eyes moved between us with newfound interest, like a


    detective who¡¯d just discovered a crucial piece of evidence. ¡°Forgive me for asking, but you two seem quite¡­ familiar


    with each other.¡± He gestured at the space between <b>us</b>. ¡°Yet you address each other as ¡®Mr. Haxton¡® and ¡®Miss


    Morgan.¡® Are you not dating?¡±


    <b>I </b>nearly choked. ¡°Dating?¡± The word came out sharper than I intended.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton referred to you as ¡®one of Haxton family¡¯s people¡® on the phone,¡± Edwards continued, oblivious to my


    reaction. ¡°I assumed¡­¡±


    I caught the sh of satisfaction in Ethan¡¯s eyes before he masked it. The bastard was enjoying this. For a brief moment, <b>I </b>contemted how satisfying it would be to wipe that smug look off his face.


    ¡°We¡¯re not dating,¡± I said firmly, crossing my arms. ¡°We¡¯re barely even friends. More like¡­ neighbors.¡± I emphasized thest word, watching Ethan¡¯s smile fade slightly.


    ¡°I have no interest in older men,¡± I added, just to twist the knife,


    ¡°Older?¡± Ethan¡¯sposed expression slipped momentarily, revealing genuine surprise.


    Edwards chuckled, quickly disguising it as a cough when Ethan shot him a look. His weathered face crinkled with poorly concealed amusement.


    ¡°I just vouched for you,¡± Ethan muttered, leaning closer so only I could hear. His expensive cologne ¨C something with notes <b>of </b>sandalwood and citrus ¨C briefly overwhelmed my senses.


    ¡°I¡¯m just rifying that I¡¯m young,¡± <b>I </b>whispered back. ¡°Too young for you, Mr. Haxton. Youe from a prominent


    12:21 Mon, <b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>


    :


    family with connections everywhere. I¡¯m obviously not in your league.¡±


    Colonel Edwards watched our exchange with fascination, like a scientist observing an unexpected reaction in ab experiment. ¡°Well, Miss Morgan, if you¡¯re not involved with Mr. Haxton, my son is about your age. He¡¯s quite handsome, if I may say so. Also serves in the military, already a brigadier general.¡±


    Ethan straightened immediately, his shoulders tensing beneath his perfectly tailored jacket. ¡°I¡¯ve met your son, Colonel. Far too rigid in his thinking for someone like Miss Morgan.¡±


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°Rigid?¡± Edwards frowned, defensive pride shing across his face. ¡°He¡¯s disciplined. Something many young people


    could learn from.¡±


    ¡°Miss Morgan should focus on her studies,¡± Ethan countered, his tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°Princeton is demanding enough without romantic distractions.¡±


    I ignored their argument, scrolling through messages on my phone. Let them fight over my non¨Cexistent love life. It was amusing to watch Ethan bristle at the suggestion I might date someone else. Men and their territorial instincts


    so predictable.


    ¨C


    I noticed Ethan¡¯s reflection in the ss cab. His jaw was clenched slightly ¨C the only outward sign that the conversation had affected him. For someone whomanded billions in assets and hundreds of employees, he seemed unusually invested in my hypothetical dating life.


    ¡°That¡¯s a unique watch,¡± Ethan said suddenly, his eyes fixed on my wrist. ¡°New purchase?¡±


    I nced down at Max¡¯s gift. The retro digital watch with its scratched face and worn band was anything but luxurious. Nothing like the Patek Philippe I knew Ethan wore. The stic band had already left a slight indentation on my skin, but I didn¡¯t mind.


    ¡°Speaking of purchases,¡± I said instead of answering, ¡°what happened to your assistant? Connor, right? I haven¡¯t seen him around.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Why do you ask about him?¡±


    ¨C


    The sudden shift in his demeanor was subtle but unmistakable, His weight shifted forward slightly, his hand moving from his pocket to rest casually at his side ready to respond to a threat. Most people wouldn¡¯t notice these micro- adjustments, but they screamed caution to someone with my training.


    ¡°Just curious,¡± I shrugged, noting his sudden wariness. Was he connecting the watch to Connor somehow?


    ¡°The supplies were good,¡± I added, watching his reaction. ¡°The energy bars and electrolyte drinks. Very thoughtful.¡±


    ¨C


    Something flickered in Ethan¡¯s eyes recognition that I knew he¡¯d been watching me. The corner of his mouth twitched, almost imperceptibly. A tell I¡¯d noticed before when he was caught off guard but trying not to show it.


    ¡°The watch was a gift,¡± I said, running my finger along its stic band. ¡°Nothing special, but I like it. Next time, I¡¯ll pick one out for you personally.¡±


    12:21 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    : <ol start="62"><li>62<b>. </b></li></ol>


    Colonel Edwards had been following our conversation with intense interest, his eyes darting between us like he was watching a tennis match. The man folder containing my filey forgotten on his desk, its contents no longer relevant to his assessment of me. He¡¯d moved beyond official records to direct observation.


    ¡°Miss Morgan, you remind me of someone,¡± he said abruptly. ¡°Someone very capable.¡±


    ¡°I get that a lot,¡± I replied dismissively, my tone deliberately bored.


    ¡°No, this is different.¡± Edwards leaned forward, studying me with military precision. The chair beneath him creaked with the movement. His eyes narrowed as he searched my face for something familiar. ¡°There was this young woman once. Not much older than you. But she wasn¡¯t ordinary.¡± He paused, measuring his words. ¡°Not ordinary at all.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow slightly but offered no response.


    Ethan was watching me now, his expression unreadable.


    Chapter Comments


    B 4

 Treatment 86

    <b>Chapter </b><b>86 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Jade stood up from the ufortable metal chair, smoothing down her clothes. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I should head back to the barracks. The other students will be gathering soon.¡±


    Colonel Edwards nodded<b>, </b>his weathered face still showing that curious expression as he studied her. She could feel his eyes following her movements, searching for something familiar in the way she carried herself.


    Ethan remained by the window, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the office floor. ¡°I could give you a ride back,¡± he offered. ¡°We could take a look around the camp. The activities are almost finished anyway, and we¡¯ll be heading back to campus tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Jade replied coolly. ¡°It¡¯s not far. Besides, I think you and Colonel Edwards have more to <b>discuss</b>.¡±


    Edwards smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. ¡°She¡¯s right, Haxton. There¡¯s something I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you about that defense contract in Singapore.¡±


    Jade caught the sh of disappointment in Ethan¡¯s eyes before he masked it with his usualposed expression. ¡°Very well. Good evening, Miss Morgan.¡±


    She nodded curtly and left the office, closing the door firmly behind her.


    Inside the office, Ethan watched as Jade disappeared down the corridor. He turned to Colonel Edwards, curiosity burning in his eyes. ¡°You mentioned that Miss Morgan reminds you of someone. Who exactly?¡±


    Edwards leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled together. ¡°About two years ago, there was this young woman, a cryptographer. One of the best I¡¯ve ever seen. She could break into supposedly unbreakable systems like they were child¡¯s y.¡±


    ¡°A hacker?¡± Ethan¡¯s interest was piqued.


    ¡°Not just any hacker,¡± Edwards rified. ¡°This girl was a prodigy. She decoded encrypted ns from hostile nations targeting American interests. Saved countless lives.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s mind shed to the scene in Venezu ¨C Jade¡¯s fingers flying over the keyboard, breaking into secure systems to locate Zach and Connor in minutes. Work that would have taken his best IT specialists days.


    ¡°She once infiltrated a president¡¯smunication system,¡± Edwards continued, his voice dropping lower. ¡°They were saying nasty things about our country, and she hacked in, sent them a message in their ownnguage telling them <b>exactly </b>where they could shove their opinions.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Never saw anything like it.¡±


    ¡°What happened to her?¡± Ethan asked, trying to keep his tone casual.


    Edwards¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Disappeared about two years ago. We think her identity waspromised. Too


    <b>12:21 </b>Mon, <b>Sep </b>22


    many powerful people wanted her dead or working for them.¡±


    ¡°And you think Jade Morgan is this person?¡± Ethan pressed.


    ¡°No, no, Edwards waved his hand dismissively. ¡°This woman was taller than Miss Morgan. More beautiful, like a Hollywood actress. But there¡¯s something in the eyes¡­ that same intensity, that same calcting intelligence<b>.</b>¡±


    Ethan nodded slowly. ¡°Speaking of Miss Morgan, I¡¯d like to review the training footage of her performance.¡±


    Edwards hesitated, then nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll have copies prepared for you.¡±


    Back at the training grounds, Sergeant Ford addressed the group of students huddled around him. ¡°As some of you may have noticed, Miss Morgan has been called to meet with the campmander. No, she¡¯s not in trouble,¡± he added, seeing the concerned faces.


    ¡°Then why?¡± Jennifer Theodora asked.


    ¡°Because,¡± Ford said firmly, ¡°Miss Morgan has demonstrated exceptional skills during this training program. Her performance has caught the attention of our superiors.¡±


    Jennifer rolled her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s so special about hitting a few targets<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Ford¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Perfect uracy across twenty¨Cthree shots, Ms. Theodora. That¡¯s not ¡®hitting a few targets.¡® That¡¯s military¨Cgrade marksmanship.¡±


    Jennifer mumbled something under her breath, but didn¡¯t push further.


    <b>62 </b>


    The following morning marked the final day of training. Students lined up to take photos with Sergeant Ford, who maintained a stiff smile as camera after camera shed in his face. As soon as thest group finished, Ford quickly excused himself and headed toward the oak tree where Jade sat alone, scrolling through her phone.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 87

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>87 </b>


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± Ford called out as he approached. ¡°May I have a word?¡±


    <b>62 </b>


    Jade looked up from her phone, watching as Ford strode across the grass toward her. His posture was military¨Crigid as always, but there was something different in his expression. Respect, maybe. Or curiosity.


    ¡°Sergeant,¡± she acknowledged, slipping her phone into her pocket.


    He settled against the trunk of the oak tree, folding his arms across his chest. ¡°Have you given any thought to what you¡¯ll do after graduation?<b>¡± </b>


    Jade raised an eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯m just starting college, Sergeant.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he said, ¡°but someone with your¡­ aptitude should be thinking ahead. The military could use someone like you. Your physical capabilities, marksmanship, psychological resilience ¨C they¡¯re one in a thousand.¡±


    She kept her expression neutral. ¡°Thanks for the career advice, but I have other ns.¡±


    ¡°Mind sharing what those are?¡±


    Jade thought about Ethan¡¯s offer to work for Haxton Enterprises after graduation. ¡°Mr. Haxton mentioned some opportunities in his organization.¡±


    ¡°It would be a waste to see someone with your talents pushing papers in


    corporate office.¡±


    Jade stood up, brushing dirt from her pants. ¡°Maybe I like the idea of pushing papers, Sergeant. It¡¯s safer than pushing bullets.¡±


    On the bus back to Princeton, the chatter was incessant. Snippets of conversation floated through the air, most of them about Jade.


    ¡°Did you see how Colonel Edwards called her to his office?¡±


    ¡®I heard she broke some kind of camp record¡­¡±


    Jade kept her gaze fixed on the passingndscape, pretending not to hear. Her phone buzzed with notifications ¨C apparently, the freshmen had been busy posting about her ¡°glorious achievements¡± on the Princeton forums. ording to one thread, she was now ¡°the pride of the Computer Science department.¡±


    Meanwhile, in the luxurious private section of Princeton¡¯s Elite Leisure Club, Chase Astor was enjoying his Friday evening rxation.


    ¡°Mr. Astor,¡± hisckey Brian approached hesitantly, ¡°I know you said not to bother you, but there¡¯s something on the campus forum you might want to see.¡±


    12:21 Mon, <b>Sep </b>22


    Chase didn¡¯t look up from his drink. ¡°Unless it¡¯s about Jade Morgan, I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°It¡¯s about a new campus beauty,¡± Brian persisted<b>, </b>sliding his tablet across the table. ¡°She¡¯s been causing quite a stir among the freshmen.¡±


    Chase sighed dramatically and nced at the screen. His bored expression quickly changed to one of interest as he studied the photo. ¡°Not bad,¡± he admitted. ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡±


    ¡°Jade Morgan, Brian replied. ¡°Computer science freshman.¡±


    Chase nearly choked on his drink. ¡°Jade Morgan? Why didn¡¯t you say <b>so </b>earlier? This is the girl I¡¯ve been looking


    for!¡±


    Brian looked confused. ¡°But¡­ I thought you were looking for some chubby girl? This doesn¡¯t look anything like¡ª¡±


    ¡°Which dorm is she in?¡± Chase interrupted, already standing up.


    Chase smiled, a predatory glint in his eyes. ¡°Perfect.¡±


    The following Monday, Jade sat in her Introduction to Computer Science ss, fighting to stay awake. The professor droned on about basic programming concepts she¡¯d mastered years ago. Two minutes in, she was already staring out the window, her mind wandering.


    When the ss took a short break, Jade headed to the restroom. As she walked down the hallway, amotion caught her attention. Near the stairwell, she heard a harsh whisper followed by a pleading voice she recognized.


    In the stairwell<b>, </b>she found Emily cornered by a tall, elegant blonde girl. The blonde¡¯s perfectly manicured nails glinted dangerously as she jabbed her finger just inches from Emily¡¯s face.


    ¡°Running to Edward with your fake tears after ourst talk? Stay away from him,¡± the blonde was saying, her voice low and threatening. ¡°He¡¯s mine<b>. </b><b>If I </b>see you trying to y the victim around him again, I¡¯ll make sure everyone knows what a pathetic little liar you are.¡±


    Emily¡¯s eyes widened when she saw Jade. ¡°Sis- help me¡­¡±


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 Treatment 88

    ¡°Sis- help me¡­¡± Emily¡¯s pleading voice echoed in the stairwell as she cowered against the wall, cornered by Aurelia


    Sullivan.


    Jade stood frozen on thending, watching the scene unfold. Aurelia¡¯s perfectly manicured nails¨Cglossy red with tiny crystal ents¨Chovered inches from Emily¡¯s face. Her tinum blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders as she leaned in threateningly.


    ¡°Sis!¡± she called out desperately. ¡°Please, help me! They¡¯re going to hurt me!¡±


    Aurelia¡¯s head whipped around, her tinum blonde hair swinging like a curtain. Her eyes widened when she recognized Jade¨Cthe new girl who¡¯d stolen her position as campus beauty, the freshman everyone was talking about.


    ¡°Well, well,¡± she drawled, stepping back from Emily but keeping her threatening posture. ¡°So you¡¯re sisters<b>? </b>Interesting.¡± Her lips curved into a cruel smile. ¡°No wonder you¡¯re both so¡­ unlikable.¡±


    Jade continued climbing the stairs, her expression nk as she approached them. Emily reached toward her, fingers trembling.


    ¡°Jade, please,¡± she whispered. ¡°You can¡¯t just ¡±


    Jade walked past her without slowing, as if she were invisible. As if she were nothing but air.


    ¡°Jade!¡± Emily¡¯s voice cracked.


    Aurelia¡¯sughter followed Jade up the stairs. ¡°Not even your own sister wants to help you,¡± she mocked. ¡°And you¡ª¡± She fixed her gaze on Jade¡¯s back. ¡°Better watch yourself, Jade Morgan. I¡¯m not finished with either of you.¡±


    Jade didn¡¯t look back.


    Edward Sheldon was heading back to the physicsb when he spotted Emily sitting alone on a bench, her head bowed. Something about her posture made him pause.


    ¡°Emily?¡® he called, approaching cautiously. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    She quickly wiped her face and forced a smile. ¡°Oh! Edward! Yes, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    When she looked up, Edward noticed the reddish marks on her cheek¨Cfinger¨Cshaped impressions that someone had clearly left there deliberately.


    ¡°What happened to your face<b>?</b>¡± He sat beside her, frowning with concern.


    ¡°Nothing. I just¡­ fell.¡±


    ¡°Those are finger marks, Emily.¡± His voice was firm. ¡°Who did this to you?¡±


    62


    Emily¡¯s shoulders slumped in defeat. ¡°Aurelia Sullivan,¡± she admitted quietly. ¡°She cornered me in the stairwell and threatened me to stay away from you.¡±


    Edward¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°We need to report this to the principal.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Emily grabbed his arm, panic shing in her eyes. ¡°Please, Edward, don¡¯t. She¡¯ll make things worse for me. They always do.¡±


    ¡°This is assault, Emily. We can¡¯t just-


    ¡°I¡¯m begging you.¡± Her grip tightened. ¡°Please don¡¯t make this official.¡±


    Edward hesitated, clearly torn.


    ¡°I can help you with those physics problems,¡± Emily offered suddenly. ¡°The ones you¡¯ve been struggling with. I could


    look over them with you.¡±


    Edward¡¯s eyebrows rose in surprise.


    Emily flushed. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ found some time in my schedule.¡±


    Jade had <b>just </b>finished lunch and was heading back to her dorm when a familiar voice called out behind her.


    ¡°Jade! Jade, wait!¡±


    She continued walking, her pace steady. Footsteps hurried to catch up, and suddenly Emily appeared beside her, slightly out of breath.


    ¡®Sis, please, Emily said, reaching for her arm. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you help me earlier? Aurelia would have backed off if you¡¯d said something.¡±


    Jade stopped abruptly and turned to face her. ¡°Why would I help you?¡±


    Emily blinked, taken aback by the bluntness.


    ¡°Because¡­ because we¡¯re sisters,¡± she stammered.


    ¡°Sisters<b>?</b>¡± Jade repeated coldly. ¡°When I was bullied at school, how many times did you see it and run the other way?¡±


    12:21 Mon<b>, </b>Sep <b>22 </b>


    :


    ¡°I was scared,¡± Emily¡¯s eyes welled with tears. ¡°I was just a kid, Jade. I didn¡¯t know better.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me <b>sis</b>,¡± Jade said. ¡°Don¡¯t act like we have any kind of rtionship.¡±


    A (62


    ¡°Please,¡± Emily¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper, her expression crumpling into practiced vulnerability. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I really am. I know I was awful to you. I was jealous and stupid, and I regret it so much.¡±


    Behind Emily¡¯s tears, her mind was racing with calctions. This was her chance<b>. </b>If she could just convince Jade to forgive her, she could benefit from her sister¡¯s newfound poprity. Jade could protect her from Aurelia and girls like her. More importantly, Jade was clearly brilliant¨Cshe could help Emily with the advanced physics coursework she was drowning in. Edward was already suspicious about her academic abilities; she needed Jade¡¯s help desperately.


    ¡°Let me make it up to you,¡± Emily pleaded. ¡°I¡¯ve changed. I promise.¡±


    ¡°I only have one sibling,¡± Jade said tly. ¡°His name is Max. Don¡¯t approach me again, Emily. And if you try to use me in any way, I¡¯ll make sure you regret it far more than Aurelia ever could.¡±


    Jade walked away without looking back. Behind her, Emily¡¯s fake sobs stopped abruptly. Her tears dried up instantly, reced by a look of pure hatred.


    Walter Morrison looked up from his desk as Jade entered his office at the pharmaceutical research center, surprise evident on his weathered face.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± he greeted her, rising from his chair. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting you today.¡±


    ¡®I had to skip a few sses,¡± she exined, cing two man folders on his desk. ¡°But I wanted to deliver these personally.¡±


    Walter opened the first folder, his eyes scanning the chemical forms she¡¯d written out. His eyebrows rose progressively higher as he flipped through the pages.


    ¡°This is¡­ remarkable,¡± he murmured. ¡°You¡¯ve created apletely novel approach to nerve regeneration. The application of these protein sequences could revolutionize treatments for degenerative diseases.¡±


    Jade nodded toward the second folder. ¡°That one focuses on reducing inmmation response during neural pathway reconstruction<b>. </b>I think it would work particrly well for cases involving traumatic injuries to lower extremities.¡±


    Walter studied her with newfound respect. ¡°Your understanding of biochemical interactions is extraordinary<b>. </b>Are you in medical school?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she replied. ¡°Computer science<b>, </b>actually.¡±


    ¡°Computer science<b>?</b>¡± Walter repeated, clearly stunned. ¡°But this level of pharmacological knowledge is beyond most doctoral candidates <b>I¡¯ve </b>met.¡±


    12:21 <b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>


    :


    Jade shrugged. ¡°I read a lot.¡±


    .6?)


    Walterughed, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°Well, Miss Morgan, your ¡®reading¡® might just change the lives of thousands of patients. Including your brother, if these forms perform as <b>I </b>suspect they will.¡±


    As they discussed potential testing protocols, Walter¡¯s secretary knocked on the door.


    ¡°Dr. Morrison, Alexander Haxton is here to see you.¡±


    Walter nodded. ¡°Send him in. Miss Morgan was just leaving.¡±


    Jade gathered her bag, preparing to exit as Alexander entered the office. Their eyes met briefly in the doorway¨Chis


    widening slightly with recognition.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Dr. </b>Morrison,¡± Alexander said, his gaze still fixed on Jade. ¡°I cane back if you¡¯re busy.¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Walter replied. ¡°Miss Morgan and I <b>just </b>concluded our business.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s attention sharpened at the name. As Jade stepped into the hallway, he excused himself and followed her


    <b>out</b>.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± he called after her. ¡°You look familiar. Do I know you? I think I¡¯ve met someone with your features before, also named Morgan<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Jade turned slowly to face him. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me.¡±


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 89

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>89 </b>


    A 662


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    Alexander Haxton stared at me with wide eyes<b>, </b>his mouth slightly open. I watched his expression shift from confusion to recognition<b>, </b>then to something like awe.


    <b>¡°</b>You¨Cyou¡¯re Jade Morgan?¡± he stammered, smoothing down his designer suit in a nervous gesture.


    I studied him coolly. ¡°You¡¯ve got a strong survival instinct, don¡¯t you?<b>¡± </b><b>I </b>said.


    <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m sorry?<b>¡± </b>Alexander looked confused.


    ¡°You survived the incident in Cloud City,¡± I rified. ¡°Pretty impressive.¡±


    His face brightened. ¡°Oh! Yes, that was¡­quite an experience. I apologize for my reaction. I just didn¡¯t expect to see you here<b>, </b>of all ces.¡±


    Alexander nced at his watch. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I have an urgent meeting. Could I possibly get your contact information? I¡¯d love to take you to dinner sometime as a thank you for¡­well, you know.¡±


    I almost smiled at his awkwardness. ¡°Sure.¡± I recited my number as he entered it into his phone.


    ¡°Perfect<b>, </b>I¡¯ll text you,¡± Alexander said.


    The next morning, I was heading to the dining hall when someone fell into step beside me.


    ¡®Hey, you¡¯re Jade Morgan, right? The girl who crushed the freshman challenge?¡±


    I nced sideways at the <b>tall </b>guy keeping pace with me. Tall build, expensive clothes, confidence bordering on arrogance. I recognized him immediately¨CChase Astor.


    ¡®Do I know you?¡± I asked, even though I remembered our encounter on Cloud City¡¯s mountain roads perfectly.


    ¡°Chase Astor.¡± He shed a smile that probably melted most girls¡® hearts. ¡°I think we¡¯ve met before. Mountain road in Cloud City? You were driving a pretty sweet ride for someone your age.¡±


    I kept walking. ¡°Not ringing any bells.¡±


    <b>He </b><b>wasn¡¯t </b>deterred. ¡°Come on, I never forget a face. Especially one that cost me three hundred grand in a street


    <b>race</b>.¡±


    <b>I </b><b>stopped </b>and faced him<b>. </b>¡°What do you want, Chase<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    12:21 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    His smile widened. ¡°There she is. I knew you remembered me<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡®I¡¯m busy. <b>Get </b>to the point.¡±


    Chase <b>leaned </b>closer. ¡°Have lunch with me today. I have a proposition that might interest you.¡±


    <b>I </b>considered telling him to fuck off<b>, </b>but curiosity won out. ¡°Twelve¨Cthirty. I have ss at one¨Cforty¨Cfive<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    62


    <b>¡°</b>Perfect. Meet me at <b>the </b><b>west </b><b>campus </b>caf¨¦.<b>¡± </b>He walked backward as he spoke, that cocky smile still stered on his


    face.


    The caf¨¦ was crowded when I arrived, but Chase had secured a corner table. He waved me over, pushing a sd


    toward me as I sat down.


    ¡°I ordered for you,¡± he said. ¡°Hope that¡¯s <b>okay</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    I ignored the sd. ¡°What¡¯s this proposition?¡±


    Chase leaned forward, lowering his voice. ¡°How would you like to make some serious cash tonight? I¡¯m talking about a race¨Can off¨Croad challenge.¡±


    ¡°Not interested.¡±


    ¡°Fifty thousand dors for one race,¡± Chase said quickly. ¡°The course is about twenty minutes outside town. Some abandoned quarrynd the locals call ¡®the Bands.¡°¡±


    I <b>raised </b>an eyebrow. ¡°Fifty thousand is pocket change. Not worth my time.¡±


    Chase¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Pocket change? Jesus<b>, </b>who are you<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>He recovered quickly. ¡°Okay, how about this¨Cif you beat those smug bastards, I¡¯ll personally add another fifty grand per race. That¡¯s a hundred thousand for what, an hour of your time<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    I took a sip of water<b>, </b>considering. It wasn¡¯t about the money¨CI had more than enough. But something about the <b>prospect </b>of racing again made my blood hum. The adrenaline, the control, the victory¨CI missed it,


    ¡°What time?¡± I asked finally.


    <b>Chase¡¯s </b><b>face </b><b>lit </b>up. ¡°Meet <b>me </b>outside <b>the </b>east campus gate at eight. I¡¯ll drive us there<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    I nodded <b>once </b>and stood <b>up</b>. ¡°Don¡¯t bete.<b>¡± </b>


    <b>At </b>eight <b>o¡¯clock </b>sharp<b>, </b><b>I </b>walked <b>through </b><b>the east </b><b>campus </b>gate<b>. </b><b>Chase </b><b>was </b><b>already </b>waiting<b>, </b><b>leaning </b>against <b>a </b>heavily


    12:21 Mon, <b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>


    modified Jeep Wrangler with massive tires and a reinforced roll cage.


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°Right on time,¡± he said, opening the passenger door for me. ¡°Hope you¡¯re ready to shock some Europeans tonight.¡±


    The drive took us through winding country roads until we reached what looked like an abandoned mining operation. Dozens of off¨Croad vehicles were parked in a makeshift lot¨CRange Rovers, G¨CWagons, and custom rigs that probably cost more than most houses.


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 Treatment 90

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>90 </b>


    :


    Chase parked among a group <b>of </b>simrly customized vehicles surrounded by preppy¨Clooking guys in expensive outdoor gear. As I stepped out, their conversation halted, and all eyes turned to me.


    ¡°Astor, who¡¯s the eye candy?¡± one of them called out with a smirk.


    ¡°Watch your mouth, Trent,¡± Chase replied sharply. ¡°This is Jade Morgan, the driver I told you about.¡±


    ¡°This is your secret weapon?¡± Another guyughed. ¡°What¡¯s she going to do, distract thepetition with her


    looks?¡±


    62


    I ignored them, surveying the courseyout visible in the distance¨Csteep inclines, muddy pits, and narrow passages between rock formations. Challenging, but nothing I hadn¡¯t handled before.


    ¡°Keep yourments clean,¡± Chase warned his friends. ¡°She¡¯s the one who smoked me on Cloud City¡¯s mountain pass. The girl I¡¯ve been looking for.¡±


    That silenced them momentarily, until a group of neers approached¨Cfive men in matching racing gear<b>, </b>speaking rapid German among themselves.


    ¡°The Europeans are here,¡± Chase muttered to me. ¡°The green¨Ceyed one is ke. His parents are political bigwigs in Europe. He¡¯s been in town following his mother on some diplomatic tour. Professional driver, been here for a month now<b>. </b>I¡¯ve lost almost three hundred grand to him.¡±


    ke spotted our group and headed over, his eyes settling on me with obvious interest.


    ¡°Astor,¡± he said with a heavy ent. ¡°I see you¡¯ve brought a cheerleader this time. Perhaps she will bring you better


    luck, yes?<b>¡± </b>


    Chase bristled beside me. ¡°Actually, she¡¯ll be driving for me tonight.¡±


    ke and his friends erupted inughter. ¡°A woman? You must be desperate to lose your money so quickly.¡±


    I stepped forward, switching to wless German. ¡°<i>Three </i>years ago at the <i>Alpine </i>Off¨CRoad Challenge, your entire team lost to a sixteen¨Cyear¨Cold American <i>girl</i>. <i>You </i>not <i>only </i>lost <i>your </i>custom Land Rover, but had to wear a pink tutu and reindeer antlers while dancing <i>Swan </i><i>Lake </i>in a mud pit.¡±


    The color drained from ke¡¯s face as Chase¡¯s friends roared withughter.


    ¡®How do you know about that? ke demanded in English.


    <b>I </b>smiled coldly. ¡°Fifty thousand is too small a bet for me. Three hundred thousand per race, or I¡¯m not interested<b>.</b>¡±


    Chase <b>grabbed </b>my arm. <b>¡°</b>Jade, what are you doing?¡± he whispered urgently. ¡°That¡¯s serious money<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Do you trust me to win?¡± I asked without looking at him.


    After a brief hesitation, Chase nodded. ¡°Yeah. Yeah, I do.¡±


    :


    I turned back to ke. ¡°Well? Are you in, or are European drivers as cowardly as I remember?¡±


    62


    ke¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Fine. Three hundred thousand.¡± His eyes raked over me. ¡°But if you lose, you spend the night with me instead of paying.¡±


    Chase lunged forward, but I held him back.


    ¡°<i>When </i>you <i>lose</i>,¡± I replied in German, ¡°<i>you </i><i>will </i><i>crawl </i><i>across </i><i>the </i><i>finish </i><i>line </i><i>and </i><i>leave </i><i>this </i><i>ce</i>.¡±


    ke¡¯s lips curled into a sneer. ¡°If I lose¨Cwhich I won¡¯t¨CI¡¯ll not only crawl out of here, I¡¯ll do it naked.¡±


    The crowd around us erupted in exmations andughter.


    Chase announced, ¡°Jade will be driving for me tonight against ke.¡±


    ke scoffed. ¡°Women can¡¯t handle real off¨Croad racing. This course requires strength and endurance.¡±


    ¡°Says the man who lost to a sixteen¨Cyear¨Cold girl,¡± I shot back.


    ke stepped toward me, fury in his eyes. Chase moved between us, shoulders squared.


    ¡°You should back off,¡± Chase warned.


    ¡®Or what?¡± ke challenged, his friends moving to nk him.


    I slipped past Chase, standing toe¨Cto¨Ctoe with ke. ¡°Let¡¯s finish the race first. After I humiliate you on the track, we can settle any other disputes.¡± I smiled coldly. ¡°Though knowing your type, you¡¯ll probably im the vehicle was faulty or the course was unfair¨Canything to avoid admitting you lost to a woman, Again.¡±


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    212

 Treatment 91

    <b>Chapter </b><b>91 </b>


    I watched as ke strutted away with his European crew. He nced back at me with a smirk that screamed


    arrogance<b>. </b>


    ¡°We will see how the American girl handles real off¨Croad,¡± he called over his shoulder, his ent thick. ¡°This is not your video game or little street race<b>.</b>¡±


    His friendsughed on cue, like trained seals. ke continued in rapid German to his team.


    ¡°<i>After </i><i>I </i><i>win</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>that </i>American bitch <i>pay</i><i>. </i><i>She¡¯ll </i><i>regret </i><i>humiliating </i><i>me </i><i>in </i><i>front </i>of <i>everyone</i>.¡±


    I kept my face neutral<b>, </b>but mentally noted his words.


    Chase fidgeted beside me, watching the Europeans climb into their Land Rover. ¡°That¡¯s a custom Defender,¡± he whispered. ¡°Cost at least half a million with those modifications.¡±


    ¡°How good is this Jeep for the course?¡± I asked, tapping the hood of the vehicle we¡¯d arrived in.


    ¡°This Rubicon is the best American off¨Croad vehicle money can buy. Borrowed it specifically for tonight ¨C it¡¯s got reinforced suspension and a custom engine tune.¡±


    We pulled up to the starting line, where ke¡¯s Land Rover was already positioned. Getting out of our Jeep, I couldn¡¯t help but notice how practical our vehicle lookedpared to ke¡¯s shy Defender with its matte green finish and carbon fiber ents.


    Chase¡¯s friends gathered around us, their faces showing clear concern. Chase himself seemed to be having second thoughts as he nced between me and ke¡¯s impressive machine.


    ¡°Look,¡± he said quietly, ¡°losing money or face is one thing, but you absolutely cannot go with those guys if we lose. They¡¯re known for being rough with women. If things go south, I¡¯m getting you out of here immediately.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Worried about me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m an Astor.¡± He puffed up his chest slightly. ¡°Can¡¯t let a woman take the fall for this kind of thing.¡±


    ¡°Your chivalry is noted,¡± I replied dryly, but I appreciated his concern. For all his privilege and swagger, Chase seemed to have a decent moralpass.


    A man with a starter pistol took position between the vehicles. ke revved his engine, the custom exhaust rumbling deeply. I calmly adjusted my seat and mirrors, familiarizing myself with the Jeep¡¯s controls.


    <b>¡°</b>Drivers ready!¡± the starter called.


    ke¡¯s engine roared again. Mine remained at a steady idle.


    <b>62 </b>


    The starter raised his arm, but before he could fire, ke¡¯s Defender lurched forward, racing down the course several meters before the gun even fired.


    ¡°That cheating son of a bitch!¡± Chase shouted as his friends erupted in angry protests.


    I said nothing, just pressed the elerator and shifted gears smoothly. The Jeep responded instantly, and I felt that familiar rush of adrenaline as we shot forward.


    The course started with a straight section of gravel before veering into a series of steep hills and mud pits. ke had a head start, but I caught up quickly, the Jeep¡¯s suspension absorbing the rough terrain better than I expected.


    As we approached the first major obstacle¨Ca steep, muddy hill¨Cke slowed slightly, choosing his line carefully. I didn¡¯t hesitate, powering through a line most drivers would avoid, using the Jeep¡¯s four¨Cwheel drive to its full


    advantage.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Chase eximed as we pulled alongside ke¡¯s Defender. ¡°You¡¯re actually catching him!¡±


    I nced over to see ke¡¯s shocked expression before I punched the elerator again, leaving him behind as we


    crested the hill. Chase whooped and flipped ke the middle finger as we passed.


    The next section featured a series of deep mud pits. I navigated them with precision, maintaining momentum without losing control. In my rearview mirror, I could see ke struggling, his expensive vehicle bogging down


    where mine had glided through.


    ¡°How are you doing this?¡± Chase asked, gripping the roll cage as we bounced over rough terrain. ¡°It¡¯s like you¡¯ve been driving this course for years!¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer, focused on the next challenge¨Ca sharp drop followed by a narrow passage between rock formations. I deliberately slowed down, allowing ke to catch up, then elerated again just as he was about to attempt an


    overtake.


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    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b>92

 Treatment 92

    <b>Chapter </b>92


    ¡°Are you¡­ are you toying with him?¡± Chase asked incredulously.


    I allowed myself a small smile. ¡°Just making a point.¡±


    I repeated this pattern several times¨Cletting ke close the gap, then effortlessly pulling away. From his increasingly aggressive driving and the German curses audible even over the engine noise, I could tell his frustration was mounting.


    Near the spectator area, I could hear Chase¡¯s friends cheering wildly while ke¡¯s European crew shouted insults. The two groups seemed on the verge of their own confrontation.


    ¡°You¡¯re making him look like an amateur!¡± Chase yelled, clearly enjoying the show. ¡°He¡¯s being led around like a dog


    on a leash!¡±


    As we approached the final section¨Ca steep climb to the finish line¨Cke made his move. He gunned his engine and swerved toward us, clearly intending to force us off the narrow track.


    I anticipated the move, downshifting and turning the wheel sharply while feathering the clutch. The Jeep responded perfectly, sliding just enough to avoid ke¡¯s vehicle while maintaining traction.


    ke,mitted to his aggressive maneuver and not expecting my evasion, lost control. His Defender veered off course, hitting a rock that sent it rolling into a mud pit. The expensive vehicle came to rest on its side, thoroughly


    wrecked.


    I calmly drove across the finish line as cheers erupted from Chase¡¯s friends. We got out of the Jeep to see ke¡¯s crew rushing to their driver¡¯s aid while Chase¡¯s friends taunted them mercilessly.


    ¡°That was incredible!¡± Chase eximed, pping me on the back. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen driving like that!¡±


    The celebration was short¨Clived. ke emerged from his vehicle, mud¨Ccovered and furious. He stormed toward the nearest of Chase¡¯s friends, shoving him hard.


    ¡°You set this up!¡± he shouted. ¡°No woman drives like that without cheating!¡±


    Within seconds, both groups were shoving and throwing punches. Chase jumped into the fray but quickly found himself overwhelmed. One of ke¡¯s friends reached inside his jacket, and I saw the glint of metal.


    ¡°They¡¯ve got weapons! Chase shouted, scrambling backward with blood trickling from his nose.


    I moved then, no longer just a spectator. The first European made the mistake of lunging at me with a folding knife. <b>I </b>caught his wrist, twisted until the knife fell, then delivered a precise strike to the nerve cluster at the base of his neck that left him crumpling to the ground.


    The second came from behind, but I sensed his movement, ducking under his grab and sweeping his legs. The third


    and fourth attacked together¨Ca mistake. I used their momentum against them, ensuring they collided with each other before taking them down with efficient strikes.


    Within minutes, over a dozen of ke¡¯s crew were on the ground, groaning or unconscious. Chase stood nearby,


    mouth agape.


    ¡°What¡­ how did you¡­?¡± he stammered.


    I ignored him, walking toward ke who had backed away during the fight. I spoke to him in perfect German.


    ¡°<i>The </i>money<i>. </i>Now. <i>Then </i><i>strip </i>and <i>crawl away </i><i>like </i><i>you </i><i>promised</i>.¡±


    ke spat on the ground. ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything. You¡¯ll regret this,¡± he snarled, turning to leave.


    I sighed. ¡°Always the hard way,¡± I muttered, rolling my shoulders.


    <b>62 </b>


    What happened next was a blur to most observers¨Ca flurry of movement, shouts in various Europeannguages, and the sounds of struggle. Three minutester, the spectators were treated to the sight of over a dozen European men running naked from the quarry, their clothes and dignity left behind.


    Chase collected ke¡¯s expensive racing gear, holding it up like a trophy while his friends took photos.


    ¡°Nice ass, but needs more squats!¡± he shouted after them,ughing.


    By morning, #EuropeanButts was trending on several social media tforms, featuring blurred photos of the


    humiliated racers fleeing the scene.


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 Treatment 93

    Author¡¯s POV:


    Max Morgan¡¯s phone buzzed persistently as he limped out of Cloud City High¡¯ste study hall. The screen showed three missed calls and five text messages, all from his sister Emily. He frowned, slowing his already cautious pace.


    Emily never called him. Not unless she wanted something.


    He swiped open thetest message: <i>Hey </i><i>Maxie</i><i>, </i><i>just </i><i>checking </i>how <i>you¡¯re </i><i>doing</i>. <i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>need </i><i>some </i><i>money </i>for the


    <i>weekend</i><i>? </i>


    Max snorted. Emily offering money? Something was definitely wrong. Thest time she¡¯d ¡°loaned¡± him cash, she¡¯d charged him 20% interest and collected in front of his friends, calling him a charity case.


    His phone rang again. Emily.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Max answered bluntly.


    ¡°God, Max, is that any way to talk to your sister?¡± Emily¡¯s voice was unnaturally sweet. ¡°I just wanted to check on


    you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never ¡®just checked¡® on anyone in your life.¡± Max shifted his backpack, wincing as its weight pulled on his


    sore shoulder. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Emily sighed dramatically. ¡°Fine. I need help with a physics problem. For my schrship application.¡±


    ¡°You hate physics.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and I need this schrship. Themittee specifically requested I solve this problem set.¡±


    Max¡¯s interest was piqued despite his suspicion. ¡°Send it over.¡±


    His phone pinged with an attachment, Max opened it, squinting at the equations that filled his screen. His eyebrows rose higher with each line,


    ¡°Emily, this isn¡¯t high school physics. It¡¯s not even regr college physics. What the hell kind of schrship is this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ specialized, Emily said vaguely, ¡°Can you solve it or not?¡±


    Max shook his head even though she couldn¡¯t see him. ¡°No way. This is quantum mechanics or something. Way beyond me,¡±


    ¡°Maybe Jade could help?¡± Emily suggested, her voice suddenly bright. ¡°She¡¯s inputer science, right? They doplicated math.¡±


    ¡°Then ask her yourself.¡±


    :


    ¡°We¡¯re not exactly on speaking terms right now,¡± Emily admitted. ¡°Look, if you help me with this, we can split the schrship money. Fifty¨Cfifty.¡±


    ¡°You want me to be your go¨Cbetween with Jade?¡± Maxughed. ¡°No thanks. I¡¯m not getting involved in whatever mess you¡¯ve created.¡±


    Max, please-¡±


    He hung up, tucking his phone away. Whatever Emily had gotten herself into, it wasn¡¯t his problem.


    62


    The next day, Emily paced nervously outside the Princeton physics building. Her palms were sweaty, and the folded papers in her pocket felt like they were burning a hole through the fabric. When she spotted Orion Miller walking across the quad, she straightened her posture and forced a bright smile.


    ¡°Orion! Hey!¡± she called, waving enthusiastically.


    Orion looked up, clearly surprised that Emily Morgan was addressing him. They¡¯d barely spoken since orientation week. ¡°Emily, right? What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Just wanted to say hi.¡± She fell into step beside him. ¡°Did you know my sister Jade got into Princeton too? She¡¯s in theputer science department.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, everyone knows,¡± Orion said, his interest visibly piquing. ¡°She¡¯s basically the talk of campus right now.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s changed so much since high school,¡± Emily continued. ¡°Got skinny, got pretty. You probably wouldn¡¯t even recognize her.¡±


    Orion nodded slowly. ¡°I¡¯ve seen her around. She¡¯s¡­ different.¡±


    ¡°She had such a crush on you in high school, you know,¡± Emily said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. ¡°She was devastated when you rejected her.¡±


    Orion frowned. ¡®We barely spoke,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because she was too nervous to approach you directly,¡± Emily lied smoothly. ¡®She¡¯s probably still too


    embarrassed to talk to you now. But I bet she¡¯d be thrilled if you reached out.¡±


    ¡°<b>You </b>think?¡® Orion looked thoughtful.


    ¡°Definitely. With your looks and brains? She¡¯d say yes in a heartbeat.¡± Emily patted his arm. You should ask her out. Before someone else does.¡±


    <b>12:22 </b>Mon, Sep 22


    :


    As Orion walked away with a contemtive expression, Emily smiled to herself. If Jade was happy about reconnecting with her high school crush, maybe she¡¯d be willing to help with that impossible physics problem Edward Sheldon had given her. The chancellor and physics department were all waiting for her solution<b>, </b>believing she <b>was </b>some kind of genius. <b>If </b>she failed now, she¡¯d lose everything.


    <b>Jade </b>was heading to the engineering building when she noticed a small crowd gathering in the corridor ahead. Instinctively, she scanned for exits and threats before forcing herself to rx. <i>Just </i><i>college </i><i>drama</i><i>, </i>she reminded herself. Not a security <i>situation</i><i>. </i>


    She was about to detour when she saw who was at the center: Aurelia Sullivan, nked by two well¨Cdressed girls, blocking her path.


    ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t the charity case herself,¡± Aurelia said loudly enough for everyone to hear. Her perfectly manicured hand held up a broken tinum chain. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you.¡±


    Jade stopped, maintaining a neutral expression. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°Your sister Emily bumped into me yesterday and broke my bracelet.¡± Aurelia thrust the damaged jewelry forward. ¡°It¡¯s a limited edition Cartier. Worth sixty thousand dors<b>.</b>¡±


    One of Aurelia¡¯s friends nodded vigorously. ¡°We all saw Emily crash into her, and then the bracelet just snapped.¡±


    ¡°Only twenty were made worldwide,¡± the other friend announced loudly. ¡°The Sullivans bought two of them.¡±


    Whispers rippled through the growing audience. Jade nced at the broken chain withplete disinterest.


    ¡°You could beat Emily to death and I wouldn¡¯t care,¡± she replied tly.


    Aurelia¡¯s eyes widened in mock surprise. ¡°You won¡¯t even help your own sister? How cold.¡±


    ¡°So cold,¡± echoed one of her friends.


    Jade heard the murmurs from onlookers: ¡°Sullivan money runs deep,¡± and ¡°That new girl is gorgeous but she¡¯s in trouble now.¡±


    <b>62 </b>


    Aurelia stepped closer<b>, </b>her expensive perfume overwhelming. ¡°People from the slums like you have no manners. Apologize for your sister first, then we¡¯ll discuss payment.¡±


    Before Jade could respond, <b>a </bmanding voice cut through the crowd.


    ¡°J! There you are.¡±


    Chase Astor pushed through <b>the </b>spectators, a group of well¨Cdressed young men following in his wake. His aggressive approach immediately softened when he reached Jade, his posture bing almost deferential.


    :


    <b>¡°</b><b>Is </b>there a problem here?¡± he asked, positioning himself between Jade and Aurelia.


    The corridor fell silent. Chase¡¯s friends formed a protective semicircle around Jade.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern you, Chase,¡± Aurelia said, tossing her blonde hair. ¡°I¡¯m just collecting a debt.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s with me,¡± Chase replied firmly. ¡°Any problems, you talk to me first.¡±


    The whispering intensified: ¡°That¡¯s Chase Astor!¡± ¡°Why is he protecting the new girl?¡± ¡°The Astors never mix with schrship students¡­¡±


    Aurelia¡¯s perfect smile hardened. ¡°No need to y knight, Chase. We all know you¡¯re just after her for her looks.¡±


    ¡°At least I have something to offer besides daddy¡¯s credit card,¡± Chase shot back. ¡°That fake blonde dye job isn¡¯t fooling anyone, Sullivan. Neither is pretending you have a brain under it.¡±


    92


    Aurelia¡¯s face flushed with anger. ¡°Whatever. My cousin Catherine is officially getting engaged to Ethan Haxton next month. We¡¯ll see who¡¯sughing then.¡±


    Jade¡¯s eyebrow lifted at this information. ¡°Ethan Haxton is marrying your cousin?<b>¡± </b>


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 Treatment 94

    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¨CSullivan merger is going to be the social event of the year,¡± a girl behind Aurelia gushed. ¡®Catherine is so lucky¨Cyoung, 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¨Cpossibly 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¨Cinw.¡±


    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¨Cshe wasn¡¯t trying to marry him, just using his resources. The man had a reputation for being clean¨Ccut 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¨Cthey 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

 Treatment 95

    ¡°Cloud City, Jade answered simply, offering nothing more.


    By the time they finished lunch, the rumors had already spread throughout campus. One hour with Chase Astor in the dining hall, and suddenly everyone ¡°knew¡± he was pursuing her. Jade¡¯s phone buzzed with notifications from Princeton¡¯s anonymous gossip forum: ¡°NYC BILLIONAIRE HEIR CHASING SCHOLARSHIP GIRL FROM THE SLUMS.¡±


    Complete with blurry photos of them at lunch.


    Meanwhile, in a sleek Manhattan office overlooking Central Park, Ethan Haxton scrolled through business news on his tablet. A notification from his social media monitoring service popped up, and he found himself staring at those same photos of Chase and Jade.


    ¡°Chase¡­ Astor?¡± he muttered, his brow furrowing.


    He tapped his finger against the edge of his tablet, a rare sign of agitation.


    His fingers moved swiftly across the screen, typing a message to her: ¡°Dinner tonight? We need to catch up.¡±


    Back on campus, Julian Sheldon cornered Jade outside theputer science building.


    ¡°Jade! Just the person I wanted to see.¡± His smile was eager, practiced. ¡°I¡¯d like to formally invite you to join the


    Student Council.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s in it for me?¡± she asked bluntly.


    Julian blinked, clearly thrown by her directness. ¡°Well¡­ it looks great on your resume, and-¡±


    ¡°Any actual benefits?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Not¡­ exactly,¡± he admitted. ¡°It¡¯s mostly meetings and organizing events. But theworking is valuable!¡±


    ¡°So no real power<b>, </b>just more work,¡± Jade summarized.


    Julian shifted ufortably. ¡°We do have some influence with the administration¡­ sometimes.¡±


    Her phone buzzed with Ethan¡¯s dinner invitation. Jade nced at it and typed back: ¡°Will consider it.¡±


    ¡°Are you and Chase Astor really dating?¡± Julian blurted out, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± He looked relieved. ¡°Great! So maybe you¡¯d like toe to my party this weekend? Just a small gathering at my parents<b>¡® </bke house<b>. </b>Dad¡¯s flying in some of his Princeton colleagues¨Cgreatworking opportunity.¡±


    Ì–


    ¡°Not interested,¡± she replied, already walking away.


    :


    In her dorm room, Emily Morgan scrolled furiously through the campus gossip forum. She¡¯d skipped ss to avoid Edward Sheldon, only to find her sister¡¯s face stered all over social media.


    ¡°Fucking unbelievable,¡± she muttered, staring at the photos of Jade with Chase Astor. ¡°She swoops in and immediately has the richest guy on campus falling all over her.¡±


    Emily zoomed in on Jade¡¯s face in one of the pictures, searching for traces of the awkward, overweight stepsister she¡¯d grown up tormenting. There was nothing left of that girl¨Cjust a stunning woman whomanded attention without even trying.


    Her fingers hovered over the keyboard before typing: ¡°Wonder if he knows about her past? #FatJade #CloudCityLoser¡±


    <b>62 </b>


    She hit post, feeling a momentary satisfaction that quickly faded into emptiness. It wasn¡¯t fair. Everything came so easily to Jade now, while she was struggling just to maintain her schrship facade.


    At the Morgan household, Max sat at the kitchen table working on calculus problems while Linda hovered nearby, anxiously wiping already clean counters.


    ¡°Your sister Emily needs help with her physics assignment,¡± Linda said, trying to sound casual. ¡°Maybe you could ask Jade to tutor her? She¡¯s <b>so </b>smart with that stuff.¡±


    Max nodded absently. ¡°I¡¯ll text Jade about it, but she¡¯s pretty busy with her own sses.¡±


    ¡°Emily¡¯s schrship depends on this,¡± Linda pressed. ¡°Family should help family.¡±


    Max looked up from his textbook, expression skeptical. ¡°Since when have you cared about that?¡±


    Later, after showering, Max stepped into the hallway and reached for his phone to call Jade. He missed his sister and wanted to hear her voice, maybe talk abouting to visit campus soon. He paused when he heard Linda¡¯s voice


    from the kitchen.


    ¡°Emily, honey, I¡¯m working on it. Max will convince Jade to help you¡­¡±


    Chapter Comments


    3

 Treatment 96

    <b>Chapter </b><b>96 </b>


    Linda Morgan paced around the kitchen, phone pressed to her ear, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sweetie. Your brother already agreed,¡± she said, ncing nervously toward the hallway. ¡°In a few days, once he figures out that physics problem, I¡¯ll make Max send it to you.¡±


    She opened the refrigerator, mindlessly rearranging items while continuing her conversation with Emily.


    ¡°That dead¨Cweight Jade cares about Max. She¡¯ll definitely help him. And from now on, whenever you have physics


    problems, I¡¯ll make sure Max gets them solved. You don¡¯t need to worry about a thing.¡±


    Linda¡¯s voice suddenly shifted from scheming to excited. ¡°Did you know Jade¡¯s been making connections with rich and powerful people at school? I¡¯m thinking of visiting Princeton soon to see her¨Cand to meet these wealthy boys.


    she knows.¡±


    Sheughed, the sound brittle and false. ¡°You need to be nicer to Jade, Emily. We might need her connections in the future. I know you¡¯re angry, but what good will that do? Just y nice.¡±


    A floorboard creaked behind her.


    Linda whirled around, nearly dropping her phone when she spotted Max standing in the doorway, his face a mask of


    confusion. How long had he been there?


    ¡°Mom? Who¡¯s making Emily do physics problems?¡± Max asked, his voice dangerously quiet.


    Linda¡¯s face flushed. ¡°No one, honey. I was just¡ª¡±


    ¡°I heard you,¡± Max interrupted, his eyes narrowing. ¡°You said I agreed to something. What exactly did I agree to?¡±


    Linda fumbled with her phone, quickly ending the call. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Max. Emily just needs some help with¡ª*


    ¡°With what?¡± Max pressed, taking a step forward. ¡°What physics problem?<b>¡± </b>


    Linda¡¯s nervousugh echoed in the kitchen. ¡°Just some homework, sweetie. Nothing important.¡±


    Max¡¯s eyes hardened. ¡°Emily stole my notebook, didn¡¯t she? She stole that physics problem Jade worked out.¡±


    The color drained from Linda¡¯s face.


    ¡°That¡¯s why my draft notebook went missingst month,¡± Max continued, his voice rising. ¡°She¡¯s been pretending to <b>be </b>Jade<b>, </b>hasn¡¯t she? She lied to Princeton, to Edward Sheldon, to Principal Thornton¨Cto everyone!¡±


    Linda grabbed Max¡¯s arm<b>, </b>her fingers digging into his skin. ¡°Keep your voice down! Neighbors might hear you.¡±


    42


    ¡°Good! They should hear this!¡± Max yanked his arm away. ¡°Do you even understand what Emily did? Shemitted identity theft and fraud!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that, Linda hissed. ¡°Emily just needed a chance.¡±


    Max turned and limped quickly toward the hallway.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Linda called after him.


    ¡°To call Jade. She deserves to know the truth.¡±


    Linda lunged forward, grabbing Max¡¯s phone from his hand with surprising strength. ¡°You can¡¯t do that! You¡¯ll ruin


    everything!¡±


    ¡°And what about Jade<b>?</b>¡± Max shouted, his face reddening with anger. ¡°How are you and Emily any different from those criminals who steal identities to get into college?¡±


    Linda¡¯s eyes filled with tears¨Cwhether genuine or manufactured, it was hard to tell. ¡°Please, Max. Don¡¯t tell Jade. Emily is your sister too.¡±


    ¡°A sister who stole from the only person in this family who ever actually cared about me,¡± Max shot back. ¡°And you still call Jade ¡®that dead¨Cweight¡® behind her back. You¡¯re stealing her aplishments and still treating her like garbage.¡±


    Frank Morgan chose that moment to walk through the front door, his work boots tracking mud onto the linoleum. He froze<b>, </b>taking in the scene: his wife clutching a phone, tears streaming down her face, his son trembling with


    rage.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked, setting down his lunch box.


    Linda rushed to him. ¡°Max wants to destroy Emily¡¯s life! He¡¯s threatening to tell Jade about the schrship!¡±


    Frank looked bewildered. ¡°I don¡¯t understand-¡±


    ¡°Max wants to ruin this family,¡± Linda wailed, clutching Frank¡¯s arm. ¡°After everything we¡¯ve done for him!¡±


    ¡°What you¡¯ve done?¡± Maxughed bitterly. ¡°You mean besides treating Jade like crap her entire life? Besides stealing her future<b>?</b><b>¡® </b>

 Treatment 97

    <b>Chapter </b><b>97 </b>


    ¡°Son, Frank began hesitantly, ¡°maybe we should all calm down and-¡±


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡®No, Dad. You don¡¯t get it.¡± Max shook his head in disgust. ¡°Emily stole Jade¡¯s identity. She¡¯s pretending to be her at Princeton. She¡¯smitted actual crimes.¡±


    Frank¡¯s eyes widened as the implications sank in.


    Linda sank to her knees outside Max¡¯s bedroom door, where he had retreated after their argument. ¡°Max, please!


    Your mother is begging you. I¡¯m on my knees! Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    Frank stood awkwardly beside her, looking down at the floor. ¡°Son, listen to your mother. Family has to stick


    together.¡±


    From inside the room, Max¡¯s voice was muffled but determined. ¡°This kind of thing never stays hidden. You know


    that, right?¡±


    Linda pressed her forehead against the door. ¡°Just promise you won¡¯t tell her! Emily¡¯s on the phone¨Cshe wants to talk to you.¡±


    Inside his room, Max stared at hisptop screen, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. His mother had taken his phone, but she¡¯d forgotten about hisputer.


    ¡°This kind of secret wille out eventually,¡± he called through the door, even as he logged into his social media


    ount. ¡°It always does.¡±


    He clicked on Jade¡¯s profile and began typing a message.


    The next morning, Linda called Max¡¯s school to report him sick with the flu. She hovered anxiously as he ate his breakfast<b>, </b>barely touching her own food.


    ¡°So I¡¯m a prisoner now?¡± Max asked, pushing away his half¨Ceaten toast. ¡°You know that¡¯s illegal, right? Keeping me from school?¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m protecting my children,¡± Linda snapped. ¡°That¡¯s what mothers do.¡±


    ¡°Bymitting felonies?¡± Max shook his head in disbelief. ¡°Great parenting, Mom.¡±


    Frank stood by the counter<b>, </b>coffee mug in hand, eyes fixed firmly on the floor tiles. He hadn¡¯t spoken a word all morning.


    ¡°Dad,¡± Max appealed to his father. ¡°Are you really okay with this<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Frank took a long sip of coffee but remained silent.


    :


    At Princeton University, Emily Morgan sat through her morning ss in a daze, her mind racing with fear and anxiety. The professor¡¯s words barely registered as she checked her phone every few minutes, dreading what might


    happen next.


    When ss finally ended, she gathered her books with shaking hands and headed for the exit. Just outside the


    ssroom door, she froze.


    Jade stood there, arms crossed, a slight smile ying on her lips.


    ¡°Max tells me you have a physics problem you need help with?¡± Jade said casually.


    Emily nearly jumped out of her skin, her textbooks tumbling from her arms. ¡°J¨CJade! What are you doing here?¡±


    Students streamed past them<b>, </b>some ncing curiously at the two women who looked nothing alike yet seemed locked in some intense standoff.


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°I heard my little sister needs help,¡± Jade continued, her voice eerily calm. ¡°Something about quantum mechanics<b>? </b>Must be for a very important¡­ schrship.¡±


    Emily¡¯s face drained of color. She nced around frantically, as if looking for an escape route. ¡°Did¡­ did Max tell you?¡±


    ¡°About what?¡± Jade asked, stepping closer. ¡°About the problem? Or about something else?¡±


    Emily swallowed hard<b>, </b>a flicker of hope in her eyes. Maybe Max hadn¡¯t told her everything.


    ¡°The physics problem,¡± Emily stammered. ¡°It¡¯s really difficult, and I thought maybe-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you,¡± Jade interrupted, ¡°on one condition.¡±


    ¡°Anything,¡± Emily replied desperately.


    ¡°All your schrship money¨Cevery single dor¨Cbelongs to me now.¡±


    Emily nodded quickly. ¡°Yes, of course. Whatever you want.¡±


    Jade pulled out a pen. ¡°Show me the problem.¡±


    Emily fumbled through her bag, hope rising in her chest. Maybe Max hadn¡¯t revealed the full extent of her deception. Maybe she could still salvage this situation.


    ¡°How long will it take you to solve it?¡± Emily asked nervously.


    Jade¡¯s cold smile widened. ¡°Oh, not long at all.¡±

 Treatment 98

    Jade¡¯s POV:


    The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the campus pavilion as I handed Emily the neatly folded sheets of paper. Her eyes widened like a child on Christmas morning.


    ¡°This is it? You solved it already? Emily snatched the papers from my hand, frantically unfolding them. ¡°This fast? Oh my God, Jade, you¡¯re amazing!¡±


    I watched her scan through theplex equations and diagrams, her fingers trembling slightly as she traced the mathematical proofs. Her reaction confirmed what I already knew¨Cshe wouldn¡¯t understand a single line of what she was looking at. It was almost amusing watching her pretend toprehend the advanced quantum mechanics calctions that had taken me less than an hour to solve.


    ¡°Thank you<b>, </b>thank you!¡± She clutched the draft papers to her chest like a sacred text. ¡°Sis, if I have other problems <b>I </b>can¡¯t solve<b>, </b>can I stille to you?¡±


    I merely quirked one corner of my mouth upward, offering neither confirmation nor denial. The desperation in her eyes was almost pitiful. Almost. If I hadn¡¯t known the depths of her deception, I might have actually felt sorry for


    her.


    ¡°I promise, if I get the schrship, I¡¯ll give you all of it. Every single penny!¡± Emily¡¯s voice cracked with emotion. ¡°I


    swear!¡±


    Before I could respond, she was already backing away, still hugging the papers to her chest. ¡°I need to go show this


    to Edward right away. Thank you again!¡±


    I stood motionless, watching her practically skip away, her backpack bouncing against her spine with each hurried step. My expression gradually cooled as I observed her retreating figure. The naive fool actually believed she¡¯d dodged a bullet. Without a word, I followed at a measured distance, my footsteps silent on the concrete path.


    The hallway leading to the physics department was nearly empty when Principal Thornton spotted me. His face lit up like he¡¯d just found a hundred¨Cdor bill.


    ¡®Morgan! What a pleasant surprise!¡± He stepped directly into my path, forcing me to stop. His expensive cologne wafted toward me¨Ctoo strong, too eager, just like him. ¡°What brings you to this side of campus?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Just wandering,¡± I replied tly.


    ¡°Ah, wonderful, wonderful.¡± His eyes gleamed with opportunistic interest. ¡°Listen, when might you have some free time for dinner<b>? </b>I have several friends I¡¯d love to introduce you to.¡±


    I tilted my head slightly. ¡°What kind of people<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡®Brilliant minds, influential positions<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>Thornton lowered his voice conspiratorially, leaning in closer than <b>I </b>


    12:23 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    :


    <b>62 </b>


    preferred. ¡°There¡¯s even a young physics genius who shares your surname¨CMorgan. You two should definitely meet. I sense you might strike some intellectual sparks.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Indeed! In fact, he¡¯s working with Edward Sheldon right now. Why don¡¯t we pop in and say hello? I¡¯m heading there


    myself<b>. </b>


    I nodded, falling into step beside him as we continued down the hallway toward the graduate research building. The modern ss and steel structure contrasted sharply with Princeton¡¯s traditional architecture¨Ca temple to cutting- edge science amid historical academia.


    When we arrived at Edward Sheldon¡¯sb, the scene inside made my stomach turn. The bright fluorescent lights illuminated a gathering of Princeton¡¯s finest minds, all focused on a fraud. Emily stood at the center of a small crowd, beaming as several professors and graduate students fawned over the papers I¡¯d just given her.


    ¡°The approach is revolutionary,¡± one gray¨Chaired professor was saying, adjusting his wire¨Crimmed sses. ¡°To consider quantum entanglement from this perspective¨CI¡¯ve never seen anything like it.¡±


    Another professor, a woman with sharp eyes and sharper cheekbones, nudged Edward yfully. ¡°You two make quite the pair, Sheldon. Both brilliant beyond your years. A match made in academic heaven, wouldn¡¯t you say?<b>¡± </b>


    Edward shifted ufortably, his eyes fixed on the equations rather than on Emily. ¡°The work speaks for itself. That¡¯s what matters.¡± He turned to Emily, curiosity evident in his expression. ¡°How long did it take you to develop this solution? It¡¯s extraordinarilyplex.¡±


    Emily¡¯s smile faltered for just a fraction of a second. I caught the momentary panic in her eyes¨Cthe desperate calction of a liar trying to craft a believable timeline.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve been working on it for a while. I actually finished the core equations a couple days ago.¡±


    ¡°Remarkable,¡± Thornton dered, stepping into theb with me trailing behind. He picked up one of the papers, scanning it with admiring eyes. ¡°Truly remarkable work, Miss Emily Morgan. Your talent is extraordinary.¡±


    It was then that Emily finally noticed me standing in the doorway. The blood drained from her face so quickly 1 thought she might faint. Her fingers began to tremble, crumpling the edge of the paper she held. A graduate student nearby whispered something about blood pressure and offered her a chair, which she ignored.


    ¡°J¨CJade?¡± The name escaped her lips as little more than a terrified whisper.


    ¡°Hey, Jade!¡± Julian Sheldon¡¯s enthusiastic greeting cut through the sudden tension. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect to see you here. What brings you to our humbleb?¡±


    I stepped fully into the room, my eyes never leaving Emily¡¯s panic¨Cstricken face. ¡°I heard there was an impressive physics prodigy here. Naturally, I was curious.¡±


    With deliberate slowness, I crossed the room and picked up one of the papers from the table. The overhead lights


    A


    62


    gleamed off the white paper as I held it up for examination. ¡°Interesting handwriting,¡± <b>I </bmented, running my finger along the equations. ¡°It¡¯s remarkable how simr it is to mine.¡±


    Thornton looked between us, confusion evident on his face. ¡°You two know each other<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Oh yes,¡± I replied, my voice dangerously soft. ¡°Emily is applying for a special schrship, isn¡¯t she? A talent¨Cbased admission?¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Thornton nodded. ¡°Her exceptional abilities made her an ideal candidate for early admission.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Early admission? How interesting. And here I am, her twin sister,pletely unaware she was being considered for such an honor.¡±


    The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Emily, whose face had gone from white to gray. A pencil dropped somewhere in the back of theb, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the silence.


    ¡°Twin¡­ sister?¡± Julian looked between us, bewildered. ¡°But you don¡¯t look anything alike. And on the first day of


    sses, you two acted like strangers.¡±


    Emily swallowed hard. ¡°We¡¯re¡­ we¡¯re not identical twins,¡± she managed, her voice quivering. ¡°And we¡­ haven¡¯t always been close.¡±


    I picked up another sheet of the equations, examining it with exaggerated interest. ¡°Since you solved this so brilliantly, Emily, why don¡¯t you walk everyone through your solution process<b>? </b>I¡¯m quite interested in physics


    myself.¡±


    Emily¡¯s eyes darted around the room like a cornered animal¡¯s. I could practically see her brain scrambling for an escape route. The professors exchanged nces, their earlier admiration now tinged with suspicion.


    ¡°I¨CI¡¯m not feeling well suddenly. Could we maybe do this another time?¡±


    She turned to me, desperation evident in every line of her face. ¡°Jade, could you walk me back to my dorm? Please? I really don¡¯t feel good.¡±


    ¡°She does look pale,¡± Edward interjected, stepping protectively toward Emily. ¡°Perhaps she should rest.¡±


    I locked eyes with Emily, my expression devoid of any emotion. ¡°Tell me, sister dear. Are you tired¡­ or just unable to exin work that isn¡¯t yours<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>

 Treatment 99

    <b>Chapter </b><b>99 </b>


    :


    I stared at Emily, watching the blood drain from her face as every eye in the room fixed on her. The silence was deafening, heavy with anticipation. Without breaking eye contact, I walked slowly to the table where Emily¡¯s draft book <by </b>open.


    <b>62 </b>


    With deliberate movements, I picked up a pen and crossed out ¡°Emily Morgan¡± written at the top of the draft paper. Everyone watched as I wrote my own name-<b>¡°</b>Jade Morgan¡°-in its ce.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Principal Thornton¡¯s voice held a note of confusion as he stepped forward.


    I ignored him, my eyes still locked on Emily, who looked like she might faint at any moment. Her breathing had be rapid and shallow, the psychological walls she¡¯d built crumbling before everyone¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m simply reiming what¡¯s mine,¡± I replied, finally turning to Philip. ¡°These aren¡¯t Emily¡¯s solutions. They¡¯re


    mine.¡±


    Without waiting for a response, I walked to the whiteboard at the front of theb. I picked up a marker and began writing, my hand moving with practiced precision. The marker squeaked against the smooth surface asplex equations filled the board.


    ¡°This is the solution to the forum problem posted months before,¡± I exined, my voice cool and steady.


    My handwriting, while simr to what Emily had been carefully imitating, revealed the difference between genuine and forgery. Where her copied version was careful and calcted, mine flowed naturally¨Csharper, more angr, with confident strokes that revealed years of analytical thinking. The difference was subtle but unmistakable to anyone paying attention. I filled one board, then moved to the next, never hesitating, never pausing to think, my pen moving with a natural authority Emily could never truly replicate.


    Edward Sheldon stepped forward, his eyes widening as he recognized the equations. ¡°This is<b>¡­ </b>this is the proof I¡¯ve been asking you for months,¡± he said, turning to Emily.


    ¡°Did you think about that when you were stealing my work, Emily? When you were copying my handwriting?¡± I nced over my shoulder, my expression cold. ¡°When you were mimicking my style, did you ever consider how to


    mimic what¡¯s in my head?¡±


    Emily¡¯s face contorted as she struggled to form words, but nothing came out. The graduate students began whispering among themselves, their expressions shifting from admiration to suspicion.


    ¡°You did this? All of it?¡± A professor turned to me, his expression a mixture of respect and disbelief.


    I nodded once, wiping marker dust from my fingers. ¡°The work your department has been praising Emily for¨Cit¡¯s all mine. She¡¯s been stealing my solutions for months.¡±


    Edward¡¯s <b>face </b>darkened as he turned to Emily. I could see him controlling his temper, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. <b>¡°</b><b>Is </b>this true?¡±


    Emily finally found her voice, though it came out high and strained. ¡°Why are you doing this now?¡± she demanded, tears streaming down her face. ¡°You helped me! You gave me those papers just now! Why help me if you were nning to expose me?¡±


    I smiled, a cold, sharp expression that held no warmth. ¡°You know what they say about pride before a fall? The higher you climb on stolen achievements, the harder you crash when the truthes out.¡±


    Emily staggered backward until she hit ab <b>table</b>, then slid to the floor, her legs no longer able to support her.


    Principal Thornton stepped forward, his expression grave. ¡°Miss Emily Morgan, if what your sister is saying is true, you¡¯vemitted serious academic fraud. This is grounds for immediate disciplinary action, possibly expulsion.¡±


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°It can¡¯t be true,¡± one of the graduate students argued, though his voicecked conviction. ¡°She¡¯s solved problems


    that-¡±


    ¡°That I solved,¡± I interrupted. ¡°And she copied. Ask her to exin even the most basic principles behind the


    solutions. Go ahead.¡±


    Chapter Comments


    Elizabeth Szar


    7 days ago


    jade better take Max with her


    ¡Ì 3


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 Treatment 100

    12:23 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>100 </b>


    :


    :


    Emily¡¯s silence was damning. The room erupted in angry murmurs as realization dawned on everyone present.


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°You lied to all of us? A female graduate student stepped forward, her expression furious. ¡°We¡¯ve been working our asses off while you¡¯ve been taking credit for someone else¡¯s genius<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    I can¡¯t believe this,¡± another added. ¡°We voted to give youb ess! Special privileges!¡±


    Edward remained silent, though his expression had hardened into something dangerous. When he finally spoke, his


    voice was controlled but ice¨Ccold. ¡°How dare you?<b>¡± </b>


    Emily didn¡¯t answer, her shoulders shaking with sobs.


    ¡°The schrship,¡± Philip said quietly. ¡°The early admission. All of it was based on fraudulent work.¡±


    He turned to me. ¡°Miss Jade Morgan, what would you like us to do about this situation?¡±


    I met his gaze steadily. ¡°Whatever your academic code of conduct dictates for fraud of this magnitude. I want a full investigation and campus¨Cwide disclosure of the findings<b>.</b>¡±


    Emily finally looked up, her mascara streaking down her cheeks. ¡°Please, Jade,¡± she begged, crawling forward on her knees. ¡°Please don¡¯t do this. They¡¯ll expel me. They¡¯ll revoke my eptance. Please¡­ I¡¯m your sister.¡±


    ¡°Sister?¡± Iughed, the sound devoid of humor. ¡°You weren¡¯t my sister when you were stealing my work. You weren¡¯t my sister when you were parading around campus pretending to be a genius.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± she wailed, grabbing at the hem of my jeans. ¡°I¡¯ll do anything. Please help me!¡±


    I stepped back, out of her reach. ¡°Like you helped me when I was bullied in high school?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Why are you doing this to me?¡± Emily screamed, her face contorted with desperation. ¡°Why do you have to destroy everything I¡¯ve worked for?¡±


    ¡°Worked for?¡± I repeated, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, ¡°You didn¡¯t work for this schrship. You didn¡¯t work for your eptance here. You took my solutions, stole my ideas, and cheated your way into Princeton.¡±


    I leaned down, my face inches from hers. ¡°And you know what? I don¡¯t actually care what happens to you. But if Linda has touched one hair on Max¡¯s head because of this, I¡¯ll make sure you never set foot in Cloud City again.¡±


    I straightened up and turned to Philip. ¡°I¡¯m going back to Cloud City. My brother needs me.¡±


    Without another nce at Emily, I walked out of theb, pulling out my phone as I went. I dialed Ethan¡¯s number.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton,¡± he answered on the second ring.


    12:23 Mon<b>, </b><b>Sep 22 </b>


    :


    ¡°I need to borrow a car,¡± I said without preamble. ¡°I¡¯m heading back to Cloud City. Family emergency.¡±


    There was a brief pause. ¡°Where are you now<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Princeton. South entrance in twenty minutes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have something waiting for you.¡±


    I hung up and made my way across campus, ignoring the curious looks from students enjoying <b>the </b>afternoon sun. When I reached the south gate, a sleek ck Maybach was idling by the curb<b>, </b>Connor Haxton at the wheel.


    <b>62 </b>


    He stepped out when he saw me approach. ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± he greeted me with a slight nod. ¡°Mr. Haxton asked me to drive you.¡±


    Before I could respond, the rear door opened and Ethan himself stepped out, his tailored suit immacte <b>as </b>always.


    ¡°You came yourself,¡± I observed, unable to hide my surprise.


    ¡°Family emergency,¡± he replied, his eyes studying my face. ¡°Sounded important.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just Cloud City,¡± I said. ¡°Not exactly a crisis that requires your personal attention.¡±


    ¡°I disagree.¡± He opened the passenger door for me. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    I hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m not going for a joyride, Mr. Haxton. This is serious.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡± His expression remained unreadable. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ming with you.¡±


    Chapter Comments


    Elizabeth Szar


    7 days ago


    jade better take Max with her


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 Treatment 101

    <b>Chapter </b>101


    C


    I slid into the sleek Maybach¡¯s passenger seat, the cool leather embracing me as Connor started the engine. Ethan Haxton himself was seated in the back, <i>his </i>expression unreadable as always.


    ¡°You¡¯re still wearing it,¡± Ethan observed, his eyes fixed on my wrist.


    I nced down at the watch Max¡¯d given me. ¡°I am.¡±


    The realization of how inappropriate this whole situation was suddenly hit me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have called you. I could¡¯ve borrowed a car from a ssmate. Your current¡­ position makes this awkward.¡±


    ¡°My position?¡± Ethan raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°I just couldn¡¯t get a flight back,¡± I exined, ignoring his question. ¡°I¡¯ll buy a car when I get back to Princeton. Something practical for emergencies.¡±


    ¡°What position are you referring to?¡± Ethan pressed, leaning forward slightly. His green eyes locked with mine in the rearview mirror, a flicker of genuine curiosity visible beneath his usualposed exterior.


    I sighed. ¡°The Sullivan heiress? Your engagement? It¡¯s all over campus.¡±


    Connor¡¯s eyes flickered to the rearview mirror, watching our interaction with poorly disguised interest. His fingers tapped against the steering wheel, a subtle tell that he found our conversation entertaining.


    ¡°Ah, that.¡® Ethan¡¯s face rxed. ¡°My family does want an alliance with the Sullivans. A business merger sealed with. marriage¨Cvery medieval, isn¡¯t it?¡± His lips curved into a sardonic smile. ¡°I¡¯ve already declined the arrangement.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡® I kept my tone neutral, focusing on the road ahead. Why should I care who Ethan Haxton married? It was irrelevant to me. Still, something in my chest loosened at his words¨Cprobably just relief that I wouldn¡¯t have to navigateplicated social dynamics if I needed his help again.


    ¡°How did you hear about it?¡± Ethan asked after a moment of silence. He shifted in his seat, straightening the cuff of


    <b>his </b>tailored shirt¨Ca nervous habit I¡¯d noticed before.


    School gossip. Chase Astor mentioned it. Said you were his sister¡¯s leftovers or something equally charming.¡±


    Connor coughed, clearly suppressingughter. The sound filled the car¡¯s luxurious interior as his shoulders shook slightly. Ethan¡¯s expression darkened momentarily, his jaw tightening just enough to be noticeable.


    ¡°And you spend time with Chase Astor because¡­? His tone was carefully controlled, but I caught the edge beneath it. Interesting that the name could provoke such a reaction from someone asposed as Ethan Haxton.


    <b>I </b>shrugged. ¡°He¡¯s decent. Stands up for people when it matters. I remembered how Chase had positioned himself


    between me and Aurelia Sullivan.


    ¡°Decent,¡± Ethan repeated, as if testing the word. He leaned back, his fingers drumming a thoughtful rhythm against the leather seat. ¡°Chase Astor and decent aren¡¯t words I often hear in the same sentence.¡±


    Connor suddenly spoke up. ¡°I heard you saved me in Venezu. Strange, though¨CI was there when the extraction team arrived, and I don¡¯t remember seeing you among them.¡± His eyes met mine in the mirror, searching and suspicious.


    Ethan leaned closer to me, his voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°He¡¯s Q from the hacker leaderboards. Considers you his idol. If you don¡¯t want him pestering you constantly, I suggest not confirming anything.¡± His breath was warm against my ear, carrying the faint scent of expensive cologne.


    I nodded slightly, turning to Connor. ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡± I kept my expression perfectly


    nk.


    Connor studied me for a moment before focusing back on the road.


    ¡°Why the rush to get back to Cloud City?¡± Ethan asked, changing the subject. His tone was casual, but his eyes remained attentive, cataloging my every reaction.


    ¡°My sister Emily. She stole my solutions and pretended they were hers. Now that I¡¯ve exposed her, I¡¯m worried about Max¨Cmy brother.¡± My hands tightened involuntarily as I mentioned Max.


    ¡°Your brother?¡± Ethan¡¯s interest seemed to sharpen. ¡°Is he in danger?¡± The concern in his voice sounded genuine, surprising me. I¡¯d expected business interest from Ethan Haxton, not personal concern.


    ¡°Not physically. But my mother will be furious about losing Emily¡¯s schrship and admission. Max will be her easiest target.¡±


    ¡°I can have a helicopter ready in thirty minutes,¡± Ethan offered immediately, already reaching for his phone. ¡°We could be there in under an hour.¡±


    I reached out, stopping his hand. ¡°No need. Max will be fine. He¡¯s her biological son, after all.¡±


    Connor cleared his throat, breaking the moment. ¡°Two hours to Cloud City, sir,¡± he reported, his tone professional but his eyes knowing in the rearview mirror.


    We drove into my neighborhood three hourster, the Maybach drawing stares from every direction. Neighbors peeked from behind curtains and some even stepped onto their porches for a better look. The contrast between the luxury vehicle and the worn¨Cdown houses couldn¡¯t have been more stark.


    Is that the Morgan girl?¡± Mrs. Peterson from across the street didn¡¯t even try to lower her voice. ¡°Lord, she looks different. Lost all that weight and riding in a fancy car now.¡±


    ¡°Heard she got into Princeton,¡± another neighbor chimed in. ¡°Full schrship too.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the ride,¡± I said, opening the door before Connor coulde around to do it for me.


    Stepping out, I heard raised voices from inside my house. The front yard was littered with trash, and Linda¡¯s shrill voice carried through the open windows.


    <b>62 </b>


    I pushed through the creaking gate and made my way to the porch. Through the window, I saw Linda standing over Max, who was hunched on the floor. Frank stood nearby, his face etched with worry but doing nothing to intervene.


    ¡°You¡¯ve ruined everything!¡± Linda screamed, her hand connecting with the side of Max¡¯s head. ¡°Your sister had a full schrship! Princeton was going to revoke it anyway because of your message!¡±


    Max¡¯s eyes were wet with unshed tears, his thin body trembling as he tried to shield himself with one arm. His leg brace made it impossible for him to dodge Linda¡¯s strikes.


    ¡°It¡¯s not his fault Emily¡¯s a fraud,¡± I heard Max say, his voice barely audible. ¡°Jade deserved to know-


    Linda¡¯s hand raised again. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare defend her! That ungrateful-¡±


    I mmed the door open with enough force to crack the frame. Linda whirled around, momentarily shocked into silence.


    ¡°Get your hands off him,¡± I said, my voice deadly quiet as I crossed the room in three strides.


    I shoved Linda aside, hard enough to send her stumbling backward into the couch. Reaching down, I grasped Max¡¯s arm and pulled him to his feet.


    He looked up at me, tears finally spilling over. ¡°Jade,¡± he whispered, his voice cracking on my name.


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 Treatment 102

    <b>Chapter </b><b>102 </b>


    <b>62 </b>


    I stood frozen at my front door, watching Linda¡¯s face contort with rage the moment she saw me. The porch light cast harsh shadows across her features, making her look almost monstrous.


    ¡°You!¡± she screamed, jabbing a finger in my direction. ¡°You ungrateful little bitch! How dare you show your face here. after what you¡¯ve done!¡±


    Linda lunged forward, her hand raised to p me. I caught her wrist mid¨Cair without even thinking about it. With minimal effort, I pushed her away, causing her to stumble backward andnd on her ass on our cracked concrete walkway.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me,¡± I said, my voice deadly calm.


    Linda¡¯s face crumpled, and she burst into theatrical sobs that echoed through the quiet neighborhood. ¡°Look what she did to me! She pushed me! After everything I¡¯ve done for her!¡±


    I noticed curtains twitching and doors cracking open as neighbors emerged to witness the drama unfolding in our front yard. Mrs. Young from across the street didn¡¯t even try to hide her interest, standing on her porch with arms


    crossed over her bathrobe.


    ¡°She ruined Emily¡¯s life!¡± Linda wailed, ying to her audience. ¡°She got my baby kicked out of Princeton! Emily had a full schrship, and this¨Cthis monster destroyed everything!¡±


    Max appeared in the doorway behind Frank, his face pale and drawn. His knuckles were white where they gripped his crutch, and I could see fresh bruises forming on his cheek where Linda had struck him.


    I stepped around Linda, who was still sobbing dramatically on the ground, and approached my brother.


    ¡°You okay?¡± I asked softly.


    Max nodded slightly, his eyes darting nervously between me and Linda.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault,¡® I told him firmly. ¡°It¡¯s theirs. They made their choices.¡±


    I nced back at Linda, who was now being helped up by one of the neighbors, still putting on her victim act.


    ¡®Pack your things,¡± I said to Max. ¡°You¡¯reing with me to Princeton.¡±


    Max¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You heard me. Go get your stuff. Whatever you need. We¡¯re leaving.¡±


    Max hesitated, looking uncertainly at Linda, who had abruptly stopped crying and was now staring at us in shock.


    ¡°But¡­ I can¡¯t just leave,¡± he whispered.


    ?


    ¡°Why not? There¡¯s nothing for you here except more of this.¡± I gestured to the scene around us. ¡°I¡¯m not saying cut them offpletely. I¡¯m saying you¡¯reing to Princeton early. To study there.¡±


    ¡°He is NOT going anywhere with you!¡± Linda shrieked, scrambling to her feet. Her mascara had run down her cheeks in ck rivulets, but her eyes burned with fury. ¡°Max, if you walk out that door with her, don¡¯t you ever call me Mom again! Do you hear me?¡±


    I turned to face her, my patience evaporating. ¡°Let¡¯s think about what happens if I call the police right now, Linda. Theft of intellectual property for financial gain. Fraud on a university schrship application. Physical assault of a minor.¡± I nodded toward Max¡¯s bruised face. ¡°False imprisonment when you kept Max from school to prevent him from contacting me. Should I continue?¡±


    Linda¡¯s face paled, but she quickly recovered. ¡°Go ahead! Call them! Everyone in this neighborhood will know what you did. They¡¯ll know you destroyed your sister¡¯s future! They¡¯ll-¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡± Frank¡¯s quiet voice cut through Linda¡¯s tirade. He stepped forward, cing himself between us. ¡°We¡¯re family. We don¡¯t need to involve the police. We can work this out.¡±


    I looked at him with genuine disappointment. ¡°I thought you were just weak, Frank. Now I see you can¡¯t even tell


    right from wrong.¡±


    ¡°Jade, please-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I cut him off. ¡°The money I gave you for fixing the yard and buying new appliances? Consider that payment for whatever you think you¡¯ve done for me. From now on, I don¡¯t owe you anything.¡±


    The sound of a car door closing made us all turn. The sleek ck Maybach had pulled up to the curb, and Ethan Haxton was emerging from the back seat, his tailored suit a stark contrast to our shabby neighborhood.


    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± he asked, his deep voice carrying easily across the yard as he walked toward us. Every movement was graceful, controlled, exuding wealth and power without effort.


    The neighbors<b>¡® </b>whispers grew louder. I could hear them specting about who this stranger in the expensive suit


    might be and what business he had with the Morgans.


    Linda stopped mid¨Cscream, her eyes widening as she took in Ethan and the luxury vehicle behind him. Her entire demeanor changed in an instant.


    ¡°Oh my goodness,<b>¡± </b>she said, hurriedly wiping at her tear¨Cstained cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about this scene. We¡¯re just having a little family disagreement.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes flicked from Linda to me, one eyebrow slightly raised in question.


    ¡°Max ising with me,¡± I said simply, ¡°Linda doesn¡¯t approve.¡±


    :..


    62


    Ethan nodded, understanding immediately. He turned to his driver, who was standing by the car. ¡®Connor, would you mind helping Max with his belongings?¡±


    Connor nodded and moved toward the house. Linda stepped aside, suddenly powerless in the face of Ethan¡¯s quiet authority.


    As Connor and Max disappeared inside, Linda sidled closer to me, her voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°Who is he? Is he your¡­ boyfriend? Her eyes gleamed with calction. ¡°You could have told me you were dating someone important, Jade. I would have understood.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t, I warned, my voice ice cold. ¡°Drop the act. It¡¯s pathetic.¡±


    Linda flinched but quickly recovered, stering on a fake smile as Max and Connor emerged from the house. Max had a duffel bag slung over his shoulder and hisptop case in hand. Connor carried a small suitcase.


    ¡°Is that everything?¡± I asked Max.


    He nodded. ¡°Just some clothes, books, my medication, and myputer.¡±


    Connor loaded the bags into the Maybach¡¯s trunk while Linda hovered nearby, her expression fluctuating between rage and calction.


    I turned to face her onest time. ¡°Listen carefully. I¡¯m taking Max to Princeton so he can focus on his studies without your bullshit. He¡¯s still your son, and if he wants to visit or call you, that¡¯s his choice. But if I hear that you¡¯ve shown up at Princeton causing problems or something again, I will make sure you and Emily face legal consequences for what you¡¯ve done. Understand?¡±


    Linda¡¯s face hardened, but she nodded stiffly.


    Max climbed into the backseat of the Maybach, and I slid in beside him. Ethan joined us on the other side, leaving Connor to close the door and take his ce behind the wheel.


    As we pulled away, I saw Frank standing on the sidewalk, one hand half¨Craised as if he wanted to stop us. But he remained where he was, silent and unmoving, growing smaller in the rear window.


    Max stared out the window at the only home he¡¯d ever known, his expression unreadable. The silence in the car was heavy until Ethan broke it.


    ¡°Respecting one¡¯s parents is important,¡® he said quietly to Max. ¡°But blind obedience to injustice, even from family, <b>is </b>not respect. It¡¯s surrender.¡±


    Max looked at him with surprise, then nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes.


    I turned to Ethan, a small smirk ying on my lips. ¡°Enjoyed the show, Mr. Haxton?¡±

 Treatment 103

    <b>Chapter </b><b>103 </b>


    62


    Ethan¡¯s lips curved into a slight smile as he looked at me. ¡°I¡¯m relieved to see you¡¯re not overly distressed by it,¡± he replied smoothly.


    I shrugged, watching Cloud City¡¯s shabby buildings disappear as Connor drove us away. ¡°Linda has always been Linda. Nothing new there.¡±


    Ethan nodded, then suggested we stop for dinner before the long drive back to Princeton. An hourter, we were seated in a restaurant so fancy the menu didn¡¯t even have prices listed. Max sat beside me, his face still drawn and pale from everything that had happened.


    ¡°You should try the lobster bisque,¡± Ethan suggested, ncing at me over his menu. ¡°It¡¯s excellent here.¡±


    I nodded absently, more focused on Max than the food. He was staring nkly at his menu<b>, </b>clearly overwhelmed by both the options and the events of the day.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to order anythingplicated,¡± I told him quietly. ¡°Just get whatever sounds good.¡±


    The waiter approached, and Ethan ordered for himself before looking expectantly at us. I chose a simple pasta dish, and Max mumbled something about a steak.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked Max once the waiter had left.


    He nodded stiffly. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you decided toe with me,¡± I said, reaching over to squeeze his hand. ¡°It was the right choice.¡±


    When our food arrived, I noticed Max wasn¡¯t eating. <b>He </b>just pushed his steak around the te with his fork.


    ¡°You need to eat something,¡± I said, scooping some vegetables onto his te. ¡°Even if you¡¯re not hungry.¡±


    Max sighed but speared a piece of broli with his fork.


    Ethandied some soup into a bowl and passed it to me. ¡°Try this. It might help warm you up.¡±


    I hadn¡¯t realized I was cold until he mentioned it. The soup was rich and creamy, warming me from the inside out. ¡°It¡¯s good, I admitted.


    Max managed to eat about half his meal before putting his fork down. I think I¡¯m done.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡® I said, ¡°We should probably get going anyway. It¡¯s a long drive back to Princeton.¡±


    <b>12:24 </b>Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    The night air was cool as we walked to the car. Connor stood by the Maybach, opening the doors as we approached. Max immediately imed the front passenger seat, leaving me to sit in the back with Ethan.


    ¡®I can drive if you¡¯re tired, I offered, noticing the fatigue in Connor¡¯s eyes and the bandage still visible on his arm.


    Connor looked touched by my offer, but before he could respond, Ethan spoke up.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. <b>I </b>can take over if Connor needs a break.¡±


    ?


    Connor¡¯s expression shifted to something between amusement and disbelief, as if the thought <b>of </b>either Ethan or me taking the wheel was equally oundish.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, sir,¡± Connor assured him, sliding behind the wheel.


    We drove in silence for the first hour. Max eventually fell asleep, his head lolling to one side. I reached forward from the back seat and gently adjusted his position so he wouldn¡¯t wake up with a stiff neck.


    Ethan watched me with interest. ¡°You two are close,¡± he observed.


    ¡°He¡¯s a good kid,¡± I said, sitting back. ¡°Smart. Quiet. Sweet. He doesn¡¯t talk much, but when he does, it¡¯s usually worth listening to.¡±


    ¡°Unlike most people,¡± Ethan agreed with a small smile.


    I nodded, staring out the window at the darkenedndscape rushing by.


    The rhythmic hum of the tires on pavement was hypnotic. <b>I </b>closed my eyes, not intending to sleep, <b>just </b>to rest for a moment. The car hit a bump, and I felt myself swaying sideways<b>. </b>


    Before <b>I </b>could correct myself, a warm hand cupped my chin<b>, </b>gently guiding my head to rest against a firm shoulder. Ethan¡¯s cologne filled my senses<b>¨C</b>subtle notes of sandalwood and something uniquely him.


    ¡°Rest,¡± he said softly, close to my ear. Then, in a lower voice to Connor: ¡°Drive carefully. Mind the road conditions.¡±


    I should have pulled away. Should have sat up straight and maintained my <b>space</b><b>. </b>But exhaustion won out, and his shoulder was surprisinglyfortable. I let myself drift, not quite asleep but not fully awake either<b>. </b>


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 Treatment 104

    <b>Chapter </b>104


    I woke to the soft glow of dawn breaking over the horizon. The car was still moving, but Connor was no longer driving. Ethan sat behind the wheel<b>, </b>his profile lit by the early morning light. Max was now in the back seat beside me, still fast asleep.


    ¡°You drove?¡± I asked, my voice raspy from sleep.


    Ethan nced at me in the rearview mirror. ¡°Connor needed rest. I took over about three hours ago.¡±


    I looked around, realizing we were already approaching Princeton. The university¡¯s gothic spires were silhouetted against the brightening sky.


    ¡°You should have woken me. <b>I </b>could have taken a turn.¡±


    ¡°You needed the rest,¡± he said simply. ¡°Besides, I enjoy driving. It gives me time to think.¡±


    As we pulled into Princeton, the campus was quiet, most students still asleep. Ethan navigated through the empty streets with the ease of someone familiar with the area.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made arrangements for Max¡¯s transfer to Princeton High School,¡± Ethan said as we drove. ¡°He¡¯ll meet with the school administrators tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°That fast?¡± I asked, surprised.


    Max stirred beside me, blinking sleepily. ¡°Where are we?


    ¡°Princeton,¡± I told him. ¡°We just arrived.¡±


    Ethan pulled up to a luxury hotel near campus. ¡°I thought we could stay here tonight. It would be morefortable than trying to arrange other amodations on such short notice.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you too,¡± he added casually. ¡°It will make it easier to take you to the school in the morning.¡±


    We got out of the car, and Connor handed our bags to the bellhop. Ethan spoke briefly with the front desk staff, and momentster, we were being escorted to our rooms.


    ¡°I¡¯ve booked four suites,¡± Ethan exined as we rode the elevator. ¡°One for each of us.¡±


    The suites were adjacent to each other on the top floor. Mine was decorated in soothing blues and creams, with a king¨Csized bed and a view of <b>the </b>campus.


    Max followed me into my suite after dropping his bags in his own room. He waited until the bellhop had left before


    12.24 Mon, Sep 22


    speaking.


    ¡®Is he into you?¡± he asked bluntly.


    :


    ¡°What?¡± I turned to him, genuinely surprised by the question.


    AS


    82


    ¡°Ethan Haxton, Max rified, as if I might be confused about which he he meant. ¡®Is he interested in you? Romantically?¡±


    I stared at my brother. ¡°What would make you think that?¡±


    Max gave me a look that suggested I was being deliberately obtuse. ¡°It¡¯s pretty obvious, Jade.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what his intentions are, Max. And frankly, I¡¯ve got more important things to worry about right now.¡±


    Max nodded, seeming satisfied with my answer for the moment. ¡®I¡¯m going to try to get some more sleep,¡± he said, heading for the door. ¡°It¡¯s been a long night.¡±


    The next morning, I was awakened by a knock on my door. Still half¨Casleep, I mumbled something that might have been ¡°Come in¡± or might have been ¡®Go away.¡± Either way, the door opened, and Ethan stepped inside.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± he said, looking annoyingly fresh and alert in a crisp suit. ¡°It¡¯s time to get up. Max is already awake and having breakfast downstairs.¡±


    I groaned and pulled the pillow over my head. ¡°Five more minutes.¡±


    ¡°The admissionsmittee is expecting us at nine,¡± he reminded me, his voiceced with amusement.


    ¡°Fine, I grumbled, tossing the pillow aside. ¡°I¡¯ll be ready in twenty minutes.¡±


    Ethan nodded and retreated to the sitting area of my suite, giving me privacy to get ready<b>. </b>I dragged myself <b>to </b><b>the </b>bathroom, sshing cold water on my face to wake up properly.


    When I emerged, dressed and marginally more alert, Ethan was still waiting patiently<b>, </b><b>scrolling </b>through something on his phone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I said, grabbing my purse.


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>105 </b>

 Treatment 105

    <b>Chapter </b><b>105 </b>


    I stood next to Ethan in the hotel elevator, watching the floor numbers tick upward. The enclosed space amplified his cologne¨Csubtle notes <b>of </b>sandalwood that somehow made the air feel thinner.


    ¡°About Max¡¯s security arrangements, Ethan said, breaking the silence. ¡°Would you prefer I have people from Cloud City transferred to protect him, or assign new personnel?¡±


    <b>I </b>considered for a moment. ¡°New personnel would be better.¡± I didn¡¯t care about Linda or Emily¡¯s safety<b>, </b>but Max would worry if anything happen to them.


    Ethan nodded, pulling out his phone to send a quick text. ¡°Consider it done.¡±


    I stared at the polished elevator doors, wondering if Shadow Organization had already picked up Max¡¯s trail. If they discovered I was still alive, they¡¯d investigate every connection I had. Max could be a target. Maybe I should pull a few operatives from Titan Defense Group¨Cat least their loyalty was guaranteed.


    ¡°You seem deeply concerned about security,¡± Ethan observed, sliding his phone back into his pocket. ¡°Who exactly are you worried about?¡±


    I offered a tight smile but said nothing. The elevator doors opened with perfect timing, sparing me from answering his dangerous question.


    In the hotel restaurant, Max sat at a corner table, his fingers nervously fiddling with Ethan¡¯s business card. When he spotted me approaching, his eyes darted down to the card, then back to me¨Ca silent question.


    ¡°Keep it,¡± <b>I </b>said, sliding into the seat across from him. ¡°Mighte in handy someday.¡±


    Max nodded, carefully tucking the card into his wallet.


    ¡°Want to spend a couple days exploring Princeton before you start school?¡± I offered. ¡°We could check out the town,


    maybe do some sightseeing.¡±


    Max shook his head. ¡°I¡¯d rather go straight to school tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡± I studied his face. ¡°New environment, new school¨Cit¡¯s a lot to take in all at once.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± His voice was quiet but determined. ¡°The sooner I start, the sooner it bes normal.¡±


    <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t argue with that logic. Max had always faced challenges head¨Con.


    12.24 Mon, Sep 22


    :.


    Princeton High School¡¯s entrance was lined with weing faces¨Cthe principal and about a dozen faculty members stood at attention <b>as </b>our car pulled up. Their expressions brightened instantly when they recognized Ethan stepping


    out first.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton, Miss Morgan, the principal rushed forward, eagerly shaking Ethan¡¯s hand, then mine. ¡°Wee, such an honor. We¡¯ve reviewed Max¡¯s academic record¨Ctruly exceptional scores.¡±


    Ethan handled the social niceties with practiced ease, navigating the conversation effortlessly while I observed from the sidelines. He fielded questions, deflected overly personal inquiries, and consistently redirected attention to Max¡¯s academic achievements. I was grateful for his intervention¨Cthese superficial social rituals had never been my


    strong suit.


    Watching Max enter the school, I felt a rare moment of peace. Ethan had already spoken with the administration; I wasn¡¯t worried about Max facing bullying over his limp. Money talked, and Ethan¡¯s money practically shouted.


    Back in the car heading toward Princeton University, my eyes drifted to Ethan¡¯s hands on the steering wheel¨Clong, elegant fingers with perfectly manicured nails. Hands that controlled empires. I remembered the watch I nned to give him, wondering how it would look wrapped around his wrist.


    ¡°What are you staring at? Ethan asked, his voiceced with curiosity.


    I met his eyes directly. ¡°Your hands. They¡¯re nice. The words escaped before I could filter them. I quickly looked away, focusing intently on the passing scenery outside my window.


    From the corner of my eye, I caught the slight upturn of Ethan¡¯s lips, a ripple of something unreadable passing.


    across his features.


    Near Princeton University¡¯s south entrance, Megan Hayes and her two roommates spotted me climbing out of Ethan¡¯s Maybach.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Jade Morgan?¡± one of them whispered, pointing in my direction.


    ¡°Yeah, Megan narrowed her eyes. ¡°Look at that car. That¡¯s a Maybach, right? And the license te¨CNY001. That kind of te only goes to government officials or serious money.¡±


    ¡°Seems she¡¯s hooked a rich one,¡± the other roommate observed. ¡®Got to admit<b>, </b><b>she¡¯s </b>actually pretty stunning.¡±


    Megan scoffed. ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid. Girls like her from the bottom rung? They¡¯re just ythings for rich men<b>. </b>No way she¡¯s getting a ring from America¡¯s elite.¡±


    Back in my dorm room, I immediately called Night. ¡®I need help picking out a high¨Cend men¡¯s watch,¡± I said as <b>soon </b>


    as he answered.


    :


    :


    62


    ¡°Brand? Price range?¡± His voice was characteristically steady.


    ¡°Don¡¯t know. That¡¯s why I need help.¡±


    After a brief silence, he offered, ¡°<b>I </b>could send you a case of top¨Ctier watches. Take your pick.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s excessive,¡± Iughed. ¡°Just one will do. It¡¯s a gift.¡±


    ¡°Who merits such an expensive present from you?¡± His tone sharpened with suspicion.


    ¡°A new friend. Around thirty.¡± I paused, considering the style. ¡°Something sophisticated but not shy. Understated elegance¨Csomething with substance that makes an impression when noticed.¡±


    ¡°A thirty¨Cyear¨Cold new friend,¡± Night repeated, his voice cooling noticeably. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯d care to meet this new friend of yours.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, you wouldn¡¯t,¡± I replied. ¡°You two probably wouldn¡¯t get along anyway.¡±


    ¡°Jealous?¡± I teased when he didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Send me the delivery address.¡± Night¡¯s tone remained professional, but I could hear the edge beneath.


    ¡°Will do. Thanks.¡± With that, I hung up.


    After Emily Morgan¡¯s expulsion became public knowledge, my campus profile skyrocketed. The university issued a formal statement confirming Emily¡¯s identity fraud and indirectly acknowledging my physics abilities. Walking across campus, I felt the weight of stares and whispers following me everywhere.


    That afternoon, I was summoned to Philip Thornton¡¯s office.


    ¡°Miss Morgan, Thornton greeted me with a practiced smile<b>, </b>gesturing toward a chair. ¡°Regarding the house previously assigned to Emily, I¡¯ve had it transferred to your name.¡±


    ?


    ¡°When we initially reached out, you never responded,¡± the president said, studying me curiously. ¡°Did you feel our offer was insufficient?¡±


    ¡°Thank you<b>,</b>¡± I replied evenly.


    I shook my head. ¡°Just solved a problem.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Thornton nodded,prehension dawning. ¡°We made much ado about nothing, then. You solved that problem so effortlessly, you didn¡¯t <b>even </b>consider it significant.¡±


    12:24 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    :


    A


    62


    Thornton leaned forward eagerly. ¡°Have you considered transferring to the Physics Department? With your talent-¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m afraid physics isn¡¯t actually my strong suit,¡± I interrupted.


    The president stared at me, visibly shocked. ¡°Not your strong suit? But that quantum physics problem-¡±


    He didn¡¯t finish his sentence, suddenly clutching his chest, pain shing across his face.


    ¡°Heart problems?¡± I stood up. ¡°I have medication in my dorm that might help. I¡¯ll go get it.¡±


    I hurried back to my dorm to retrieve my medical kit. Passing through the hallway, I overheard Megan and her roommate gossiping.


    ¡°Did you see that case she was carrying?¡± Megan was saying. ¡°That¡¯s definitely not just a regr first aid kit.¡±


    ¡°You think she brought something dangerous into the dorms?¡± her roommate asked.


    ¡°Last time I saw her, she had alcohol in her luggage¡­¡±


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 Treatment 106

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>106 </b>


    I didn¡¯t stop to hear the rest of their spection. The president¡¯s heart condition demanded more immediate attention than their petty rumors.


    62


    I mixed severalpounds together in a ss of warm water, creating a specialized cardiac stabilizing cocktail for President Thornton. The solution turned a pale amber as I stirred it with practiced precision, mentally calcting the exact proportions each ingredient needed. He sat with his eyes closed on the leather couch in his office, his breathing shallow and hisplexion pale, showing signs of the cardiac episode that had struck him earlier.


    ¡°The first wave of relief should hit in about thirty seconds,¡± I exined, handing him the ss. ¡°The full effect takes


    about three minutes.¡±


    Thornton epted the mixture gratefully and took a cautious sip. His expression shifted from skepticism to surprise as the concoction began working almost immediately.


    ¡°This is remarkable, Miss Morgan,¡± he said, his breathing already bing more regr. ¡°Your remedy works faster than the prescription Walter Morrison gave me. And it doesn¡¯t have that metallic aftertaste.¡±


    I nodded, watching him clinically. ¡°Your heart condition is hereditary,¡± I stated matter¨Cof¨Cfactly. ¡°While it can¡¯t bepletely cured, the rightbination of medications can minimize both intensity and frequency of episodes. The key is targeting the specific cardiac pathways affected in your case.¡±


    Thornton straightened in his seat, eyebrows rising as he took another sip. ¡°How did you know it¡¯s hereditary? Even Walter Morrison¨Ca titan in cardiac research¨Ccouldn¡¯t pinpoint the exact cause. I¡¯ve been to specialists across the


    country.¡±


    ¡°Certain physiological markers and symptom patterns are obvious if you know what to look for,¡± I replied, deliberately vague. ¡°The slight bluish tint to your fingernails during an episode,bined with the specific rhythm disruption suggests a gicponent.¡±


    Thornton stared at me with newfound respect and a hint of wariness. ¡°Miss Morgan, your breadth of knowledge continues to astonish me<b>.</b>¡± He shook his head. ¡°I originally wanted to encourage you to apply to Harvard Medical or even our Physics Department, but now you tell me neither is actually your strong suit?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct, I confirmed, maintaining my neutral expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m eager to see what you aplish in Computer Science, then.¡± Thornton smiled, the color returning to his face and his breathing nowpletely normal.


    The corner of my mouth twitched upward. ¡°People with those skills don¡¯t typically use them for anything good.¡±


    Thorntonughed as though I¡¯d made a clever joke, but his eyes revealed uncertainty about whether I was actually joking. ¡°Well, I¡¯m grateful for your help today. This is the first time in years I¡¯ve felt relief so quickly.¡±


    ¡°Thisbination will stabilize your heart rate and blood pressure for about six hours,¡± I exined. ¡°But this is only


    12:25 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    :


    temporary symptom relief<b>, </b>not a treatment n. You should still follow Dr. Morrison¡¯s long¨Cterm protocol. My form is just an auxiliary measure for emergencies.¡±


    <b>62 </b>


    As I walked <b>across </b>the quad after leaving Thornton¡¯s office, I immediately noticed the sidelong nces and whispers<b>. </b>following me like a shadow. The sunny afternoon did nothing to warm the chill of scrutiny that trailed behind me.


    ¡°That¡¯s her,¡± a blonde girl whispered, not quietly enough. ¡°Someone saw her getting out of a ck Maybach yesterday. The license te was custom¨Cdefinitely belongs to someone important.¡±


    ¡°I heard she¡¯s being kept by some rich guy,¡± another student added, deliberately raising her voice so I could hear. ¡°Can¡¯t believe she¡¯d stoop so low¡­ especially after that whole physics genius revtion.¡±


    ¡°Why would she do that to herself?¡± a third voice chimed in. ¡°The guy¡¯s probably some greasy old pervert. <b>Is </b>money really that tempting? I mean<b>, </b>she seems smart enough to get by without selling herself.<b>¡± </b>


    I kept walking, face expressionless.


    ¡®Don¡¯t you all have better shit to do?¡± a voice cut through the murmurs.


    Chase Astor stood in the center of the walkway, undisguised anger shing in his eyes. The gossiping students immediately fell silent, none daring to meet his gaze. His presencemanded attention, and even those who hadn¡¯t been participating in the gossip paused to watch.


    ¡°If I hear any more of this garbage spreading around, you¡¯ll regret it.¡± His threat hung in the air as the students quickly dispersed, pretending they hadn¡¯t been part of the conversation.


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    12:25 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>

 Treatment 107

    <b>Chapter </b>107


    A freshman girl tried to protest. ¡°We were just-


    ¡°Just what?¡® Chase interrupted, his voice dangerously low. ¡°Spreading lies about someone you don¡¯t know? Finding joy in tearing down someone smarter than you¡¯ll ever be? Get lost before I remember your face.¡±


    ¡°Been hearing that crap about you all over campus, Chase said, dropping into the empty seat beside me in theputerb twenty minutester. He looked annoyed, tie loosened and hair slightly disheveled. ¡°Took me forty¨Cfive minutes to get here because I had to shut down about a dozen different versions of the same stupid rumor. People are pathetic.¡±


    I nced up from my code, then returned my attention to the screen. ¡°Thanks for the white knight routine, but I can handle myself.¡±


    Chaseughed. ¡°Oh, I know you can. You¡¯re the one who solved that impossible physics problem on the campus forum. That fake physics genius was such a moron¨Ctrying to fake something that actually requires brains. Edward and his crew believed her for months. They¡¯re even bigger morons, honestly.¡±


    The corner of my mouth twitched upward. ¡°What do you want, Chase?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t see you around for a few days,¡± he said, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Where¡¯d you disappear to?¡±


    ¡°Cloud City. Had to pick up my brother Max.¡±


    Chase¡¯s eyes lit up with genuine interest. ¡°Your brother? Which school is he at? I could help look out for him. We should grab dinner sometime.¡± The questions came rapid¨Cfire. ¡°How old is he? Is he good at racing? How many guys


    can he take in a fight?¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°My brother is a good student.¡±


    ¡°You look like a good student too,¡± Chase grinned.


    ¡®I am a good student,¡± I replied evenly, deliberately ignoring his dinner invitation and returning my attention to the


    monitor<b>. </b>


    When I returned to my dorm roomter that afternoon, I found my luggage ransacked, clothes strewn across the floor. Thebination lock on my suitcase had been forcibly broken, metal pieces scattered on the carpet. A bottle of imported red wine I¡¯d been savingy shattered on the carpet, the dark liquid soaking into the fibers. My medical kit<b>, </b>which I kept carefully hidden in a false bottom of my suitcase<b>, </b>was conspicuously missing.


    <b>The </b>student affairs director and Megan Hayes stood inside with two other roommates, waiting for me. The director,


    12:25 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    :.


    :


    a balding man in his fifties, held a clipboard and wore an expression of bureaucratic satisfaction.


    A


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± the director said grimly, ¡°we received a report about unauthorized medications being stored in your dormitory.¡±


    My gaze swept across every face in the room before settling on Megan, who wore a smug smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my medical kit?¡± I asked, my voice perfectly controlled despite the anger simmering beneath.


    ¡°Confiscated,¡± the director replied, adjusting his sses. ¡°Given the potential safety concerns, we need to examine its


    contents.¡±


    ¡°Those are standard medications.¡±


    Megan scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. ¡°Standard? Then why does your kit contain so many syringes and powders? Who knows what you¡¯re using them for.¡± Her implication hung in the air¨Cdrugs, perhaps<b>, </b>or something


    worse<b>. </b>


    My eyes turned cold, and I could see Megan unconsciously take a small step back. ¡°I suggest you clean this mess andpensate me for the damages within the next two minutes.¡±


    The director shook his head. ¡°Miss Morgan, your medical supplies will remain in our custody temporarily. Once our investigation isplete-¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯d better take good care of my medications,¡± I interrupted, my tone carrying an unmistakable threat. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. ¡°They¡¯re expensive. And irreceable.¡±


    The director adjusted his tie ufortably, clearly sensing the power behind my words. ¡°We¡¯ll handle everything properly, Miss Morgan.¡±


    I nodded, watching expressionlessly as they filed out of my room. Megan was thest to leave, deliberately bumping


    my shoulder as she passed,


    ¡°This is just the beginning,¡± she whispered. ¡°Don¡¯t think you¡¯re untouchable here.¡±


    I watched her leave, mentally calcting various ways to respond.


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 Treatment 108

    :


    I sat in the plush leather chair facing President Thornton¡¯s desk, watching the drama unfold with detached amusement. The student affairs director stood rigidly beside Megan Hayes, clutching my medical kit like <b>it </b>contained weapons of mass destruction.


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°This ispletely uneptable,¡± the department chair dered, his voice tight with righteous indignation. ¡°Miss Morgan has clearly been taking advantage of the university¡¯s lenient policies. Just because she is<b>¡­ </b>excellent¡­¡± doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s above the rules.¡± His fingers tightened around my medical kit, knuckles whitening with pressure.


    Megan Hayes stood beside him, her face flushed with vindictive pleasure. The bruise on her ankle from her ¡°ident¡± during the obstacle course was still visible beneath her designer jeans. She tucked a strand of perfectly highlighted hair behind her ear, barely containing her smirk.


    ¡°We found these in her suitcase,¡± she added, gesturing dramatically at my medical kit. ¡°Along with alcohol. She¡¯s been drinking in the dorms and carrying unauthorized prescription medications.¡± Her voice rose with each usation, theatrical in its outrage. ¡°Who knows what she¡¯s been doing with those syringes and ubeled vials<b>?</b>¡±


    I remained motionless, my expression neutral as I cataloged every micro¨Cexpression and nervous tic from my


    users<b>. </b>


    President Thornton cleared his throat. ¡°We should consider that Princeton has a medical school. Whether these medications qualify as prohibited substances requires professional assessment-¡±


    I caught his eye and gave a subtle shake of my head. Thornton immediately fell silent, though confusion flickered across his features.


    The air in the office felt charged, like the stillness before a storm. I could almost taste the tension.


    Megan, emboldened by the president¡¯s sudden silence, pressed on. Her eyes gleamed with malicious triumph as she straightened her shoulders. ¡°I believe this deserves serious disciplinary action. A formal reprimand to the entire student body, academic probation, and she should be required to personally apologize to the three of us.¡± She practically preened at the thought of my public humiliation.


    The corners of my mouth twitched. An apology? In my former life, people who crossed me didn¡¯t live long enough to receive apologies.


    Before I could respond, the door to the president¡¯s office swung open without a knock.


    Ethan Haxton stepped in, his tailored Brioni suit andmanding presence immediately drawing every eye in the room. His entrance changed the atmosphere instantly, like oxygen being sucked from a room before a fire ignites.


    ¡°Apologize for what, exactly?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice was soft but carried an unmistakable edge of steel. His green eyes scanned the room with cold precision before settling on me with a flicker of something that might have been


    concern.


    Megan¡¯s jaw literally dropped. ¡°Oh my God,¡± she whispered, her eyes widening as she took in Ethan¡¯s chiseled features and imposing frame. The flush in her cheeks transformed from righteous anger to something far more


    primal.


    The door burst open again, and a red¨Cfaced middle¨Caged man in an expensive but ill¨Cfitting suit stumbled in. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the cool temperature of the office.


    ¡°Megan!¡± he hissed, grabbing his daughter¡¯s arm with fingers that dug into her flesh. ¡°What have you done?¡± Without waiting for an answer, he delivered a sharp p across her cheek that echoed through the suddenly silent room like a gunshot.


    ¡°Daddy!¡± Megan gasped, her hand flying to her reddening cheek. Her perfectly applied mascara smudged as tears welled in her eyes. ¡°What are you-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You stupid, stupid girl,¡± he seethed, his voice trembling like a violin string about to snap. ¡°Of all the people to antagonize, you choose someone connected to the Haxton family? Are you trying to ruin us?¡± Flecks of spittle flew from his mouth as he hissed the words through clenched teeth.


    Megan¡¯s confusion was almostical, her self¨Cassurance crumbling like a sandcastle at high tide. ¡°What Haxton family?¡±


    Her father looked ready to faint, the blood draining from his face so rapidly I could almost track its retreat. ¡°What Haxton family?¡± he repeated incredulously, his voice rising to a near¨Csqueak. ¡°Which Haxton family do you think exists in New York?<b>¡± </b>


    I suppressed a smile, carefully keeping my expression neutral as I rose from my chair. While they continued their family drama, I moved unhurriedly to the sofa near the window, where President Thornton kept his private tea


    service.


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    62


    I settled back into the sofa, calmly preparing a cup of tea from the president¡¯s personal collection. The ritual brought me a peculiarfort¨Cthe measured movements, the control, the precision. The porcin clinked softly as <b>I </b>stirred in a touch of honey, the sound delicate against the backdrop of Megan¡¯s stifled sobs.


    Ethan approached, his footsteps silent on the thick carpet. He took the teapot from my hands with surprising gentleness<b>. </b>¡°I¡¯m ttered you¡¯d contact me over something so trivial,¡± he said, pouring the steaming liquid with practiced ease. The scent of Earl Grey wafted between us.


    I epted the cup he offered, our fingers brushing momentarily. His skin was warm against mine. ¡°The luggage was your purchase. It seemed appropriate.¡±


    Across the room, Megan¡¯s father was now practically genuflecting before Ethan. Sweat stained the underarms of his expensive suit, and his hands trembled as he gestured emphatically. ¡°Mr. Haxton, please ept my sincere apologies for my daughter¡¯s behavior. I¡¯ve clearly failed as a parent.¡± His voice wavered between professional smoothness and


    naked terror.


    Ethan barely spared him a nce, his attention fixed on me with an intensity that might have unnerved someone else. ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood. Your daughter owes Miss Morgan an apology, not me.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course!¡± Mr. Hayes nodded frantically, pushing Megan forward with such force she nearly stumbled. He mped his hand on the back of her neck and forced her head down in an awkward bow. ¡°Apologize immediately!¡±


    Megan¡¯s face contorted with humiliation and rage, a storm of emotions transforming her pretty features into something almost grotesque. Her father¡¯s grip on her neck left no room for argument. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she muttered through clenched teeth.


    I took a slow sip of tea, savoring both its bergamot notes and the spectacle before me. Power shifts were always fascinating to witness¨Cespecially when you were the catalyst.


    Ethan turned to me, his eyebrows raised slightly. ¡°So, to rify¨Cthey confiscated your advanced medicalpounds? The ones specifically designed to save lives in emergency situations?<b>¡± </b>


    The department chair¡¯s face went from pale to ashen, a sickly gray color spreading across his features. The medical kit suddenly seemed to burn in his hands, and he unconsciously loosened his grip as though afraid it might explode.


    ¡°And they damaged the luggage <b>I </b>bought for you?¡± Ethan continued, his voice deceptively casual. To anyone else, he might have sounded merely curious, but I caught the dangerous undercurrent,


    ¡°They broke the lock trying to get in,¡± I confirmed, running a finger along the rim of my teacup. ¡°And spilled my


    wine.¡±


    ¡°My <bst </b>bottle. Nothing special¨Conly worth about two point three million dors.¡± I delivered the line with perfect nonchnce.


    <b>12:25 </b>Mon, Sep 22


    Mr. Hayes made a choking sound, somewhere between a gasp and a sob. ¡°T¨Ctwo million? I¡¯ll pay for it. All of it.¡± Desperation colored every word as his entrepreneurial mind calcted the blow to his finances.


    I shrugged, the gesture deliberately dismissive. ¡°Pay for what? The wine? It was a collector¡¯s item.¡± I set my teacup down with deliberate precision.


    62


    ¡°I¡¯ll¨CI¡¯ll pay whateverpensation you require,¡± he stammered, his hands sped together so tightly his knuckles showed white.


    ¡°Ten times the value,¡± I said tly. ¡°Not a penny less.¡± My eyes locked with his, and whatever he saw there made him take an involuntary step back.


    Mr. Hayes nodded frantically, beads of sweat rolling down his temples. ¡°Of course<b>, </b>of course. I¡¯ll have the money


    transferredter.¡±


    I suppressed a smile. ¡°You should consider yourself lucky. The expensive bottles were already consumed. This was the cheapest one in my collection.¡±


    Ethan turned to me, amusement ying at the corners of his mouth. ¡°And the luggage?¡±


    ¡°How much did it cost?¡± I asked him, knowing full well it was a custom piece with no public price tag.


    He waved his hand dismissively, gold cufflinks catching the light. ¡°I don¡¯t recall. Let Mr. Hayes use his best


    judgment.¡±


    I nearlyughed at the panic that shed across Hayes¡® face. What looked like mercy to outsiders was actually far crueler¨Cthe man would likely bankrupt all four of hispanies trying topensate adequately for a luggage set


    whose value he couldn¡¯t even guess.


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 Treatment 110

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>110 </b>


    62


    ¡°<b>I </b>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¨Cthe 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¨Cthree 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¨Cturn, 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¨Cwide announcement about this incident, a public apology, a five¨Cthousand¨Cword 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<b>, </b>but he didn¡¯t dare object. Even I was slightly surprised by the severity¨Ctwo 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¨Cthey¡¯d seen what happened to Megan.


    ¡°We¡¯ll <b>just</b>¡­ 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<b>. </b>


    62


    Through the partially open door, I heard Hayes hiss at his daughter: ¡°You stupid, <i>stupid </i><b>girl</b>! 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¨Cyes, 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.<b>¡± </b>


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


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


    ¡°Speaking of amodations,¡± Ethan continued smoothly, ¡°has <b>the </b>university made progress <b>on </b>the housing arrangements you promised Miss Morgan?¡±


    Philip shifted ufortably. ¡°The renovations on the new housing are taking longer than expected. I was going <b>to </b>suggest-


    12:25 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    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. <i>Near </i>campus<i>? </i><i>Since </i>when<i>? </i><i>The </i>property <i>in </i><i>this </i>area <i>are </i>


    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 <b>us</b>,¡± 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<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


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    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>111 </b>

 Treatment 111

    <b>Chapter </b><b>111 </b>


    62


    After Ethan Haxton left the office, the oppressive atmosphere seemed to dissolve with him. Philip Thornton leaned back in his chair, his eyes gleaming with undisguised curiosity.


    ¡°So, you and Ethan Haxton¡­¡± <b>he </b>began casually, ¡°just friends? Or¡­ something more?¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Just acquaintances, President Thornton.¡±


    ¡°Acquaintances don¡¯t solve twenty¨Cthree million dor problems for you, Miss Morgan.¡± Thornton smiled slyly. ¡°Nor do they casually offer their apartments as living quarters.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s merely a business arrangement,¡± I replied coolly, though I knew Thornton wouldn¡¯t buy such a simple exnation.


    He cleared his throat. ¡°Speaking of arrangements, I have two grandsons here at Princeton. Brilliant mind, excellent academic record, and quite popr on campus. I think you might have a lot inmon.¡±


    I almostughed. Was the university president actually trying to set me up?


    ¡°I appreciate the thought, President Thornton,¡± I said, looking him directly in the eyes, ¡°but if I¡¯m looking for someone, my minimum standard would be someone like Ethan Haxton.¡±


    Thornton blinked, then chuckled. ¡°Fair enough. To be honest, you¡¯ve already met my grandson. If there had been any interest, I¡¯d have noticed by now.¡±


    I raised my eyebrows. ¡°I¡¯ve met him?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. But considering you don¡¯t even remember who they are, I should probably abandon this matchmaking attempt,¡± he said, standing to signal our conversation was over.


    At seven¨Cthirty that evening, I walked out of the academic building to find a ck Maybach waiting at the curb. The window lowered to reveal Ethan Haxton¡¯s sharply defined profile.


    ¡°Need a ride, Miss Morgan?¡± His voice was deep andposed,


    I approached the car<b>, </b>noting Connor in the driver¡¯s seat nodding a greeting. The evening air was cool against my skin as I slipped into the back seat beside Ethan, the leather interior soft and luxurious beneath me.


    ¡°I actually have something for you,¡± I said, pulling a small elegant box from my bag and handing it to Ethan. ¡°As promised.¡±


    Ethan opened the box to reveal a sleek, expensive watch. His eyes brightened slightly as he examined the intricate details on the dial, his long fingers tracing the edges with appreciation.


    12:25 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    :


    ¡°The best birthday gift I¡¯ve received this year. Thank you,¡± he said, his tone unusually warm.


    ¡°Birthday gift?¡± I raised an eyebrow. ¡°When is your birthday? Turning thirty?¡±


    Ethan narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°No offense intended,¡± I said with a slight shrug. ¡°Just making conversation.¡±


    I pulled out Chase¡¯s phone and continued the game level he couldn¡¯t pass. On screen, a tiny character jumped across


    a series of obstacles, the bright colors contrasting with the muted luxury of the car¡¯s interior.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the same phone you were using before,¡± Ethan observed, his voice taking on a subtle edge.


    ¡°This? It¡¯s Chase¡¯s phone,¡± I replied without looking up, my fingers moving deftly across the screen.


    Ethan didn¡¯t respond immediately, but I could feel his stare lingering. The atmosphere in the car shifted subtly, charged with an unspoken tension.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware you and Chase were close,¡± he finally said, his tone casual yet somehow pointed.


    I shrugged, eyes still on the game. ¡°We¡¯re not. He¡¯s just terrible at this game.¡±


    Connor caught my eye in the rearview mirror, the ghost of a smile on his face as he navigated through the evening


    traffic.


    When we arrived at the Grand za Hotel, Ethan led us to a private VIP dining room. As the door opened, I immediately noticed Alexander Haxton inside, already waiting. He was impably dressed in what looked like a freshly pressed suit, nervously adjusting his tie. The room itself was elegant¨Ccrystal sses gleaming under soft lighting, fresh flowers adorning the center of the table.


    Alexander¡¯s head snapped up at our entrance, his eyes widening with obvious shock when he spotted his uncle.


    ¡°Un¨Cuncle?¡® he stammered, rising to his feet so quickly he nearly knocked over his chair.


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 Treatment 112

    Ethan walked in confidently, with me and Connor following behind. Alexander¡¯s gaze darted between the three <b>of </b>us, clearly bewildered, his face paling slightly.


    ¡°Alex<b>, </b>it¡¯s been a while,¡± Ethan said tly, as if this meeting had been entirely expected.


    I chose the seat to Ethan¡¯s left, while Alexander sat across from us, keeping his distance as if proximity to his <b>uncle </b>might burn him. His posture betrayed obvious tension<b>, </b>shoulders hunched slightly despite his expensive tailoring.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the menu, Miss Morgan.¡± Ethan handed me the elegant leather¨Cbound menu, his voice gentle and polite. ¡®See anything you¡¯d like?¡±


    I browsed the options, asionally ncing at Alexander across the table. He sat nervously, fingers tapping lightly on the tablecloth, his eyes flicking toward Ethan then quickly away, like a small animal afraid of attracting a predator¡¯s attention.


    ¡°He seems afraid of you,¡± I murmured to Ethan, keeping my voice low enough that only he could hear.


    Ethan smiled slightly. ¡°It¡¯s just respect. Alex, I hope you don¡¯t mind that Miss Morgan invited me to join dinner?¡±


    Alexander immediately straightened his back. ¡°Of course not, wel¨Cwee, Uncle¡­¡± His voice trailed off as he reached for his water ss with shaking fingers.


    His stutter confirmed my suspicion that this was definitely more than just ¡°respect.¡± There was genuine fear there, <b>and </b>I found myself curious about what Ethan might have done to inspire such terror in his own nephew.


    After the waiter came in and took our orders, Ethan expertly rmended several dishes, then turned to me. ¡°About thepensation matter with your ssmate¡¯s father¨CI¡¯ve made arrangements.¡±


    He pulled a bank card from his pocket and slid it across to me. ¡°For your wine.¡±


    ¡°That was quick,¡± I remarked, raising an eyebrow as I examined the sleek ck card.


    ¡®Hayes<b>¡® </b>family couldn¡¯te <b>up </b>with that much cash,¡± Ethan exined, ¡°so they¡¯re transferring ownership of one of their subsidiarypanies instead. The subsidiary has been transferred and is being evaluated,¡® he continued in a purely business tone. ¡°If it¡¯s profitable, I¡¯ll have someone manage it in your name. If it¡¯s losing money, we¡¯ll sell it and give you the cash value.¡®


    ¡°This money is actuallypensation for your damaged luggage,¡± I reminded him.


    <b>The </b>corner of Ethan¡¯s mouth curved upward. ¡°The luggage was bought for you, so naturally thepensation goes to you as well.¡®


    <b>12:25 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>22 </b>


    :


    Across the table, Alexander lookedpletely lost, clearly having no idea what we were discussing, but too intimidated to ask. His eyes darted between us like he was watching a tennis match in a foreignnguage.


    62


    When dinner arrived, Ethan served me soup himself, his movements elegant and natural. He poured me a ss of red wine and added several dishes to my te. Throughout this process, he almostpletely ignored Alexander¡¯s existence, causing his nephew to shrink further into his chair.


    <b>1 </b>


    ¡°Tomorrow I¡¯ll pick you up from campus with your belongings,¡± Ethan said suddenly, ¡°and take you to see the apartment.¡±


    Alexander couldn¡¯t help but look up at me when he heard this, surprise shing in his eyes. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it again, thinking better of it.


    Ethan disyed the watch I¡¯d given him on his wrist, turning it slightly so the light caught its face. ¡°The craftsmanship on this watch is exquisite. You must have put a lot of thought into it, Miss Morgan.¡±


    <i>Just </i>one <i>phone </i>call <i>to </i><i>Night</i>. <i>Didn¡¯t </i><i>spend </i><i>a </i><i>dime</i><i>, </i>I thought, but outwardly responded calmly: ¡°I¡¯m d you like it, Mr. Haxton<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°Of course I like it¨Cit¡¯s from Miss Morgan,¡± Ethan replied with satisfaction, his gaze briefly sweeping over Alexander before asking coolly, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating? Don¡¯t you like the food?¡±


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    12:26 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>

 Treatment 113

    ¡°Alex, I¡¯m curious. How exactly did you arrange this dinner with Miss Morgan?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice was casual, but there was an undercurrent of something sharper.


    ¡°I wanted to thank her properly for saving my life back in Cloud City,¡± Alexander exined, setting down his fork carefully. ¡°I ran into Miss Morgan at the Morrison Pharmaceutical Research Center yesterday and asked if I could buy her dinner.¡±


    ¡°Morrison Pharmaceutical?¡± Ethan¡¯s eyebrow arched slightly as he turned to me, his fingers lightly tapping against


    his wine ss. ¡°What business did you have there, Miss Morgan?¡±


    I took a small sip of wine before answering, savoring the rich burgundy notes. ¡°I was picking up medication for my


    brother.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Ethan nodded, but his eyes held a calcting look that suggested he wasn¡¯t entirely satisfied with my brief exnation. ¡°And how is your brother adjusting to Princeton High School?¡±


    ¡°Well enough. He¡¯s resilient.¡±


    Throughout the rest of dinner, Alexander barely spoke another word. He kept his head down<b>, </b>methodically cutting his food into precise, tiny pieces. I noticed him asionally ncing up<b>, </b>only to find his uncle¡¯s gaze already on him, causing Alexander to immediately look back down at his te like a scolded child. The clinking of silverware against fine china filled the awkward silences.


    When we finished eating, Ethan gestured to Connor, who had been standing discreetly by the door. ¡°Connor, take


    care of the bill.¡±


    ¡®I can pay,¡± Alexander said quickly, reaching for his wallet. ¡°I invited Miss Morgan, after all. It¡¯s the least I can do considering what she did for me.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Ethan replied, his tone brooking no argument. ¡°You should head back soon. It¡¯s gettingte<b>, </b>and I know you have an early meeting tomorrow.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s shoulders slumped slightly in defeat. ¡°Yes, Uncle.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see Miss Morgan back to campus,¡± Ethan added, standing and offering me his hand.


    <b>12:26 </b>Mon, Sep 22


    <b>62 </b>


    An hourter, I was walking across Princeton¡¯s campus, rolling my new luggage behind me.


    As I passed the basketball court, floodlights illuminating the yers in harsh white light, a ball came flying toward my head. Without breaking stride, I caught it one¨Chanded, pivoted, and sent it sailing in a perfect arc toward the basket thirty feet away. The ball swished through the without touching the rim, the chain links rattling in the quiet night.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Chase Astor lowered his arms from where he¡¯d been about to call out a warning. His friends stood frozen on the court, mouths hanging open. Sweat gleamed on their foreheads as they stared at me in disbelief.


    I continued walking as if nothing had happened, my luggage wheels clicking rhythmically behind me.


    ¡°], wait up!¡± Chase jogged over to me, slightly out of breath, his expensive basketball shoes squeaking on the pavement. ¡°That was¡­ I didn¡¯t know you yed basketball.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± The cool night breeze brushed my hair across my face.


    He stared at me for a moment, then noticed my luggage. ¡°Going somewhere?¡±


    ¡°Moving.¡± I reached into my pocket and pulled out his phone. ¡°Here. I fixed your game.¡±


    Chase took the phone and scrolled through it, his eyes widening as he swiped through screen after screen. ¡°You cleared every level? Even the impossible ones at the end? I¡¯ve been stuck on level 78 for months!<b>¡± </b>


    <b>I </b>shrugged and continued walking, leaving Chase standing there with his phone clutched in his hand, the blue light illuminating his bewildered expression.


    When I reached my dorm room<b>, </b>my three roommates were inside, huddled together and whispering. The moment I opened the door, they all jumped to their <b>feet </b>as <b>if </b>they¡¯d been caught doing something illicit.


    ¡®I have to go to the library,¡± one mumbled, not meeting my eyes.


    ¡°I promised to meet my study group,¡± another added, grabbing her books,


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 Treatment 114

    <b>Chapter </b>114


    ¡°I need coffee,¡± the third one said, already halfway out the door.


    <b>R </b>


    They filed past me without making eye contact, their shoulders tense. I closed the door behind them and began methodically packing my remaining belongings. The silence of the empty room was a wee change from the constant whispers and nces.


    The next day, Ethan drove me to a luxury neighborhood about fifteen minutes from Princeton. The house¨Cor rather, mansion¨Cwas a modern architectural masterpiece nestled among old¨Cgrowth trees, with floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows and multiple terraces. A perfectly manicuredwn surrounded the property, and a stone pathway led to the imposing


    front entrance.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Ethan asked as we stood in the spacious living room, sunlight streaming through the windows and dancing across Italian marble floors.


    I walked from room to room, noting exit points, sight lines, and security vulnerabilities. The neighborhood was upscale but busy, with regr traffic and pedestrians walking designer dogs or jogging in expensive athletic wear.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice,¡± I said finally. ¡°Just not very convenient.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡± Ethan asked, a slight frown crossing his face.


    I almost said ¡°for disposing of bodies¡± but caught myself. ¡°For privacy. Too many people around.¡± <i>Too </i><i>many </i><i>witnesses </i>


    <i>if </i><i>I </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>handle </i><i>certain</i>¡­ <i>situations</i>.


    1


    ¡°I have other properties if you¡¯d prefer something more isted.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°This will do.¡± The location actually offered some strategic advantages¨Cattacks would need to be more subtle in such a public setting.


    ¡®I¡¯m d you like it. Would you join me for dinner tonight? We could discuss-¡±


    ¡°Thank you, but no.¡± I reached into my bag and pulled out a bank card, holding it out to him. ¡°I¡¯d like to buy this ce outright.¡±


    <b>Alexander¡¯s </b>POV


    I sat alone in my apartment, reying the dinner in my mind. Something wasn¡¯t adding up. How did Uncle Ethan know Jade Morgan? Why was he so interested in her? The way he looked at her¡­ it wasn¡¯t how he looked at business associates or even friends.


    <b>62 </b>


    I remembered a conference call a few weeks ago. Uncle had received a phone call from a woman and immediately suspended the entire meeting¨Csomething I¡¯d never seen him do before. His expression had changedpletely, a rare smile appearing as he¡¯d asked if ¡°Miss Morgan¡® had arrived at Princeton yet, offering to pick her up himself. The board members had been shocked into silence.


    But how had they met? Uncle Ethan had gone to Cloud City once, supposedly to check on Jade, but he¡¯d never left his car. He¡¯d just confirmed she was okay from a distance and left. After that, he¡¯d been in New York, then Venezu for nearly two month. There was no opportunity for him to have met Jade.


    And yet, watching them at dinner¡­ there was clearly something between them. The way he looked at her, served her food, the subtle tension in his voice when he mentioned her meeting me. And his first action after returning to New York had been to refuse the arranged marriage with the Sullivan family.


    I reached for my phone and dialed Connor¡¯s number. If anyone knew what was going on, it would be him. Connor knew everything about Uncle¡¯s business and personal life.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton, Connor answered on the second ring, his voice formal as always.


    ¡®Connor, it¡¯s Alex,¡± I said quickly. ¡°I need to ask you something¡­ about my uncle and Jade Morgan.¡±


    A pause, longer than it should have been. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s my ce to discuss Mr. Haxton¡¯s personal matters.¡±


    ¡°Please, I just want to understand. How do they know each other? When did they meet?¡±


    Connor sighed, the sound of keyboard typing pausing in the background. ¡°If you must know, they met during the summer. Miss Morgan was vacationing in Venezu when your uncle was there on business.¡±


    ¡°Are they¡­ together?¡± I asked the question that had been burning in my mind since dinner.


    ¡°No,¡± Connor replied, perhaps too quickly. There was an awkward pause and a slight change in his tone. ¡°Mr. Ethan Haxton simply respects Miss Morgan¡¯s¡­ unique qualities. That¡¯s all I can say.¡±


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 Treatment 115

    <b>Chapter </b>115


    Author¡¯s POV:


    :


    62


    Jade stood in the spacious living room of the luxury mansion<b>, </b>holding out a bank card between her index and middle fingers toward Ethan.


    ¡°This is Mr. Hayes¡®pensation. Two million three hundred thousand dors,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯d like to buy this <b>ce </b>outright.¡±


    Ethan nced at the card but made no move to ept it. ¡°Keep it. Consider itpensation for your damaged


    property.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your charity.¡± She continued holding the card out.


    ¡°It¡¯s not charity. It¡¯s what you¡¯re owed.¡± His voice was firm, brooking no argument.


    Jade sighed, tucking the card back into her pocket. ¡°Fine. By the way, you should visit less often. If you need anything, just call. My phone is secure¨Cno one can trace or monitor it.¡±


    A sh of something¨Churt, perhaps?-crossed Ethan¡¯s face before his expression hardened. ¡°Are you trying to distance yourself from me, Miss Morgan?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she replied bluntly. ¡°I¡¯m trying to keep you safe. The more you¡¯re seen with me, the more attention you¡¯ll


    attract.¡±


    His lips curved into a half¨Csmile. ¡°I¡¯ve told you before¨Cyou can cause all the trouble you want. If you need anything, just call.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Ethan. Some of the people who mighte looking for me won¡¯t hesitate to use you as leverage.¡±


    ¡®I can protect myself,¡± he said, his voice dropping lower. ¡°And I can protect you, too, if necessary.¡±


    Jade rolled her eyes. ¡°Your confidence is touching, but misced.¡±


    ¡®We¡¯ll see.¡± He checked his watch. ¡°I should go. Connor¡¯s waiting.¡±


    She nodded, walking him to the door,


    ¡°Thank you for the watch,¡± he replied, his fingers briefly touching the timepiece on his wrist. The gesture was small


    but somehow intimate.


    ¡°She¡¯s worried about me<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>Ethan said to Connor as they drove away from Jade¡¯s new mansion. The thought was both


    amusing and¡­ oddly warming.


    Connor nced at him in the rearview mirror. ¡°Do you think she has reason to be concerned? Her enemies must be formidable if they concern someone like her.¡±


    Ethan considered this. Jade Morgan was an enigma¨Cbrilliant, capable, and possessing skills that defied exnation for someone her age. Yet there was something in her eyes, a wariness that spoke of past dangers.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± he admitted. ¡°What do you think? Should we assign security for her?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re asking my opinion<b>, </b>sir, I think we should be watching her brother Max more closely. She clearly cares. about him, and anyone wanting to get to her would target him first.¡±


    Ethan nodded. ¡°Double the security detail on Max, but keep it discreet. Miss Morgan values her independence and wouldn¡¯t appreciate obvious surveince.¡±


    ¡°And if she notices?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll notice,¡± Ethan said with certainty. ¡°Just make sure our people know not to engage unless absolutely


    necessary.¡±


    Connor nodded, and they drove the rest of the way in silence.


    That evening, Jade got to work in her new home. She spent several hours rearranging furniture, installing high- definition pinhole cameras at strategic points, and upgrading the security system she¡¯d already put in ce. By midnight, her mansion was a fortress¨Cnot obviously so, but effective nheless.


    She hid weapons throughout the space¨Ca ceramic knife taped under the kitchen counter, a garrote wire inside a hollow curtain rod, a handgun behind the bathroom vanity. She marked escape routes, tested sight lines, and set up a series of silent rms that would alert her to any intrusion.


    Better safe than sorry.


    Two dayster, Jade found herself climbing the steps to Philip Thornton¡¯s impressive home near campus. The Princeton president had extended multiple invitations to her over the past weeks, all of which she¡¯d politely declined. This time<b>, </b>after his persistent requests, she had finally relented.


    A housekeeper opened the door, ushering her into a wood¨Cpaneled dining room where Philip was already seated at the head of the table. To her surprise, Edward and Julian Sheldon were also present.


    ¡°Jade! Come <b>in</b><b>, </be in,¡± Philip called out warmly. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind, but I¡¯ve invited my grandsons to join <b>us</b>.¡±


    She nodded politely to the brothers. Edward gave her a reserved smile while Julian¡¯s face lit up with obvious pleasure.


    ¡°I had the chef prepare something special, Philip said as Jade took her seat. ¡°You mentioned during ourst conversation that you enjoy seafood.¡±


    As the first course arrived, she noticed Philip discreetly taking a pill from a small container. <b>He </b>caught her watching and smiled ruefully.


    ¡°Experimental treatment,¡± he exined. ¡°For my condition.¡±


    Jade studied the pill. ¡°That¡¯s Morrison¡¯s form XR¨C42, isn¡¯t it? You should be careful with the dosage. It can cause arrhythmia if taken too frequently.¡±


    Philip looked startled. ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°The color and coating are distinctive. And you¡¯re taking it with food, which suggests gastrointestinal side effects.¡± She paused. ¡°There¡¯s a better formtion that reduces those side effects while improving efficacy. I could write it down for you if you¡¯d like.¡±


    Julian stared at her, fork suspended midway to his mouth. ¡°You¡­ know pharmacology as well<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    She shrugged. ¡°Just the basics.¡±


    Philip smiled, setting down his utensils. ¡°Jade once save my life. Last time I copsed near the shopping center entrance¡ªI was having a heart attack. Jade happened to be passing by and administered first aid. The doctors said her quick action prevented serious damage.¡±


    Julian¡¯s eyes widened as he turned to Jade. ¡°Is there anything you can¡¯t do?¡±


    ¡°Plenty,¡® she replied, cutting into her salmon.


    ¡°A few things,¡± Philip repeated with a chuckle, holding up his pill bottle. ¡°This works better than the medication I special¨Cordered from Morrison. Ten times better, in fact.¡±


    Edward leaned forward, his academic curiosity piqued. ¡°Speaking of things you¡¯re good at¨Chow long did it take you to solve that physics problem? The one from the online forum?¡±


    ¡°Fifteen<b>, </b>maybe twenty minutes,¡± she answered honestly.


    The silence that followed was deafening. Edward¡¯s jaw actually dropped.


    ¡°Twenty minutes?¡± he finally managed. ¡°That problem has stumped professors for weeks!¡±


    Jade shrugged again. ¡°The approach was straightforward once you reconsider the quantum entanglement


    parameters<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>12:26 </b>Mon<b>, </b>Sep <b>22 </b>


    Edward¡¯s eyes lit up with genuine excitement. ¡°That¡¯s exactly it! The traditional approach treats the wave function copse as instantaneous, but if you ount for rtivistic time dtion¡­¡±


    Julian watched their exchange with a mixture of confusion and admiration, while Philip observed them with an expression she couldn¡¯t quite read.


    After dinner, as they prepared to leave, Edward offered to walk Jade out.


    Julian stepped forward. ¡°I¡¯lle too-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Julian,¡± Philip called from the dining room. ¡°A moment, please.¡±


    62


    With a disappointed nce in Jade¡¯s direction, Julian returned to his grandfather. As Edward and she walked toward the door, she could hear Philip¡¯s lowered voice.


    ¡°Do you like her? Jade Morgan?<b>¡± </b>


    Julian¡¯s response was too quiet to make out, but his red face told the story.


    ¡°Think more practically,¡± Philip advised, not realizing Jade could hear him. ¡°Your brother might have a chance, at


    least.¡±


    He sipped from a cup of <b>the </b>coffee<b>, </b>satisfaction evident in his voice as he added, ¡°Edward and she at least have


    physics to talk about.¡±


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 Treatment 116

    <b>Chapter </b>116


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    Thete October heat hung heavy over Princeton¡¯s campus, turning the usually crisp fall air into a muggy reminder that climate change was real. I sat in the corner of the university coffee shop, flipping through emails on my phone and enjoying the rare quiet afternoon.


    The door to the coffee shop flew open with enough force to make the little bell above it ring twice. Chase Astor burst in, his usually perfect hair disheveled and his designer polo shirt wrinkled. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead, and his eyes darted around the room with frantic energy until theynded on me.


    ¡°Jade!¡± He rushed over, practically copsing into the chair across from me. His breathing was heavy, as if he¡¯d been running across campus. ¡°I¡¯m so fucked. I need your help. Like, seriously, I¡¯m dead if you don¡¯t help me out here.¡±


    I took a deliberate sip of my iced americano and didn¡¯t look up from my phone. The cold liquid slid down my throat, a pleasant sensation against the oppressive heat. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Come on!¡± Chase leaned forward, desperation written across his face. He ran his fingers through his hair, messing it up even more. ¡°We¡¯re practically friends! Remember the race track? We pulled down those European guys¡® pants together! That¡¯s a bonding experience if I¡¯ve ever had one!¡±


    That memory almost made me smile. Almost. ke and his crew had been humiliated so thoroughly that night, and Chase had certainly enjoyed ying a part in it. The sight of them running naked through the mud had been particrly satisfying.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make us friends,¡± I replied coolly, scrolling to another email without reading it.


    Chase continued his desperate plea for nearly fifteen minutes, throwing out everything from offers of money to promises of future favors. Several other students nced our way<b>, </b>curious about the usually confident Chase Astor looking so disheveled and panicked. I let him talk himself out, asionally checking my watch.


    Finally, I set my phone down with a soft click against the wooden table. ¡°Say what you need.¡±


    Relief washed over Chase¡¯s face<b>, </b>his shoulders visibly rxing. ¡°Thank you! Jesus, I thought you¡¯d never listen.¡± He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it sticking up at odd angles. ¡°So my sister invited this Harvard Law professor to give a guest lecture. Prestigious guy, total asshole with an ego the size of Texas. I may have¡­ told him his theory on constitutional interpretation was outdated bullshit.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°And I may have added that histest paper was so derivative it could have been written by a first¨Cyearw student with a Wikipedia subscription and a bottle of Adderall.¡± Chase grimaced, tugging at his cor. ¡°In front of <b>the </b>entire faculty lounge,<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°The professor stormed out, said his professional pride was wounded, and now he¡¯s gone back to Harvard. My sister


    <b>12:26 </b>Mon<b>, </b>Sep <b>22 </b>


    :.


    ¹«Ë¾


    is on the warpath. She¡¯s been hunting me across campus all morning like some kind of designer¨Cwearing predator.¡± Chase groaned, slumping back in his chair dramatically.


    ¡°Then just let your sister kick your ass and be done with it,¡± I said, picking up my phone again, the screen illuminating my <b>face</b>. ¡°You won¡¯t die from it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that simple.¡±


    ¡°Money usually fixes these things<b>,</b>¡± <b>I </b>suggested, scrolling through my messages. A barista called out an order in the background, the <b>hiss </b>of the espresso machine punctuating our conversation.


    ¡°I tried that. The guy doesn¡¯t want money. Says his ¡®academic integrity¡® was insulted.¡± Chase made air quotes around the words, rolling his eyes.


    I studied Chase for a moment, noting the genuine anxiety in his eyes. ¡°What¡¯s your major again?¡±


    ¡°Law.¡± He straightened slightly.


    ¡°You?¡± I couldn¡¯t hide my surprise, setting my phone down again. ¡°The guy who illegally races cars, gambles underground, gets into bar fights, and threatens and intimidates people left and right¡­ is studyingw?<b>¡± </b>


    Chase had the decency to look slightly embarrassed, a faint blush creeping up his neck. ¡°Family connections. My sister¡¯s a professor at Princeton Law. My parents put her in charge of keeping me in line.¡± Heughed humorlessly.


    I considered this information, drumming my fingers lightly against the table. The solution seemed obvious. ¡°Call Chris Jensen.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Chase¡¯s eyes widened, his mouth falling open slightly.


    ¡°Chris Jensen. He¡¯spletely qualified to give a lecture at your school.¡± I said it casually, as if suggesting he order


    another coffee.


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 Treatment 117

    :


    Chase stared at me like I¡¯d suggested we fly to the moon for lunch. ¡°If getting Chris Jensen were that easy, my sister wouldn¡¯t bother with some Harvard professor. Jensen is-¡±


    ¡°I know who he is,¡± I cut him off, my tone making it clear further exnation was unnecessary.


    ¡°You really think you can get Chris Jensen to give a lecture at Princeton?¡± A new voice joined our conversation, dripping with condescension.


    Aurelia Sullivan stood a few feet away, her perfect blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and a smirk on her face. Her designer sundress looked immacte despite the heat, and a small group of her usual followers hovered behind her, all wearing simr expressions of smug amusement.


    ¡°Someone from the low¨Cie district like you wouldn¡¯t understand how the real world works. People like Chris Jensen don¡¯t just show up because some nobody asks them to.¡± She adjusted her expensive bracelet, the diamonds catching the light.


    Chase stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. The sound drew the attention of everyone in the coffee shop. ¡°Watch your mouth, Sullivan.¡±


    Aurelia flinched slightly, her confident facade cracking.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your defense,¡± I told Chase calmly before turning to Aurelia. The coffee shop had gone quiet, everyone sensing the brewing confrontation. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Aurelia recovered quickly, her smirk returning as she tossed her hair over her shoulder. ¡°If you can get Chris Jensen toe lecture at Princeton¡­¡± She paused dramatically, ncing at her friends for support. ¡°I¡¯ll kneel down and call


    you ¡®mother.¡°¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not worthy,¡± I replied, picking up my coffee and taking a slow sip. The ice clinked against the ss. ¡°Let¡¯s make it simple. One million dors.¡± That¡¯ll be Jensen¡¯s speaking fee.


    Aurelia¡¯s <b>eyes </b>widened momentarily before sheughed, though it sounded forced. ¡°Fine. And if you lose, you crawl like a dog in front of the entire school.¡± Her eyes gleamed with malice. ¡°During the homing rally. In front of


    everyone.¡±


    Chase mmed his hand on the table, making our drinks jump. ¡°Fuck that. If she wins, you give her the million. If she loses, which she won¡¯t, you¡¯ll strip in the center of campus. During lunch hour.¡±


    Aurelia¡¯s face turned scarlet with rage, but she didn¡¯t back down. The entire coffee shop was watching now. ¡°Deal. But you can¡¯t help her, Chase. No family connections. No pulling strings.¡± She red at him. ¡°I know how your type


    operates.<b>¡± </b>


    Chase grinned. ¡°She doesn¡¯t need my help.¡±


    As Aurelia stormed off, her entourage scrambling to keep up with her angry strides, Chase copsed back into his chair. ¡°Do you have any idea what you just agreed to? Chris Jensen isn¡¯t just somewyer. He¡¯s never lost a case, works in legal gray areas most attorneys won¡¯t touch, and is notoriously private. The university president tried to get him to speak once. Even the Haxton Group offered him a position in their legal department with an insane sry. He turned them all down t.¡±


    I pulled out my phone and typed a quick message: ¡°Chris. Are you avable?¡±


    ¡°Look,¡± Chase lowered his voice, leaning across the table. ¡°If you can¡¯t get him, just don¡¯t show up that day. I¡¯ll spread a rumor that you got sick or something. Food poisoning. No one questions explosive diarrhea.¡±


    My phone pinged with a response, but I ignored it for now. ¡°I don¡¯t need to cheat.¡±


    62


    Chase looked like he wanted to say more, but at that moment, our attention was drawn to amotion across the coffee shop. Aurelia was holding up her phone, showing something to a group of students who wereughing and looking in our direction. A few were already typing on their own phones, no doubt spreading the news.


    ¡°What is she doing?¡± I asked, though I could guess.


    Chase grimaced, running a hand down his face. ¡°Posting about the bet on the university social tform. By the end of this ss period, the entire student body will know about it.¡± He sighed. ¡°This is going to be a shitshow either


    way.¡±


    I looked down at my phone as it vibrated in my hand. Chris had replied.


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 Treatment 118

    <b>Chapter </b><b>118 </b>


    I nced down at my phone, a slight smile ying at the corners of my lips as I read Chris Jensen¡¯s reply: ¡°For you? Of course. Text me the details. Tomorrow afternoon works.¡±


    Before I could respond, my phone buzzed again with multiple notifications. The campus social media tforms were already blowing up with posts about the bet. Aurelia had wasted no time spreading the news.


    ¡°This is going to be a disaster,¡± Chase muttered, running his hands through his already disheveled hair.


    I rose from my seat, gathered my things, and headed for the door. ¡°For her, yes.¡±


    The next morning, I arrived early for my first ss to find President Philip Thornton waiting outside the lecture hall, his expression caught between concern and curiosity.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± he called as I emerged. ¡°May I have a word?¡±


    He gestured toward an alcove near the stairwell where we could speak privately. His normallyposed demeanor seemed slightly ruffled.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard about your¡­ arrangement with Miss Sullivan,¡± he began carefully. ¡°While I appreciate your confidence, such public wagers reflect poorly on Princeton¡¯s academic environment.¡±


    Trantion: he was worried I¡¯d embarrass myself.


    ¡°<b>I </b>understand your concern,¡± I replied. ¡°But Chris Jensen will be here this afternoon.¡±


    Philip¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ quite ambitious. Perhaps we could find another solution? I could speak with Miss


    Sullivan-


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± I cut him off politely.


    Philip studied my face<b>, </b>clearly trying to determine if I was bluffing. ¡°Well, if you¡¯re certain¡­¡± He didn¡¯t sound convinced.


    My phone rang. Alexander Haxton¡¯s name shed on the screen¨Chis third call this morning. I excused myself and answered.


    ¡°Jade,¡± Alexander¡¯s voice was tense with concern. ¡°I just heard about your bet with Aurelia Sullivan. Don¡¯t worry, I <b>can </b>help. My family has connections that might reach Chris Jensen.¡±


    ¡°Not necessary,¡± I replied, noting that Philip was still within earshot, pretending not to listen.


    ¡°But Jade..¡±


    <b>62 </b>


    ¡°I appreciate the offer, but I don¡¯t need help. If I did, I¡¯d contact your uncle.¡±


    There was a pause, then Alexander¡¯s voice returned, noticeably deted. ¡°Oh. Well, if you change your mind¡­¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± I said, ending the call.


    Ten minutester, as I walked to ss, my phone vibrated again. Ethan Haxton. I considered ignoring it but decided


    against it.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton,¡± I answered.


    ¡°Miss Morgan.¡± His voice was calm but curious. ¡°When exactly did you be acquainted with Chris Jensen?¡±


    I stepped into an empty hallway for privacy. ¡°Remember that usation of exam cheating in Cloud City? I hired him.¡±


    ¡°You hired Chris Jensen for a high school cheating allegation?¡± The disbelief in his voice was evident. ¡°He typically only takes cases with seven¨Cfigure retainers.¡±


    ¡°It was a special circumstance,¡± I replied vaguely.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it was.¡± There was a thoughtful pause. ¡°Chris doesn¡¯t do anyone favors, Jade. Yet he¡¯s dropping everything to lecture at Princeton because you asked. That¡¯s¡­ unusual.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just very persuasive.¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± His tone suggested he wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°I look forward to hearing how today unfolds.¡±


    By lunch, the campus was buzzing with spection. The Princeton student forum had multiple threads dedicated to the bet, with opinions sharply divided:


    ¡®No way some schrship student knows Chris Jensen.¡±


    ¡®Sullivan¡¯s going to regret this bet.¡±


    ¡°Jensen turned down the PRESIDENT¡¯S invitationst year!!!¡±


    ¡°Anyone know why Jade Morgan is so confident? Does she have dirt on him or something?¡±


    Aurelia was actively feeding the frenzy, posting cryptic updates suggesting I was delusional and would soon be humiliated. Her followers amplified each message, turning the bet into the campus event of the semester.


    12.27 Mon, Sep 22


    My phone <b>rang </b><b>again</b>. Chase.


    ¡°Hey,¡± his voice sounded strained. ¡°Don¡¯t kill me<b>, </b>but I tried to help.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± I asked, already knowing I wouldn¡¯t like the answer.


    ¡®<b>I </b>asked my grandfather to reach out to Chris,¡± Chase admitted. ¡°My sister found out and told him it was for a bet.


    He¡­ wasn¡¯t happy.¡±


    ¡°I told you I didn¡¯t need help.¡±


    ¡®Yeah, well, now I need a hospital.¡± Chaseughed weakly. ¡°Kidding. Mostly. But he did throw his golf club at me. Hit my shoulder. Totally worth it though.¡±


    ¡°Your family has issues,¡± I replied, hanging up before he could ask more questions.


    At precisely 3:15 PM, a sleek ck Range Rover pulled into the faculty parking lot. The driver¡¯s door opened, and a tall man in an impably tailored charcoal suit stepped out. His dark hair was styled perfectly, and his jawline could have been carved from marble. Chris Jensen had arrived.


    Within minutes, the news spread across campus like wildfire. The university¡¯s social feed exploded:


    ¡°HOLY SHIT CHRIS JENSEN IS HERE¡®


    ¡°Someone just saw him walking toward the Law building!!!¡±


    ¡°Not a drill! THE Chris Jensen is on campus!¡±


    ¡°Heading to Law Building 3 now¨Clecture starts at 4!¡±


    By 3:45, Law Building 3¡¯s lecture hall was packed beyond capacity. Students sat in the aisles, stood along the walls, and crowded the doorways. The hallway outside was jammed with people hoping to catch a glimpse of <b>the </b>legendary


    attorney.


    Eleanor Astor, Chase¡¯s sister, had appointed herself as Jensen¡¯s unofficial assistant, her <b>typically </b>stern demeanor reced with barely contained excitement as she hovered near him, straightening papers <b>he </b>didn¡¯t need <b>and </b>offering


    water he didn¡¯t drink.


    Chase texted me: ¡°You¡¯re a fucking witch. Law Building <b>3 </b>is INSANE. <b>Where </b><b>are </b><b>you</b><b>?</b><b>¡® </b>


    I didn¡¯t respond. I had more important business to attend to.


    12:27 Mon, <b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>


    62


    I was walking across the quad when I spotted President Philip Thornton heading toward the Law Building, his <b>pace </b>


    hurried and excited.


    ¡°Miss Morgan!¡± he called when he saw me. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going the wrong way? Mr. Jensen¡¯s lecture starts in ten


    minutes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard him speak before,¡± I replied. ¡°I¡¯m going to collect my winnings from Aurelia Sullivan.¡±


    Philip¡¯s expression shifted to one of concern. ¡°Miss Morgan, while I appreciate that Mr. Jensen¡¯s presence brings prestige to our institution, I must caution against involving the university in student wagers.¡±


    ¡°The university isn¡¯t involved,¡± I corrected him. ¡°I personally invited a distinguished legal expert to share his knowledge with Princeton students. The fact that his presence also settles a private matter is coincidental.


    Philip¡¯s eyes twinkled with amusement despite his attempt to maintain a serious expression. ¡°Well<b>, </b>when you put it that way¡­ I suppose Princeton does owe you a debt of gratitude for arranging such a prestigious speaker.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± I continued walking.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± Philip called after me. ¡°If I may ask¡­ how did you manage to secure Mr. Jensen¡¯s participation? The university has been trying for years.¡±


    I turned back. ¡°Step one: I opened my phone. Step two: I texted him.¡±


    Philip looked bewildered. ¡°That¡¯s it? He agreed just like that?¡±


    ¡°Yes.


    Chapter Comments


    2

 Treatment 119

    Author¡¯s POV:


    ¡°One more question, Mr. Jensen!¡±


    A hand shot up in the packed lecture hall as Chris Jensen gathered his notes. The renowned attorney had just delivered a masterss on constitutionalw that left Princeton¡¯sw students breathless. At twenty, with dark hair styled perfectly and a jawline sharp enough to cut ss, hemanded the room with effortless authority.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already gone thirty minutes over,¡± Chris said, his deep voice carrying without effort. He checked his watch¨Ca subtle Patek Philippe that probably cost more than most students¡® tuition. ¡°Your professors will have my head.¡±


    ¡°Just one more,¡± pleaded a girl in the front row. ¡°How do you know Jade Morgan? Everyone¡¯s saying she¡¯s the reason you¡¯re here.¡±


    The room fell silent. Chris paused, his expression unreadable as he surveyed the eager faces.


    ¡°Miss Morgan reached out to me yesterday,¡± he said finally. ¡°I was in Toronto on business. I flew back overnight.¡±


    Whispers erupted throughout the hall.


    ¡°So the rumors about the bet are true?¡± another student called out. ¡°Aurelia Sullivan bet a million dors you


    wouldn¡¯t show up?¡±


    Chris¡¯s mouth quirked up at one corner. ¡°I sincerely hope Miss Sullivan honors her wager.¡±


    ¡°Are you really connected to organized crime?¡± someone from the back shouted.


    The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Chris¡¯s smile disappeared.


    <i>¡°</i>Contrary to tabloid spection, I am simply an attorney who chooses his cases carefully,¡± he replied, voice even but with a new edge. ¡°Next question.¡±


    A brave soul near the middle raised her hand. ¡°What exactly is your rtionship with Jade Morgan?¡±


    For a moment, Chris looked almost wistful.


    ¡®We¡¯re close friends. Old acquaintances.¡± He began packing his briefcase. ¡°And now, I really must go.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡®Will we have another chance to hear you lecture?¡± asked a professor standing by the door.


    Chris nced up<b>, </b>his expression inscrutable. ¡°That depends on what Miss Morgan needs.¡±


    Jade waited at a secluded gazebo near the edge of campus, away from the crowded walkways. The October breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the scent of fallen leaves. She¡¯d chosen this spot carefully¨Cprivate enough for a conversation no one else should hear, but public enough not to raise eyebrows.


    Chris appeared from around a hedge, still in his immacte charcoal suit. When their eyes met, he hesitated for just a moment before approaching.


    ¡°Your speaking fee,¡± Jade said, pulling Aurelia¡¯s credit card from her pocket and slipping it into his suit jacket. ¡°Courtesy of Aurelia Sullivan.¡±


    ¡°Jade,¡± he said quietly, studying her face with an intensity that might have made someone else ufortable. His eyes¨Cpale blue and unusually sharp¨Cmissed nothing. ¡°Night told me something incredible two weeks ago. I didn¡¯t


    believe him.¡±


    She remained silent, letting him process what he was seeing.


    ¡°Is it really you?¡± he finally asked, voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± she confirmed.


    Chrisughed a short, disbelieving sound. ¡°I¡¯ve spent my entire life as a materialist. I¡¯ve dismantled spiritual ims in court, debunked afterlife experiences, and now¡­¡± He shook his head. ¡°Now I¡¯m looking at the impossible.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°The original Jade Morgan died the same day I did,¡± she exined. ¡°She copsed during PE ss. Heart defect.¡±


    Chris looked physically pained. ¡°Why tell Night and not me?¡±


    ¡°I needed someone to handle the body.¡±


    They stood there for a moment, the weight of impossibility between them. Then Chris stepped forward and pulled her into an embrace. She felt his heartbeat, rapid and strong, as he held her tightly.


    ¡°Wee back,¡± he whispered.


    By evening, Chris Jensen¡¯s visit to Princeton had be the top trending topic on three different social tforms. Students who¡¯d attended his lecture posted clips that quickly went viral beyond campus.


    ¡°BEST. LECTURE. EVER. #ChrisJensenAtPrinceton¡±


    ¡°Jensen just delivered the most insightful, intelligent, AND hottestw lecture in Princeton history.¡±


    ¡®Did anyone else notice how hepletely dismantled Professor Williams¡® theory without even mentioning him by name? Savage. #LegalGenius¡±


    The reaction wasn¡¯t limited to Princeton. Law students across the country were expressing their envy:


    ¡®Harvard Law student here. Officially jealous. How did Princeton score CHRIS JENSEN???¡±


    ¡°Yale crying in the corner right now. We¡¯ve been trying to get him for YEARS.¡±


    But what really set the campus buzzing was a series of photos posted to Instagram and Twitter showing Chris Jensen and Jade embracing at the gazebo. The candid shots<b>, </b>clearly taken from a distance with a zoom lens, showed the normally stoic attorney with his arms wrapped around her, his expression uncharacteristically emotional.


    The caption under the most shared photo read: ¡®Is ¡®old acquaintances¡® code for something else? #Jade AndJensen


    The spection was immediate and widespread:


    ¡°No way they¡¯re just friends. Look at how he¡¯s holding her!¡±


    ¡°How does a schrship student know THE Chris Jensen this well???¡±


    ¡°Whatever their rtionship is, I¡¯m here for it. #PowerCouple¡®


    By nightfall, the photos had be the hottest topic on campus, eclipsing even the million¨Cdor bet.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡± Chris said, swirling amber liquid in his ss. They sat in a quiet corner of an off¨Ccampus bar, the kind of ce where Princeton students never ventured. Chris had loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves, looking more human than the legal machine most people knew.


    ¡°Where were you for those eight months, Jade?¡± he asked. ¡°After you disappeared. Before you¡­¡± He couldn¡¯t quite bring himself to say ¡®died.¡®


    Jade took a sip of her drink. ¡°I wasn¡¯t on an assignment<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°I figured that much out,¡± Chris said dryly. ¡°Night wouldn¡¯t tell me details<b>, </b>just that you¡¯d gone dark. The official story was a deep¨Ccover operation.¡±


    ¡°I turned against them,¡± Jade said simply. ¡°Shadow Organization and I had a<b>¡­ </b>difference <b>of </b>opinion.¡±


    Understanding dawned on his face. ¡°They killed you.¡± It wasn¡¯t a question.


    ¡°More or <b>less</b>.¡±


    Chris leaned forward, elbows on the table. ¡°What happened<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Next time, Jade said, finishing her drink. ¡°It¡¯s a longer conversation than we have time for tonight<b>.</b>¡±


    <b>12:27 </b>Mon, <b>Sep 22 </b>


    :


    4662


    He studied her face, and she knew what he was seeing¨Cnothing. No tension around her eyes, no tightness in her jaw, no subtle tells that might betray emotion. But Chris knew her better than most.


    ¡°You¡¯re upset,¡± he said quietly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°You are. Your face is perfectly calm, which means you¡¯re very upset.¡± He reached across the table, his fingers brushing hers. ¡°Some things never change.¡±


    Jade didn¡¯t deny it again. Some battles weren¡¯t worth fighting, especially with the few people who could actually


    read her.


    ¡°Next time,¡± she repeated, and this time, Chris nodded.


    ¡°Next time,¡± he agreed.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 120

    <b>Chapter </b><b>120 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    I sat <b>across </b>from Chris in the dimly lit bar, watching as he swirled amber liquid in his ss.


    ¡°So,¡± Chris leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes studying my face. ¡°Does the Shadow Organization know you¡¯re still breathing?¡±


    I traced the rim of my ss with my finger<b>, </b>considering how much to reveal. ¡°They¡¯ve caught wind of it. In Venezu, during the La Corona tournament, I reimed my title.¡±


    Chris¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°You actually participated in that bloodbath? As yourself?¡±


    ¡°As Jade,¡± I corrected. ¡°It was necessary. I needed to reestablish certain connections.¡±


    ¡°And now they¡¯re watching you,¡± Chris concluded, his voice dropping even lower.


    I nodded. ¡°That¡¯s why I told Night not toe see me. If they¡¯re monitoring him, his presence would only confirm their suspicions about my identity.¡±


    A small smile yed at the corner of Chris¡¯s mouth. ¡°Should I be touched that you reached out to me? Night mentioned you¡¯ve been keeping your distance from old contacts.¡±


    <b>I </b>rolled my eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t let it go to your head.¡±


    ¡°Toote,¡± he grinned, lifting his ss in a mock toast. ¡°The infamous Shadow, back from the dead and calling me first. I¡¯m practically honored.¡±


    I leaned back in my seat, allowing myself a small smile. ¡°The Shadow Organization and I have unfinished business. Sooner orter, they¡¯ll make their move.¡±


    ¡°And when they do?¡± Chris asked, his yful demeanor fading into something more serious.


    ¡®I¡¯ll be ready.¡± The ss felt cool against my palm as I lifted it. ¡°I¡¯ve been ready since I opened my eyes in this body.¡±


    Chris nodded, his expression grim but determined. ¡°If you need anything¨Cmanpower, equipment, just say the word. My resources are <b>at </b>your disposal.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± And I did. Despite everything, Chris had always been reliable.


    His expression shifted, bing more curious. ¡°Speaking of resources¡­ Night mentioned you¡¯ve made a new friend. Something about an expensive watch?<b>¡± </b>


    I kept my face carefully neutral. ¡°Just an investor I met. Nothing special.¡±


    12:27 Mon, <b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>


    ¡°An investor?¡± Chris¡¯s eyes sparkled with amusement. ¡°Night also mentioned he¡¯s twenty¨Cnine. Said, and I quote, ¡®Jade wouldn¡¯t be interested in an old man.¡°¡±


    ¡°Night¡¯s mouth runs like a garbage truck,¡± I muttered, taking another sip of my drink. The liquor burned pleasantly down my throat.


    ¡°So who is he?¡± Chris pressed, leaning forward with obvious interest.


    I met his gaze steadily. ¡°Just someone who crossed my path. Nothing more.¡±


    Chris didn¡¯t look convinced, but he dropped the subject, knowing when not to push. We spent the next few hours catching up, carefully avoiding the topic of my death and resurrection. The afternoon stretched into evening, and the bar gradually filled with patrons as darkness fell outside.


    By ten o¡¯clock, we¡¯d moved to a VIP booth in the corner, and several empty bottles lined our table. Neither of us was drunk¨Cour tolerance was far too high for that¨Cbut we had settled into afortable rhythm of conversation that onlyes with shared history.


    Our chat was interrupted when a man with a buzz cut and several visible tattoos approached our table, nked by seven or eight men who looked like they were trying too hard to be intimidating.


    ¡°Well, hello there, beautiful,¡± Buzz Cut said, his eyes fixed on me while ignoring Chrispletely. ¡°What¡¯s a girl like you doing in a ce like this?¡±


    I didn¡¯t even bother looking at him, continuing my conversation with Chris.


    Buzz Cut¡¯s face reddened at being ignored. He stepped closer, reaching out to put his arm around my shoulders. ¡°Hey<b>, </b>I¡¯m talking to-¡±


    Before his hand could touch me, Chris¡¯s fingers wrapped around his wrist, stopping the movement mid¨Cair. The man¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°Thedy and I are having a conversation,¡± Chris said, his voice pleasant but carrying an unmistakable edge. ¡°I suggest you find another table.¡±


    Buzz Cut looked down at Chris¡¯s hand on his wrist, then tried to pull away. He couldn¡¯t move. Chris¡¯s grip, while appearing casual, was like iron.


    ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± Buzz Cut snarled, switching tactics. ¡°What do you do for a living, suit?¡±


    Chris released his wrist and straightened his tie. ¡°I¡¯m just a regr litigation attorney.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m a member of the local crew,¡± Buzz Cut sneered, rubbing his wrist. ¡°And this is our territory<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    His friends moved closer, forming <b>a </b>semicircle around our booth. The few other patrons in the bar suddenly found <b>reasons </b>to look away or leave altogether.


    a


    ¡°Listen,wyer man, Buzz Cut continued, emboldened by his audience. ¡°Here¡¯s what¡¯s going to happen. My boys are going to take you outside and teach you some manners. Then the prettydy is going to have a drink with me.¡± He leaned down, his breath reeking of cheap whiskey. ¡°What would they charge me for that, counselor? Assault?


    Battery?¡±


    Chris took a slow, deliberate sip of his drink. ¡°They wouldn¡¯t charge you anything.¡±


    Buzz Cut grinned, thinking he¡¯d won. ¡°Smart man. Now,e on-


    ¡°It¡¯s getting a bit noisy,¡± I said to Chris, ignoring Buzz Cutpletely. ¡°You or me?¡±


    Chris finished his drink in one smooth motion and set the ss down carefully. ¡°I¡¯ve got this one.¡±


    What happened next was almost too fast for a normal person to follow. Chris¡¯s elbow shot up, connecting with Buzz Cut¡¯s nose with a sickening crunch. As the man staggered backward, Chris was already on his feet, moving with the fluid grace of someone who¡¯d spent years perfecting the art of violence.


    One of Buzz Cut¡¯s friends lunged forward, only to have his arm twisted behind his back. Another pulled a knife, which Chris promptly removed from his possession before using the man¡¯s momentum to send him crashing into two others. Within seconds, all eight men were on the floor in various states of pain and confusion.


    I watched, admiring the way Chris¡¯s tailored suit barely wrinkled as he moved. There was something undeniably appealing about a man who could fight with such precision while dressed for a board meeting. It reminded me of how Ethan might look if he ever had to get his hands dirty¨Cprobably just asposed, just as lethal in his custom-


    made suit.


    Chris grabbed Buzz Cut by the cor and lifted him halfway off the floor. ¡°The reason they wouldn¡¯t charge you,¡± he said calmly, as if continuing their earlier conversation, ¡®is because you wouldn¡¯t have the opportunity to file aint.¡±


    He dropped the man unceremoniously back to the ground. Buzz Cut scrambled to his feet, backing away with hist hand covering his bloody nose.


    ¡°You¡¯re dead,wyer,¡± he spat, pointing a shaking finger at Chris. ¡°You hear me? Dead! I¡¯ming back with more guys, and you¡¯re both going to regret this!¡±


    <b>He </b>turned to his friends, who were slowly picking themselves up off the floor. ¡°Watch them! Don¡¯t let them leave!¡± Then he stormed out of the bar, leaving a trail of blood droplets on the wooden floor.


    Chris straightened his cuffs and sat back down across from me, as casual as if he¡¯d just returned from the restroom. ¡®Where were we?¡±


    I allowed myself a small smile. ¡°Your life in Toronto.¡±

 Treatment 121

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter 121 </b>


    :


    <b>92 </b>


    The remaining thugs had retreated to the edge of the bar, eyeing Chris warily as they waited for their boss to return. Their earlier bravado had evaporated, reced by genuine fear.


    Around us, the few patrons who hadn¡¯t fled were whispering among themselves, throwing nervous nces our way. I caught fragments of their conversations: ¡°¡­local gang¡­¡± ¡°¡­don¡¯t know who they messed with¡­¡± ¡°¡­gonna be


    trouble¡­¡±


    The bartender wiped the same spot on the counter for the fifth time, clearly wanting to be anywhere else. A couple near the door slipped out quietly, while a group of college students hurriedly paid their tab.


    Chris adjusted his cuffs, seemingly unbothered by the tension in the air.


    ¡°So, where¡¯d you pick up that watch?¡± he asked, nodding toward my wrist with a hint of amusement in his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s cute. Doesn¡¯t really match your usual style though.¡±


    I nced down at the Patek Philippe on my wrist. ¡°My brother Max gave it to me.¡±


    ¡°Your brother?¡± Chris raised an eyebrow. ¡°Kid¡¯s got expensive taste.¡±


    ¡°It was a gift,¡± I said, a rare softness creeping into my voice when I mentioned Max. ¡°He insisted.¡±


    Chris studied me for a moment, a small smile ying at the corner of his mouth. ¡°You really care about this kid, don¡¯t you? What about the rest of the Morgan n? How are they treating you?¡±


    I took a sip of my drink. ¡°One¡¯s more insufferable than the next. If it weren¡¯t for Max, I¡¯d have kicked them all out of


    the house by now.¡±


    The bar manager approached our table, setting down fresh drinks with shaking hands. He leaned in, voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°You two should probably leave. These guys¡­ they run things in this part of town. They don¡¯t take kindly to being embarrassed, and they¡¯re not above doing something stupid.¡±


    Chris smiled politely, epting the drink. ¡°I appreciate your concern, but I¡¯m awyer. I specialize in cases against criminal organizations. Upholding justice is my professional responsibility.¡±


    The manager¡¯s eyes widened, but before he could respond, the door to the bar banged open. A wave of noise flooded in as thirty or so young men armed with baseball bats and switchdes pushed their way inside. The remaining patrons scattered, some ducking under tables, others rushing for the exit. Within seconds, only the bartender remained, crouched behind the bar counter, visibly trembling.


    The buzz<b>¨C</b>cut guy from earlier strode in, blood still crusted around his nostrils. Behind him walked a man with part of his left ear missing, his face twisted in a permanent sneer.


    ¡°That¡¯s him, boss,¡± Buzz Cut said, pointing at Chris. ¡°The guy who sucker punched me.¡±


    The one¨Ceared man approached our table, scanning Chris with contempt before his gaze shifted to me. His eyes lingered ufortably, and I felt the urge to gauge them out.


    ¡°Awyer?¡± One¨CEar scoffed, adjusting his leather jacket. ¡°Been running these streets for years and never beat up awyer before.¡± He leaned forward, cing both palms on our table. ¡°Should be interesting.¡±


    <b>92 </b>


    His gaze slid back to me, something predatory in his expression. ¡°Don¡¯t damage the pretty one too much, boys. I¡¯ve got ns for her after.¡±


    My expression didn¡¯t change, but inwardly I was already calcting how many ways I could kill him with just the


    cocktail napkin in front of me.


    One¨CEar snapped his fingers, and his crew began to advance.


    ¡°Left side yours, right side mine?¡± I suggested to Chris, not bothering to stand up yet.


    ¡°Works for me,¡± Chris replied, loosening his tie.


    What followed was a symphony of breaking ss, dull thuds of bodies hitting floors and walls, and the asional scream of pain. I moved efficiently, disabling rather than killing. Still, I made sure the ones who¡¯d looked at me with particr lewdness received extra attention.


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 Treatment 122

    <b>Chapter </b><b>122 </b>


    ¨C


    :


    <b>92 </b>


    After dealing with thest attacker a burly man who¡¯d tried to grab me from behind ¨C I walked calmly to the bar and ordered a martini. Chris was removing his blood¨Cspattered Armani jacket<b>, </b>carefully folding it over the back of a chair. I handed him the bank card I¡¯d slipped from One¨CEar¡¯s pocket during our brief encounter.


    Chris examined the card before approaching the shell¨Cshocked bar owner, who was staring at the scene of destruction with a mixture of horror and resignation.


    ¡°Whatever damage was done tonight,¡± Chris said, handing over the card, ¡°put it on my tab.¡±


    I sipped my martini, watching as One¨CEar struggled to pull himself up from the floor<b>, </b>blood trickling from a cut above his eye. ¡°You calling this in, or am I?¡± I asked Chriszily, referring to the police.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it,¡± Chris replied, pulling out his phone.


    One¨CEar spat blood onto the floor. ¡°You don¡¯t know who you¡¯re fucking with,¡± he growled. ¡°I¡¯m with The Three Pirs. My guys are bringing more people from the bar down the street right now.¡±


    I felt my muscles rx at the mention of The Three Pirs. So that¡¯s what this was about. I caught Chris¡¯s eye and gave him a small nod.


    ¡°Go ahead, make your call,¡± One¨CEar continued, mistaking our calm for fear. ¡°By the time anyone gets here, you¡¯ll


    both be-¡±


    Chris held up a finger, silencing him as he dialed a number and put the phone to his ear. ¡°Ro? It¡¯s Jensen.


    Princeton branch is your territory, right? I¡¯m at The Velvet Lounge, and some of your boys decided to introduce


    themselves.¡±


    One¨CEar¡¯s face flickered with uncertainty at the mention of Ro¡¯s name, but he quickly masked it with bravado. ¡°Nice try,¡± he sneered. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know when someone¡¯s bluffing?¡±


    Chris ignored him, continuing his conversation while I finished my drink. We chatted about my college experience and the weather, as if we weren¡¯t surrounded by groaning bodies and broken furniture.


    ¨C


    Twenty minutester, the bar was packed again not with patrons, but with even more tattooed young men. One- Ear had managed to gather an impressive number of reinforcements. He stood in front of them, chest puffed out.


    Last chance to apologize,¡± he announced, scanning the room to make sure his audience appreciated his magnanimity. When neither Chris nor I responded, his face hardened. ¡°Alright boys, take them both. Don¡¯t hold back.¡±


    The crowd tensed, ready to surge forward, when a voice from the back shouted: ¡°HOLD IT!¡±


    The effect was immediate. The sea of men parted, revealing a mountain of a man with knuckles that looked like they¡¯d been broken and reset multiple times.


    :


    ¡°Knuckles,¡± someone whispered, awe and fear mingling in his voice.


    <b>92 </b>


    One¨CEar¡¯s demeanor changed instantly. His shoulders hunched, and he took a small step backward. ¡°Hey, man, I was just-¡±


    The neer strode forward and kicked One¨CEar¡¯s legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the floor. ¡°You fucking idiot,¡± he snarled, towering over the fallen man. ¡°You dare put your hands on Mr. Jensen? Do you have a death wish?¡±


    Behind Knuckles appeared another man ¨C smaller, better dressed, with calcting eyes that took in the scene with cold precision.


    ¡°Mr. Jensen,¡± the well¨Cdressed man said, approaching our table with deference. ¡°I apologize for this¡­ misunderstanding. I hope you weren¡¯t inconvenienced.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow at Chris. ¡°When did The Three Pirs start recruiting such bottom¨Cfeeders<b>?</b>¡± I asked, nodding toward One¨CEar. ¡°They used to have standards. No trash like him in their ranks fifteen years ago.¡±


    Chris sighed, shaking his head. ¡°This is embarrassing. Good thing Night isn¡¯t here to see this.¡± He turned to the well- dressed man, his voice taking on a harder edge. ¡°Ro, what¡¯s going on here? Who are these people?¡±


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 Treatment 123

    <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¨CEar, 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¨Cstroke. 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¨Cblond 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¨Cshirt that fell to mid¨Cthigh. 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¨Cshirt,


    ¡°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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 Treatment 124

    <b>Chapter </b>124


    <b>92 </b>


    Chris Jensen. The Three Pirs¡® young leader. Golden boy of the courtroom with an undefeated record.


    And somehow, this legal prodigy had connections to Jade Morgan.


    First, he¡¯d lowered himself to handle what amounted to a high school cheating case for her. Then he¡¯d flown back from Toronto overnight because of a bet. They¡¯d gotten drunk together at a bar, fought side by side, and now Jensen had spent the night in her mansion.


    Princeton¡¯s gossip forums were already buzzing with spection about their rtionship. ¡°Old friends,¡± they¡¯d been called. ¡°Reunited acquaintances.¡± Photos of their embrace circted wildly.


    Ethan¡¯s jaw tightened. Something wasn¡¯t adding up. Jensen didn¡¯t strike him as the type to maintain purely tonic rtionships with women, especially ones as striking as Jade. And Jade herself was notoriously selective about who she allowed into her circle.


    The atmosphere in Jade¡¯s living room crackled with unspoken tension. Jade sat on the couch, lookingpletely unfazed despitest night¡¯s events. Her hair was pulled back in a casual ponytail, highlighting the sharp angles of her face. Chris had strategically positioned himself next to her, leaving Ethan to take the seat opposite them.


    Chris lounged with practiced ease, his designer suit slightly rumpled from the night before but still emanating an air of authority. The way he sat ¨C slightly angled toward Jade, one arm stretched across the back of the couch behind


    her ¨C spoke of familiarity and territorial im.


    ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure of this early visit, Mr. Haxton?¡± Jade asked, her voice neutral, eyes clear and alert despite what must have been ate night.


    Ethan ced the cooler bag on the coffee table. ¡°I thought you might appreciate something for the hangover. And breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Thoughtful,¡± Jade said, her expression unreadable. She turned to Chris. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you haven¡¯t headed back to Toronto yet.¡±


    Chris shrugged, his posture rxed but alert. ¡°No rush.¡± His eyes flickered briefly to Ethan before returning to Jade. ¡°Some things are worth sticking around for.¡±


    ¡®I saw your lecture was quite the hit yesterday,¡± Ethanmented, deliberately keeping his tone casual. ¡°Princeton¡¯s forums can¡¯t stop talking about it.¡±


    ¡°People are easily impressed,¡± Chris replied, his eyes never leaving Ethan¡¯s. ¡°Although I must admit, academia has its charms when the right invitationes along.¡±


    Jade reached for the cooler bag. ¡°What¡¯s in here?¡±


    ¡°Special blend. Works wonders after a night of drinking,¡± Ethan exined. ¡°Contains electrolytes, B vitamins, and a few proprietary ingredients. Developed specifically for Haxton executives after particrly demanding client


    dinners.¡±


    <b>92 </b>


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t drunk,¡± Jade stated matter¨Cof¨Cfactly, examining the bottle with clinical interest. She handed the bottle to Chris. ¡°But he might need it.¡±


    Chris reached for the bottle, but Ethan¡¯s hand shot out, pressing down on Chris¡¯s wrist. The movement was swift, calcted not aggressive enough to be threatening, but firm enough to establish dominance.


    ¡ª


    ¡°That¡¯s an exclusive form,¡± Ethan said smoothly. ¡°Not mass¨Cproduced. Worth about five hundred per bottle.¡±


    Chris¡¯s eyes narrowed, a hint of amusement ying at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Mr. Haxton is feeling possessive this morning.¡± He leaned back, making no effort to free his hand. ¡°Or is it just that you¡¯re reluctant to share with me specifically?¡±


    ¡°Just rifying its value,¡± Ethan replied, matching Chris¡¯s tone. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want you to underestimate what Morgan is offering you.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Haxton, if you¡¯re worried about wasting your precious drink on me,¡± Chris said with a hint of mockery, ¡°don¡¯t be. Jade and I have always shared everything.¡± The implication hung in the air between them. ¡°We don¡¯t believe in ¡®mine¡® and ¡®yours,¡® do we, Jade?¡±


    Jade watched the exchange with clinical detachment, her eyes moving between the two men like a spectator at a


    tennis match. ¡°The drink, gentlemen?¡±


    1


    Ethan released Chris¡¯s wrist, his smile not reaching his eyes. ¡°Any friend of Morgan¡¯s is a friend of mine. Please, help


    yourself.¡±


    Chris took a deliberate sip, maintaining eye contact with Ethan over the rim of the bottle. A satisfied expression crossed his face. ¡°Impressive.¡±


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 Treatment 125

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>125 </b>


    <b>92 </b>


    ¨C


    Ethan unpacked breakfast containers from the cooler egg white omelets with spinach, avocado toast, and fresh fruit sd. The spread was clearly meant for two, presented in elegant containers with the Haxton family logo discreetly embossed on the lids.


    ¡°I assumed you¡¯d need protein after your night,¡± Ethan exined, sliding a container toward Jade. The movement was casual, but his eyes carefully tracked Chris¡¯s reaction.


    ¡ª


    A slight smile tugged at Jade¡¯s lips as she looked at Ethan in his impable suit ¨C charcoal gray, perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders, with a pale blue tie that brought out the intensity of his eyes. Something about his perfectly tailored appearance triggered a memory fromst night wondering what he would look like fighting in formal wear, delivering precise blows while straightening his cufflinks between punches. The mental image made her


    chuckle involuntarily.


    ¡°Something funny?¡± Ethan asked, one eyebrow raised.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Jade replied, quicklyposing her features into their usual mask of indifference. She took some of the food and passed a portion to Chris. ¡°There¡¯s enough here to feed an army.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes tracked the movement with the focus of a predator watching prey. The simple act of Jade sharing his carefully prepared breakfast with Jensen felt like a small betrayal, though he kept his expression neutral.


    ¡°Jensen, <b>I </b>understand you stayed herest night?¡± Ethan asked, cutting into his omelet with surgical precision.


    ¡°I did,¡± Chris answered tly. ¡°Is that a problem?¡±


    ¡°Just concerned about appearances,¡± Ethan responded. ¡°Photos of your¡­ embrace are trending. A night alone together could fuel unfortunate rumors about Morgan¡¯s reputation.¡±


    Chris¡¯s expression hardened, a sh of something dangerous flickering behind his eyes. ¡°As I said before, I¡¯ve known Jade a long time. I don¡¯t particrly care what people think about our rtionship.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Ethan mused. ¡°I was under the impression that someone in your position would be more concerned with perception. The courtroom is as much about appearances as it is about facts, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Speaking of reputations,¡± Jade interjected, cutting a piece of omelet with surgical precision, ¡°Mr. Haxton and 1 shared amodations for two months in Venezu this summer. Nobody seemed concerned about my reputation


    then.¡±


    Chris¡¯s fork paused halfway to his mouth. ¡°Two months?¡±


    Jade nodded casually, ¡°During the summer break.¡±


    ¡°You never mentioned that,¡± Chris said, his rxed demeanor slipping momentarily. His eyes darted between Jade and Ethan, reassessing something in his mind.


    ?¡£ (92)


    Ethan couldn¡¯t quite suppress the satisfaction he felt at Chris¡¯s reaction. He took a slow sip of his coffee, savoring the moment like fine wine.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t relevant until now,¡± Jade replied. She turned to Chris. ¡°By the way, this mansion belongs to Ethan.¡±


    Chris¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°Lacking funds or real estate, Jade? Since when do you casually ept favors?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect,¡± Jade replied. ¡°Just what I needed, and he happened to have it avable.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s wee to stay as long as she likes,¡± Ethan added, not bothering to hide his smugness. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble. I have


    several properties in the area. Mr. Jensen, if you¡­¡±


    Chris checked his watch. ¡°I should head to the airport.¡± He stood, straightening his jacket with a practiced flick of his wrists. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want to overstay my wee in Mr. Haxton¡¯s property.¡±


    ¡°I can have Connor drive you,¡± Ethan offered, standing as well. The movement was smooth, calcted asserting his domain.


    ¨C


    a host


    ¡°No need,¡± Chris said with a thin smile. ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged transportation.¡± His gaze fell to Ethan¡¯s wrist. ¡°Nice


    watch.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Ethan replied, ncing down at the timepiece. ¡°It was a gift from Jade.¡±


    ¨C


    Something flickered in Chris¡¯s eyes recognition, perhaps, or warning. ¡°Such a precious gift,¡± he said, his voice deceptively light. ¡°You¡¯d better wear it carefully, Mr. Haxton.¡±


    Chris nodded to Jade and walked out, leaving Ethan with the distinct impression that he¡¯d just been issued a


    warning.


    Ethan turned back to Jade, who was calmly eating her breakfast as if the testosteroneden exchange hadn¡¯t happened at all.


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 Treatment 126

    <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 ¨C 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¨Cthe 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¨Cexamination 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¨CI 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¨Cbrown 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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 Treatment 127

    <b>Chapter </b><b>127 </b>


    ¡°Eleanor, Chase groaned. ¡°I¡¯m busy.¡±


    92


    ¡°Don¡¯t be rude,¡± she chided, then turned to me with an extended hand. ¡°You must be Jade Morgan. I¡¯m Eleanor Astor, Chase¡¯s sister and apparently your newest fan.¡±


    I shook her hand, noting her firm grip. ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Chase won¡¯t stop talking about you, and after seeing what you did with the Jensen lecture, I had to introduce myself. She sat down gracefully on the grass, seeming unconcerned about her expensive outfit. ¡°Is Chris still in


    town?


    ¡°No, he flew back to Torontost night.¡±


    Eleanor¡¯s face fell slightly. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a shame. His constitutionalw lecture was brilliant. The way he dissected the Fourteenth Amendment¡­¡± She sighed wistfully.


    Chase rolled his eyes. ¡°Please don¡¯t start again.¡±


    ¡°Hush, Eleanor elbowed him, then turned back to me. ¡°How do you know Chris? If you don¡¯t mind me asking.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re good friends,¡± I said, the same answer I¡¯d given everyone else.


    Eleanor¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Really? That¡¯s¡­ interesting.¡± She suddenly turned to Chase. ¡°Don¡¯t you have ss now?¡±


    Chase checked his watch. ¡°Not for twenty minutes.¡±


    ¡°Go early. Be a good student for once.¡±


    Chase narrowed his eyes. ¡°Are you trying to get rid of me?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Eleanor said bluntly. ¡°Girl talk. Shoo.¡±


    After Chase reluctantly left, grumbling about pushy sisters, Eleanor moved closer, her voice dropping, ¡®ts Chris seeing <b>anyone</b>? I mean, I know it¡¯s forward to ask, but-


    ¡°He¡¯s single,¡® I said, studying her with new interest. ¡®Never had a girlfriend. I paused for effect. Or a boyfriend.¡±


    Eleanorughed, her cheeks pinking slightly. And¡­ what¡¯s his type? If he has one?¡±


    I considered the question. Eleanor was attractive, intelligent, and seemed genuine ¨C a far cry from the vapid socialites Chris usually avoided. More importantly, she might be good for him.


    ¡°He likes intelligent women,¡® I said finally. ¡°People who challenge him intellectually.¡±


    11:08 Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>


    :


    Eleanor¡¯s blush deepened. ¡°Do you think¡­ I mean, would you be willing to give me his contact information? It¡¯spletely fine if you¡¯re notfortable with that.¡±


    I pulled out my phone. ¡°What¡¯s your number?¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°Really? Just like that?¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± I shrugged. ¡°But you should know what you¡¯re getting into. Chris isn¡¯t just awyer. His clients and connections are<b>¡­ </bplicated.¡±


    Eleanor nodded seriously. ¡°I¡¯m aware of his reputation. I¡¯ve followed his cases for years. The man walks legal tightropes that would terrify most attorneys.¡± She hesitated. ¡°Thank you for this. Really.¡±


    I texted her Chris¡¯s number. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡±


    <b>92 </b>


    Before she could respond, Chase¡¯s voice cut through our conversation. ¡°Eleanor! What the hell are you doing?¡±


    He stormed toward <b>us</b><b>, </b>face flushed with anger. ¡°Are you seriously trying to get Chris¡¯s number? Have you lost your


    mind?<b>¡± </b>


    Eleanor jumped to her feet. ¡°Chase Astor! Were you eavesdropping?¡±


    ¡°Damn right I was! Someone needs to save you from yourself<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m your sister! I don¡¯t need my little brother¡¯s permission to date!¡±


    ¡°Chris isn¡¯t dating material! He¡¯s-¡±


    Eleanor let out a frustrated scream that made several passing students turn and stare. ¡°I swear to God, Chase, if you don¡¯t stop interfering in my life, I¡¯ll tell Mom and Dad about that weekend in Vegas!¡±


    Chase paled. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Try me,¡± she hissed, then turned to me with an apologetic smile. ¡°Thank you for the number, Jade. I¡¯ll be in touch<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    As Eleanor stormed off, Chase called after her, ¡°This isn¡¯t over!¡± He turned to me, betrayal written across his face. ¡®Why would you give her Jensen¡¯s number?¡±


    ¡°Why not<b>? </b>They might get along.¡±


    ¡°Because he¡¯s-¡± Chase stopped himself, running a hand through his hair. ¡°You know what? Forget it.¡± He jogged after his sister, still arguing.


    <b>I </b>pulled out my phone and texted Chris:


    <i>Just </i><i>gave </i><i>your </i><i>number </i>to <i>Eleanor </i>Astor. Law professor at Princeton. Smart, <i>pretty</i><i>, </i>and <i>apparently a </i><i>big </i><i>fan</i>. <i>You¡¯re </i>


    <i>wee</i>.


    Less than a minuteter, my phone buzzed:


    <i>I </i><i>just </i><inded</i><i>. </i>He ignored the matchmaking partpletely.


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 Treatment 128

    Ethan Haxton descended in the ss elevator of the luxury Westfield Mall, watching as October sunlight streamed through the skylights. Connor followed behind, arms loaded with designer shopping bags. Halloween decorations hung from every avable surface¨Cborate paper skeletons dangled from the ceiling, carved pumpkins lined the walkways, and fake cobwebs stretched across storefront disys.


    ¡°Sir, do we need anything else?¡± Connor asked, adjusting his grip on the packages.


    Ethan checked his watch. ¡°That should cover it. We¡¯ll head to-¡±


    Amotion from below caught his attention. As the elevator doors opened, he heard a familiar voice rising above the typical mall chatter. Ethan¡¯s eyes narrowed, scanning the ground floor until he spotted the source.


    Near the high¨Cend wine boutique, a crowd had gathered around Max Morgan and another teenager. Between them and an agitated store employeey dozens of shattered wine bottles, dark red liquid spreading across the polished


    marble floor.


    ¡°We barely touched it!¡± Max¡¯s friend insisted, pushing his sses up his nose. ¡°The whole disy just copsed!¡±


    The boutique employee¨Ca middle¨Caged man with a pretentious bow tie¨Cjabbed his finger at the boys. ¡°These Halloween special reserve bottles were perfectly secure until you two came along! Each costs over $300, and you¡¯re


    paying for every single one!¡±


    Max stood his ground despite his slight limp. ¡°That¡¯s physically impossible. The center of gravity on that disy was too high, and the base too narrow. Anyone with basic understanding of structural mechanics would see the design


    w.¡±


    Several onlookers, some wearing early Halloween masks, murmured in agreement.


    ¡®Maybe they should pay half,¡± suggested a woman clutching shopping bags. ¡°Seems fair.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± the employee snapped. ¡°Full price or I¡¯m calling security!¡±


    Ethan moved through the crowd with practiced ease, Connor following in his wake. ¡°Max?¡±


    Max looked up, surprise crossing his face. ¡°Mr. Haxton?¡±


    The employee¡¯s demeanor shifted subtly as he registered Ethan¡¯s tailored suit andmanding presence.


    ¡°What happened here?¡± Ethan asked, his voice level but authoritative.


    Max gestured to the toppled disy. ¡°Derek bumped the edge of the stand¨Cbarely¨Cand the whole thing copsed. The design was fundamentally unsound. A slight touch shouldn¡¯t cause catastrophic failure.¡±


    11:08 <b>Wed</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>24 </b>


    Ethan turned to Connor. ¡°Get the general manager. Now.¡±


    Connor nodded and stepped away, phone already at his ear.


    92


    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know who you are,¡± the employee began, though his voice had lost much of its edge, ¡°but these boys-¡±


    ¡°These young men,¡± Ethan interrupted, ¡°are exining a physics problem that I suggest you listen <b>to </b>carefully. Any disy holding merchandise worth thousands should be stable enough to withstand a <b>casual </b>touch<b>.</b>¡±


    Within minutes, a balding man in an ill¨Cfitting suit came rushing through the crowd<b>, </b>eyes widening as he spotted


    Ethan.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton! I had no idea you were visiting our establishment today,¡± the manager gushed, extending his hand.


    Ethan ignored the offered hand. ¡°Your wine boutique has an interesting approach to customer safety. These young men identally knocked over an improperly secured disy, and your employee is demanding full payment rather than addressing the hazard.¡±


    The manager¡¯s face paled. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sure we can resolve this amicably-¡±


    ¡°The first step,¡± Ethan cut in, ¡°is an apology to these customers.¡±


    ¡°But sir, the wine-¡± the employee protested.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Is </b>insured,¡± Ethan finished for him. ¡°As is the potentialwsuit for negligent disy practices that could have injured someone.¡± His voice remained calm, but the threat was unmistakable.


    The manager nodded frantically. ¡°Of course, of course. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and for our employee¡¯s behavior.¡± He shot a withering look at the wine clerk. ¡°Please consider your visit to our establishmentpletely on the house.¡±


    <b>Max </b>and his friend looked amazed.


    ¡°Max,¡± Ethan said, turning away from the flustered manager, ¡°let¡¯s get out of here. Connor will handle the rest.¡±


    As they walked away from the scene<b>, </b>Derek whispered to Max, ¡°Dude, who is that guy?¡±


    Max shrugged slightly, looking ufortable.


    I came to bring you some supplies,¡± Ethan exined once they were away from the crowd. ¡°I was nning to drop them at your schoolter.¡±


    Connor caught up with them, holding two gift cards. ¡°The manager insisted,¡± he said, handing them over. ¡°Store credit for the inconvenience.¡±


    Max stared <b>at </b>the cards, then tried to hand his back. ¡°I can¡¯t ept this. It wouldn¡¯t be right.¡±


    11:08 Wed, <b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>


    :


    492


    <b>92 </b>


    Ethan suppressed a smile. ¡°It wasn¡¯t my idea, but I understand your principles. How about lunch before I take you back to school?¡±


    Derek nodded enthusiastically before Max could respond.


    As they walked toward the esctor<b>, </b>Max pulled out his phone. ¡°Mr. Haxton<b>, </b>I appreciate the shopping bags too, but I can¡¯t ept gifts from you either.¡±


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Jade asked me to get you some things.¡±


    Max¡¯s skeptical expression showed he wasn¡¯t buying it. He typed a quick text message. Within seconds, his phone


    chimed with a response. Looking slightly surprised, Max read the message.


    ¡°She says to take the stuff,¡± Max said, a hint of reluctance still in his voice.


    Ethan managed to hide his relief. He hadn¡¯t actually discussed this with Jade, but apparently she wasn¡¯t opposed to him helping her brother.


    The restaurant on the top floor featured tasteful Halloween d¨¦cor¨Celegant carved pumpkins and ck silk drapery rather than the gaudymercial decorations in the main mall. A hostess led them to a private corner booth, where Ethan ordered drinks for everyone.


    ¡°How¡¯s the new school working out?¡± Ethan asked after they¡¯d ordered food.


    Max shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s fine. The teachers are good.¡±


    ¡°And the other students? They treating you well<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Yes, they are,¡± Max said.


    An awkward silence fell as the waitress brought their drinks. Max seemed to be studying Ethan, as if trying to solve a particrlyplex equation.


    ¡°You know,¡± Ethan said casually, ¡°you always call me Mr. Haxton. That feels too formal.¡±


    ¡°What should I call you?¡± Max asked,


    ¡°Ethan would be fine.¡±


    Derek, who had been quiet, suddenly grinned. ¡°Or he could call you ¡®future brother¨Cinw.¡°¡±


    Max choked on his drink, shooting his friend a horrified look.


    Ethanughed, surprisingly not bothered by the suggestion. ¡°That might be premature.¡±


    ¡°So nobody has to pay for all those broken bottles?¡± Derek asked.


    <b>11:08 </b>Wed, <b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>


    ¡°The store has insurance for such incidents,¡± Connor exined with a slight smile. ¡°And they¡¯re quite motivated to avoid any negative publicity.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Mr. Future Brother¨Cinw,¡± Derek said with a mischievous grin.


    Max elbowed him hard, his face flushing.


    After lunch, Ethan drove them back to Princeton Academy in his sleek ck Maybach. During the ride, he added Max¡¯s social media ount.


    <b>92 </b>


    When they arrived at the school gates, Connor handed Max several Brooks Brothers shopping bags and a case of high¨Cend nutritional supplements.


    ¡°You¡¯re still growing,¡± Ethan exined. ¡°You need proper nutrition.¡±


    Max hesitated before epting the bags. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said formally.


    Derek helped carry some of the packages. As they walked toward the dormitories, he called over his shoulder, ¡°Thanks, Mr. Future Brother¨Cinw!¡±


    Max seemed to have run out of energy to be embarrassed, his shoulders slumping in resignation as they disappeared into the building.


    Ethan watched them go, a small smile ying on his lips.


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 129

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>129 </b>


    (92<b>) </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    The October heat wave lingered like an unwee guest, pushing the temperature well into the 90s despite autumn¡¯s official arrival. I¡¯d spent the entire afternoon locked away in my air¨Cconditioned apartment<b>, </b>the thermostat cranked down to afortable 68 degrees.


    A knock at the door interrupted my solitude. I knew who it was before I even checked the security monitor. Chase Astor¡¯s distinctive three¨Ctap pattern was bing annoyingly familiar.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked, opening the door just enough to see him standing there in designer jeans and a fitted polo, his hair artfully tousled.


    <b>¡°</b>Jade! I was just in the neighborhood and thought-¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    His face fell. ¡°You don¡¯t even know what I was going to say.¡±


    ¡°You were going to invite me to some social event I have no interest in attending,¡± I replied tly. ¡°The answer is


    no.¡±


    Chase opened his mouth to protest, then closed it with a resigned sigh. ¡°You¡¯re good. That¡¯s exactly what I was going to do.¡± He leaned against the doorframe. ¡°There¡¯s this party at-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Still no.¡± I began closing the door.


    ¡°Wait! What about-¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, Chase.¡± <b>I </b>shut the door firmly in his face, listening to his muffledints fade as he walked away.


    Once I was certain he was gone, I moved to the living room and opened the windows, letting the stifling air circte. The weather report had promised a cold front by evening¨Cnot that I trusted weather forecasters any more than <b>I </b>trusted most people.


    I settled on the white leather sofa, arranging my medical supplies on the ss coffee table. Vials of clear liquid, syringes, bandages, and other implements lined up in perfect order. My fingers moved deftly, checking each item before cing it in my specialized case<b>. </b>


    I switched off the TV, closed the windows, and turned off the lights before carrying my medical case upstairs. The apartment fell into darkness, just how I preferred it.


    As I reached for the master bedroom door handle, something made me pause. The air felt different¨Ccharged with an almost imperceptible vibration. It wasn¡¯t anything I could see or hear, more like the subconscious recognition of a predator sensing another predator,


    11:08 Wed, <b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>


    I was not alone.


    A


    <b>92 </b>


    I entered the bedroom casually, flipping on the light switch. Nothing appeared disturbed. The king¨Csized bed was still perfectly made, the white duvet smooth and untouched. I moved to the small bar cart in <b>the </b>corner<b>, </b>where <b>a </b>half¨Cempty tumbler of whiskey waited exactly where I¡¯d left it that morning.


    I picked up the ss<b>, </b>swirling the amber liquid before taking a slow sip. From this angle, I could see the reflection of the entire room in the mirror behind the bar. Nothing seemed out of ce, but my instincts were screaming.


    That¡¯s when I noticed it¨Cthe tiny red light blinking on my phone¡¯s camera lens where ity on the nightstand.


    And then I heard it. A breath, <b>so </b>soft it was barely there,ing from behind the floor¨Clength curtains covering the


    windows.


    I finished my whiskey in one smooth motion, letting the ss rest empty in my hand for a moment. Then<b>, </b>without


    warning, I hurled it directly at the window.


    The ss shattered against the pane. A dark figure crouched on the narrow ledge outside flinched and started to


    move. Fast, but not fast enough.


    I crossed the room in three strides, reached through the curtain, and grabbed a handful of fabric. With one powerful yank, I pulled the intruder through the window and into my bedroom<b>, </b>using their momentum to m them onto the


    hardwood floor.


    The curtain tore away, revealing a person dressed entirely in ck tactical gear. They recovered quickly- professionally¨Crolling into a fighting stance and drawing a knife from a concealed sheath.


    The <b>de </b>shed toward me in a perfect arc aimed at my carotid artery. I sidestepped it with millimeters to spare, feeling the air discement against my neck. The attacker followed with abination of strikes that would have incapacitated most opponents¨Cknee to groin<b>, </b>elbow to sternum, knife to kidney.


    I blocked each one methodically, recognizing the pattern. Shadow Organization¡¯s advanced close¨Cquartersbat sequence. I¡¯d helped design it.


    ¡°Who sent you<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>I asked, deflecting another knife thrust and countering with a palm strike that the intruder barely avoided.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 130

    The attacker didn¡¯t respond, just continued pressing forward with increasingly desperate attacks. <b>I </b>could see <b>the </b>growing confusion in <b>their </b>movements¨Cthey¡¯d expected an easy target<b>, </b><b>not </b>someone who could not only defend against their techniques but predict them.


    A particrly aggressive lunge left them off¨Cbnce. I seized the opportunity<b>, </b>grabbing their wrist and twisting sharply. The knife ttered to the floor. I kicked it under the bed, then delivered a precise strike to their sr plexus, followed by a sweep that took their legs out from under them.


    The intruder hit the floor hard but immediately rolled toward the window. I intercepted them<b>, </b>mming my foot


    down on their ankle with enough force to make them gasp in pain.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere,¡± I said calmly, retrieving their fallen knife from under the bed.


    The figure made onest desperate attempt to escape, lunging for my legs. I sidestepped and brought the handle of the knife down hard on the back of their head. Not enough to kill, just enough to stun.


    They copsed face¨Cdown on the floor, breathing heavily. I straddled their back, using my weight to pin them down as <b>I </b>removed their mask.


    Short dark hair, sharp features, male, mid¨Cthirties. No one I recognized.


    I patted him down thoroughly, finding two more knives, a garrote wire, and a small pistol with a suppressor attached. Professional kit. I disarmed everything methodically, cing the weapons on my nightstand.


    ¡°Open your mouth,¡± I ordered, pressing the de of his own knife against his throat.


    Heplied reluctantly. I reached in and extracted a small device wedged between his mrs and cheek¨Ca


    subdermal transmitter.


    I dropped it into <b>a </b>ss <b>of </b>water on my nightstand<b>, </b>adding a white powder that caused the liquid to bubble and dissolve the device<b>. </b>


    Next<b>, </b><b>I </b>turned my attention to the back of his neck, making a small incision just below the hairline. My fingers found what I was looking for¨Ca tiny GPS chip embedded in the tissue. I removed it carefully and dissolved it in the same solution.


    The man remained silent throughout this process, his breathing controlled despite what must have been considerable pain. Professional discipline. I respected that<b>, </b>even in an enemy.


    With a swift motion, I tore open the back of his tactical shirt. There it was¨Ca series of numbers and symbols tattooed between his shoulder des. The coding system was familiar to me; it indicated rank, specialty, and unit within Shadow Organization.


    ¡°Six years with Shadow Organization,¡± I observed, reading the markings.


    <b>11:09 </b>Wed, Sep <b>24 </b>


    His eyes widened slightly. ¡°How did you-¡±


    :


    ¡°You¡¯re in my bedroom,¡± <b>I </b>cut him off. ¡°I ask the questions.¡± I twisted his arm behind his back, just shy <b>of </b>dislocation. ¡°Do you know who I am<b>?</b>¡±


    He swallowed hard. ¡°Titan leader,¡± he muttered.


    Iughed softly. ¡°Is that all?¡±


    ¡°How do you know about our transmitters<b>? </b>The GPS imnts?<b>¡± </b>His voice was barely above a whisper now.


    <b>92 </b>


    ¡°Because I know Shadow Organization well.¡± I traced the edge of his knife along his abdomen<b>, </b><b>just </b>enough pressure to break the firstyer of skin. ¡°Now, why would SPECTER send someone to watch me? What does he want?¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes darted around the room, looking for an escape that didn¡¯t exist. ¡°I can¡¯t¡ª¡±


    <b>I </b>pressed the knife deeper, drawing a thin line of blood across his stomach. ¡°Wrong answer.¡±


    He struggled against my grip, but there was nowhere to go. I made another cut, parallel to the first, <b>just </b><b>as </b>shallow but twice as painful.


    <b>¡°</b>The next one goes deeper,¡± I promised. ¡°What does SPECTER want?¡±


    Sweat beaded on his forehead as he fought through the pain. I made a third cut, slightly deeper than the others. His breathing became ragged.


    ¡°Please,¡± he gasped. ¡°They¡¯ll kill me.¡±


    ¡®I¡¯ll kill you,¡± <b>I </b>corrected him. ¡°The difference is, they¡¯ll make itst for days. I¡¯ll make it quick if you tell me now.¡±


    I positioned the knife over his abdomen again<b>, </b>ready for a fourth cut that would do real damage. His eyes locked onto the de, terror finally breaking through his training.


    ¡®I¡¯ll talk!¡® he screamed. ¡°I¡¯ll talk¡­¡±


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 Treatment 13`1

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>131 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    ¡°I told you not to make this difficult on yourself,¡± Jade said, watching the Shadow Organization operative writhe


    beneath her knife. The metallic scent of blood filled the air between them.


    Blood trickled from the shallow cuts she¡¯d made across his abdomen. Nothing fatal¨C<b>just </b>enough to loosen his


    tongue.


    <b>92 </b>


    ¡°JOKER suspects you have a connection to Shadow,¡± he finally gasped, the words tumbling out in a rush. ¡°Your fighting style, the way you move¨Cit¡¯s too simr. They think you might be one of their trained killers or¡­ a replica<b>.</b>¡±


    Jade pressed the knife deeper, her stomach visibly churning at his choice of words. The de broke skin again<b>, </b>drawing a thin line of crimson across his ribs. <i>¡°</i><i>Replica</i><i>?</i>¡± The word came out with unmistakable disgust.


    ¡°That¡¯s the theory,¡± he continued, wincing as the de dug slightly deeper. Sweat beaded on his forehead, mixing with blood. ¡°You suddenly appeared and took over as the new head of Titan Defense Group after Nobody¨Cafter Shadow disappeared. Yourbat techniques match Shadow¡¯s signature style. And then there¡¯s your rtionship with Chris Jensen.¡±


    ¡°What about Chris<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>she asked, voice deliberately calm, though her grip on the knife tightened.


    ¡°He was Shadow¡¯s closest confidant¨Cpractically joined at the hip for years. Now he¡¯s suddenly best friends with you? It raised gs. JOKER thinks it¡¯s too coincidental.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s disgusting,¡± Jade spat, genuinely repulsed. Something like bitter irony shed across her features. The Shadow Organization had tried to create replicas of her for years¨Charvesting DNA, studying movements, even attempting to copy neural patterns in undergroundbs. And now they suspected she was a copy of herself.


    These people had imed to ¡°raise¡± her<b>, </b>then attempted to dispose of her when she no longer served their purpose. They¡¯d bound her with false loyalty, manufactured gratitude for ¡°training¡± that was nothing more than systematic abuse designed to break and rebuild her into their perfect weapon.


    ¡°What does the Organization want?¡± Jade asked<b>, </b>twisting the knife slightly, just enough to send a fresh wave of pain through his body.


    He gasped, his back arching involuntarily, ¡°If you have no connection to Shadow, they want to recruit you. Your talents would be¡­ valuable to the organization.¡± His eyes fluttered as he fought to remain conscious. ¡°If you are connected to Shadow somehow-¡± he swallowed hard, ¡°-then you¡¯re to be eliminated. Immediately and permanently,¡±


    Jadeughed, the sound sharp and humorless. It echoed off the walls of her apartment, cold and hollow, ¡°How did


    Shadow die?¡±


    ¡°Failed mission. Body lost at sea.¡±


    <b>11:09 </b>Wed, <b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>


    (92<b>) </b>


    A cold smile spread across Jade¡¯s face. A failed mission? Shadow, the world¡¯s top assassin with a perfect record spanning years<b>, </b>supposedly died on a failed mission? Her expression revealed what she thought of that exnation -an insulting lie, a pathetic cover story. They couldn¡¯t even honor her supposed death with something believable.


    ¡°Is there anything else you¡¯d like to tell me?¡± she asked, already knowing the answer. Her hand had already decided his fate, fingers adjusting their grip on the knife.


    He opened his mouth to respond, but Jade shook her head slowly.


    ¡°Actually, don¡¯t bother. A dead man doesn¡¯t need to know so much.¡±


    The top floor of New York Memorial Hospital hummed with quiet tension. Outside William Haxton¡¯s private room, family members gathered in hushed clusters, their designer clothes and perfect hair at odds with the sterile hospital environment. Medical equipment beeped steadily from within, the only indication that the Haxton patriarch still clung to life.


    Dr. Walter Morrison and his team of specialists huddled with Mrs. Haxton near the entrance to the room, their expressions grave as they discussed treatment options. Morrison¡¯s thoughts briefly drifted to Jade Morgan, that peculiar young woman with surprising knowledge of pharmacology. Thepound she¡¯d created for President Thornton¡¯s migraines had been remarkable¨Celegant in its simplicity yet revolutionary in its effectiveness. But surely someone so young couldn¡¯t have advanced research on antidotes for this type of poisoning.


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 Treatment 132

    :


    <b>92 </b>


    ¡°We¡¯ve managed to stabilize him for now,¡± Morrison exined to Mrs. Haxton<b>, </b>whose perfectly manicured nails dug into her designer handbag. ¡°But we¡¯re still trying to identify the exactpound used in the poisoning. <b>It¡¯s </b><b>unlike </b>anything we¡¯ve seen before.¡±


    At the far end of the corridor, Ethan Haxton stood alone, staring out the window. A cigarette<b>¨C</b>an unexpected <b>vice </b>for someone so disciplined¨Cburned between his fingers<b>, </b>the smoke curling upward in delicate spirals. The lights <b>of </b>Cloud City spread out below, twinkling against the night sky like earthbound stars.


    His phone vibrated in his pocket. Ethan checked the caller ID, then answered immediately.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked without preamble, concern evident in his voice.


    Jade¡¯s voice came through, unnervingly calm. ¡°I need to borrow someone to handle a body.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s posture stiffened, the cigarette momentarily forgotten between his fingers<b>. </b>¡°Where are you<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°My apartment.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way.¡±


    He ended the call and immediately motioned to Connor, who detached himself from the group of Haxton security personnel stationed discreetly along the hallway.


    ¡°We need to go,¡± Ethan said quietly<b>, </b>crushing the cigarette in a nearby ashtray.


    ¡°Ethan?¡± His mother called from down the hall<b>, </b>concern etched on her face. ¡°Where are you going? The doctor <b>hasn¡¯t </b>


    finished-¡±


    ¡°Business emergency,¡± Ethan replied, already moving toward the elevator.


    Before she could protest further, the elevator doors closed, cutting off her worried expression.


    Forty minutester, Ethan¡¯s <b>car </b>pulled up outside Jade¡¯s mansion. He brought Connor and three of his most discreet security personnel. The building was quiet, with most residents asleep at thiste hour.


    Jade opened the door before Ethan could knock. Her expression remained impassive, but he immediately scanned her for injuries<b>, </b>his eyes sweeping over her with practiced precision.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have toe yourself,¡± she said, stepping aside to let them in.


    ¡°I was worried about you,¡± Ethan replied simply, his voice low.


    <b>11:09 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>


    :


    <b>92 </b>


    The room looked like a war zone. Furniture had been overturned, ss shattered across the floor. Ampy broken in the corner, and there was a distinct dent in one wall that looked suspiciously human¨Cshaped. Curtains hung torn from their rods, and sshes of blood marked the cream¨Ccolored carpet in dark patterns.


    In the center of the chaosy the body.


    The man had been stripped of his tactical gear, which was piled neatly nearby. His back was covered in bruises and defensive wounds, telling the story of a violent struggle. His neck had an unusual wound¨Cnot a clean <b>cut</b><b>, </b>but something more precise, almost surgical in nature. Ethan recognized a tattooed code between the man¡¯s shoulder


    des¨Cthe mark of the Shadow Organization. The body was still warm.


    ¡°Jesus,¡± Connor whispered, taking in the scene, his normallyposed face showing shock.


    ¡°Sorry about the mess,¡± Jade said, gesturing vaguely at the destruction. ¡°I was testing his skills.¡±


    Ethan knelt beside the body, noting the single fatal wound that had pierced directly through the heart. A small ss vial containing an unidentifiable liquid caught his eye, the clear substance inside thick and <b>viscous</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°My men will handle this,¡± Ethan said, motioning to his security team. They immediately began the efficient process of body removal, working with practiced precision that spoke of previous experience.


    Jade nodded. ¡°I was going to deal with it myself, but there are too many people outside. Too many witnesses.¡±


    ¡°Connor,<b>¡± </b>Ethan said, ¡°help them clean up.¡±


    When Connor moved to join the others, Ethan turned to Jade, his voice dropping so only she could hear. ¡°How did you get mixed up with someone from the Shadow Organization?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get mixed up with someone from the Shadow Organization,¡± Jade corrected him, her voice eerily calm. ¡°I got mixed up with the Shadow Organization.¡±


    Ethan opened his mouth to ask for rification<b>, </b>but Jade suddenly frowned, her nose wrinkling slightly.


    ¡°You smoked,¡± she said, the observation catching him off guard.


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    Badass in Disguise


    Chapter <b>133 </b>


    :


    92


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    I leaned against my doorframe, studying Ethan¡¯s face as he stood on my porch. The night air felt cool against my skin, a wee relief after the day¡¯s lingering heat. A distinct, rich tobo scent wafted between us.


    ¡°You do smoke,¡® I observed, wrinkling my nose slightly. ¡°Just not cigarettes. Cuban?¡±


    Ethan didn¡¯t confirm or deny.


    ¡°I can smell it on you,¡± I added. ¡°Dominican Republic. Monte Cristo, if I had to guess. The spicy undertones give it


    away<b>. </b>


    Instead of addressing my observation, Ethan met my gaze directly. ¡°What can I do for you, Jade?¡±


    Our eyes locked. His stare was intense, almost burning with an emotion I couldn¡¯t quite ce¨Cor perhaps didn¡¯t want to acknowledge. I kept my own expression carefully neutral, my eyes deliberately cold.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± I replied. ¡°I don¡¯t need anything from you<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°You had me clean up a body just hours ago.¡± His voice was matter¨Cof¨Cfact, not usatory.


    ¡°That was a one¨Ctime thing.¡± <b>I </b>crossed my arms. ¡°The Shadow Organization and I have unfinished business. I won¡¯t rest until either they¡¯re destroyed or I am.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s jaw tightened imperceptibly. ¡°I can help with that.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t your fight.¡± My voice was firm. ¡°I can handle it myself.¡±


    ¡°I have resources beyond just disposing of bodies, you know. His voice was low, controlled. ¡°Connections,


    information, protection-¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the offer,¡® I cut him off, my tone polite but final. ¡®But I¡¯ve got this covered.¡±


    Ethen studied my face for a long moment, his eyes tracing the contours of my features as if memorizing them. You should consider staying in the dorms for a while. Or at my ce. The Shadow Organization clearly knows where you


    live


    1 shook my head, feeling the weight of my decision. Im not hiding. That just wastes time I could be using to hunt them down.


    It¡¯s not hiding¨Cits strategic withdrawal.


    I know the Shadow Organization inside and out, I insisted, a hard edge creeping into my voice. I won¡¯t make a


    11:09 Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep 24 </b>


    &


    <b>92 </b>


    move unless I¡¯m absolutely certain <b>of </b>sess<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Ethan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°These are professional killers we¡¯re talking about. Not <b>those </b>untrained mercenaries in Venezu with more machismo than brains.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m well aware.¡± My lips curved into a cold smile. ¡°Trust me, I don¡¯t n on dying anytime soon.¡±


    ¡°Does Chris know about this<b>?</b>¡± Ethan asked suddenly.


    I nodded. ¡°He knows. He trusts me to handle it.¡±


    The silence between <b>us </b>stretched, filled with unspoken tension. A car passed by on the street, its headlights briefly illuminating our faces.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Ethan finally said. ¡°But be careful.¡± He turned to leave, then paused. ¡°And Jade? My offer stands.¡±


    I watched him walk away, my expression revealing nothing even as my mind calcted my next moves. The Shadow Organization had made their first move. Now it was my turn.


    The next morning, my mansion showed no trace of the violent encounter that had urred there. The carpet had been reced, the walls repainted, the furniture either repaired or exchanged for identical pieces. Ethan¡¯s cleanup crew had been thorough.


    I sat cross¨Clegged on my bed,ptop bnced on my knees. My fingers flew across the keyboard as I bypassed the security on the New York residential database. I had a name to find.


    ¡°King of Hearts,¡± <b>I </b>murmured to myself. The Shadow Organization¡¯s leadership structure was based on a deck of cards<b>¨C</b>and I needed to locate one of the highest¨Cranking members.


    After an hour of searching through tax records, property deeds, and social security databases, I found him: Warren Mitchell, phnthropist and respected member of New York¡¯s elite social circle. His new identity was impable, with no visible connections to his past life. To the world, he was just another wealthy businessman with a generous charitable foundation.


    I dug deeper<b>, </b>scanning financial records and cross¨Creferencing data points. Warren Mitchell had appeared in New York society circles one years ago, around the same time the King of Hearts had supposedly ¡°retired¡± from the Shadow Organization. But I knew better. No one truly retired from the Organization; they just changed their operating parameters.


    I pulled up his social media profiles<b>, </b>noting his Upper East Side address and uing events. Photos showed him shaking hands with politicians, cutting ribbons at hospital wings named after him, standing proudly beside oversized donation checks. The perfect cover.


    A smirk crossed my face when I spotted a charity auction scheduled at his home in two days.


    Two dayster, I watched a parade of luxury vehicles¨CBentleys, Rolls¨CRoyces, and Maybachs¨Cline the street outside Warren Mitchell¡¯s Upper East Side mansion. Men in tailored tuxedos and women draped in designer gowns and glittering jewels stepped out, greeted by an army of valets and security personnel.


    My Uber¨Ca modest Toyota Camry¨Cpulled up behind a gleaming Lamborghini. I stepped out, aware that I looked oddly out of ce in my simple ck dress and minimal jewelry. The security guards exchanged nces as I approached, taking in my unremarkable appearance with barely concealed suspicion.


    The October evening air carried the scent of expensive perfumes and the gentle murmur of privileged conversation. Spotlights illuminated the mansion¡¯s facade, highlighting its ssical architecture and manicured grounds. I took a mental note of every security camera, every guard, and every potential exit route.


    ¡°Invitation, please,¡± the guard at the entrance requested, his tone suggesting he doubted I had one.


    I handed over a perfectly forged invitation. The guard examined it carefully, checking my name against the guest list. His eyebrows rose slightly when he found it.


    ¡°Wee, Miss Morgan. Please, go right in. The surprise in his voice was evident.


    As I entered the opulent foyer, I scanned the room with practiced efficiency. Two exits beyond the main entrance. Three visible security cameras. At least four inclothes security personnel mingling with the guests, identifiable by their alert postures and strategic positions.


    My attention drawn to the wall of framed certificates and photos documenting Warren Mitchell¡¯s charitable contributions. A cold smile touched my lips as I studied the face of the man who had once been known as the King of Hearts¨Cone of the Shadow Organization¡¯s most ruthless operators. The same man who had overseen countless assassinations and disappearances now smiled benevolently from photos where he handed out food to the homeless.


    ¡°Miss Morgan?¡± a familiar voice called from behind me.


    I turned to find Alexander Haxton approaching, Connor Haxton a few steps behind him. Both men looked surprised to see me. Alexander wore a perfectly tailored tuxedo that emphasized his athletic build, while Connor¡¯s more conservative suit marked him clearly as security rather than a guest.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± I acknowledged with a slight nod. ¡°What a coincidence.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d be here,¡± Alexander said, genuine joy in his voice.


    ¡°Where is your uncle?¡±


    Alexander shook his head. ¡°Uncle Ethan avoids these kinds of functions whenever possible, Says they¡¯re a waste of time¨Cjust rich people patting themselves on the back while writing tax¨Cdeductible checks.¡±


    Connor cleared his throat. ¡°Miss Morgan, you do realize this is a charity auction, right?¡±


    Behind his carefully neutral expression, I could tell he was remembering the bloody scene in my mansion just days ago. The contrast between that violence and my calm presence here clearly unsettled him.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to support a good cause,¡± I replied with a thin smile.


    Alexander¡¯s face brightened. ¡°That¡¯s very admirable of you. Would you like to join us? I can introduce you to some interesting people. He offered his arm with the practiced ease of someone raised in high society.


    ¡°Lead the way,¡± I agreed, my eyes briefly returning to Warren Mitchell¡¯s photo on the wall.


    <b>92 </b>


    Chapter Comments


    ? 5

 Treatment 134

    <b>Chapter </b>134


    Alexander led me through Mitchell¡¯s crowded mansion, with Connor following close behind. I could feel his watchful eyes on us, but I was more focused on scanning the room for security cameras and exits. The charity auction was being held in arge ballroom at the back of the mansion, already filling with New York¡¯s elite in their designer evening wear.


    ¡°The ballroom is through here,¡± Alexander said, his hand hovering near the small of my back without actually touching me. His face brightened with a genuine smile as he nced at me. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe we ran into each other here.¡±


    I caught Connor¡¯s subtle movement from the corner of my eye¨Cthe quick raise of his phone, angled to capture Alexander and me in the same frame. The soft click of the camera was barely audible over the ambient chatter, but my trained ears picked it up easily. Interesting. Reporting back to his boss, no doubt.


    ¡°This is quite the gathering,¡± I remarked, noting the small army of security personnel positioned strategically around the perimeter. ¡°Do you attend many of these?¡±


    ¡°Too many,¡± Alexander admitted with a small grimace. ¡°Uncle Ethan usually manages to avoid them, iming business emergencies. I¡¯m not important enough to use that excuse yet.¡±


    We entered the ballroom, where rows of chairs faced a stage with a podium. An elegant catalog listing the auction


    items sat on each seat.


    ¡°Let¡¯s sit here,¡± Alexander suggested, pointing to a row about halfway back. ¡°Not too close to feel obligated to bid on everything, not too far to be considered rude.¡±


    Connor moved in first, then Alexander, leaving me on the aisle.


    Once seated, Alexander turned to me with an earnest expression. ¡°Miss Morgan¨CJade¨CI wanted to formally thank you for saving my life in Cloud City. I know we briefly spoke about it when we have dinner at the hotel, but I never properly expressed my gratitude.¡±


    I flipped through the auction catalog, barely ncing at him. ¡°No need. You paid, I saved your life. Simple


    transaction.¡±


    ¡°My life is worth more than ten thousand dors,¡± he said, his tone somewhere between joking and serious.


    I looked up from the catalog, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Then why was the check amount so small?¡± I was actually short on cash at the time.


    Alexander¡¯s confident expression faltered. ¡°I¨Cwell-¡± He ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair. ¡°I¡¯d like another opportunity to repay you properly. Perhaps if you see something you like in the auction, <b>I </b>could-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not short on cash anymore,¡± <b>I </b>cut him off, returning my attention to the catalog. ¡°But thanks.¡±


    Alexander shifted in his seat, clearly ufortable with my dismissal. After a moment, he tried a different approach. ¡®I¡¯ve been wondering¡­ how did you and my uncle know each other? Connor mentioned you were vacationing in Venezu when you ran into him.¡±


    I nced at Connor, who nodded slightly. ¡°That¡¯s right. Summer vacation.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Alexander paused. ¡°After you rescued me and I was evacuated from Cloud City, I wanted to thank you in person, but my injuries were quite severe. Uncle Ethan went to Cloud City on my behalf.¡± He studied my face.


    So that car outside our apartment that night¨Cit was just Ethan and Connor.


    92


    Before I could respond, the lights dimmed slightly, and a well¨Cdressed man approached the podium. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, wee to the annual Mitchell Foundation Charity Auction. We¡¯re honored to have you all here tonight supporting our worldwide humanitarian efforts.¡±


    The crowd apuded politely as the man continued with his introduction. ¡°And now, please join me in weing our host and the foundation¡¯s visionary founder, Mr. Warren Mitchell.¡±


    An elderly man with silver hair and a benevolent smile walked onto the stage. Despite his apparent age, his movements were too fluid, too controlled¨Cthe walk of a predator disguised as prey.


    Warren Mitchell. The King of Hearts. One of the Shadow Organization¡¯s most senior operatives.


    I felt my lips curl into a cold smile as I watched him shake hands with the MC and approach the microphone. The ultimate chameleon¨Chis hands were stained with the blood of hundreds, yet here he stood, revered as a humanitarian.


    <i>What </i><i>a </i><i>performance</i>, I thought bitterly. <i>The </i>butcher <i>ying </i>the <i>saint</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>knife </i><i>still </i><i>wet </i><i>with </i>blood <i>hidden </i><i>behind </i><i>his </i><i>back while </i><i>he </i><i>extends </i><i>a </i><i>helping </i><i>hand </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>other</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°Jade?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice pulled me from my thoughts. ¡°Do you know Mr. Mitchell?¡±


    I schooled my features back to neutral. ¡°No. I just got <i>a </i>VIP invitation from a friend.¡±


    ¡°Really? Mitchell Foundation invitations are notoriously difficult toe by, even for-


    ¡°Mind if I join you<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    I turned to find Ethan Haxton standing in the aisle beside me, impably dressed in a tailored tuxedo. His eyes briefly met mine before shifting to Alexander, whose mouth had fallen open in surprise.


    ¡°Uncle Ethan?¡±


    ¡°I wrapped up early and thought I¡¯d stop by.¡± Ethan¡¯s tone was casual, but his eyes were alert<b>, </b>scanning the room with practiced efficiency. ¡°May <b>I</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    :


    92


    Without waiting for a response, he slid into the seat next to me, forcing me to move closer to Alexander. Connor, from his position on the far side, caught Ethan¡¯s eye and nodded slightly. A small, satisfied smile crossed his face- his boss had received his intelligence and acted on it.


    ¡°Focus on the auction, Alex,¡± Ethan said, his tone mild but carrying a hint ofmand.


    Alexander reluctantly turned his attention back to the stage, where Warren Mitchell was still speaking about the foundation¡¯s achievements.


    Ethan leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. ¡°Interesting choice of evening entertainment,¡± he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear. ¡°How did you get an invitation? These events are strictly controlled.¡±


    ¡°I added my name to their electronic guest list,¡± I whispered back. ¡°Basicwork pration. Their cybersecurity is embarrassingly outdated.¡±


    ¡°Of course you did.¡± There was a hint of amusement in his voice. ¡°And what brings the elusive Jade Morgan to a charity auction filled with New York¡¯s wealthiest socialites?¡±


    I turned slightly toward him, our faces now inches apart. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯m developing a social conscience.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± he agreed, his eyes never leaving mine. ¡°Or perhaps you have an interest in something¨Cor someone¨Chere


    tonight.¡±


    The proximity between us meant I could detect the subtle changes in his breathing, the microscopic contractions of his pupils. He was close enough that I could smell the cool mint of his breath.


    ¡°Are you here to keep an eye on me, Ethan?¡± I asked, the corner of my mouth lifting slightly. ¡°Or to help me?¡±


    ¡°Help you, of course,¡± he replied without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯m always at your service.¡±


    I leaned even closer, my lips nearly brushing his ear. ¡°And if I decided to blow this ce sky¨Chigh? Would you help


    me then?¡±


    Ethan didn¡¯t flinch, didn¡¯t pull away. Instead, he reached into his jacket pocket and produced a sleek metal lighter, holding it just out of sight between our bodies.


    ¡°If you need someone to light the fuse,¡± he said calmly, ¡°I¡¯ve got you covered.¡±


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 135

    <b>Chapter </b><b>135 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Jade smiled, pulling back slightly to look at his face. His expression waspletely serious, eyes steady on hers. It was hard to tell if he was calling her bluff or genuinely offering to help hermit mass murder.


    ¡°This wouldn¡¯t be a good ce to detonate anything,¡± she said, keeping her voice low. ¡°Too many innocent socialites and politicians. Besides, the ballroom¡¯s too open. It would be difficult to ensure the target doesn¡¯t survive the st.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyebrow raised slightly at her mention of the target,¡± but he didn¡¯tment on it. Instead, he pocketed the lighter and leaned back in his seat.


    ¡°Always thinking tactically,¡± he murmured. ¡°I appreciate that about you.¡±


    From the corner of her eye, Jade caught Alexander staring at them with undisguised curiosity. His uncle and she were clearly more familiar with each other than he¡¯d realized, and the way they were huddled together whispering must have seemed strange. Ethan rarely showed this level of interest in anyone, especially not in public.


    Warren Mitchell had finished his opening remarks, and the auctioneer took the stage. He was a tall, thin man with a British ent and wire¨Crimmed sses that caught the light as he moved.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, shall we begin? Our first item tonight is a magnificent antique Tiffany flower vase from the Art Nouveau period, circa 1900. We¡¯ll start the bidding at three hundred and fifty thousand dors.¡±


    The bidding began immediately, hands raising around the room. Jade watched the process with mild interest as the price climbed steadily.


    ¡°Five hundred thousand,¡± called a woman in a red dress.


    ¡°Six hundred thousand,¡± countered a gray¨Chaired man near the front.


    ¡°Seven hundred thousand.¡±


    ¡°Eight hundred thousand.¡±


    The auctioneer kept pace with practiced efficiency, his gavel hovering in anticipation of the final bid.


    ¡°Nine hundred thousand dors. Do I hear one million? One million dors from the gentleman in the third row. Going once, going twice¡­ Sold for one million dors!¡±


    Apuse rippled through the crowd as the first item found its new owner. The auction continued with the second item, a 19th¨Ccentury European oil painting, starting at six hundred thousand dors. The bids escted quickly again, voices calling out numbers that represented more money than most people would see in a lifetime.


    Jade¡¯s attention, however, wasn¡¯t on the artwork or thepetitive bidding. Her gaze had fixed on Warren Mitchell,


    11:09 Wed, <b>Sep </b>24


    sitting prominently in the front row.


    Five items had been auctioned off when <b>the </b>auctioneer announced the sixth offering of the night.


    A


    ¡°Next, we have an exquisite Cartier ¡®Desert Fox¡® series brooch, set with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. The craftsmanship is simply stunning. We¡¯ll start the bidding at three hundred thousand dors.¡±


    ??))


    <b>92 </b>


    Several hands went up immediately. Jade studied the item disyed on therge screens nking the stage. It was beautiful, certainly, but her interest had nothing to do with jewelry.


    ¡°Four hundred thousand,¡± someone called.


    ¡°Four¨Cfifty.¡±


    ¡°Five hundred thousand.¡±


    Jade raised her hand. ¡°One million dors.¡±


    The room fell silent for a moment before a low murmur spread through the crowd. Alexander jerked his head toward her, eyes wide with surprise. Connor, sitting beyond him, leaned forward to look at her, his expression calcting.


    And Ethan¡­ Ethan was watching her with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.


    ¡°One million dors from the youngdy in the center,¡± the auctioneer announced, visibly pleased by the dramatic


    increase. ¡°Do I hear one million one hundred thousand?¡±


    A hand raised from the back of the room. ¡°One million one hundred thousand.¡±


    ¡°One million five hundred thousand,¡± Jade called without hesitation.


    Ethan leaned closer. ¡°Do you particrly like this piece?¡± he asked quietly.


    Jade ignored him.


    ¡°One million seven hundred thousand,¡± Catherine announced, her voice carrying across the room.


    ¡°Two million,¡± Jade countered immediately.


    The murmurs in the room grew louder. This was no longer just an auction; it was bing a spectacle. Jade could see people turning in their seats, trying to identify the two women locked in this bidding war.


    ¡°Two million two hundred thousand,¡± Catherine called, a slight edge creeping into her voice.


    Jade smiled faintly. ¡°Two million five hundred thousand.¡±


    ¨C


    Catherine was speaking with an older man beside her her father, judging by their simr features. He seemed to be advising restraint, cing a hand on her arm and speaking in urgent whispers.


    11:10 <b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>


    <b>¡°</b>Catherine, enough,¡± Jade heard him say. ¡°Don¡¯t make a spectacle. This isn¡¯t the ce.¡±


    But she shook him off, face flushed with determination. ¡°Dad, I recognize her. She¡¯s the one who showed up in an Uber. She¡¯s just trying to embarrass me.¡±


    Her father nced toward their section, frowning slightly.


    <b>92 </b>


    Catherine, not bothering to look, stood up straighter. ¡°Three million dors,¡± she announced loudly, staring directly


    at Jade.


    The crowd gasped. The auctioneer, clearly delighted by this turn of events, turned to Jade expectantly.


    Jade paused, letting the tension build. Then she slowly lowered her hand and shook her head slightly.


    ¡°Three million dors from Ms. Sullivan,¡± the auctioneer said. ¡°Going once¡­¡±


    Ethan reached for his paddle, but Jade caught his wrist, stopping him.


    ¡°Going twice¡­¡±


    ¡°If you want it, the price is irrelevant,¡± Ethan said quietly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± she replied. ¡°I was just ying. I never intended to buy it.¡±


    His eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°ying?¡±


    ¡°Sold, for three million dors to Ms. Sullivan!¡± The gavel came down with a decisive crack.


    Apuse filled the room ¨C louder than for previous items, the excitement of the bidding war having captivated the audience. But beneath the polite pping, Jade could hear whispers and see knowing nces exchanged between


    guests.


    ¡°Someone got carried away¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­more money than sense¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­Sullivan family trying too hard as usual¡­¡±


    Jade released Ethan¡¯s wrist, aware that she¡¯d been holding it longer than necessary.


    ¡°You know her?¡± Ethan asked, nodding subtly toward Catherine, who was now receiving congrattions from those seated near her, though her expression looked more strained than triumphant.


    ¡°No,¡± Jade looked back at Catherine, who was now staring at her winning bid card with an expression that suggested the reality of spending three million dors on a brooch was finally sinking in.


    ¡°Well,¡± she said, ¡°she certainly paid a premium to win.¡±


    ¡°The Foundation thanks her for her generosity,¡± Ethan replied with dry humor.


    More whispers circted around them:


    ¡°Did you know the Sullivan girl is aplete disaster? Her father keeps trying to marry her off to someone with


    influence¡­¡±


    ¡°Haxton would never consider it.¡±


    (92<b>) </b>


    ¡°The family¡¯s desperate. Old money running out fast¡­¡±


    Jade smiled to herself as the next item was announced. Her little improvised n had worked perfectly. She¡¯d drawn


    attention to herself in a way that would certainly get back to Warren Mitchell.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 136

    :


    A


    <b>92 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m heading back now.¡± Catherine Sullivan¡¯s voice carried a hint of tension as she leaned close to her father¡¯s ear. The charity auction had just concluded, and guests were beginning to mingle throughout Warren Mitchell¡¯s grand ballroom.


    Her father¡¯s expression darkened, jaw tightening with obvious displeasure. He said something to his daughter before turning to his assistant and speaking briefly. The assistant nodded with a professional smile as Mr. Sullivan quickly gathered his things.


    I watched them both depart, one after the other.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you leaving?¡± I asked Ethan, who remained seated beside me while others began rising from their chairs.


    His eyes¨Ccalcting and intense¨Cdidn¡¯t leave my face. ¡°Are you?¡±


    ¡°Not yet.¡± I nced toward Warren Mitchell, who was engaged in animated conversation with several well¨Cdressed patrons near the stage. ¡°Your phnthropist friend seems quite popr.¡±


    Ethan followed my gaze. ¡°Mitchell? He¡¯s rtively new to the New York charity circuit.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you should go introduce yourself,¡± I suggested. ¡°After all, Alexander seems to admire him.¡±


    A flicker of understanding crossed Ethan¡¯s face. ¡°And would you like to join me for this introduction?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s mouth curved into a subtle smile. ¡°Using me as your social passport again, Miss Morgan?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re an excellent tool when needed,¡± I replied with a small smirk.


    ¡°At least I¡¯m useful.¡± He rose gracefully, buttoning his jacket. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    We approached Warren Mitchell just as he finished speaking with an elderly couple. His silver hair was immactely styled, his tuxedo perfectly tailored¨Ca far cry from the blood¨Cspattered operative I remembered from my previous life.


    ¡°Mr. Mitchell,¡± Ethan extended his hand. ¡°Ethan Haxton. I believe you¡¯ve met my nephew, Alexander.¡±


    Mitchell¡¯s face brightened. ¡°Mr. Haxton! A pleasure to finally meet you. Yes, Alexander is such a promising young man with great potential.¡± His handshake was firm, his smile practiced. ¡°And who is this lovelypanion?¡±


    ¡°Jade Morgan,¡± I introduced myself before Ethan could speak. ¡°Your charity work is truly impressive.¡±


    <b>92 </b>


    Mitchell¡¯s eyes¨Ccalcting behind their benevolent facade¨Cassessed me carefully. ¡°Thank you, Miss Morgan. I try to give back where I can.¡±


    I noticed a young man hovering nearby, watching our interaction with obvious interest. He was perhaps twenty¨Ctwo, with dark hair and a lean build. Mitchell caught my nce and beckoned him over.


    ¡°This is my son, Danny,¡± he said proudly. ¡°Danny, meet Mr. Haxton and Miss Morgan.¡±


    I shifted my attention to Danny, noting the slight hesitation before Mitchell had said ¡°son.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Danny. Are you involved with your father¡¯s foundation?¡±


    ¡°Stepfather, actually,¡± Danny corrected with a polite smile. ¡°And yes, I help coordinate some of the smaller charity events.¡±


    I felt Ethan¡¯s energy shift beside me, his breathing pattern changing slightly. He was watching me watch Danny.


    ¡°That¡¯s admirable,¡± I continued, maintaining eye contact with Danny while ignoring Ethan¡¯s growing tension. ¡°You must be proud to be part of such meaningful work.¡±


    Danny brightened. ¡°It¡¯s been life¨Cchanging. Warren took me in when I was little. Before that¡­¡± He trailed off, shrugging. ¡°Let¡¯s just say my prospects weren¡¯t great.¡±


    ¡°A touching story,¡± Ethan interjected, his voice carrying a subtle edge. ¡°Your stepfather seems to have many admirable qualities.¡±


    Warren beamed, cing a hand on Danny¡¯s shoulder. ¡°This boy has been a blessing. Sometimes family is who we choose, not just who we¡¯re born to.¡±


    I pulled out my phone. ¡°Danny, I¡¯m actually interested in learning more about your foundation¡¯s work. Would you mind if I contacted you directly? Sometimes these events are too noisy for real conversation.¡±


    Danny¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Of course!¡± He recited his number, which I dutifully entered into my contacts.


    Ethan¡¯s breathing had grown even more controlled¨Ca sign I recognized as carefully managed irritation. Warren Mitchell didn¡¯t miss it either; his eyes flickered between us with shrewd assessment.


    After exchanging a few more pleasantries, we excused ourselves. Ethan¡¯s hand found the small of my back as <b>we </b>walked away, his touch firmer than necessary.


    ¡°That was productive,¡± I said once we were out of earshot.


    ¡°Was it?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice had cooled considerably. ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware you were so interested in charity work. Or was it the stepson who caught your attention?¡±


    Connor was waiting for us at the mansion¡¯s entrance, the car already brought around. The night air was crisp against my skin as we stepped outside.


    >


    :


    In the back of Ethan¡¯s luxurious car, I scrolled through my phone, looking at the newly acquired contact. Danny Mitchell. My ticket into the King of Hearts¡® inner circle.


    ¡°You¡¯re still looking at his number,¡± Ethan observed, his voice carefully neutral.


    Connor, in the driver¡¯s seat, kept his eyes fixed on the road, but I could sense his difort at the tension filling


    the vehicle.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in him,¡± I said inly, not bothering to look up from my phone.


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Ethan¡¯s tone suggested he believed otherwise. ¡°You just wanted his number to discuss charitable


    donations.¡±


    <b>92 </b>


    I locked my phone and turned to face him. ¡°Exactly. Is there a problem with that?<b>¡± </b>


    What I couldn¡¯t tell Ethan was that this phone number wasn¡¯t for friendly chats or flirtation. It was for monitoring, tracking, and eventually infiltrating Warren Mitchell¡¯s operation. The King of Hearts had undoubtedly secured his retirement well, establishing a foothold in New York¡¯s elite circles. If he had also taken control of Shadow Organization¡¯s Princeton branch, he would be a formidable obstacle in my ns.


    I needed to investigate him thoroughly before making any move. His adopted son was my easiest entry point. I had to work quickly¨CShadow Organization would soon discover their assassin had died by my hand. When SPECTER contacted the King of Hearts, my interest in Danny would immediately look suspicious.


    ¡°This Warren Mitchell started appearing in New York about fifteen years ago,¡± Ethan said, interrupting my thoughts. ¡°He was abroad before that. I¡¯ve dealt with him a few times.¡± He studied my face carefully. ¡°Is there something about


    him you¡¯d like to know, Miss Morgan?¡±


    Fifteen years ago? I had known the King of Hearts for twenty years. Before that, he operated primarily in Eastern


    Europe.


    The car slowed as we approached my house, the headlights illuminating the manicuredwn and elegant facade.


    ¡°Would you like toe in for a drink?¡± I asked Ethan as Connor parked.


    Before Ethan could answer, his phone rang. He nced at the screen, a sh of concern crossing his <b>face</b>.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± he said, answering quickly. ¡°Yes? What¡¯s happened?¡±


    I watched his expression harden, jaw tightening and eyes narrowing.


    ¡°How bad? When?¡® His voice had taken on a sharp edge. I¡¯ll be there in an hour.¡±


    He ended the call, already moving. ¡°Connor, New York Memorial Hospital. Now.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡± I asked, though I¡¯d already guessed from his reaction.


    ¡°My father,¡± Ethan said tersely. ¡°His condition has deteriorated rapidly.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle with you,¡± <b>I </b>said, the decision made before I¡¯d even processed it.


    Ethan looked momentarily surprised but nodded. Connor was already restarting the engine.


    B


    <b>92 </b>


    I pushed Ethan toward the car¡¯s interior, sliding in after him. ¡°Go,¡± I instructed Connor, who immediately pulled away from the curb, tires squealing slightly as we elerated into the night.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 137

    <b>Chapter </b><b>137 </b>


    <b>Connor </b>elerated through the night, the engine of Ethan¡¯s luxury car purring beneath us as <b>we </b>sped toward New York Memorial Hospital. The tension in the vehicle was palpable, Ethan¡¯s usualposed demeanor reced by a tightly controlled anxiety <b>as </b>he made <b>call </b>after call, his voice low and urgent.


    ¡°What exactly happened to your father?¡± I asked during a brief pause between his calls.


    Ethan¡¯s jaw tightened as he slipped his phone into his pocket. A year ago, my father fell at home. Hit his head on the marble countertop in the kitchen. His eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, but I could see the subtle tightening around them. ¡°The scans showed blood umtion pressing on his brain.¡±


    ¡°A subdural hematoma,¡± I offered.


    He nced at me, momentarily surprised. ¡°Yes. But during treatment, they discovered something else.¡± He paused,


    exhaling slowly. ¡°There¡¯s an unidentified toxin in his system. The doctors believe he¡¯d been exposed for at least six


    months before the fall.¡±


    ¡°Poisoning?<b>¡± </b>I kept my voice neutral, though my mind was already cataloging possibilities.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know if it was deliberate or environmental. The Haxton family has enemies, but¡­¡± He didn¡¯t finish the thought. ¡°We¡¯ve brought in specialists from around the world. No one¡¯s been able to identify it, let alone treat it.¡±


    ¡°And the subdural hematoma?¡±


    ¨C


    ¡°Too risky to operate. The toxin haspromised his system. Most surgeons won¡¯t touch him the sess rate is below three percent.¡± His voice remained steady, but his knuckles whitened as he gripped his phone.


    Connor smoothly navigated through traffic, taking corners with practiced precision. In the rearview mirror, his eyes


    flickered with concern for his employer.


    ¡°Who¡¯s his current physician?<b>¡± </b>I asked.


    ¡°Walter Morrison heads his medical team.¡± Ethan watched my face carefully. ¡°You know him?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°We¡¯ve met.¡±


    The car slowed as we approached the hospital, its upper floors illuminated against the night sky. Connor pulled up to the private entrance<b>, </b>and Ethan was out before the car had fully stopped.


    I followed him through the exclusive entrance, where a security guard nodded in recognition. We took a private elevator to the top floor, the doors opening to reveal a scene of controlled chaos.


    A cluster of well¨Cdressed people ¨C clearly Haxton family members


    1


    drawn with worry. She looked up as the elevator doors opened.


    surrounded an elderly woman whose face was


    :


    ¡°Ethan!¡± Relief flooded her features. ¡°Thank God you¡¯re here.¡±


    Ethan crossed to her immediately, taking her hands in his. ¡°Mother, what happened?¡±


    4 a


    <b>92 </b>


    ¡°He had another seizure. The doctors say the pressure is building, and-¡± Her voice broke. ¡°They say they need to operate immediately, but the risks-


    ¡°Where¡¯s Dr. Morrison?¡± Ethan asked, his tone gentle but urgent.


    Alexander stepped forward. ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t worry. Dr. Morrison is on his way.¡± He nced at his uncle. ¡°They called him twenty minutes ago.¡±


    The elevator doors opened again, and Walter Morrison hurried out, apanied by a younger assistant. Despite his age, he moved with purpose, his white hair neatlybed, his bow tie slightly askew from his rush.


    ¡°Mrs. Haxton,¡± he said, slightly breathless. ¡°I came as soon as I heard.¡±


    ¡°Walter,¡± she clutched his hands desperately. ¡°They¡¯re saying William needs surgery right now.¡±


    Morrison¡¯s expression was grave. ¡°Let me speak with the attending physician.¡±


    As if on cue, a middle¨Caged doctor in scrubs approached the group, clipboard in hand. ¡°Mrs. Haxton, Mr. Haxton,¡± he acknowledged Ethan with a nod. ¡°I¡¯m afraid we can¡¯t wait any longer. The pressure on your husband¡¯s brain has


    reached critical levels.¡±


    ¡°But you said the surgery only has a three percent chance of sess,¡± Mrs. Haxton protested, her voice rising. ¡°Three


    percent!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s his only chance for survival,¡± the doctor replied firmly. ¡°Without intervention, he won¡¯t make it through the


    night.¡±


    I watched the family dynamics unfold, standing slightly apart from the group. Mrs. Haxton turned to Morrison, desperation in her eyes.


    ¡°Walter, please. There must be something else we can do.¡±


    Morrison shook his head slowly. ¡°The surgery is risky, yes. But the doctor is right about the urgency.¡±


    ¡°And what about the toxin?¡± Mrs. Haxton demanded. ¡°Even if he survives the surgery, you said yourself the poison is still spreading.¡±

 Treatment 138

    <b>Chapter </b><b>138 </b>


    Morrison¡¯s weathered face looked even older in the harsh hospital lighting. ¡°Based on the progression we¡¯ve observed, even with a sessful surgery, I estimate he has¡­ perhaps a month.¡±


    The family fell silent, the weight of his words settling over them like a shroud.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s better to let him go peacefully,¡± Mrs. Haxton whispered, tears streaming down her face. ¡°He¡¯s suffered so much this past year. All those treatments, the pain¡­ for what? To buy a few more weeks?¡±


    I stepped forward, moving past the family members toward the nurses¡® station. No one paid attention to me ¨C <b>I </b>was just Ethan¡¯s guest, irrelevant to their family crisis. I spotted the patient chart and picked it up, flipping through the pages with practiced ease.


    Ethan was speaking now, his voice a calm center in the emotional storm. ¡°What are our options for identifying the


    toxin? Have we exhausted every possibility?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve consulted with toxicologists worldwide,¡± Morrison replied. ¡°No one has been able to identify it..¡±


    I continued scanning the chart, my mind processing the information rapidly. The blood work, the neurological findings, the toxicology reports all painted a clear picture to my trained eye.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± the attending physician had noticed me with the chart. ¡°That¡¯s confidential patient information¡ª¡±


    ¡°Let her see it,¡± Morrison interrupted, studying me with newfound interest. ¡°Miss Morgan, you are here.¡±


    I nodded without looking up from the chart.


    Mrs. Haxton turned to her son, confusion mixing with irritation. ¡°Ethan, who is this girl? Why is she looking at


    William¡¯s medical records?¡±


    Before Ethan could answer, I closed the chart and handed it back to the nurse. ¡°<b>I </b>can perform the surgery.¡±


    The statement hung in the air for a moment before someone in the family group scoffed. The attending physician looked at me as if I¡¯d suggested performing a ritual dance instead of brain surgery.


    ¡°Youngdy,¡± he began condescendingly, ¡°this is a delicate procedure that requires-¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your sess rate with this particr procedure, Doctor?¡± I asked, my voice cool. ¡°How many subdural hematomas have you operated on where the patient had this specific toxicology profile?¡±


    He blinked, thrown off bnce, ¡°Well, this is an extremely rare case-


    ¡°So none,¡± I concluded. I turned to Ethan, whose eyes had never left my face. ¡°I can do it.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s expression remained unreadable. ¡°What about the toxin?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d need to run additional tests to confirm exactly what it is, but based on these readings, I have a strong suspicion.¡± I met his gaze steadily. ¡°It¡¯s treatable.¡±


    ?(91)


    ¡°Ethan,¡± his mother protested, ¡°you can¡¯t seriously be considering letting this¡­ this child operate on your father!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your sess rate?¡± Ethan asked me directly, ignoring the growing murmurs around us.


    I didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°One hundred percent.¡±


    The attending physician actuallyughed, a short, incredulous sound. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. No surgeon has a perfect record with this type of procedure, especially given theplications.¡±


    ¡°The toxinplicates things,¡± I acknowledged. ¡°But it¡¯s not insurmountable.¡±


    Mrs. Haxton stepped between us, addressing her son. ¡°Ethan, please. I know you¡¯re desperate ¨C we all are ¨C but this


    is madness. I won¡¯t allow some random girl to experiment on your father in his final hours.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s gaze hadn¡¯t wavered from mine. In his eyes, I saw something I recognized ¨C the calcted risk assessment of someone ustomed to making life¨Cor¨Cdeath decisions.


    ¡°Prepare the operating room,¡± he said suddenly, his voice cutting through the chaos. ¡°Get her surgical scrubs. She¡¯ll


    perform the operation.¡±


    The attending physician spluttered in protest. ¡°Mr. Haxton, I cannot allow-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your decision,¡± Ethan replied coldly. ¡°It¡¯s my father¡¯s life, and it¡¯s our family¡¯s choice.¡±


    ¡°This is outrageous!¡± Mrs. Haxton cried. ¡°Ethan, have you lost your mind? Letting this girl operate on William? Who even is she?¡±


    I turned to face the medical staff, who were watching with expressions ranging from shock to outrage. ¡°Have any of


    you heard of Dr. ckwell?¡±


    The effect was immediate. The attending physician¡¯s face went ck with surprise. A nurse nearby gasped audibly. Even Morrison¡¯s eyes widened with recognition.


    The room fell silent as all eyes fixed on me, the tension thick enough to cut with a scalpel.


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>139 </b>

 Treatment 139

    <b>Chapter </b><b>139 </b>


    The words hung in the air like a grenade with its pin pulled. I immediately regretted mentioning Dr. ckwell. Everyone¡¯s eyes were fixed on me, but it was Ethan¡¯s gaze that made my skin prickle. There was something in those green eyes¨Crecognition, suspicion, or perhaps both.


    ¡°You know Dr. ckwell?¡± Walter Morrison stepped closer, his bow tie nowpletely askew. The excitement in his


    voice was unmistakable.


    I kept my expression neutral. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of him.¡±


    The disappointment that swept across the room was almost palpable. Several doctors exchanged nces, while Mrs.


    Haxton made a sound that was half scoff, half sob.


    ¡°Dr. ckwell isn¡¯t a ¡®him,¡± Ethan said quietly, his eyes never leaving my face. ¡°She¡¯s a woman. A young woman, in fact¨Cnot much older than you.¡±


    The attending physician rolled his eyes. ¡°Mr. Haxton, with all due respect, we¡¯re wasting precious time on fairy tales. Dr. ckwell is essentially a medical urban legend.¡±


    ¡°She is.¡± Ethan¡¯s voice was soft but carried an undercurrent of steel. ¡°I spent three months tracking her across four


    countries. She existed, Doctor. And she was brilliant.¡±


    Ethan had been looking for Dr. ckwell? For me?


    ¡°I never met her,¡± Ethan continued, his gaze still locked with mine. ¡°By the time I found where she¡¯d been operating, she was gone. Supposedly died in an explosion in the Caribbean. His mouth twitched. ¡°Interesting coincidence that


    you mentioned her name, Miss Morgan.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Connor suddenly spoke up, stepping forward. ¡°Miss Morgan was the one who helped President Thornton at Princeton. Remember when he had that heart attack on the street? She stepped in and saved his life right there on the spot.¡±


    Walter¡¯s eyes widened, turning to me with renewed interest. ¡°Philip Thornton?¡± His weathered face lit up with excitement. ¡°Philip Thornton¡¯s cardiac condition! We¡¯ve been monitoring it for years. He could have died that day on the street. But a few days ago, he told me about the young woman who saved his life with extraordinary quick


    thinking.¡± He looked at me with newfound reverence. ¡°It was you.¡±


    The attending physician snorted. ¡°Performing emergency CPR on the street is a far cry from brain surgery on a poisoned patient.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve made my decision,¡± Ethan cut in. ¡°Miss Morgan will perform the surgery.¡±


    ¡°This is insanity!¡± the physician exploded. ¡°She¡¯s not even a licensed surgeon!¡±


    ¡°Perhaps not in this country,¡± Ethan replied coolly. ¡°But I¡¯ve seen enough to trust her skills.¡± He turned to the


    nurses. ¡°Prepare the operating room. Get her whatever she needs.¡±


    ¡®<b>I </b>cannot allow this, the doctor protested. ¡°It vites every protocol-


    ¡°I¡¯ll take full responsibility,¡± Ethan interrupted. ¡°If anything goes wrong, I¡¯ll sign whatever paperwork is necessary.


    This is our decision.¡±


    <b>91 </b>


    The doctor looked like he might continue arguing, but something in Ethan¡¯s expression made him reconsider. With a disgusted shake of his head, he backed away.


    Ethan turned to Alexander. ¡°Take your grandmother to the waiting area. Make sure she¡¯sfortable.¡±


    Alexander nodded, gently guiding the protesting Mrs. Haxton away from the scene.


    Walter Morrison approached me, his earlier skepticismpletely gone. ¡°What do you need for the operation, Miss


    Morgan?¡±


    ¡°I need you to monitor his cardiac function throughout,¡± I said, keeping my voice professional. ¡°And I need to know exactly what symptoms he¡¯s been disying. When did the seizures start? Has he shown any unusual discoloration or temperature fluctuations?¡±


    Walter began listing symptoms, and I listened carefully, filing away each detail. The toxin sounded familiar, but I couldn¡¯t ce it yet. I would need to see the patient myself.


    A nurse approached with surgical scrubs. ¡°The OR will be ready in ten minutes.¡±


    I nodded, taking the garments. As I turned to change, Ethan stepped into my path.


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 140

    ¡°Jade,¡± he said quietly, so only I could hear. His use of my first name sent an unexpected warmth through me. ¡°Are you certain about this<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    I met his gaze steadily. ¡°I¡¯ve never lost a patient on my operating table, Ethan. Not one.¡±


    Something shed in his eyes¨Crelief, perhaps, or confirmation of a suspicion. He stepped aside, allowing me to


    pass<b>. </b>


    Twenty minutester, I stood in the operating room, properly scrubbed and gowned. William Haxtony unconscious on the table, monitors beeping steadily around him. The surgical team looked at me with varying degrees of skepticism and curiosity.


    I approached the patient, noting the unusual bluish tint to his lips. I checked his pupiry response, then carefully examined his pulse points. The team watched in confusion as I spent nearly two minutes simply observing and palpating, a far cry from the usual rushed pre¨Csurgical checks.


    ¡°This toxin¡­¡± I murmured, more to myself than anyone else. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it before.¡±


    ¡°You recognize it?¡± Walter asked hopefully.


    I nodded slowly.


    The anesthesiologist cleared his throat nervously. ¡°Miss Morgan, shouldn¡¯t we begin the procedure? The patient¡¯s


    vitals-¡±


    ¡°Are stable enough for me to be thorough,¡± I finished for him, not bothering to look up. The room fell silent. The senior surgeons exchanged nces, clearly ufortable with my unconventional approach, but no one dared interrupt further. Their respect for Walter Morrison and fear of Ethan Haxton kept their objections at bay.


    ¡°Scalpel,¡± I said, holding out my hand. The scrub nurse hesitated for a moment before cing the instrument in my palm.


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Outside in the waiting area, the Haxton family had gathered. The eldest son paced nervously while Alexander sat beside his grandmother, holding her trembling hand.


    ¡°Who exactly is this girl?¡± the eldest demanded of Connor.


    Connor swallowed hard. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ a medical prodigy, sir.¡± He was already regretting mentioning Philip Thornton¡¯s migraines. If this surgery went wrong, Ethan would have his head.


    ¡°A prodigy?¡± The man¡¯s voice dripped with skepticism. ¡°My father¡¯s life is in the hands of some college student, and all you can tell me is that she¡¯s a prodigy?¡±


    <b>11:11 </b>Wed, Sep 24


    In a corner, Mrs. Haxton whispered to Alexander, ¡°Do you think she can really save him?¡±


    Alexander squeezed her hand. ¡°Uncle Ethan believes in her. That¡¯s good enough for me.¡±


    91


    The clock ticked mercilessly as one hour stretched into two, then three. The family¡¯s anxiety grew with each passing minute, the silence in the waiting room broken only by the asional cough or whispered conversation.


    Four hourster, the operating room doors finally swung open. The two senior physicians who had assisted emerged, looking both exhausted and strangely invigorated.


    ¡°The surgery was sessful,¡± announced the first, who had been the most vocal opponent earlier. ¡°The hematoma has beenpletely removed, with minimal impact to the surrounding tissue. It was¡­¡± he hesitated, searching for words, ¡°¡­the most precise surgical technique I¡¯ve ever witnessed.¡±


    ¡°Where did she train?¡± asked the second doctor, shaking his head in disbelief.


    ¡°I did the suture,¡± replied the first. ¡°She asked me to close after she finished the procedure. Said I needed the practice.¡± He sounded offended and impressed in equal measure.


    Ethan, who had been standing motionless by the window for hours, finally exhaled. William was wheeled out on a gurney, his head bandaged but his color already better than before. The family crowded around, relief evident on


    their faces.


    Walter emergedst, his face flushed with excitement. ¡°The surgery couldn¡¯t have gone better,¡± he announced. ¡°The blood clot has been removed, and I believe Miss Morgan also has a solution for the toxin.¡±


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 141

    <b>Chapter </b>141


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    I tossed my blood¨Cstained surgical gloves into the medical waste bin. The surgery had been sessful¨CI¡¯d removed William Haxton¡¯s hematoma with surgical precision that had left the attending physicians speechless. But that was only addressing the symptom, not the cause. The real threat was still circting in his bloodstream¨Ca toxin I was all too familiar with.


    I walked toward Ethan with the blood samples I¡¯d drawn from his father during surgery. ¡°I need aboratory,¡± I said, holding up the vials. ¡°Preferably one withplete toxicology analysis equipment.¡±


    Ethan nodded without hesitation. ¡°It¡¯s already prepared on the top floor. Everything you need is there.¡±


    The two attending physicians who¡¯d sneered at me earlier were now falling over themselves to offer assistance. Amazing how removing a blood clot from the brain changes people¡¯s attitudes.


    ¡°Miss Morgan, I¡¯d be honored to assist with any further tests,¡± said the first doctor, the same one who had called me an amateur just hours ago. His colleague nodded eagerly beside him.


    ¡°If you could share your surgical technique sometime-¡± the second physician began, but I cut him off with a cold


    stare.


    Walter Morrison adjusted his bow tie, excitement evident in his weathered face. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d like to assist. I¡¯ve been studying this mysterious toxin in Mr. Haxton¡¯s system for months without sess.¡±


    I gave a curt nod. Time was critical, and I needed to focus. ¡°I¡¯ll needplete ess to all previous test results and blood work,¡± I said as we headed toward the elevator.


    ¡°Of course, of course,¡± Walter replied, his eyes bright with scientific curiosity. ¡°I¡¯vepiled everything in digital format. We¡¯ve run every standard toxicology panel, but this poison¡­ it¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve encountered in forty years of practice.¡±


    I bet, I thought. It wouldn¡¯t be in any medical database. The Shadow Organization¡¯s specialty poisons were designed


    to leave no trace.


    Thirty minutester, I waspletely immersed in my work in the top¨Cfloorboratory. The workbench was covered with test tubes, centrifuges, and various analytical instruments. Several deadb micey to my side¨Cnecessary casualties in my pursuit of answers. I knew this toxin¡¯s chemical properties, but I needed to confirm its exact form and source.


    My hands moved with practiced efficiency, muscle memory from years of simr work kicking in. The molecr structure was unmistakableplex enough to evade standard detection methods, but with the signature markers I recognized from my previous life. Only a handful of people in the world could synthesize something this


    sophisticated.


    My phone vibrated. I didn¡¯t check it immediately, but from the vibration pattern, I knew it was Ethan. I continued focusing on the blood sample under the microscope, observing how the toxin interacted with the cells. After about twenty minutes, I finally picked up my phone. As expected, Ethan was asking if he could enter. I replied with a simple ¡°Yes.¡±


    Theboratory door slid open as Ethan and Walter walked in. They surveyed the room, taking in the array of reagents and instruments that covered every surface¨Cchaotic to the untrained eye, but methodical in their arrangement.


    ¡°How¡¯s William?¡± I asked without looking up, my pipette precisely extracting fluid.


    ¡°Stable for now,¡± Ethan said, standing beside me. ¡°You¡¯ve been working for six hours straight. You should eat something and rest.¡±


    ¡°No time,¡± I replied curtly, cing a test tube in the centrifuge.


    Ethan silently observed my movements. I could feel his gaze, studying me with a mixture of curiosity and something


    else I couldn¡¯t quite ce.


    Walter looked at my experimental notes with fascination. ¡°This method of form analysis¡­ I¡¯ve never seen anything like it,¡± he murmured, adjusting his sses. ¡°The way you¡¯re tracking the molecr degradation pattern is ingenious.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond, focused on preparing another sample. The centrifuge whirred softly in the background as I recorded my observations,paring them against the theoretical models I¡¯d constructed.


    As night deepened, theboratory fell quiet except for the hum of machinery and asional keyboard clicks. I stared at a mouse that had just died violently for nearly ten minutes. Everything was clear now¨Cthis was a toxin unique to the Shadow Organization, and I could almost certainly identify who had created it.


    Maybe King of Hearts,¡® I thought silently. But why target William Haxton, who had already stepped back from his position, rather than the current head of the family, Ethan? There had to be a deeper connection.


    I turned to Ethan and Walter, who had been waiting patiently. ¡°I can create an antidote.¡±


    My fingers flew across the keyboard as I quickly input the detailed drug form. Walter leaned in to look, his expression shifting from confusion to shock.


    ¡°This is¡­ a counter¨Cpoison approach?¡± he asked in amazement. ¡°Extremely dangerous, but theoretically viable.¡± He looked at me with newfound respect. ¡°The bnce ofpounds is precise to a degree I¡¯ve rarely seen. Where did you learn this?¡±


    ¡°Practice,¡± I replied, keeping my answer deliberately vague.


    ¡°The form requires several rarepounds that need to be sourced immediately,¡± I said, pointing to the list on the screen. ¡°Otherwise, William¡¯s condition will deteriorate further. The toxin is designed to elerate after a certain threshold, and we¡¯re approaching that point.¡±


    Ethan immediately took out his phone and began making arrangements. ¡°I¡¯ll have it handled right away. Connor is already contacting suppliers.¡±


    91


    A few hourster, I walked into William Haxton¡¯s hospital room to check his condition. Hey in the high¨Cend room, connected to various monitoring devices and IV drips. His situation was temporarily stable, but I could see the toxin slowly eroding his bodily systems¨Cthe slight discoloration at his nail beds, the particr rhythm of his breathing, the barely perceptible tremor in his hands even while unconscious.


    Ethan waited in the hallway outside the room. Seeing me emerge, he approached. ¡°How is he?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have much time,¡± I said bluntly, ¡°but if we can get all the ingredients in time, I¡¯m confident I can synthesize the antidote.¡±


    I sat down on a bench in the hallway rest area and closed my eyes. After working for nearly eighteen hours straight, even my stamina was reaching its limits. The wall behind me was cold and hard, but any support was a luxury at


    this point.


    Ethan stood nearby, watching me with concern. ¡°Do you want to rest in the adjacent room? Or can I get you


    something to eat?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather sleep in a coffin than in a hospital bed,¡± I replied coldly, my eyes still closed. The cold wall was making the back of my head sore. I patted the seat beside me, inviting Ethan to sit down.


    Heplied, sitting next to me, and I leaned my head lightly against his shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing your family such a huge favor, you don¡¯t mind if I borrow your shoulder, do you?¡± I said with a hint of


    tired sarcasm.


    The corner of Ethan¡¯s mouth curved slightly upward. ¡°It¡¯s my honor, Ms. Morgan.¡±


    Chapter Comments


    5

 Treatment 142

    ¡°Someone who could get into your home undetected and poison your father¨Cthere¡¯s a high probability it was an inside job. Have you found anything suspicious?¡± I asked, breaking the silence.


    Ethan¡¯s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. ¡°Since my father was poisoned, I¡¯ve conducted eight separate internal investigations over the past year. Each one more thorough than thest. No suspicious individuals, no unexined ess, nothing.¡±


    I nodded slightly, unsurprised. <i>Of </i><i>course </i><i>he </i>found <i>nothing</i><i>. </i><i>If </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>Shadow </i><i>Organization</i><i>¨C</i>possibly <i>even </i><i>King </i>of Hearts himself<i>¨C</i>they wouldn¡¯t <i>leave </i><i>traces </i><i>for </i>an <i>ordinary </i><i>security </i><i>team </i>to <i>find</i>. <i>Their </i><i>specialists </i><i>could </i>walk through the White House undetected <i>if </i><i>they </i>wanted <i>to</i>.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t amon toxin,¡± I said, keeping my voice low. ¡°It¡¯s a specialized slow¨Cacting poison. Whoever did this wasn¡¯t trying to kill your father immediately¨Cthey wanted him to suffer. Possibly to weaken your family¡¯s position or influence your business decisions over time.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°The Haxton Group has been conducting internal security sweeps too. But with dozens of subsidiaries and thousands of employees worldwide¡­¡± He left the sentence unfinished, frustration evident in his


    voice.


    He leaned back against the wall, his shoulders dropping slightly. ¡°Targeting the Haxton family directly¡ªthat takes some nerve. I¡¯ll give them that.¡± A cold smile yed at the corner of his mouth. ¡°If they¡¯re simply after corporate assets or market position, I¡¯m less concerned. The Haxton Group¡¯s financial structure is designed to withstand prolonged attacks. We¡¯ve survived worse.¡±


    ¡°You realize they mighte after you now,¡± Ethan said after a moment, his tone shifting. ¡°Whoever poisoned my


    father will know someone is interfering with their n.¡±


    I almostughed. ¡°Mr. Haxton, I¡¯m not concerned about that.¡±


    ¡°You should be,¡± he countered, studying my face. ¡°But I will protect you.¡±


    Before I could respond, movement at the end of the corridor caught my attention. Alexander had rounded the corner, stopping abruptly when he saw us. His eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of me leaning against his uncle¡¯s shoulder. For a brief moment, indecision flickered across his face before he turned and walked away without a word.


    Fifteen minutester, Connor Haxton and Walter Morrison returned, carrying a specialized medical cooler. Connor¡¯s face was tense as he handed the container to Ethan.


    ¡°We¡¯ve acquired everything on Jade¡¯s list,¡± Walter said, excitement evident in his voice despite his exhaustion. ¡°Some of thesepounds were extraordinarily difficult to source, but Connor worked miracles.¡±


    Connor eyed one particr sealed vial containing a brownish liquid with obvious apprehension. ¡°Dr. Morrison says this one is derived from snake venom. Is that really necessary? It¡¯s ssified as a controlled substance in three


    countries<b>.</b>¡±


    :


    I couldn¡¯t resist. ¡°Actually, thatpound makes an excellent addition to coffee. Really gives you a boost in the


    morning.¡±


    Connor¡¯s eyes widened in horror.


    ¡°She¡¯s joking, Connor,¡± Ethan said, taking the cooler from him. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly as he nced at me. ¡°You¡¯re dumb, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Connor¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment.


    91


    I led them to the hospital¡¯s specializedboratory where I¡¯d been working. The space was filled with cutting¨Cedge equipment, perfect for what I needed to aplish. I carefully removed the vials from the cooler, arranging them in precise order on the workbench.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch this one,¡± I warned Ethan as he reached toward one of the test tubes. ¡°It contains a poison fifteen times stronger than what¡¯s currently in your father¡¯s system.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s hand froze mid¨Cair. ¡°And you need that because¡­?¡±


    ¡°To create an effective antidote, I need to understand exactly how the toxin works at elerated rates,¡± I exined clinically. ¡°This will allow me to develop a counteragent that targets the specific molecr structure.¡±


    Ethan studied my face carefully. ¡°Or perhaps you¡¯re preparing something for the Shadow Org¡­¡±


    I met his gaze steadily. ¡°Mr. Haxton, being too perceptive isn¡¯t always beneficial.¡±


    Walter cleared his throat, breaking the tension. ¡°The specialized dialysis equipment has been set up in your father¡¯s room. We should begin the treatment soon.¡±


    William Haxton had been moved to a private room equipped with advanced medical technology. The specialized dialysis machine hummed quietly in the corner, ready to filter his blood once I administered the initial treatment. Ethan and Alexander helped the nursing staff position William on the treatment bed while I prepared the antidote.


    Walter watched over my shoulder as I filled a specialized micro¨Cinjection syringe with precise amounts of the solution I¡¯d created.


    ¡°Fascinating,¡± Walter murmured, adjusting his bow tie. ¡°The precision of that injector is far beyond standard medical equipment. The gradations must be measuring in microliter increments.¡±


    ¡°It needs to be,¡± I replied, checking the dosage one final time. ¡°The antidote must be delivered to specific points in the bloodstream to be effective. Too much in one location would cause tissue damage; too little would fail to neutralize the toxin.¡±


    I approached William¡¯s bed, my focus absolute as I began the treatment. With practiced precision, I injected small amounts of the antidote into specific points on William¡¯s body¨Ctargeting key blood vessels and acupressure points simultaneously. My movements were fluid and confident, the result of years of training that I couldn¡¯t exin to the


    observers<b>. </b>


    ¡°The injection sites you¡¯re choosing,¡± Walter observed with barely contained excitement, ¡°they correspond to both major blood vessels and traditional meridian points from Eastern medicine. Thebination approach is revolutionary.¡±


    I nodded without looking up. ¡°The poison attacks on multiple fronts¨Cthe antidote must do the same.¡±


    91


    Alexander stood at the foot of the bed, watching me work with undisguised fascination. His eyes tracked my movements, lingering on my face as I concentrated on the delicate procedure. The intensity of his gaze was almost palpable, a mixture of admiration and curiosity that I deliberately ignored.


    Afterpleting the injection sequence, I moved to the dialysis machine and began adjusting its settings. ¡°This will help filter the toxin once it binds with thepound I¡¯ve introduced,¡± I exined to Walter, who was taking notes on my procedure. ¡°The molecr binding agent creates a chemical signature that the dialysis can recognize and


    extract.¡±


    ¡°Now we add the second binding agent,¡± I said, preparing another injection. ¡°This will force the toxin molecules to separate from the cellr structures they¡¯ve bonded with.¡±


    As the treatment progressed, the dialysis fluid gradually darkened to an inky ck color. The filter membranes began collecting the separated toxinpounds, visible as dark umtions within the transparent chambers.


    ¡°Remarkable,¡± Walter breathed, peering at the collected toxins. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like this. The molecr binding is happening exactly as you predicted. In thirty years of practice, I¡¯ve never witnessed such an effective


    toxin extraction method.¡±


    I carefully administered the third injection, watching as William¡¯s vital signs remained stable on the monitor. ¡°The dialysis needs to continue for two more hours, then I¡¯ll administer the final dose of the antidote. That should clear most of the poison from his system.¡±


    William¡¯splexion, though still an unhealthy grayish color, had already improved noticeably from when I first saw him at the hospital. The immediate danger had passed.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 143

    <b>Chapter </b>143


    I stood beside the specialized dialysis machine, monitoring William Haxton¡¯s vital signs on the screen. The dark toxin continued to flow through the tubes, evidence of the poison slowly leaving his system. My eyes burned from staring at the monitors for¨CI nced at my watch¨Ctwo hours straight now.


    Movement in the doorway caught my attention. Ethan Haxton stood there, his shoulders slightly less tense than earlier. In the reflection of the monitoring screen, our eyes met briefly. I noticed the resemnce between him and his father¨Cthe same strong eyebrows, the same nose bridge. I quickly looked away, focusing on adjusting the dialysis


    parameters.


    The machine hummed steadily, filtering William¡¯s blood. A faint, unpleasant smell lingered in the air¨Cthe collected toxin had a distinctive odor once it oxidized. I¡¯d smelled it before, in another lifetime, in training facilities where they taught us to recognize poisons by their scent.


    I administered the final dose of antidote, the needle sliding precisely into the injection port. The clear liquid disappeared into the IV line, and I stepped back, satisfaction washing over me. My job was done. William¡¯s vital signs were stabilizing.


    My vision blurred slightly as I leaned against the wall. I closed my eyes for just a moment, letting my muscles rx. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, a constant irritating hum that matched the pounding in my temples.


    ¡°Jade?¡±


    I barely registered Ethan¡¯s voice, his concern evident in the way he said my name. I didn¡¯t respond. I couldn¡¯t. Exhaustion pulled me under like quicksand, and darkness imed me.


    I felt myself being lifted, strong arms cradling my body. Through the fog of sleep, I recognized Ethan¡¯s cologne- subtle notes of sandalwood and something distinctly expensive. My head rested against his chest, his heartbeat steady beneath my ear.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got her,¡± Ethan¡¯s voice rumbled through his chest. ¡°Dr. Morrison, Connor, keep monitoring my father¡¯s condition. The dialysis shouldplete in forty minutes.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Mr. Haxton.¡± Walter Morrison¡¯s voice sounded distant.


    I should protest, tell him to put me down, that I was perfectly capable of walking. But my body betrayed me, sinking deeper into unconsciousness instead.


    As Ethan carried me through the hallway, I vaguely registered the hushed silence that fell over the corridor. Hospital staff and what I assumed were other Haxton family members stood aside, watching with curious eyes. No one spoke. The soft beeping of medical equipment and the squeak of Ethan¡¯s expensive shoes on the linoleum floor were the only sounds.


    :


    <b>91 </b>


    This is the first time I¡¯ve worked so intensely since my rebirth, and this body¡¯s condition still needs improvement.


    Unable to withstand such mental and physical exhaustion, my sleep was restless.


    I not only dreamed of those inhuman tortures during those six months in the Caribbean underground base, but also of my partner who died during thest mission.


    Perhaps ¡°partner¡± isn¡¯t the right word, as we didn¡¯t carry out many missions together, but he was my only friend in the organization.


    I jerked awake, gasping for air, my heart hammering against my ribs. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I struggled to


    orient myself.


    This wasn¡¯t the Caribbean. This wasn¡¯t the facility.


    The familiar scent of sandalwood and cedar filled my nostrils¨CEthan¡¯s signature cologne lingering on the sheets. I was in a bed¨Cnot a metal table¨Cwith expensive linens pulled up to my chest. The room was dimly lit, with sunlight filtering through partially closed blinds.


    I scanned the surroundings, my training kicking in automatically. Exit points: door to my left,rge windows to my right. Potential weapons: heavy crystalmp on the bedside table, letter opener on the desk, decorative brass statue


    on the bookshelf.


    This wasn¡¯t a standard bedroom. The furnishings were too luxurious¨Cplush armchair in the corner, original artwork on the walls, hardwood floors covered with what looked like authentic Persian rugs. I realized this must be the Haxton family¡¯s VIP hospital suite. I spotted Ethan¡¯s suit jacket draped over one of the chairs, his leather briefcase ced neatly beside it.


    The door opened quietly, and Ethan walked in<b>, </b>carrying two paper cups. His eyes widened slightly when he saw me sitting up.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± He handed me one of the cups¨Ctea, not coffee. ¡°My father¡¯s dialysis isplete. His vitals have stabilized. Dr. Morrison says it¡¯s the most remarkable recovery he¡¯s witnessed in thirty years of practice.¡±


    I took a sip of the tea¨Cchamomile with honey, still hot enough to soothe my dry throat. ¡°How long was I out?¡±


    ¡°Eight hours.¡± Ethan settled into the chair beside the bed. ¡°You copsed after administering the final dose.¡±


    Eight hours? I hadn¡¯t slept that long in one stretch since¡­ well, since before I was Shadow.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ask for my help sooner?¡± I asked bluntly. ¡°If your father was poisoned a year ago, why wait until


    now?¡±


    Ethan¡¯s expression tightened almost imperceptibly. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you existed.¡± He paused, weighing his next words. carefully. ¡°I was looking for someone else. Dr. ckwell.¡±


    The name hung in the air between <b>us</b>. I kept my face neutral, though my pulse quickened slightly.


    ¡®Dr. ckwell, I repeated, keeping my tone casual. ¡°You mentioned her before.¡±


    ¡®Yes.¡® Ethan¡¯s eyes never left mine. ¡°A brilliant medical mind. Also known in certain circles as ¡®Shadow,¡® one <b>of </b>the most lethal assassins ever to work for the Shadow Organization.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow, feigning mild interest. ¡°A doctor and a killer? That¡¯s an unusualbination.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Ethan sipped his coffee. ¡°For a moment, I thought you might be connected to her somehow. The precision of your techniques, your knowledge of obscure toxins¡­¡± He shook his head. ¡°But that would be absurd, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    I smiled slightly. ¡°A doctor? An assassin? Me?¡± I let out a smallugh. ¡°I think exhaustion is affecting your judgment,


    Mr. Haxton.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± His expression remained unreadable. ¡°Though I find it interesting that someone with ¡®limited surgical experience¡® handles a specialized dialysis machine like they¡¯ve used it a hundred times before.¡±


    ¡°I told you what you needed to hear to let me treat your father,¡± I said, meeting his gaze directly. ¡°Would you have trusted me if I haven¡¯t told you that I¡¯d never lost a patient?¡±


    ¡°So¡­¡±


    I set my tea down, my voice dropping slightly. ¡°Careful, Ethan. There¡¯s a line between gratitude and interrogation.


    Don¡¯t cross it.¡±


    His lips curved into the faintest smile. ¡°Noted.¡± He stood, gesturing toward a door on the far side of the room. ¡°There¡¯s a bathroom through there if you¡¯d like to freshen up. I had them bring in some new medical¨Cgrade


    toiletries.¡±


    I swung my legs over the side of the bed, relieved to find I was still fully dressed. ¡°I should check on William again.¡±


    ¡°After you¡¯ve washed up. You smell like hospital and experimental drugs.¡±


    <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t argue with that. The smell of the toxin collection chamber had probably permeated my clothes.


    <b>As </b>I stood, I noticed Ethan¡¯s phone on the table, screen lit up with a notification. The background image caught my eye¨Ca silhouette of a woman running across an open field, her posture unmistakable.


    It was me, from the training grounds at Princeton¡¯s summer military program. I recognized the moment¨Can early morning run<b>, </b>testing the outer perimeter.


    ¡°Nice wallpaper,¡± Imented, nodding toward his phone.


    Ethan picked up the device, looking expectant, clearly waiting for me to ask the obvious question.


    <b>11:12 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b>144

 Treatment 144

    <b>Chapter </b>144


    :


    91


    Jade stood by William Haxton¡¯s bedside early the next morning, checking his vitals on the medical equipment that had been set up in his luxurious bedroom. The machines hummed softly in the background, a reassuring sound that told her the worst had passed.


    Walter Morrison rushed into the room, nearly tripping over himself when he saw her. His eyes lit up like a kid on


    Christmas morning.


    ¡°Miss Morgan! You¡¯re still here!¡± He clutched his medical tablet to his chest. ¡°I was afraid you might have left after yesterday¡¯s¡­ incident.¡±


    By ¡°incident,¡± he meant her passing out from exhaustion after thirty¨Csix hours of non¨Cstop work saving William


    Haxton¡¯s life. Not her finest moment.


    ¡°I brought something new.¡± Jade reached into her bag and pulled out a small case containing vials of clear liquid. ¡°A gentler detoxificationpound. It should flush out the remaining toxins without stressing his system.¡±


    Walter took the case reverently, examining the vials with careful fingers. ¡°Fascinating. The molecr bnce is¡­ perfect.¡± He looked up at her. ¡°Did you develop this yourself?<b>¡± </b>


    She nodded, checking William¡¯s IV line. ¡°It needs to be administered daily for ten days. By then, his system should bepletely clear.¡± Jade adjusted the drip. ¡°He should regain consciousness this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°This <b>is </b>remarkable work.¡± Walter shook his head in awe. ¡°Simply remarkable.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± She stepped back from the bed. ¡°Just chemistry.¡±


    The door opened, and Ethan walked in, freshly showered and dressed in what appeared to be casual clothes for him -dark cks and a light blue button¨Cdown with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His eyes immediately found


    hers<b>. </b>


    ¡®Good morning, Jade.¡± His voice was warm, almost intimate. ¡°I thought you might be hungry. Would you join me for


    breakfast?¡±


    Before she could answer, they were interrupted by footsteps in the hallway. As they stepped out of the room<b>, </b>they encountered two men¨Cone older who bore a striking resemnce to Ethan, and Alexander Haxton.


    ¡°Uncle Ethan,¡± Alexander nodded, then his eyes widened when he saw Jade. ¡°Miss Morgan?¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eldest brother stepped forward, his expression solemn. ¡°You must be the young woman who saved my father¡¯s life.¡± He extended his hand. ¡°We are eternally grateful. This kind of debt¡­ the Haxton family will not forget


    it.¡±


    Jade shook his hand briefly. ¡°It was nothing special.¡±


    11:12 Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>


    ¡°Nothing special?¡± He looked bewildered. ¡°Dr. Morrison says you identified a toxin that stumped specialists for months and created an antidote from scratch.¡±


    91


    (9)


    ¡°A debt like this¡­¡± He continued, his voice heavy with sincerity, ¡°our family can never fully repay.¡±


    Jade shifted ufortably. This was exactly why she typically avoided civilian entanglements. Too much gratitude, too many questions.


    ¡°Really, it was just a straightforward medical procedure.¡± She forced a polite smile.


    Ethan cleared his throat. ¡°Jade hasn¡¯t eaten since yesterday. We were just heading to the dining room.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course.¡± Ethan¡¯s brother stepped aside. ¡°Please, make yourself at home. Our chef will prepare anything you desire.¡±


    Ethan ced his hand lightly on her lower back, guiding her down the hallway. She could feel his brother and Alexander watching them as they walked away.


    In the dining room, sunlight streamed through floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows, illuminating a space that couldfortably seat twenty people. The table was already set with various breakfast dishes.


    ¡°Your family seems close,¡± shemented, helping herself to some perfectly scrambled eggs. They were fluffy and seasoned just right¨Cthe chef knew what they were doing.


    ¡°We have our moments,¡± Ethan replied, pouring coffee for both of them. ¡°Do you like that kind of atmosphere? The family dynamic?¡±


    Jade took a bite of toast spread with homemade jam. ¡°Not particrly. I prefer solitude.¡± She set her fork down. ¡°The concept of ¡®family¡® doesn¡¯t hold much significance for me.¡±


    Ethan nodded, his expression thoughtful. ¡°I understand that. I also prefer quieter environments.<b>¡± </b>


    His phone rang, and he checked the screen. ¡°Excuse me, I need to take this. Business never stops.¡± He stepped away from the table, walking toward the window.


    Jade seized the opportunity. Quickly wiping her mouth with a napkin, she slipped out of the dining room and found her way to the front entrance. Connor Haxton was already waiting with a luxury sedan.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± he nodded, opening the rear door for her. ¡°Mr. Haxton asked me to drive you wherever you need to go.¡±


    ¡°Home, please.¡± She slid into the leather seat.


    <b>As </b>they pulled away from <b>the </b>mansion, Jade nced back once. The truth was, she didn¡¯t want to face the Haxton family¡¯s gratitude.


    11:12 <b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>


    :


    ??(9)


    91


    Ethan finished his call and returned to the dining room<b>, </b>only to find it empty. His expression shifted from confusion to understanding as he realized what had happened.


    His mother burst into the room, looking around frantically. ¡°Where is she? Where¡¯s the girl who saved your father?¡±


    ¡°She left,¡± Ethan said simply, taking a sip of his now¨Ccooling coffee.


    ¡°Left?¡± His mother¡¯s voice rose. ¡°Ethan, how could you let her leave? We haven¡¯t properly thanked her!¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want thanks<b>, </b>Mother.¡± Ethan set down his cup. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ different. We¡¯ll have other opportunities.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± his mother huffed, taking a seat at the table. ¡°I want to meet her properly when your father wakes up. This girl saved his life¨CI need to express our gratitude myself.¡±


    ¡°How old is she, anyway?¡± his mother asked suddenly. ¡°She looks so young.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s lips curved into a slight smile. ¡°Eighteen. Her name is Jade Morgan. She attended Cloud City High School. She has parents, a brother who¡¯s something of a math prodigy, and a younger sister. She¡¯s starting her first year at Princeton, top of her ss.¡±


    His mother¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You know quite a bit about this young woman, Ethan.¡±


    ¡°I make it my business to know things, Mother.¡± Ethan refilled his coffee.


    ¡°Is this why you turned down the Sullivan girl?¡± His mother leaned forward, studying his face. ¡°Does this have something to do with her?¡±


    Ethan met his mother¡¯s gaze directly. ¡°At this point, it¡¯s merely one¨Csided interest on my part.¡±


    ¡®She¡¯s so young, Ethan.¡± His mother¡¯s voice softened with concern. ¡°She might find you¡­ too old.¡±


    His sister¨Cinwughed from the doorway. ¡°Nonsense. Ethan¡¯s only twenty¨Cnine, and he looks like he stepped out of a magazine.¡± She walked in and helped herself to coffee. ¡°Besides, some women prefer older men with experience


    and resources.¡±


    His second brother¡¯s wife nodded in agreement as she joined them. ¡°It¡¯s not about age. It¡¯s about connection. Does she seem interested at all, Ethan?¡±


    Ethan considered the question. ¡°She¡¯s hard to read. Traditional approaches don¡¯t work with her.¡±


    ¡°Then what does <b>she </b>like?¡± his mother pressed. ¡°Every young woman has something that interests her.¡±


    ¡°She likes efficiency. Direct approaches. She¡¯s not one for flowery gestures or prolonged courtship.¡± Ethan tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the table.


    <b>11:12 </b>Wed, Sep 24


    His mother and sisters¨Cinw exchanged confused nces.


    91


    ¡°Well,¡± his mother finally said, ¡°whatever her interests, I like her. She has presence, and she seems level¨Cheaded.¡± She


    patted Ethan¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t let this one slip away, son.¡±


    Ethan merely smiled, his mind already formting ns. She might be interested in the Transcendent Military


    Alliance.


    1


    Chapter Comments


    4

 Treatment 145

    Jade¡¯s POV:


    My fingers flew across the keyboard with precision that came from years of practice. Threerge monitors surrounded me, each disying different information as I monitored Danny¡¯s phone conversations through a remote hack. The rapid clicking of keys was the only sound in my otherwise silent apartment as I sorted through audio files and tracked his digital footprint.


    When my phone rang, I answered without looking, activating the speaker while continuing to type.


    ¡°Jade Morgan,¡± I said, keeping my voice neutral.


    ¡°He¡¯s awake,¡± Ethan¡¯s voice carried an unusual amount of emotion. ¡°My father just woke up.¡±


    My fingers paused for a millisecond before resuming their dance across the keyboard. I had expected this oue.


    ¡°That¡¯s good news. The treatment worked as expected,¡± I replied, eyes still scanning the monitors as a conversation between Danny and Warren Mitchell came into view on my screen.


    ¡°The doctors are calling it a miracle. They¡¯ve never seen anything like it.¡± There was a pause. ¡°Will youe see


    him? He asked about you when he heard what you did.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± I replied, adjusting my headphones as I increased the volume on Danny¡¯s conversation. ¡°Your father doesn¡¯t need me now. He needs his family.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You are the reason he¡¯s alive, Jade.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± <b>I </b>said, watching Warren Mitchell settle into a leather chair in what appeared to be an opulent office. ¡°I need to go. Something important just came up.¡±


    ¡®Jade-


    ¡®I¡¯ll call youter,¡±


    I disconnected and turned up the volume as Danny poured two sses <b>of </b>scotch and handed one to Mitchell.


    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± Danny asked, his voice tinny through my speakers.


    Mitchell swirled the amber liquid. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. William Haxton¡¯s recovery won¡¯t change anything. The toxin has already done irreversible damage to his system. My sources say he has two months, at most.¡±


    I felt my expression remain neutral, but something cold settled in my stomach.


    ¡°What about his son? Ethan seems to have stepped up quite effectively,¡± Danny observed.


    :


    91


    Mitchell¡¯sugh was cold. ¡°Ethan Haxton is exhausted. He¡¯s been running himself ragged for a year, dealing with his father¡¯s illness while managing thepany. When William dies, Ethan will be at his weakest. That¡¯s when we¡¯ll


    strike.¡±


    ¡°And the Haxton assets?¡±


    ¡°Will be ours,¡± Mitchell smiled, raising his ss. ¡°Piece by piece, we¡¯ll dismantle everything they¡¯ve built.¡±


    Danny shifted ufortably. ¡°I heard William was in bad shape two days ago. They did some procedure and rushed him home. Do you think he¡¯s¡­ you know, on his way out?¡±


    ¡°Could be,¡± Mitchell nodded. ¡°The Arctic Blue toxin is impossible to trace and even harder to treat. No one alive can neutralize it. The only person who could have created an antidote died in that Caribbean facility explosion.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help the cold smile that spread across my face. If only they knew.


    ¡°What about our meeting with the Shadow branch in Princeton?¡± Danny asked.


    ¡°In two days, on the yacht,¡± Mitchell confirmed. ¡°Everything is set. Once we get their support, we can break away from SPECTERpletely. They¡¯ve be too cautious, too slow. We need to be bold.¡±


    My phone rang again. Ethan¡¯s name shed on the screen.


    ¡°Yes?¡± I answered, still watching the monitors.


    ¡°Youughed before you hung up,¡± Ethan said. ¡°What was funny?¡±


    I raised an eyebrow, impressed by his perception. ¡°Nothing important. Just something I remembered.¡±


    ¡°Jade, if there¡¯s anything-¡±


    ¡®I have to go, Ethan. Enjoy your father¡¯s recovery. It¡¯s a big day for your family.¡±


    I ended the call and leaned back in my chair, considering Mitchell¡¯s words.


    ¡°Big ns for an old man,¡± I murmured to myself, turning back to my monitors.


    ¡°The meeting¡¯s set for Thursday night,¡± Danny¡¯s voice came through clearly. ¡°The yacht will be docked at the Hudson River Marina, slip forty¨Ctwo.¡±


    I made a note of the location and time, then switched to another screen showing Mitchell Foundation¡¯s financial records. Money flowed through various shellpanies like water through a sieve.

 Treatment 146

    ¡°Laundering millions through a charity,¡± I muttered. ¡°How original.¡±


    A


    <b>91 </b>


    I closed myptop and reached for my phone<b>, </b>quickly typing out an email to my Princeton professors requesting a two¨Cday absence due to a family emergency. They wouldn¡¯t question it¨CI had built up enough goodwill with perfect attendance and top marks.


    Standing up, I walked to my closet and pulled out a ck duffel bag. From it, I removed several small devices that looked like ordinary power banks but were actually sophisticated explosives of my own design.


    ¡°Time to prepare for a little boat trip,¡± I said to myself,ying the devices out on my bed with methodical precision.


    Two nightster, I stood at the edge of the Hudson River, watching Mitchell¡¯s massive five¨Cdeck yacht with its distinctive blue and white coloring. Men in dark suits boarded discreetly, their movements efficient and purposeful. Anyone else might have seen businessmen or yacht staff, but I recognized the subtle signs of training¨Cthe way they scanned their surroundings, how they kept their dominant hands free.


    Getting aboard was almost disappointingly easy.


    I moved through the vessel¡¯s corridors with practiced ease, my ck backpack containing everything I needed. Security cameras captured nothing but empty hallways as I bypassed their feeds with a small device clipped to my


    belt.


    I ced small explosive devices at strategic points throughout the lower decks. Each device was norger than a deck of cards, yet contained enough power to blow through a steel door.


    After nting thest device near the engine room, I made my way to the top deck. The night air was cool against my skin as I emerged from below. I had exchanged my ck infiltration clothes for an elegant navy cocktail dress I¡¯d stashed in my bag. A stolen ss of champagnepleted my disguise.


    I positioned myself by the railing, gazing out at the Manhattan skyline as if admiring the view. The timing was perfect¨Cwithin seconds, I heard footsteps approaching.


    Danny stopped short when he saw me, his security rounds interrupted by my unexpected presence.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± he said, his voice professional but confused. ¡°This area is off¨Climits to guests.¡±


    ¨C


    I turned, my movements deliberately unsteady, eyes widened in feigned surprise. ¡°Oh! I¡¯m so sorry.¡± I giggled, injecting just the right amount of intoxication into my voice. ¡°I think I got turned around. These boats are so big,


    you know?¡±


    ¡°Miss Morgan?¡± Danny said, stepping closer. ¡°Why would you been here?¡±


    11:13 Wed, Sep <b>24 </b>


    91


    ¡°I was here yesterday too,¡± I said with a conspiratorial smile. ¡°For the¡­ preview thing. The drinks were much better then.¡± I leaned closer, lowering my voice. ¡°Between us, I think someone messed with the alcohol tonight. Tastes¡­


    off.¡±


    Danny¡¯s expression shifted from confusion to rm. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Just a feeling,¡± I shrugged, watching realization dawn on his face.


    ¡°I need to tell Mr. Mitchell,¡± he said urgently, turning to leave.


    I moved with the speed that had once made me the most feared assassin in the world. My first strike targeted the nerve cluster at the base of his neck, causing his legs to buckle. The second blow, delivered as he began to fall, rendered his arms temporarily useless. The third hit¨Ca precise jab to a pressure point near his temple¨Csilenced any cry for help and sent him into unconsciousness.


    The entire takedown had taken less than two seconds.


    I caught Danny before he hit the deck, dragging his limp form to the equipment room housed within the upper deck¡¯s structure. I bound his hands and feet with zip ties from my purse and secured a gag in his mouth.


    ¡°Sleep tight. Permanently,¡± I said, patting his cheek lightly as I closed and locked the door.


    Smoothing my dress and checking my appearance in apact mirror, I headed for the stairs that would take me to the fourth deck. Warren Mitchell was waiting, though he didn¡¯t know it yet.


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 Treatment 147

    I watched Warren Mitchell pour amber liquid into three crystal sses, his movements measured and precise. The yacht¡¯s fourth¨Cfloor interior cabin was tastefully decorated with mahogany panels and soft lighting that reflected off the Hudson River through the windows. The gentle rocking of the vessel against the dock created an almost soothing rhythm.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always considered you both my children, you know,¡± Warren said<b>, </b>his voice carrying the warmth of a benevolent father as he handed sses to Umbra and Silhouette. ¡°From the day you entered training, I saw something special in


    you.¡±


    I nearlyughed at the performance. Warren had always been good at ying the caring mentor when it suited him.


    I lingered outside the doorway, container of gasoline in hand, listening.


    Umbra, a lean man with close¨Ccropped red hair and watchful eyes, epted the ss with a slight nod. ¡°Whether you leave the Organization or not, you will always be our mentor, sir. The skills you¡¯ve taught us have saved our


    lives countless times.¡±


    I¡¯d recognize that reverent tone anywhere. Organization loyalty at its finest¡ªor its most pathetic, depending on how you looked at it.


    Warren smiled, settling into a plush leather chair. ¡°I appreciate your loyalty. It¡¯s rare these days.¡± He swirled his drink, watching the liquid catch the light. ¡°Have you thought about my proposal?¡±


    Silhouette leaned forward, her porcin features betraying nothing. The scar along her jawline¨Ca souvenir from a mission in Prague, if I remembered correctly¨Ctightened as she spoke. ¡°You¡¯re asking us to leave the Organization. That¡¯s not a small request. There would be¡­ consequences.¡±


    *The Organization isn¡¯t what it once was,¡± Warren said, his voice hardening. ¡°They treat me like a puppet¨Cunwilling to let me leave yet refusing to give me real authority.¡± He took a small sip of his drink. ¡°Do you know what happened to the others in our special unit? Shadow and Dusk are both dead. Failed missions, they said.¡±


    My fingers tightened around the handle of the container.


    ¡°The Organization is changing, bing more¡­ experimental. Less about the art of our work and more about control.¡± He leaned forward, lowering his voice. ¡°The Haxton family in New York is already under my influence. Soon, they¡¯ll bepletely under my control.¡±


    ¡°And what would that mean for us?¡± Silhouette asked, her nail tapping against her ss in a rhythm that betrayed


    her interest.


    Warren¡¯s smile widened. ¡°The Haxton fortune wouldn¡¯t just be mine. It would be ours. Together, we could build something even greater than what the Organization ever offered us.¡±


    I¡¯d heard enough. I pushed the door open with enough force to rattle the hinges and stepped in, carrying my stic container of gasoline. The acrid smell of fuel immediately permeated the luxurious space, cutting through the refined scents of polished wood and expensive liquor.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that touching?¡± I said, kicking the door closed behind me. ¡°I had no idea Warren Mitchell was so good at charity work. Your brainwashing technique is equally impressive.¡±


    Umbra immediately tensed, his hand moving toward his concealed weapon. Something in my smile made him hesitate¨Ca flicker of recognition crossing his face. Good. Let him wonder.


    Warren¡¯s face showed only mild surprise, a testament to decades of control. ¡°Miss Morgan?¡±


    91


    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous,¡± I said, addressing all three of them as I scanned the room. ¡°I¡¯m just here to catch up with an old friend.¡± I set the container down with deliberate care, enjoying the hollow sound it made against the polished floor.


    Warren gestured to an empty chair, his si ring catching the light. ¡°Please, join us then.¡±


    I took the seat, keeping my movements fluid and controlled. Warren¡¯s eyes narrowed as he assessed me. I could practically feel the killing intent radiating from him¨Cpoorly concealed.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t help overhearing your little recruitment speech,¡± I said, nodding toward the sses. ¡°How¡¯s the drink? Tasty enough for you?¡± I smiled, savoring the moment just before my n unfolded.


    Umbra suddenly clutched his stomach, his face contorting in pain. The ss slipped from his fingers, shattering on the floor. Beside him, Silhouette began to cough violently, her hand going to her throat as she doubled over. Red splotches appeared on her pale neck, spreading rapidly.


    ¡°What¡­ what is this?¡± Umbra gasped, looking at his ss in horror as sweat beaded on his forehead.


    I leaned back, crossing my legs, feeling a cold satisfaction as I watched the poison take effect. ¡°Just a little something I formted. Derived from ¡®Arctic Blue.¡¯ Familiar with it, Warren?¡±


    Warren¡¯s face paled, hisposure cracking for the first time. The ss in his hand trembled slightly. ¡°How do you know about Arctic Blue?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer. Instead, I watched as Umbra lunged at me, his movements hampered by the growing pain in his chest. I sidestepped with ease, grabbing his arm and smashing his head against the wall with enough force to crack the wood paneling. The sound of splintering wood echoed through the cabin.


    Leave the Organization,¡± I said calmly, holding Umbra against the wall, my grip unbreakable despite his struggles. ¡°And I might consider letting you live.¡± I felt blood from his temple wet my fingers.


    Silhouette, despite the burning sensation spreading through her chest, drew a knife from a hidden sheath at her thigh. I recognized the movement before she¡¯d evenpleted it. In one fluid motion, I released Umbra and pulled a knife from my waistband, slicing through the tendons in Silhouette¡¯s wrist. Her knife ttered to the floor.


    Warren stared at the de in my hand, recognition dawning in his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s Danny¡¯s knife.¡±


    <b>I </b>smiled coldly. ¡°Was. Danny won¡¯t be needing it anymore. Neither will most of your crew upstairs.¡± I¡¯d made sure of that beforeing down here.


    Silhouette, clutching her injured wrist, blood seeping between her fingers and dripping onto the polished floor, looked between me and Warren. ¡°Who are you? What¡¯s your connection to Shadow?¡±


    <b>91 </b>


    I raised an eyebrow, amused by the question. ¡°Shadow? You mean the assassin who was captured by the Organization and died in that explosion on their private ind in the Caribbean? The one they were experimenting on?¡± The words tasted bitter in my mouth, memories of pain and betrayal rising to the surface.


    Umbra and Silhouette exchanged shocked nces. ¡°What experiments?¡± Umbra demanded, blood trickling from his


    temple.


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± I replied, twirling the knife between my fingers. ¡°You¡¯ll be dead soon anyway. Unless¡­¡± I let the word hang in the air, watching hope and fear war in their eyes.


    ¡°Give us the antidote,¡± Silhouette said, her voice strained as she fought against the burning pain spreading through her body.


    I shrugged. ¡°Maybe. After I kill this old man, if you¡¯re still alive, we can discuss it.¡± I turned my attention back to Warren, who remained unnaturally still, his eyes never leaving me.


    ¡°You¡¯ve managed to live longer than I expected. It¡¯s annoying.¡± I adjusted my position slightly, ready to move at the slightest provocation.


    ¡°Who sent you?¡± Warren asked, his hand inching toward his walking stick.


    Iughed, the sound hollow even to my own ears. ¡°No one sent me, Warren. I came to kill you. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡±


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 148

    <b>Chapter </b><b>148 </b>


    <b>91 </b>


    Warren¡¯s eyes narrowed, calcting. In one swift motion, he grabbed his walking stick and lunged at me. I dodged easily, but was impressed by his speed¨Cnot bad for a man his age.


    ¡°You think you can kill me?¡± Warren sneered, twirling the walking stick with practiced ease. ¡°People better than you have tried. The assassins who could kill me haven¡¯t even been born yet, little girl.¡±


    I circled him slowly, a predator sizing up wounded prey. ¡°Is that what you think?¡±


    He attacked again, the walking stick transforming into a deadly weapon in his hands. I blocked his strikes, our movements creating a deadly dance across the cabin. The rich scent of polished wood mixed with the acrid smell of gasoline as we fought, furniture splintering under ourbined force.


    For a few minutes, we were evenly matched. Warren¡¯s decades of experiencepensated for his age, each strike precise and efficient. No wasted movement. ssic Shadow Organization training.


    Then I noticed it¨Ca slight tremor in his left hand. The poison was beginning to work.


    ¡°Feeling a bit sluggish, Warren?¡± I taunted, easily sidestepping his next attack. ¡°Maybe you should have checked your drink more carefully.¡±


    Rage shed across his face. He redoubled his efforts, but his movements were bing increasingly uncoordinated. His walking stick swung wide, missing me by inches. I caught it mid¨Cswing and yanked, sending it flying across the room.


    ¡°Too slow,¡± I said,nding a precise strike to his kidney.


    Warren grunted in pain but recovered quickly, throwing a punch that would have shattered my jaw if it had connected. I ducked and swept his legs from under him. He managed to roll away and stagger back to his feet, but his breathing was bingbored.


    ¡°Still too slow,¡± Imented, delivering a series of rapid strikes to his torso.


    Warren stumbled backward, his face contorting as he fought against the poison¡¯s effects. ¡°You¡¯ve been¡­ trained,¡± he gasped, recognition dawning in his eyes.


    ¡°By the best,¡± I replied,nding a crushing blow to his right knee. The crack of bone breaking echoed through the cabin.


    Warren copsed to one knee but refused to scream. Even now, his training held. He attempted to grab me, but I easily avoided his grasp.


    ¡°Not fast enough,¡± I said, breaking his left arm at the elbow.


    This time he couldn¡¯t suppress a howl of pain. I circled behind him, snapping his right arm next. He fell forward,


    face contorted in agony.


    91


    ¡°You know,¡± I said conversationally, ¡°this is nothingpared to what I endured in thatb of yours for six months.¡±


    I methodically broke his other knee, then stood over him as hey helpless on the polished floor.


    ¡°You¡­ who¡­¡± Warren¡¯s eyes widened in sudden recognition as he stared up at me. ¡°That fighting style¡­ you can¡¯t


    be¡­¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t I?¡± I knelt beside him, grabbing his chin and forcing him to look at me. ¡°Don¡¯t you recognize me, ¡®Father¡®? I was your proudest child, after all.¡±


    Horror dawned in his eyes. ¡°Shadow? Impossible¡­ you died in the explosion.¡±


    ¡°Oh, but I am,¡± I whispered. ¡°And I¡¯m going to make sure you and every other old guy of Shadow Organization pays for what you did. You¡¯re just the first, King of Hearts.¡±


    With surgical precision, I crushed his throat, watching as the life drained from his eyes.


    I stood up, surveying the room. Umbra and Silhouette had already stopped breathing, their faces frozen in expressions of agony.


    ¡°Bad luck, guys,¡± I murmured, unscrewing the cap from the gasoline container. ¡°Wrong ce, wrong time.¡±


    I methodically sshed gasoline around the cabin, making sure to soak Warren¡¯s body thoroughly. I struck a match, watching the me dance for a moment before dropping it onto his chest.


    Fire exploded across his body, hungry mes licking at the expensive furnishings. I backed toward the door, watching as Warren Mitchell was consumed by fire.


    ¡°Goodbye, King of Hearts,¡± I said to the inferno. ¡°Tell the devil I sent you.¡±


    I slipped out of the cabin, closing the door behind me. Already I could hear shouts of rm as the crew noticed the smoke. Perfect timing¨Cwe¡¯d just docked.


    I made my way to the fourth¨Cfloor deck, ncing at my watch. One minutes until the first explosion. Guards were rushing toward the smoke, barely noticing me as I moved against the flow of traffic,


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    SHADE

 Treatment 149

    Reaching the railing, I looked down. More of Warren¡¯s security team had gathered on the third deck, probably looking for Danny. They spotted me and immediately drew their weapons.


    ¡°Stop right there!¡± one of them shouted.


    I smiled and vaulted over the railing, dropping to the second deck.


    The first explosion rocked the yacht, sending several guards stumbling. I used the distraction to break through their circle, heading for the edge of the deck. Just as I prepared to jump to the dock below, a familiar ck Maybach screeched to a halt at the pier.


    Ethan Haxton burst from the car, looking up at the yacht with rm. Our eyes met, and without hesitation, I leapt from the deck.


    Ethan rushed forward, catching me as Inded. The impact sent us both stumbling backward, but he kept his footing, arms wrapped tightly around me.


    A second, muchrger explosion tore through the yacht behind us. Ethan instinctively shielded me, covering my body with his as debris rained down around us.


    <b>¡°</b>Are you okay?¡± he demanded, scanning me for injuries.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I said, straightening up. ¡°But we should probably move. There¡¯s more bombs.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes widened, and he grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the car where Connor waited behind the wheel. We dove into the backseat just as the third explosion ripped through the yacht, this one powerful enough to shatter windows in nearby buildings.


    ¡°Go!¡± Ethan ordered, and Connor elerated away from the pier.


    Through the rear window, I watched the luxury yacht be engulfed in mes, secondary explosions continuing to tear it apart. Warren¡¯s security team had abandoned their posts, jumping into the river to escape the inferno.


    ¡®Jesus Christ, Connor muttered, eyes flicking to the rearview mirror.


    I settled back into the leather seat, saying nothing. Ethan was staring at me, his expression unreadable.


    ¡®Is he dead?¡® he finally asked.


    ¡°Warren Mitchell is a pile of ash,¡± I replied calmly.


    Ethan nodded slowly. ¡°And you couldn¡¯t have mentioned this n to me beforehand because¡­?¡±


    ¡°Because I can do this alone.¡±


    :


    We rode in silence back to my apartment. Connor, sensing the tension, kept his eyes on the road and his mouth


    shut.


    In my apartment, I stepped out of the shower, wincing as I examined the bruises and scrapes covering my body. Warren had gotten in a few good hits before the poison fully took effect. Nothing serious, but enough to be annoying.


    I pulled on a loose t¨Cshirt and shorts, then padded into the living room where Ethan was pacing.


    ¡°Is that hurt?¡± he said immediately, gesturing to the marks visible on my arms and legs.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I replied, toweling my hair dry. ¡°Mitchell was good, but he was slow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point,¡± Ethan said, frustration evident in his voice. ¡°You went after a professional killer without backup.¡±


    ¡°I had backup,¡± I countered. ¡°You were there exactly when I needed you to be.¡±


    Ethan ran a hand through his hair, messing up his usually perfect style. ¡°That¡¯s not¨CGod, you¡¯re impossible.¡±


    I tilted my head, amused by his outburst. ¡°You know, you might want to try some cold water to calm down, Mr.


    Haxton.¡±


    (91)


    Ethan stared at me for a long moment, then abruptly stripped off his suit jacket and stormed into the bathroom. I heard the water running and smiled to myself.


    I followed him and found him frantically sshing cold water on his face. I leaned against the doorframe, watching him for a moment before stepping forward and catching his hands in mine.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± I said softly. ¡°You¡¯ll give yourself a headache.¡±


    Ethan refused to look at me, water dripping from his face. I reached up, gently pressing my thumbs against his temples in small circr motions.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked, his voice slightly hoarse.


    ¡°Pressure points,¡± I exined. ¡°Helps release dopamine. Makes you feel better.¡±


    I continued the gentle massage, feeling the tension gradually leave his body. After a few minutes, Ethan sighed and finally met my eyes.


    ¡°Sorry, I was overreacting,¡± he said quietly. ¡°I was just too worried.¡±

 Treatment 150

    I nodded, my fingers still pressing against Ethan¡¯s temples. His breathing had slowed, the tense lines around his mouth softening. I could feel the heat of his skin against my fingertips, the steady rhythm of his pulse just beneath the surface. The dim lighting of my apartment cast shadows across his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jawline.


    ¡°Find anything?¡± I asked, breaking the silence between us.


    Ethan¡¯s green eyes locked with mine. ¡°I¡¯ve been investigating Warren Mitchell too,¡± he said, his voice low and controlled now. ¡°We discovered he was responsible for poisoning my father.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°How did you suddenly trace it back to him?¡±


    Ethan reached up, gently taking my wrist and pulling my hand away from his face. Instead of releasing it, he held it between his own, his thumb absently tracing circles on my palm. The unexpected intimacy of the gesture caught me off guard, but I didn¡¯t pull away.


    ¡°You gave me the clues, Jade.¡± His gaze was intense, searching. ¡°When you appeared at that auction, I knew something was wrong. Your interest in Mitchell seemed¡­ personal.¡±


    I remained silent, processing his words. Ethan continued, his grip on my hand tightening slightly.


    ¡°It made me look closer at Warren Mitchell.¡± He paused. ¡°Before I could think too much about it, my father¡¯s condition deteriorated. Then I noticed you creating poison in thatb¨Cand I realized you were nning something big. The target had to be dangerous, maybe even had backup. You were making sure there¡¯d be no mistakes, right?¡±


    I watched him carefully, impressed despite myself at his powers of observation. For someone born into privilege, he had remarkably sharp instincts.


    ¡°So after your father recovered¡­¡± I prompted, curious about how much he¡¯d managed to piece together.


    I immediately started digging into Warren¡¯s background.¡± Ethan nodded. ¡°And I found inconsistencies. His


    documented history only went back about fifteen years¨Cjust around the time he emerged in New York¡¯s social scene, Before that? Nothing substantial.¡±


    Ethan shifted, still holding my hand. ¡°I also discovered that my father met with Warren at a charity g shortly before he was poisoned. For the past year, I¡¯ve quietly investigated everyone who came into contact with my father. Warren and my father were barely acquaintances¨Cjust nodding terms. When my father fell ill, Warren wasn¡¯t even on my radar,¡±


    His jaw tightened, a muscle flexing beneath the skin. ¡°Time was running out. I hadn¡¯t confirmed Warren¡¯s true identity yet<b>, </b>but when I heard he¡¯d be on that yacht tonight¡­¡± Ethan¡¯s eyes met mine. ¡°I knew you¡¯d make your


    move.¡±


    I pulled up a video on my phone. The surveince footage showed Warren and Danny discussing ns to poison


    Ethan and recruit the Shadow Organization¡¯s Princeton branch to expand his power base.


    (91)


    Ethan¡¯s face hardened as he watched, his expression darkening with each word. ¡°Shadow Organization?¡± he repeated, a question in his voice.


    I nodded once, watching his reaction carefully.


    ¡°What happened on that yacht?¡± he asked, his expression unreadable. ¡°Was there¡­ resistance?¡±


    I almostughed. ¡°Just one person who could actually put up a fight,¡± I said with a dismissive shrug.


    Ethan studied me for a moment, his eyes tracking across my face as if searching for something. ¡°You moved quickly. Was it because you didn¡¯t want to miss the opportunity to get him, or were you worried they¡¯de after me next?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve helped me more than once,¡± I said neutrally. ¡°Consider tonight my repayment. I don¡¯t like being in debt.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s expression softened slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting in a half¨Csmile. ¡°Next time something like thises up, tell me. Warren was ourmon enemy¨Cyou didn¡¯t have to handle it alone. I can help.¡±


    I nodded vaguely, though we both knew I had no intention of involving him in my future ns against the Organization.


    ¡°Will you do that thing with my temples again?¡± he asked suddenly, his voice quieter. ¡°It really does help.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow, surprised by the request, but nodded. ¡°Lie down first.¡±


    As his eyes closed under my touch, I allowed myself a small smile. Powerful billionaire Ethan Haxton, reduced to putty by a simple pressure point technique. It was almost endearing.


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Connor eyed Ethan with barely concealed amusement as he approached the car waiting outside Jade¡¯s apartment building. Connor leaned against the sleek ck vehicle, his smirk visible even in the dim street lighting.


    ¡°Did you fall in the bathroom up there, boss?¡± He gestured to Ethan¡¯s temples, which were flushed red. ¡°Your hair is damp too. Everything okay?¡±


    Ethan shot him a withering re, straightening his slightly rumpled suit jacket.


    Connor cleared his throat, wisely changing the subject. ¡°So Warren Mitchell was her target all along.¡± His voice dropped to a thoughtful murmur. ¡°Must have been some serious bad blood there. I mean, that amount of explosives¡­¡± He whistled low. ¡°When we cross Mr. Haxton, we get fired. Cross Miss Morgan, and you get blown to kingdome.¡±


    :


    He paused, a look of realization crossing his face. ¡°Wait, remember that mercenary camp in Venezu? The one belonging ton Matthews that mysteriously exploded? Was that-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really dumb, Connor,¡± Ethan cut him off, sliding into the car¡¯s back seat. The leather was cool against his back, a stark contrast to the warmth of Jade¡¯s apartment.


    Connor¡¯s eyes widened as he started the engine. ¡°You knew. You knew from the beginning it was her.¡±


    Ethan didn¡¯t respond, pulling out his phone instead. He typed a quick message to Jade:


    <i>When </i>you jumped <i>from </i><i>that </i><i>yacht</i><i>, </i><i>were </i><i>you </i><i>absolutely </i><i>certain </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>catch </i><i>you</i><i>? </i>


    Connor was still talking as they pulled away from the curb. ¡°What do you need me to do about tonight?¡±


    91


    ¡°Help the police quietly tie up loose ends,¡± Ethan instructed, watching the city lights blur past the window. ¡°And see that Warren Mitchell¡¯s assets get appropriately reallocated. The river conservation fund could use a boost.


    Whatever¡¯s left goes to the government.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s phone buzzed with Jade¡¯s reply:


    <i>You </i><i>seem </i><i>physically </i><i>capable</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>trusted </i><i>you </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>let </i><i>me </i><i>fall</i>.


    As she hit send, she rolled her eyes. What she didn¡¯t add was: <i>If </i><i>you </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>catch </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯d be </i>too <i>pathetic</i>.


    On a private ind thousands of miles away, SPECTER stared at the secure message on his tablet. The sleek device contrasted with the antique wooden desk where he sat, surrounded by books and artifacts that spoke of old wealth and power.


    Warren Mitchell, Umbra, and Silhouette¨Call dead. The Princeton branch of the Shadow Organization had lost its leadership in a single night.


    ¡°Explosion?¡± he muttered incredulously, his eyes narrowed as he frowned. ¡°That¡¯s no coincidence.¡±


    He stood, pacing across the oriental rug that covered the hardwood floor.


    He tapped a series ofmands into the tablet, his fingers moving with practiced efficiency. The screen illuminated his face in the dimly lit room, casting harsh shadows across his scary features.


    ¡°Find out what really happened,¡± he ordered to the operative on the other end of the secure line. ¡°Someone is targeting us specifically. I want to know who.¡±

 Treatment 151

    <b>Chapter </b><b>151 </b>


    :


    <b>58 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    The yacht explosion dominated every news channel the next morning. I sipped my coffee, flipping through different stations on my phone. CNN, FOX, even the localworks¨Call showing the same footage of mes engulfing the luxury vessel, illuminating the night sky over Hudson River.


    ¡°¡­authorities are investigating what appears to be a fuel system malfunction coupled with operator error,¡± a blonde reporter stated confidently, the burning yacht framed perfectly behind her. ¡°The FBI has confirmed that there were


    no civilian casualties in the incident.¡±


    The camera panned to show Ethan himself, looking appropriately concerned in an impable navy suit as he ¡°assisted¡± the FBI with their investigation. His PR team had clearly worked overtime.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton, who was in the vicinity at the time of the explosion, has been cooperating fully with authorities,¡± the reporter continued.


    I switched to social media, where the truth was harder to suppress. Videos taken by onlookers showed the massive explosion that had ripped through the yacht¨Cfar more violent than any fuel leak could cause.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t no damn fuel leak!¡± one eyewitness had posted. ¡°The whole thing EXPLODED in chunks. I saw it with my own eyes. #Conspiracy #TruthMatters¡±


    Anotherment read: ¡°FBI says no casualties but I literally saw people on that boat minutes before it went up. Where did they go? Teleport?¡±


    I closed my phone with a smirk.


    ¡°Jade, did you hear about that yacht that explodedst night?¡± Chase Astor slid into the seat across from me at the campus dining hall, his eyes wide with excitement. ¡°The whole thing blew up into nothing but splinters. It¡¯s all over


    the news.¡±


    I kept my expression neutral as I stirred my coffee. ¡°I saw something about it.¡±


    ¡°The FBI is saying it was a fuel leak.¡± Chase leaned closer, lowering his voice. ¡°But that¡¯splete bullshit. Do they think we¡¯re all idiots? I¡¯ve seen fuel fires on boats before¨Cthey don¡¯t blow the entire vessel to pieces.¡±


    ¡°The weather¡¯s been pretty drytely,¡± I offered, taking a bite of my sandwich. ¡°Static electricity, fuel vapors¡­ it happens.¡±


    Chase looked at me like I¡¯d suggested the earth was t. ¡°Come on, Jade. You can¡¯t possibly believe that.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your theory then?¡± I asked, finally giving him my full attention.


    :


    He nced around before whispering, ¡°I think it was ISIS or some extremist group. Maybe a test run for something bigger. Why else would the FBI be covering it up?¡±


    I almostughed at how far off he was. ¡°Maybe,¡± I said, turning back to my food. ¡°Or maybe it was just a rich guy with a poorly maintained boat.¡±


    Chase shook his head, clearly disappointed by myck of imagination. ¡°Whatever you say, Morgan. I¡¯m just telling you¨Csomething¡¯s not right about this whole thing.¡±


    58


    ¡°When is anything ever right in this world?¡± I muttered, but Chase had already turned away to share his conspiracy


    theories with someone more receptive at the next table.


    The autumn breeze swept across the Princeton campus, rustling the orange and red leaves that had begun to fall from the trees. I spotted Max immediately, standing near the entrance to the main quad. He was wearing a dark hoodie and a long¨Csleeve shirt. The outfit suited his lean frame, and I noticed several female students ncing his


    way as they passed.


    Despite his limp, Max carried himself with quiet dignity. His dark hair fell across his forehead in a way that partially concealed his eyes behind his sses, giving him a mysterious quality that seemed to intrigue the passersby.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said, approaching him.


    Max¡¯s face brightened when he saw me. ¡°Hey, Jade. Thanks for inviting me.¡±


    ¡°No problem. How¡¯s school?¡± I asked, falling into step beside him as we walked through campus.


    ¡°Better than expected. The physics program is challenging, but in a good way.¡±


    I nodded, aware of the whispers following us.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that guy with Jade Morgan?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Is that her boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re wearing matching outfits. Definitely a couple.¡±


    Max heard them too, his cheeks flushing slightly. ¡°Sorry about the attention,¡± I said.

 Treatment 152

    <b>Chapter </b><b>152 </b>


    He shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m used to being stared at, just for different reasons usually.¡±


    I nced at his outfit again. ¡°The clothes look good on you.¡±


    ??))


    ¡°Ethan picked them out,¡± Max said, his voice a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. ¡°He has surprisingly good taste.¡±


    ¡°He does,¡± I agreed. ¡°So, ready to meet your hero?¡±


    Max¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡±


    Edward Sheldon was already waiting at the campus coffee shop when we arrived. His tall frame was hunched over aptop, fingers flying across the keyboard. He nced up as we approached, his serious expression giving way to a


    smile.


    ¡°Jade,¡± he said, standing. His eyes flicked to Max with curious interest.


    ¡°Edward, this is my brother, Max Morgan,¡± I said. ¡°Max, Edward Sheldon.¡±


    Max froze, his hands suddenly gripping the strap of his messenger bag so tightly his knuckles turned white. I could practically feel his nervous energy.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re Edward Sheldon,¡± Max stammered, staring at Edward with undisguised awe. ¡°The Edward Sheldon.¡±


    I nudged him gently. ¡°You¡¯ve been talking about him for months. I figured you might want to meet him in person.¡±


    Edward extended his hand, smiling warmly. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m Edward. Nice to meet you offline.¡±


    Max shook his hand like it might shatter. ¡°I¡¯ve watched all your physicspetition videos and your TED talk on quantum mechanics three times.¡±


    ¡°Oh God, those videos are embarrassing,¡± Edwardughed, gesturing for us to sit.


    I sat back, watching as the two of them carefully navigated the conversation, asionally ncing my way with a mixture of respect and apprehension. They seemed to be deliberately keeping their discussion surface¨Clevel, despite clearly wanting to dive deeper intoplex theories.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± I said, amused by their awkward dance around the topic. ¡°You don¡¯t have to water down your physics talk


    on my ount.¡±


    ¡­


    58


    They exchanged a knowing look, and Edwardughed nervously. ¡°It just feels a bit like¡­ you know¡­ showing off our toy cars to a Form 1 driver.¡±


    That was all it took to break the ice. For the next hour, I sipped my coffee and watched as Max came alive, debating and theorizing with someone who shared his passion. It was a side of my brother I rarely saw¨Cconfident, animated, his hands gesturing enthusiastically as he exined concepts that Edward eagerly challenged.


    When it was time to leave, Edward added Max on Discord. ¡°We should continue this conversation,¡± he said. ¡°Your perspective on the Copenhagen interpretation is really thought¨Cprovoking.¡±


    Max nodded eagerly, practically vibrating with excitement.


    As we walked toward the campus gates where Max¡¯s Uber would pick him up, my brother was still buzzing with


    energy.


    ¡°Jade,¡± Max hesitated, then asked quietly, ¡°Is he¡­ is he like Ethan is with you?¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You know¡­¡± Max looked at his shoes. ¡°Interested.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°I¡¯m a fascinating person, Max. People tend to find me interesting.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    ¡°I know what you meant.¡± I nudged his shoulder yfully. ¡°My physics knowledge actually surpasses Edward¡¯s, so if you¡¯re going to worship someone, it might as well be me.¡±


    Max smiled. ¡°Thanks for today, Jade. Really.¡±


    As his Uber pulled up, I gave him a quick hug. ¡°Text me when you get home.¡±


    My phone buzzed with a message from Max. He¡¯d sent me a screenshot of a conversation with Ethan Haxton. I frowned slightly, scanning the exchange.


    Ethan had messaged him first: <i>How </i>was Princeton?


    Max had responded with surprise: It was good. How did you know I was there?


    Ethan¡¯s reply made me raise an eyebrow; I¡¯m a Princeton alum. I check the campus Reddit asionally<i>. </i>Someone <i>posted </i><i>a photo </i>of <i>you </i><i>and </i>Edward Sheldon with Jade at the coffee shop.


    :


    The screenshot showed Max¡¯s embarrassed exnation: Jade took <i>me </i>to meet <i>Edward</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m <i>a </i><i>fan </i>of <i>him</i><i>. </i>


    58


    And Ethan¡¯s friendly response: <i>I </i><i>was </i><i>pretty </i>good <i>at </i><i>physics </i><i>myself</i><i>. </i><i>If </i><i>you </i><i>ever </i><i>want </i><i>a </i><i>different </i><i>perspective</i>, <i>let </i>me <i>know</i>.


    I¡¯d <i>be </i><i>happy </i>to <i>discuss </i><i>it </i><i>with </i><i>you</i>.


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 Treatment 153

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>153 </b>


    I was staring at the screenshot when a message from Ethan Haxton appeared on my screen.


    ??))


    58


    Dr. Morgan, I¡¯d like to <i>invite </i>you to dinner <i>this </i><i>weekend</i><i>. When </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>you </i><i>might </i><i>be </i><i>avable</i>? <i>My </i><i>family </i>has <i>been </i>wanting to thank <i>their </i>savior <i>properly</i><i>. </i>


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile at his formal tone. Dr. Morgan. The name felt strange I¡¯d performed surgery exactly once in this lifetime, yet here was Ethan Haxton treating me like I had decades of medical experience.


    My response was predictably polite but evasive, mentioning my busy schedule.


    Ethan replied quickly: <i>I </i><i>understand </i><ipletely</i>. <i>If </i><i>you </i><i>prefer</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>could </i><i>arrange </i><i>something </i><i>smaller </i><i>¨C </i><i>just </i>my <i>parents</i>. <i>I </i><i>get </i><i>the </i><i>impression </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>enjoy </i><i>crowds</i>.


    I had answered with a simple ¡°I¡¯ll see,¡± to which Ethan had responded with gratitude.


    Hisst message made me pause: <i>The </i><i>weather¡¯s </i><i>turning </i><i>colder</i>. <i>Remember </i>to <i>dress </i><i>warmly</i>.


    I closed my phone, oddly affected by such a mundane concern. When was thest time anyone had reminded me to


    dress for the weather?


    Two days before Philip Thornton¡¯s birthday celebration, I found myself standing outside a jewelry store in the upscale part of downtown. Crystal Vault looked remarkably unassuming from the outside a modest storefront with frosted windows that revealed nothing of whaty beyond the heavy wooden door.


    ¨C


    Inside was a different story. The space opened into a sanctuary of wealth and taste ¨C antique rosewood disy cases lined the walls, illuminated by handcrafted ss fixtures designed by some Italian master whose name I¡¯d forgotten. A tea service worth more than most cars sat casually on a side table.


    ¡°Miss Morgan!¡± The elderly store manager practically glided across the polished floor toward me, his face lighting up with genuine pleasure. ¡°What an honor. The owner specifically instructed us to take excellent care of you should you


    visit.¡®


    I nodded slightly. ¡°How is he these days?¡±


    ¡°Very well, miss. Would you care to go upstairs for some tea? I could prepare-¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± I cut him off. I¡¯m just here to pick up something. Then I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±


    The manager nodded quickly. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll retrieve it immediately.¡±


    While waiting, I wandered toward a disy case housing a particrly striking crystal. A Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline, if I wasn¡¯t mistaken. The vibrant turquoise¨Cblue stone had minimal inclusions, set in a simple tinum


    :


    setting that emphasized its natural beauty rather than overwhelming it.


    The bell above the door chimed, and I nced up to see Aurelia Sullivan striding in like she owned the ce. Her designer boots clicked aggressively against the marble floor as she made her way to the counter, barely acknowledging the staff who greeted her.


    Her gazended on me, then shifted to the tourmaline I¡¯d been examining. Something calcting shed in her


    eyes.


    ¡°I want that one,¡± she announced, pointing at the tourmaline. The sales associate looked flustered, ncing between <ol><li>us. </li></ol>


    ¡°I apologize, Ms. Sullivan, but this customer was-¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s looking?¡± Aurelia scoffed, giving me a dismissive once¨Cover. ¡°Look at her. Does she look like someone who can


    afford it?¡±


    I said nothing, allowing my face to remain expressionless while she continued.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it. Now.¡±


    The door chimed again, and an older woman who shared Aurelia¡¯s features hurried in. ¡°Aurelia, don¡¯t just run off like that. I was-¡± She stopped, noticing the tension. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, is everything alright?¡±


    ¡°Your daughter wants the tourmaline crystal I was looking at,¡± I said calmly.


    The woman smiled apologetically. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. She¡¯s been in a difficult moodtely. Aurelia, we can look at other pieces.¡±


    ¡°No, Mother.¡± Aurelia¡¯s voice hardened. ¡°I want this one specifically.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s two hundred and eighty thousand dors.¡±


    Aurelia¡¯s lips curled into a smug smile. ¡°I¡¯ll pay three hundred and thirty thousand.¡±


    I recognized the vindictiveness in her eyes. This was about the auction where I¡¯d forced her to overpay for the


    Cartier brooch.


    ¡°Price goes to the highest bidder,¡± I agreed, stepping back from the disy. ¡°You win.¡±


    Her expression faltered, clearly expecting more resistance. ¡°That¡¯s it? You¡¯re just giving up?¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s yours. Congrattions.¡±


    Aurelia narrowed her eyes. ¡°Are you some kind of dealer? Looking to flip gems for profit?¡±


    17:12 Wed, Sep 24 G..


    :


    I smiled thinly. ¡°If I can¡¯t afford it, as you suggested, how could I be a dealer?¡±


    ¡°Then why were you even looking at it?¡± Her voice rose.


    ¡°Aurelia,¡± her mother warned.


    ¡°No, Mother. I want to know what game she¡¯s ying.¡±


    ¡°The only game here is the one you started,¡± I replied. ¡°You want the stone. You bid higher. It¡¯s yours. Unless you can¡¯t actually afford it and you¡¯re trying to save face?¡±


    Aurelia¡¯s face flushed with anger. ¡°I could buy this entire store if I wanted.¡±


    The manager returned then, carrying a small velvet box. ¡°Miss Morgan, your item is ready.¡±


    He opened the box, revealing a spectacr amethyst crystal that made the tourmaline Aurelia coveted look like costume jewelry. The craftsmanship was impable, the deep purple stone catching light in ways that suggested exceptional rity and cut.


    <b>58 </b>


    ¡°The redesign has beenpleted to your specifications,¡± he exined. ¡°We also created these matching earrings from the smaller crystals, as you requested. Extremely rare Uruguayan amethyst of this purity is virtually impossible


    to find.¡±


    Aurelia¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I want that amethyst instead. How much is it?¡±


    The manager looked ufortable. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Sullivan. This is Miss Morgan¡¯s personal property. It¡¯s not for


    sale.¡±


    ¡°Everything has a price,¡± Aurelia insisted.


    I took the box, examining the amethyst with satisfaction. ¡°Not this.¡± I snapped the case shut. ¡°Thank you for keeping it safe.¡±


    As I headed for the door, Aurelia called after me. ¡°You can¡¯t just¨Cwho do you think you are?¡±


    I paused, turning slightly. ¡°They won¡¯t sell it because they don¡¯t have that right. The crystal was mine to begin with.¡± I nced around the store. ¡°So was this ce.¡±


    Aurelia¡¯s jaw dropped.


    I addressed the manager without looking back. ¡°Let her buy the tourmaline she bid on. Then add her to the


    cklist.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that!¡± Aurelia sputtered, ¡°Who do you think you are? What gives you the right?¡±


    The manager¡¯s voice was steady, ¡°She does have that right, Ms. Sullivan.¡±


    :


    ¡°This is ridiculous! My family has connections! Do you want to stay in business?¡±


    I was already at the door when I heard Aurelia¡¯s mother whisper urgently, ¡°Aurelia, stop. Do you know who owns. Crystal Vault? Their influence¡­ we shouldn¡¯t make enemies here.¡±


    The door closed behind me, cutting off Aurelia¡¯s indignant response. I slipped the velvet box into my bag and headed toward campus, a small smile ying on my lips.


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 Treatment 154

    Author¡¯s POV:


    ¡­


    :>))


    Jade Morgan was reviewing Max¡¯s calculus homework at her dining table when her phone buzzed with an iing call from Philip Thornton.


    ¡°Miss Morgan, how are you?¡± His voice carried that distinctive mix of authority and warmth that had made him such an effective administrator.


    ¡°I¡¯m well, President Thornton. Is everything alright?¡± Jade asked.


    He chuckled. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine. I¡¯m calling about something personal, actually. My family is insisting on throwing me a sixtieth birthday celebration this weekend, and I¡¯d like you to attend.¡±


    Jade paused. Social gatherings, especially ones filled with academic elites and their families, weren¡¯t exactly her idea of a good time.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s short notice,¡± he continued, a hint of resignation in his tone. ¡°Between us, I tried to talk them out of it. At my age, birthdays are just reminders that your knees hurt more than they didst year.¡±


    That pulled a small smile from her. ¡°Congrattions on reaching sixty, sir.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t congratte me for getting old, Morgan,¡± he grumbled, but she could hear the smile in his voice. ¡°Look, other students cane or not, I don¡¯t really care. But you have to be there. I already don¡¯t want to do this whole song and dance, and if you¡¯re not there, this old man will be even more miserable.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    The Thornton estate sat on three manicured acres in the most exclusive part of Princeton. As Jade¡¯s Koenigsegg One:1 purred up the circr driveway, she could see valets scrambling to park Bentleys, Rolls¨CRoyces, and the asional Ferrari ¨C the standard uniform of America¡¯s elite.


    The house was already packed, with waitstaff in crisp ck and white weaving through clusters of guests carrying trays of champagne and hors d¡¯oeuvres.


    Philip Thornton stood near the entrance, greeting new arrivals. Despite being the center of attention, he looked like he¡¯d rather be anywhere else. When he spotted Jade, genuine relief washed over his face.


    ¡°Morgan! You made it.¡± He excused himself from the couple he¡¯d been speaking with and approached her. ¡°I¡¯ve been standing here smiling so long my face hurts. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve worked this hard since giving eight consecutive lectures during finals week.¡±


    ¡°Happy birthday, sir,¡± she said.


    58


    17:12 Wed, Sep 24 G..


    Before he could respond, amotion near the doorway drew their attention. Archer, CEO of Sullivan Industries, was entering with his daughter Aurelia. They both impably dressed in designer clothes that probably cost more than most people¡¯s monthly rent.


    Philip sighed and put on his host smile again. ¡°Duty calls. Make yourself at home, Jade.¡±


    Jade watched as he greeted Sullivan with a firm handshake and air¨Ckissed Aurelia on both cheeks.


    ¡°Aurelia, lovely to see you,¡± he said, his voice carrying through the hall. ¡°Remember what we discussed ¨C no more random bets with people. Your father doesn¡¯t appreciate covering those kinds of expenses.¡±


    Aurelia¡¯s face flushed.


    As Jade moved deeper into the party, Jade noticed Edward Sheldon approaching Philip with a ss of whiskey in


    hand.


    58


    ¡°Grandpa,¡± Edward said, pping Philip on the shoulder. ¡°Did you invite Jade Morgan? I heard she might being.¡±


    Philip¡¯s eyes twinkled with amusement. ¡°She¡¯s already here, Edward. And yes, she came alone.¡± He lowered his voice. ¡°She¡¯s brilliant, that one. If you¡¯re interested, now¡¯s your chance. Don¡¯t waste it.¡±


    Edward straightened his tie, looking both nervous and determined. Aurelia overheard this exchange. Her expression darkened before she abruptly turned and stalked off, muttering something about finding Catherine.


    Jade slipped away toward one of the less crowded rooms, preferring to observe rather than participate. Through the windows, she could see the driveway where amotion was unfolding.


    Chase Astor had spotted her car and was circling it like a kid at a candy store, his excitement visible even from a distance. He kept pointing at various features to an older man who seemed increasingly irritated.


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    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 155

    ¡°For God¡¯s sake, Chase,¡± she heard the man ¨C presumably Astor senior ¨C say. ¡°It¡¯s just a car. Show some dignity.¡±


    ¡°Just a car?¡± Chase looked scandalized. ¡®Grandfather, this is a Koenigsegg One:1! There are only six of these in the entire world! Six! And one is right here at Philip¡¯s birthday party!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s the only one in the universe,¡± his grandfather snapped. ¡°We¡¯re here for Philip¡¯s birthday, not to gawk <b>at </b>automobiles. Nowe inside like a proper gentleman.¡±


    Chase hesitated, eyes still locked on Jade¡¯s car. ¡®I¡¯m going to wait and see who owns it.¡±


    ¡°Like hell you are,¡± his grandfather growled, grabbing his arm. ¡°Inside. Now.¡±


    Chase reluctantly allowed himself to be dragged toward the house, casting longing nces back at the car. Jade smiled to herself.


    She decided it was time to circte. As Jade moved through the rooms, she could feel eyes following her. Unlike every other woman at the party, she¡¯d opted for simple ck cks and a fitted cashmere sweater rather than an evening gown. The contrast was deliberate ¨C she had no interest in ying by their rules.


    The whispers followed her like ripples:


    ¡°Who is she?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t she know this is a formal event?¡±


    In the main sitting room, Jade spotted Catherine and Aurelia huddled together on a settee, both watching her with undisguised hostility.


    ¡°It¡¯s her again, Aurelia hissed. ¡°What is she doing here?¡±


    Catherine sneered. ¡°Look how she¡¯s dressed. Country mouse trying to y in the big city, Doesn¡¯t even know how to dress for an event like this.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s loaded though, Aurelia muttered. ¡°Has money but doesn¡¯t know how to spend it.¡±


    ¡°How do you know she has money?¡± Catherine asked.


    I lost a year¡¯s allowance betting against her,¡± Aurelia admitted.


    Catherine¡¯s eyes widened. And she showed up in taxis but imed she used to own Crystal Vault.


    Jade turned away, uninterested in their petty gossip. Unfortunately, Catherine had other ideas. She stood up, champagne flute in hand, and intercepted Jade.


    ¡°Well, well. You again,¡± she said, her voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Who invited you?¡±


    Jade started to move past her, not wanting to create a scene at Philip¡¯s party. Catherine, however, wasn¡¯t finished. She followed Jade, her champagne sloshing dangerously close to the rim of her ss.


    I¡¯m talking to you,¡® she said, louder now. ¡°Do you think buying your way into these events makes you one of us?¡±


    Jade stopped and turned to face her. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in being one of you,¡® Catherine. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me-


    With deliberate slowness, Catherine raised her ss. ¡°Oops,¡± she said with mock innocence as she tilted the flute. toward Jade¡¯s sweater.


    58


    Jade moved with practiced ease, sidestepping the champagne while simultaneously catching Catherine¡¯s wrist. The momentum caused the golden liquid to are backward, sshing across Catherine¡¯s expensive silk dress instead.


    She shrieked, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. The champagne had created arge stain down her front, making it look like she¡¯d had an unfortunate ident.


    ¡°You bitch!¡± Catherine screamed. ¡°You did that on purpose!¡±


    Guests turned to stare, and whispers immediately circted through the room.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡±


    ¡°That girl just dumped champagne all over Catherine Sullivan!¡±


    ¡°That girl¡¯s in trouble now<b>¡­</b>¡±


    Catherine raised her hand, clearly intending to p Jade. Jade stood perfectly still, calcting how best to respond


    without causing more of a scene.


    Before Catherine¡¯s hand could connect with Jade¡¯s face, amanding voice cut through the tension.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    Henry Astor had entered the room, his presence immediatelymanding attention. Catherine¡¯s hand froze mid¨Cair.


    ¡°Youngdy,¡® he said to Catherine, his voice cold with disapproval, ¡°what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    Catherine¡¯s face flushed with righteous indignation. ¡°She threw champagne all over me! Look at my dress!¡±


    ¡®I saw exactly what happened, Henry said firmly.

 Treatment 156

    Jade¡¯s POV:


    Catherine¡¯s hand froze mid¨Cair at Henry Astor¡¯smanding voice. If Henry had been even two secondster, I¡¯d have definitely broken something on this Catherine¡¯s body. Not that I¡¯d have shown it¨Cin these social settings, appearances were everything¨Cbut my patience had limits.


    Catherine lowered her arm slowly, her face flushing with anger and embarrassment. Before she could respond, Chase and Eleanor Astor pushed through the crowd toward me.


    ¡°Everything alright here?¡± Chase asked, positioning himself slightly between Catherine and me. His normally yful demeanor had hardened into something more protective.


    Eleanor, elegant in a midnight blue evening gown, gave me a quick once¨Cover. ¡°You¡¯re not hurt, are you?¡± Her voice carried genuine concern.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I said, my voice neutral. ¡°Just a misunderstanding about the proper handling of champagne.¡±


    Henry turned to Catherine, his gray eyes cold. ¡°Youngdy, I saw exactly what happened. You attempted to pour your


    drink on this gril, and when she defended herself, you got what you deserved.¡±


    Catherine¡¯s face turned an even deeper shade of red. I could almost see the steaming from her ears. Being publicly reprimanded, likely for the first time in her privileged life, was clearly an unfamiliar sensation.


    ¡°The Sullivan sisters,¡± Chase muttered under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear. ¡°One more unpleasant than


    the other.¡±


    From the corner of my eye, I caught Aurelia lurking at the edge of the crowd, her expression darkening at Chase¡¯sment. She hadn¡¯t participated in her sister¡¯s little stunt, but she was clearly annoyed at being lumped together


    with Catherine.


    Themotion had drawn more attention. A distinguished man in his fifties pushed through the crowd, his


    expression a careful mask of controlled anger.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± he demanded, his eyes darting between Catherine and me.


    Chase straightened. ¡®Dominic Sullivan,¡± he whispered to me before addressing the man directly. ¡°Mr. Sullivan, your precious daughter just tried to pour champagne on a guest. When that failed, she tried to p her. ssy, right?¡±


    Dominic Sullivan¡¯s carefully controlled expression slipped for a moment, revealing genuine fury. ¡°Catherine,¡± he said tightly, is this true?¡±


    Catherine looked away, her silence confirming everything.


    ¡°Mr. Sullivan,¡± Henry interjected smoothly, ¡°I witnessed the entire incident. Your daughter attempted to pour her


    ??))


    58


    drink on Miss Morgan. When Miss Morgan deflected it, causing the champagne to ssh on Catherine instead, your daughter became violent.¡±


    Dominic¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°Catherine, apologize immediately.¡±


    ¡°But Dad-


    ¡°Now.¡± His tone left no room for argument.


    The tension was interrupted by Philip Thornton¡¯s arrival with Edward in tow. The university president took in the


    scene with a quick nce.


    ¡°Is there a problem with my special guest?¡± Philip asked, his tone light but his eyes sharp.


    The whispers around us intensified.


    ¡°Special guest?¡±


    ¡°Who is this girl?¡±


    ¡°What connection does she have to President Thornton?¡±


    Dominic Sullivan¡¯s turned. ¡°No problem at all, Philip. My daughter was just about to apologize for her behavior.¡±


    Catherine looked like she¡¯d rather swallow ss, but with her father¡¯s stern gaze on her and Philip Thornton¡¯s unexpected endorsement of me, she had no choice.


    ¡°I apologize for my behavior,¡± she said stiffly, each word clearly painful.


    I gave her a slight nod, neither epting nor rejecting her forced apology. Catherine¡¯s eyes filled with tears of humiliation, and she turned and fled from the room.


    Dominic Sullivan watched his daughter go, then turned to Philip. ¡°I apologize for the disruption to your celebration, Philip. Perhaps it would be best if we take our leave.¡±


    As they prepared to leave, another man approached, his eyes fixed on my face with an unsettling intensity. He stopped abruptly, as if seeing a ghost.


    He murmured something, barely audible.


    I met his gaze steadily, wondering what he thought he saw. His expression shifted through confusion, shock, and something like fear before Aurelia grabbed his arm.


    ¡°Dad, we¡¯re going home,¡± she insisted, pulling him away from me.


    ¡°But the birthday celebration hasn¡¯t even started,¡± her father protested, looking confused. ¡°Why is everyone gathered


    17:13 Wed, Sep 24 <b>G</b>¡­


    here? Did they cut the cake already?¡±


    :


    Aurelia practically dragged him toward the exit, casting onest venomous nce over her shoulder at me.


    With the drama subsiding, Edward approached me, concern written across his features. ¡°Are you okay? That was ridiculous behavior.¡±


    <b>58 </b>


    Before I could answer, Chase stepped between us. ¡°She¡¯s fine,¡± he said curtly. ¡°Doesn¡¯t need your concern.¡±


    Edward¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°I was just asking if she¡¯s alright.¡±


    I studied Chase¡¯s face, noting the tension in his jaw. This wasn¡¯t about me at all. Chase had been trying to meet Max for weeks, and Edward had beaten him to it. This was male territorial nonsense.


    ¡°What was that all about?¡± Henry asked Philip, gesturing toward the departing Sullivan family.


    Philip sighed. ¡°Just some unfortunate behavior. Miss Morgan here saved my life, you know.¡±


    Henry¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°Saved your life? How?¡±


    ¡°Remember my cardiac episode downtownst month? I was having a heart attack¨Cthe real deal. I copsed on the


    sidewalk, and Miss Morgan happened to be passing by. She performed emergency CPR and knew exactly which


    medication I needed from my pocket. The doctors said if she hadn¡¯t been there, I would have died right there on the


    pavement.¡±


    As Philip finished his exnation, the crowd parted to make way for an elderly man with a dignified bearing. Guests nodded respectfully as he passed, several trying to catch his attention.


    ¡°Walter! Good to see you,¡± someone called out.


    ¡°Dr. Morrison, how are you?¡± another guest greeted him.


    Walter Morrison, the medical luminary, ignored them all and walked directly toward me, a warm smile on his face.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± he said, taking my hand in both of his. ¡°What a pleasure to see you again. Philip told me you might


    be here.¡±


    The whispers around us grew louder.


    ¡°Morrison knows her too?¡±


    ¡°How does she know all these people?¡±


    As members of the Thornton family and Sheldon family crowded around, all wanting to thank me for saving Philip<b>, </b>I felt my temples beginning to throb. The constant attention, the scrutiny, the questions it was bing overwhelming.


    ¡­


    17:13 Wed, Sep 24 <b>G </b>..


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 157

    I fished around in my pocket and pulled out the amethyst crystal. The deep purple stone caught the light, sending fractured violet beams across my hand. Philip Thornton was standing near the terrace entrance, deep in


    conversation with Walter Morrison. Perfect timing.


    ¡°President Thornton,¡± I said, approaching them. ¡°I brought you something.¡±


    <b>58 </b>


    I held out the amethyst crystal. ¡°For your heart condition. It¡¯s not much, but it helps reduce stress and anxiety when ced near your bed. Lower stress levels, better for your heart rhythm.¡±


    Philip¡¯s eyes widened as he examined the crystal. His fingers traced the edges reverently. ¡°This is¡­ extraordinary. The quality is remarkable.¡± He shook his head. ¡°I couldn¡¯t possibly ept something so valuable.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s just a rock. I have others.¡± It wasn¡¯t entirely true¨Cthis particr specimen was worth more than most people¡¯s monthly sry¨Cbut I didn¡¯t need it, and it might actually help him.


    Walter Morrison leaned closer, peering at the crystal with obvious interest. His eyes practically glittered with scientific curiosity. ¡°That¡¯s a rare specimen. The color saturation is exceptional.¡± He reached toward it. ¡°May I?¡±


    Philip quickly slipped the crystal into his jacket pocket. ¡°Perhapster, Walter. I¡¯d like to keep it safe for now.¡± He gave me a warm smile. ¡°Thank you, Miss Morgan. Your thoughtfulness continues to surprise me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± I replied, already scanning the room for an escape route from this conversation.


    I didn¡¯t get far before Eleanor Astor intercepted me, her blue evening gown swishing elegantly as she moved. The fabric shimmered under the chandelier lights, making her look like she was wrapped in ocean waves.


    ¡°Jade,¡± she said, linking her arm through mine as if we were old friends.


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°What can I help you with?¡±


    She guided me toward a quieter corner. ¡°I wanted to ask about Chris Jensen. You know him well, don¡¯t you?¡±


    I kept my face neutral. ¡°Well enough.¡±


    ¡°What does he like?¡± Eleanor asked, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. ¡°I mean, what kind of things interest him? I¡¯ve tried to engage him in conversation twice now, and he¡¯s been¡­ distant.¡±


    ¡°Chris likes challenges,¡± I said simply. It was the most urate description I could give without revealing too much


    about him.


    Eleanor¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Like extreme sports? Bungee jumping or paragliding?¡±


    Chase snorted from behind us. ¡°Please<b>, </b>sis. The guy¡¯s practically a mobwyer. You think he gets his kicks from tourist activities?<b>¡± </b>


    17:13 Wed, Sep 24 G ¡¤


    ??))


    58


    Eleanor¡¯s cheeks flushed. Her perfectly manicured nails tapped nervously against her champagne flute, betraying her anxiety despite her poised exterior.


    ¡°When I talk to him,¡± Eleanor continued, ¡°it feels like there¡¯s this wall. Like he¡¯s analyzing everything I say.¡±


    ¡°He is,¡± I confirmed. ¡°That¡¯s how his mind works.¡±


    ¡°So what do I do?¡±


    I considered the question. Eleanor had a sharp legal mind¨CI¡¯d overheard enough of her conversations tonight to gather that much. ¡°Have you thought about applying for an internship at his firm? He respectspetence more


    than small talk.¡±


    Chase nodded approvingly. ¡°Not a bad idea.¡±


    Eleanor¡¯s face brightened. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ actually brilliant.¡± She squeezed my arm. ¡°Thank you. I should go say hello to some people who just arrived, but I¡¯ll definitely think about that.¡±


    As she walked away, Chase pulled out his phone and moved closer to me. ¡°Speaking of things people like¡­¡± He thrust the screen in front of my face. ¡°Look at this beauty I just saw in the driveway.¡±


    I nced at the photo of a sleek hypercar¨Cmy Koenigsegg One:1. The matte ck finish looked almost predatory under the exterior lighting of the mansion.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she fucking gorgeous?¡± Chase gushed. ¡°Only six of these in the entire world. I¡¯d kill to drive one someday.¡±


    I reached into my pocket and tossed him a set of keys.


    Chase caught the keys reflexively, then froze as he examined the distinctive logo on the key fob. His eyes darted between me and the keys, jaw ckening. I could practically see his brain short¨Ccircuiting.


    ¡®No fucking way,¡± he whispered. ¡°This is <i>yours</i><b><i>?</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    I nodded.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± he breathed, clutching the keys like they might dissolve. ¡°You own a fifteen¨Cmillion¨Cdor car?¡±


    ¡®I like speed,¡± <b>I </b>said with a shrug. The car was one of my few indulgences¨Ca reminder of freedom and control.


    Chase gripped my shoulder with his free hand. ¡°You have to take me for a ride. Please. I¡¯m begging you.¡± His eyes were wide with excitement, like a child on Christmas morning.


    I plucked the keys from his hand. ¡°If you like it so much, go look at it again. It¡¯s not going anywhere.¡±


    Chase was about to protest when his expression suddenly changed. He straightened, eyes fixed on something across the room. His posture stiffened, and I felt the subtle shift in the room¡¯s atmosphere.


    :


    ¡°Look at that guy, the tallest one,¡± he said, his voice dropping. ¡°Ethan Haxton. The current head of the Haxton family. The one Aurelia was bragging about potentially getting engaged to through her cousinst time.¡±


    58


    I followed Chase¡¯s gaze and found myself looking directly into a pair of intense green eyes. Ethan Haxton stood head and shoulders above most of the crowd, his tailored suit entuating his lean frame. Our eyes locked for a moment, and I felt an unexpected jolt of¡­ something. Recognition, perhaps. Or awareness. Like recognizing another predator


    in the room.


    ¡°He might look allw¨Cabiding, but he¡¯s just like Chris¨Cck as hell behind the scenes,¡± Chase continued, his voice tinged with nervous energy. ¡°Hard as nails too. These women are all blind, only seeing his looks and family fortune.¡±


    Ethan broke our eye contact and began moving purposefully in our direction. His movements were smooth and deliberate, parting the crowd without effort. People instinctively moved aside for him, a testament to his status and


    presence.


    ¡°Shit, he¡¯sing over,¡± Chase hissed. ¡°We should go.¡±


    ¡°What are you afraid of?¡± I asked, amused by his reaction.


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid,¡± Chase protested, though his fidgeting hands said otherwise. ¡°Just¡­ cautious. Hey, I bet you can¡¯t get him to say three sentences to you unprompted.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°That¡¯s boring.¡±


    ¡°The guy barely shows interest in women,¡± Chase persisted. ¡°There are rumors he¡¯s married to his work¨CWall Street¡¯s celibate elite or something. The guy might still be a virgin for all I know.¡±


    That caught my attention. ¡°Really?¡± I hadn¡¯t encountered many men who could resist charm when properly applied. A challenge, then.


    Chase nodded eagerly. ¡°I bet you can¡¯t get any physical contact with him. Handshakes don¡¯t count.¡±


    I watched Ethan¡¯s approach, noting the efficient grace in his movements.


    ¡°What if I touch his face?¡± I asked, suddenly intrigued by the challenge,


    Chase¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Jesus, Jade! You want to touch his face? That would be crossing-¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s <b>crossing</b>?¡± A deep voice interrupted.


    Ethan Haxton stood before us, his expression unreadable as he looked from Chase to me.


    17:13 Wed, Sep 24 <b>G </b>


    Badass in Disguise

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    :


    58


    Chase¡¯s hand tightened around my arm. He stood a little straighter, his spine stiffening like someone had reced it with a metal rod. ¡°We should go,¡± he whispered, tugging me slightly. The nervousness in his voice was palpable, like a child who¡¯d been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.


    I ignored him and looked directly at Ethan. ¡°He made a bet with me,¡± I said, nodding toward Chase. ¡°He bet that I couldn¡¯t touch your face and still walk away in one piece.¡±


    Chase¡¯s grip on my arm loosened in shock. ¡°What the-¡± he sputtered, his eyes wide with panic. A bead of sweat formed at his temple, and he swallowed hard enough that I could hear the click in his throat.


    Ethan¡¯s eyebrow arched, his lips quirking up slightly at one corner. The subtle change transformed his face, bringing a warmth to his eyes that wasn¡¯t there before. ¡°Is that so?¡± His voice was low and smooth, like expensive whiskey.


    ¡°And what were the stakes of this bet?¡±


    ¡°We hadn¡¯t decided yet,¡± I replied with a casual shrug, as if we were discussing the weather rather than potentially


    touching the face of one of New York¡¯s most intimidating businessmen.


    ¡°If I were to¡­ cooperate,¡± Ethan said, his eyes never leaving mine, ¡°would that raise the stakes?¡± There was


    something almost yful in his tone now.


    A murmur rippled through the crowd around us, the soft gasps and whispers creating a soundtrack to our little drama. Women in designer gowns leaned into each other, lips moving rapidly behind manicured hands. Men adjusted


    their bow ties and watches, trying to appear disinterested while straining to hear every word.


    Chase had gonepletely still beside me, like a rabbit caught in headlights. The color had drained from his face, leaving him pale against the rich burgundy of his suit.


    Ethan leaned down, bringing his face inches from mine. The movement was smooth, deliberate, almost predatory. ¡°Which side would you prefer to touch?¡± he asked, his voice dropping to a near whisper that seemed to caress my


    skin.


    I looked up at him, studying the nes of his face. This close, I could see flecks of gold in his green eyes, smell the subtle notes of his cologne¨Csandalwood and something darker, moreplex.


    Connor shifted nervously behind Ethan, ncing around at the gathering crowd of onlookers. His perfectly pressed suit couldn¡¯t hide the tension in his shoulders as he tugged discreetly at Ethan¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Boss,¡± he murmured under his breath, ¡°maybe tone it down? Everyone¡¯s watching.¡±


    The room had indeed fallen silent. The sudden change was jarring¨Cmoments ago, there had been the gentle hum of conversation, the clink of sses, soft music. Now there was nothing but the collective held breath of dozens of Manhattan¡¯s elite, all eyes focused on our little tableau.


    Chase had released my arm entirely, taking a small step back as if to distance himself from whatever was about to happen. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he swallowed again, eyes darting between Ethan and me like he was watching a tennis match where the ball might explode at any moment.


    ¡­


    :


    Across the room, I caught a glimpse of Henry Astor¡¯s face. He stood with Walter Morrison and Philip Thornton, all three men watching the scene unfold with varying degrees of surprise. Henry¡¯s expression was particrly interesting¨Ca mixture of calction and approval. His eyes narrowed slightly, head tilted in consideration.


    58


    Edward and Julian Sheldon had also noticed the silence spreading through the room. They turned from their conversation, eyes widening at the sight of Ethan Haxton¨Cnotorious for his aloofness¨Cbent down so close to me it almost looked like he was about to kiss me. Julian elbowed his brother, whispering something that made Edward


    frown.


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 Treatment 159

    I met Ethan¡¯s gaze steadily. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± I said, my voice carrying in the quiet room. ¡°His stakes weren¡¯t interesting enough to bother.¡± I gestured dismissively toward Chase, who looked both relieved and slightly offended.


    <b>58 </b>


    A sh of what might have been disappointment crossed Ethan¡¯s face before he straightened, adjusting his perfectly tailored jacket with a practiced flick of his wrists. ¡°A pity,¡± he said. ¡°I was willing to be quite generous.¡±


    ¡°I should go say hello to President Thornton,¡± Ethan said, his professional mask sliding back into ce. ¡°I¡¯ll return shortly.¡± The promise in his voice was unmistakable.


    As Ethan walked away, Connor following close behind like a well¨Ctrained shadow, Chase moved back to my side. ¡°What the fuck was that?¡± he hissed, his eyes wide. ¡°You and Haxton? How? When?¡± His voice cracked slightly on the


    ¡°We¡¯re friends,¡± I said simply, enjoying his confusion.


    ¡°Friends?¡± Chase repeated incredulously. ¡°Ethan Haxton doesn¡¯t have friends. Especially not-¡± He caught himself, but I knew what he¡¯d been about to say. <i>Especially </i><i>not </i><i>women</i>.


    ¡°Rumors of his celibacy are greatly exaggerated,¡± I said dryly, watching with amusement as Chase¡¯s eyes bulged.


    Chase¡¯s jaw worked silently, trying to process this information. His eyes darted to Ethan, who was now speaking with Philip and the others, his back straight, his gestures measured and precise. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. How did you-¡±


    ¡°Look,¡± I cut him off, ¡°it¡¯s notplicated. We met, we talked, we foundmon ground.¡±


    Chase still looked like he¡¯d been hit by a truck, but before he could ask more questions, Ethan was returning, this time with Connor carrying a long rectangr box made of polished wood with silver fittings.


    ¡°For you,¡± Ethan said, as Connor opened the box to reveal a bottle of wine nestled in deep blue velvet. ¡°Roman¨¦e-


    Conti, 1947.


    Connor¡¯s hands trembled slightly as he handled the priceless bottle, his eyes widening as he realized what he was holding. A small gasp escaped him, quickly suppressed.


    I epted the ss Ethan offered after pouring a small amount. The ruby liquid caught the light, sending tiny reflections dancing across my hand. I took a sip, letting theplex vors unfold on my tongue¨Cberries, earth, a hint of spice, and something indefinable that spoke of decades in the cer. ¡°Not bad,¡± I said. ¡°You have good taste, Mr. Haxton.¡±


    Connor¡¯s jaw literally dropped. Not bad? The bottle was worth more than most people¡¯s houses.


    Ethan moved to pour me another ss, but I ced my hand over the rim. ¡°I¡¯m driving,¡± I exined, our fingers brushing briefly.


    Edward approached us, his smile bright but his eyes curious. ¡°They¡¯re about to bring out the cake. Won¡¯t you join us? His invitation seemed genuine, but I could see the questions forming behind his eyes.


    I shook my head. ¡°I should be going,¡± I said, feeling the weight of too many curious eyes on me. I¡¯ve had enough socializing for one night.¡± I turned to Philip. ¡°Thank you for the invitation, President Thornton. Happy birthday.¡±


    Philip looked disappointed but nodded graciously. ¡°Of course, my dear. Thank you foring.¡±


    Ethan checked his watch. ¡°I should be going as well.¡± He nodded to Philip and the others, all politeness and


    propriety once more.


    Outside, Connor brought Ethan¡¯s car around¨Ca sleek ck Maybach that purred at the curb. Ethan paused before getting in, clearly waiting for someone.


    Before he could leave, the purr of a high¨Cperformance engine cut through the night.


    Connor¡¯s head poked out of Ethan¡¯s car window. ¡°Holy shit¡­¡± he breathed, eyes wide with automotive lust.


    ¡°Need a ride?¡± I asked Ethan, my lips curving into a slight smile.


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 Treatment 160

    The sleek lines of the Koenigsegg One:1 gleamed under the streetlights, its carbon fiber body almost predatory in


    the darkness.


    Ethan¡¯s eyes traveled over the hypercar, appreciation evident in his gaze before it returned to Jade¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯d be a fool to refuse,¡± he said, dismissing his driver with a wave. ¡°Connor, take the Maybach back.¡±


    Connor¡¯s mouth opened slightly in protest before he caught himself. ¡°Yes, sir,¡± he replied, his tone conveying his disappointment at missing the chance to see the rare vehicle up close.


    As Ethan slid into the passenger seat, the leather embraced him like a second skin. The interior was minimalist but exquisitely crafted, every switch and button positioned for optimal efficiency rather than show.


    Jade started the engine, and it roared to life¡ªa controlled beast ready to be unleashed. She navigated away from the Thornton estate, the car¡¯s eleration pushing them both back into their seats as they hit the open road.


    ¡°You keep looking at me,¡± Jade said without taking her eyes off the road. Her fingers rested lightly on the steering wheel, the car responding to her slightest touch.


    Ethan blinked, caught off guard. ¡°I apologize. That was rude of me.¡±


    ¡°Not rude. Just obvious.¡± Jade downshifted as they approached a curve, taking it with practiced ease. ¡°Most people are more subtle about their staring.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not most people.¡± Ethan rxed into his seat, watching her hands on the wheel. ¡°This is quite the vehicle.¡±


    ¡°I bought it a long time ago. It¡¯s been in Russia until recently.¡± Night had it shipped back a couple days ago.


    Ethan¡¯s eyebrow arched at the casual mention of Russia, but he didn¡¯t press. He¡¯d learned that Jade Morgan didn¡¯t appreciate questions about her past or her connections.


    The silence between them wasfortable as they drove, the city lights gradually fading behind them. Ethan observed how Jade handled the powerful machine with effortless precision, like an extension of herself.


    ¡°We could go to the shore,¡± Ethan suggested after a while, ¡°It¡¯s peaceful this time of night.¡±


    Jade nced at him briefly, ¡°You¡¯re quite the life enthusiast, aren¡¯t you, Mr. Haxton?¡±


    ¡°If I said I simply didn¡¯t want to miss this opportunity to spend time with you, would Miss Morgan mind?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice carried a rare hint of vulnerability beneath its confidence.


    ¡°Standing in your shoes, I¡¯d want to spend more time with me too,¡± Jade replied with a smirk. ¡°Not many people as exceptional as I am walking around.¡±


    17:13 Wed, Sep 24 <b>B </b>


    Ethanughed, a genuine sound that softened his features. ¡°That¡¯s not a denial.¡±


    ¡°Since I¡¯m the one who invited you into my car in the first ce,¡± Jade said, elerating onto the highway that would take them to the coast, ¡°I suppose I could take you to the shore. Hell, I could take you to the stars if you


    asked nicely.¡±


    The drive to the shore took less than forty minutes at Jade¡¯s speed. She parked on a secluded overlook, the vast darkness of the Antic stretching before them like an abyss. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the rocks below filled the night air.


    Ethan removed his custom tailored jacket and draped it over Jade¡¯s shoulders as they stood at the guardrail. The expensive fabric carried his warmth and the subtle scent of his cologne.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like the shore?¡± Ethan asked, noting her distant expression. ¡°Or is today not a good time?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about liking or disliking,¡± Jade replied, her voice neutral. ¡°It¡¯s just a ce.¡±


    58


    <i>Just </i><i>a </i><i>ce </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>heard </i><i>too </i><i>many </i><i>times </i><i>before</i><i>, </i>she thought, memories surfacing unbidden. The constant sound of waves had been herpanion during those years in the Shadow Organization¡¯s Caribbean ind facility. Day after day, strapped to a table while they tested her limits, the endless rhythm of the ocean had been her only marker of time passing. Training on that ind for years had made the sound of waves as mundane as breathing¨Cand sometimes just as painful to endure.


    The wind picked up, sending her hair dancing across her face. Ethan reached out, hesitated, then gently tucked a strand behind her ear. Jade allowed the contact, her expression unreadable in the moonlight.


    ¡°We should head back,¡± she said finally, turning toward the car.


    On the return journey, the car hit a pothole<b>, </b>causing something to slide from beneath Ethan¡¯s seat. He bent down to retrieve it¨Ca small, intricately crafted box that had fallen to the floor.


    ¡°Is this yours?¡± he asked, holding it up.


    Archer Sullivan sat in his home office, a ss of whiskey in one hand and an old photograph in the other. He¡¯d retrieved it from his safe as soon as he¡¯d returned from the Thornton party, unable to shake the image of the young woman he¡¯d seen there¨CJade Morgan.


    The woman in the photograph had the opposite demeanor¨Cwarm eyes, a gentle smile¨Cbut the facial structure, the bone architecture was strikingly simr. Eight out of ten points matched, despite the difference in expression and the years between the images.


    A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. ¡°Come in,¡± he called, quickly slipping the photograph into his desk drawer.


    Aurelia entered, her face free of makeup and covered with a sheet mask. She was dressed in pajamas, sitting cross-


    17:13 Wed, Sep 24 <b>G </b>


    legged on the office sofa with a bowl of fruit in herp as she scrolled through her phone.


    ¡°That young woman standing next to Chase Astor tonight,¡± Archer began casually, ¡°the pretty one. Do you know


    her?¡±


    Aurelia looked up from her phone, her eyes visible through the cutouts in the mask. ¡°Jade Morgan? What about


    her?¡±


    ¡°Just curious. How old is she? Where is she from?¡±


    ¡°Eighteen, from Cloud City.¡± Aurelia peeled off her face mask, folding it carefully. ¡°Why are you asking about her?¡±


    ¡°Just making conversation.¡± Archer leaned back in his chair. ¡°Did something happen between you two? You seem


    tense when I mention her.¡±


    <b>58 </b>


    Aurelia rolled her eyes. ¡°She shows up out of nowhere and suddenly she¡¯s the new campus queen. She stole my spot as the most beautiful girl in our year.¡± She stabbed a piece of melon with unnecessary force. ¡°And Edward Sheldon can¡¯t stop talking about how brilliant she is.¡±


    Archer studied his daughter thoughtfully. ¡°Beauty and intelligence aren¡¯t finite resources, Aurelia. There¡¯s room for more than one exceptional young woman at Princeton.¡± He smiled gently. ¡°Perhaps instead of seeing her as a rival,


    you might consider befriending someone so aplished.¡±


    ¡°Whatever,¡± Aurelia muttered, but the seed of her father¡¯s advice had been nted.


    Later that night, Archery awake in his bedroom, the faces from the photograph and the party alternating in his mind like a slideshow. The resemnce was too strong to be coincidental.


    It can¡¯t be, he thought. <i>But </i><i>if </i><i>it </i><i>is</i>¡­


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 Treatment 161`

    <b>Chapter </b><b>161 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    :


    <b>58 </b>


    The small box sat in Ethan¡¯s palm, its craftsmanship catching the moonlight filtering through the Koenigsegg¡¯s


    windows.


    ¡°This looks like a gift,¡± he said, turning the intricately crafted container in his hands.


    Jade nced at it briefly before returning her eyes to the road. ¡°Just some amethyst trimmings I had made into a small piece.¡±


    ¡°You can take it if you want,¡± she added casually. ¡°I think your mother might appreciate it.¡±


    Curious, Ethan carefully opened the box. Insidey a pair of elegant amethyst earrings set in tinum with small diamonds entuating the deep purple stones.


    ¡°These are stunning,¡± he said, genuinely impressed. ¡°This is exactly the kind of piece my mother would love.¡±


    ¡°Then they¡¯re yours,¡± Jade replied simply, eyes fixed on the road ahead.


    The Haxton family estate stood imposingly against the predawn sky. Inside, Mrs. Sophia Haxton was sleeping when a soft knock at her bedroom door roused her.


    ¡°Mother?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice was gentle as he entered.


    Eleanor sat up, her silver¨Cstreaked blonde hair falling around her shoulders. ¡°Ethan? What time is it?¡±


    ¡°Just after five,¡± he replied. ¡°I went to the shore with Miss Morgan after President Thornton¡¯s party.¡±


    A curious light flickered in Eleanor¡¯s eyes. ¡°The young woman who saved your father?¡±


    ¡°The very same,¡® Ethan confirmed, taking the small box from his pocket. ¡°She wanted you to have this.¡±


    Eleanor epted the box with hesitation. ¡°Oh, but we haven¡¯t even properly thanked her for what she did for your father. It doesn¡¯t seem right to ept gifts from her before your father and I have expressed our gratitude.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s <b>response </b>was simple and firm. ¡°It¡¯s appropriate.¡±


    Eleanor opened the box, her breath catching <b>as </b>she saw the earrings. ¡°These are exquisite,¡® she whispered, touching the amethysts gently.


    That night, while Ethan Haxton slept soundly with a satisfied smile on his face, others found themselves lying


    17:13 Wed, Sep 24 <b>G </b>


    ¡­


    awake, thoughts of Jade Morgan keeping sleep at bay.


    :


    58


    By morning, the gossip had spread like wildfire through the upper echelons of East Coast society. Text messages and phone calls flew between the elite households.


    ¡°Did you hear about the girl at Philip¡¯s birthday?¡±


    ¡°They say she saved William Haxton¡¯s life.¡±


    ¡°I heard Henry Astor himself intervened when Catherine Sullivan tried to make a scene.¡±


    The story grew with each retelling: a mysterious young woman with connections to the Thornton family, the Sheldon family, Walter Morrison, Chase Astor, and even Ethan Haxton had appeared out of nowhere and captivated


    everyone.


    The sleek ck Bentley rolled smoothly up to Princeton University¡¯s gates. Archer Sullivan sat in the back, his expression contemtive as he gazed at the historic campus.


    President Philip Thornton was reviewing funding proposals when Archer was shown into his office.


    ¡°Archer, what brings you to Princeton today?¡± His tone was light, but his eyes were keenly observant.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually here about Jade Morgan,¡± Archer replied, settling into a chair.


    Thornton¡¯s expression shifted subtly. ¡°Ah, Miss Morgan. Brilliant young woman. Is there a problem?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. I wanted to apologize for my daughter¡¯s behavior at your party. I understand there was some tension


    between them.¡±


    Thornton waved a dismissive hand. ¡°Already resolved. Miss Morgan isn¡¯t one to hold grudges over such matters.¡±


    ¡°Nevertheless, I¡¯d like to apologize in person,¡± Archer persisted.


    After a brief phone call, Thornton nodded. ¡°She¡¯ll meet you at the campus coffee shop in twenty minutes.¡±


    Archer thanked, ¡°I¡¯ve heard she¡¯s from Cloud City. She reminds me very much of someone I used to know. I¡¯m hoping her parents might be old acquaintances of mine.¡±


    Thornton raised an eyebrow. ¡°An interesting coincidence, but I wouldn¡¯t get my hopes up. From what I understand, she doesn¡¯t look much like either of her parents. Perhaps you¡¯re mistaken.¡±


    17:14 Wed, Sep 24 <b>G </b>


    :


    The campus coffee shop was busy with the mid¨Cmorning rush when Archer arrived. He spotted Jade immediately, sitting at a window table with herptop open, her fingers moving rapidly across the keyboard.


    <i>Like </i><i>her</i>, <i>so </i><i>like </i><i>her</i><i>, </i>he thought, a mixture of emotions washing over him.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± he said, his voice carefully controlled. ¡°Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.¡±


    Jade gestured to the chair across from her.


    ¡°I wanted to apologize for my daughter¡¯s behavior at President Thornton¡¯s birthday celebration.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re here for Catherine, there¡¯s no need,¡± Jade replied, closing herptop.


    The directness of her response caught Archer off guard. The young woman before him wasn¡¯t timid or deferential; she was confident, almost challenging.


    ¡°I understand you¡¯re from Cloud City,¡± he continued. ¡°I¡¯ve spent some time there myself.¡±


    ¡°Do you have anything else?¡±


    58


    She always disliked this kind of roundabout probing. Since Archer wouldn¡¯t get to the point, Jade had no interest in wasting more time with him.


    ¡°Nothing else then,¡± Jade said firmly, standing up. ¡°Goodbye, Mr. Sullivan.¡±


    Archer watched her walk away, reminding himself not to jump to conclusions until he had proof. Making assumptions without evidence would only lead to embarrassment.


    Back in his car, Archer made a call. ¡°Dominic, it¡¯s Archer. Something¡¯se up¨CI need to make a quick trip to


    abroad.¡±


    ¡°Abroad?¡± his brother¡¯s surprised voice came through. ¡°What for?<b>¡± </b>


    Just some business that needs my personal attention,¡± Archer lied smoothly.


    After ending the call, Archer turned to his assistant in the front passenger seat. ¡°Dave, we¡¯re taking a detour. I need you to find the address for a Morgan family in Cloud City.¡±


    Cloud City¡¯s low¨Cie neighborhood was <b>a </b>stark contrast to the manicuredwns Archer Sullivan was ustomed to. The Bentley looked conspicuously out of ce as it rolled down the cracked asphalt street.


    Archer stared at the small, dpidated house with peeling paint and a sagging front porch. Something inside him


    ¡­


    ached at the thought of a child of his family¨Cif that¡¯s what Jade was¨Cgrowing up in such surroundings.


    At the door, he pressed the doorbell. No one answered.


    ¡°They ain¡¯t home, called a voice from next door. An elderly woman stood on her porch. ¡°Linda¡¯s over at my ce, helping with my groceries.¡±


    A few minutester, Linda Morgan emerged from the neighbor¡¯s house, her attention immediately drawn to the luxury car.


    ¡°Mrs. Morgan?¡± Archer asked, extending his hand. ¡°I¡¯m Archer Sullivan.¡±


    The name clearly meant nothing to her, but the suit and car did. Her demeanor changed instantly, a wide smile spreading across her face.


    ¡°Mr. Sullivan! What a surprise!¡± she eximed, her voice rising an octave. ¡°Is there something I can help you with?¡±


    ¡°I was hoping we could speak privately,¡± Archer said, gesturing toward her house.


    ¡°Of course, pleasee in,¡± Linda said, her smile widening with enthusiasm.


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    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>162 </b>


    <b>58 </b>


    Archer followed Linda toward a small, dpidated house with peeling paint and a sagging front porch. Paint ked from the wooden siding like dead skin, and the front steps creaked dangerously under his weight.


    His assistant Dave followed with a leather portfolio tucked under his arm, carefully navigating the uneven walkway.


    The house¡¯s interior matched its exterior in neglect. The walls had once been white but were now yellowed with age and cigarette smoke. Cracked linoleum flooring peeked through worn patches in the cheap carpet. Tools and


    misceneous junk were piled in corners, creating an obstacle course through the living space.


    Oddly, a brand¨Cnew refrigerator and t¨Cscreen TV stood out among the decay, looking as out of ce as Archer


    himself.


    ¡°Sorry about the mess,¡± Linda said with a nervousugh as she unlocked the door. ¡°If I¡¯d known someone like you


    wasing, I would¡¯ve tidied up a bit.¡±


    ¡°Please, have a seat,¡± Linda gestured to a sagging couch. ¡°Can I get you some coffee?¡±


    Archer nodded politely, observing that despite the house¡¯s condition, Linda wore rtively decent clothes and several pieces of fake gold jewelry. Her bleached blonde hair was freshly done, her nails manicured ¨C priorities


    clearly different from home maintenance.


    ¡°So, Mr. Sullivan,¡± Linda¡¯s voice pitched higher with obvious excitement, ¡°are you here about buying the building?


    We¡¯ve heard rumors about redevelopment in the area.¡±


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Archer replied, identally bumping his knee against aundry basket on the floor. Clean clothes spilled out, revealing that the cramped space wasn¡¯t due tock of square footage but rather extreme


    disorganization.


    Before he could exin further, a door down the hallway creaked open. A teenage girl with disheveled hair and a scowl emerged, rubbing sleep from her eyes despite it being nearly noon on a weekday.


    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s with all the noise?¡± she grumbled.


    Linda¡¯s pleasant facade instantly cracked. ¡°Emily, for God¡¯s sake, go back to your room. Why are you still sleeping? It¡¯s almost noon!¡±


    Emily ignored her mother, eyeing Archer and Dave suspiciously. ¡°Who are they?¡±


    ¡°Emily! Room! Now!¡® Linda¡¯s voice rose sharply.


    The girl stomped back to her room, mming the door, though Archer noticed it didn¡¯t fully close. A shadow remained in the crack, suggesting she was listening.


    ¡°I apologize for my daughter,¡± Linda said, her smile returning as she handed Archer a chipped mug of instant coffee.


    17:14 Wed, Sep 24 <b>B </b>


    ¡°Teenagers, you know how they are.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t she be in school today?¡± Archer asked casually, setting down the untouched coffee.


    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s not feeling well,¡± Linda waved dismissively. ¡°Stomach bug going around.¡±


    ¡°And your husband? Is he home?¡±


    Linda¡¯s face tightened. ¡°Frank? No, he¡¯s at work.¡±


    ??))


    ¡°I understand you have three children, Mrs. Morgan,¡± Archer continued. ¡°Two daughters who are twins, and a son?¡±


    Linda¡¯s smile faltered. ¡°You¡¯re here about Jade, aren¡¯t you?¡± Her tone had lost its enthusiasm. ¡°What¡¯s she done


    now?¡±


    <b>58 </b>


    ¡°Nothing at all,¡± Archer assured her. ¡°I simply met her recently and was¡­ curious about her family.¡±


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s not much to tell. We¡¯re simple people, Mr. Sullivan.¡± Linda¡¯s fingers nervously twisted her fake gold


    bracelet.


    ¡°I noticed your daughter Emily just now,¡± Archer observed. ¡°She and Jade don¡¯t look much alike for twins.¡±


    Lindaughed too loudly. ¡°They¡¯re what you call fraternal twins or something. That TV show said¡­ what was it¡­ dizygotic! That¡¯s it. Plus, that bitch used to be fat. Just lost weight this past summer.¡±


    ¡°Bitch?¡± Archer raised an eyebrow.


    Linda¡¯s face flushed. ¡°Mr. Sullivan, what exactly do you want? Why are you really here?¡±


    Archer nodded to Dave, who opened his portfolio and ced several documents on the coffee table.


    Max Morgan limped slightly as he made his way down the high school hallway toward his locker. Opening it, he pulled out his old phone, which he kept there specifically to avoid carrying it. The screen showed thirty¨Cseven missed calls ¨C twenty¨Cthree from his mother and fourteen from Emily,


    ¡®<b>Jesus</b>,¡® he muttered, scrolling through the barrage of text messages demanding he call home immediately.


    This was exactly why he¡¯d bought a new phone with a number only Jade and Jade knew. The daily harassment had be unbearable.


    The phone vibrated in his hand. His father¡¯s name shed on the screen.


    ¡°Dad? What¡¯s going on? Mom¡¯s blowing up my old phone.¡±


    :


    ??))


    58


    Frank Morgan¡¯s voice sounded tired. ¡°Max, I need to tell you something important. Your mother and I¡­ we¡¯re getting


    a divorce.¡±


    Max leaned against his locker, closing his eyes.


    In her luxury apartment across town, Jade was working on herptop when her phone rang. Seeing Max¡¯s name, she answered immediately.


    ¡°Mom and Dad are getting divorced,¡± Max said without preamble.


    ¡°I see.¡± Jade closed herptop. ¡°What are the terms?¡±


    ¡°Mom wants fifty thousand dors cash, full ownership of the house, and¡­¡± Max¡¯s voice faltered, ¡°custody of me.¡±


    Jade let out a softugh. ¡°And what do you want, Max?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Max admitted.


    ¡°Listen carefully,¡± Jade said, her voice calm and measured. ¡°You have options. If you don¡¯t want them to divorce, stay out of it. If you want Dad to be free from her, I can make that happen. And if you want to live with me, I can arrange that too. But right now, your priority should be your Princeton application.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Frank Morgan sat in his battered pickup truck outside the workce, tears welling in his eyes as he spoke to his son.


    I¡¯m sorry, Max. I failed you kids. Couldn¡¯t give you the life you deserved.¡±


    ¡°Dad, you did your best,¡± Max assured him. ¡°You never yed favorites like Mom does. You treated us all equally.¡±


    ¡®Your sister Jade¡­ is she doing okay? I worry about her.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s amazing, Dad. You wouldn¡¯t believe how well she¡¯s doing.¡±


    Frank sniffled, wiping his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    ¡°Dad,¡± Max said firmly, ¡°you deserve to be happy. If divorcing Mom will give you a chance at a better life, do it. Start


    over.¡±


    Frank¡¯s voice broke. ¡°You¡¯re a good son, Max. When you go to Princeton, you listen to your sister, you hear me? Jade knows what she¡¯s doing.¡±


    17:14 Wed, Sep 24 <b>B</b>¡­


    As Max hung up, he stared at his phone, wondering how his dysfunctional family had produced someone as extraordinary as Jade.


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    Frank¡¯s phone vibrated in his pocket. Looking at the caller ID, he frowned. His wife calling during work hours was never good news.


    ¡°What now, Linda?¡± he answered, pressing one finger against his ear to block out the machinery¡¯s roar.


    Linda¡¯s voice came through sharp and clear. ¡°You need toe home. Now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m working, Linda. The money you want-¡°.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t about money,¡± she cut him off, her voice unusually tense. ¡°There¡¯s someone here asking questions about


    Jade.¡±


    Frank¡¯s heart stuttered. A cold sensation spread through his chest. ¡°What kind of questions?¡±


    ¡°Questions about whether she¡¯s really our daughter.¡±


    <b>58 </b>


    His grip tightened on the phone until his knuckles turned white. ¡°What the hell are you talking about? Who¡¯s there?¡±


    ¡°Some rich guy named Archer Sullivan. He¡¯s got medical records, Frank. From themunity hospital. From when I gave birth.¡±


    Frank¡¯s world tilted sideways. The floor seemed to swim around him, the noise fading as blood rushed in his ears. ¡°That¡¯s bullshit. Who says Jade isn¡¯t our daughter?¡±


    ¡°These records show-¡±


    ¡®I don¡¯t care what they show!¡± Frank¡¯s voice rose, drawing nces from his coworkers. A nearby guy motioned for him to keep it down. ¡°You carried her for nine months. You gave birth to her at Community Hospital. I held her in my arms when she was minutes old. I¡¯ve raised her for seventeen years. She¡¯s my daughter!¡±


    ¡°Frank, juste home and look at these-¡±


    I¡¯m not looking at any goddamn reports. Tell that man to leave our house. Now.¡± Frank¡¯s breathing had be ragged, his free hand clenching and unclenching at his side.


    Frank hung up, his hands shaking so badly he nearly dropped the phone.


    Linda Morgan snatched the medical report from Emily¡¯s hands, scanning the yellowed paper with narrowed eyes. The living room felt suffocating, with Archer Sullivan and his assistant watching her every reaction from the couch.


    ¡°What does it say, Mom?¡± Emily asked, peering over her shoulder.


    17:14 Wed, Sep 24 <b>G </b>


    :


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    58


    ¡°This can¡¯t be right.¡± Linda¡¯s eyes darted across the page again, disbelief written across her features. The date on the report matched ¨C eighteen years ago at Cloud City Community Hospital.


    She grabbed her phone and texted Frank: <i>If </i><i>you </i>don¡¯te <i>home </i><i>now</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>have </i><i>them </ie <i>to </i><i>your </i>work. <i>Your </i><i>choice</i>.


    Linda turned to Archer, her expression a mixture of shock and calction. ¡°We should wait for my husband. He¡¯s on


    his way.¡±


    When Frank¡¯s truck pulled into the driveway, the muffler rattling ominously. He mmed the truck door and stormed up the cracked concrete path, his work boots heavy on the steps.


    ¡°Get out of my house,¡± Frank demanded, his voice dangerously low.


    Archer Sullivan remained seated on their worn couch, his expensive suit looking absurdly out of ce among the shabby furniture. A leather portfolioy open on the coffee table between them. ¡°Mr. Morgan, I understand this is difficult-¡±


    ¡°You understand nothing,¡± Frank growled, grabbing a baseball bat from the corner where it leaned against a stack of old magazines. His knuckles whitened around the grip. ¡°I said get out.¡±


    Archer stood slowly, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Frank¡¯s rage. ¡°I have reason to believe Jade Morgan might


    be my brother¡¯s daughter.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s My daughter!¡± Frank shouted, gripping the bat tighter, raising it slightly. The veins in his neck bulged with the effort of restraining himself. ¡°I don¡¯t know what game you¡¯re ying, but you and your fancy suit can get the


    hell out!¡±


    Frank lunged forward, pushing Archer and his assistant toward the door. The assistant stumbled over a pile of shoes, nearly falling. Neighbors peeked through their curtains as themotion spilled onto the front porch, the afternoon sun highlighting the tension on every face.


    ¡®Don¡¯t think your money gives you the right toe into people¡¯s homes and tear families apart!¡± Frank yelled, bat still raised, his face flushed red with anger. ¡°Anyone who tries to take my daughter from me will regret it!¡±


    Linda stepped between them, her bony hands pushing against Frank¡¯s chest. ¡°Frank, stop it! Look at the papers!¡±


    She thrust the medical records at him, her long nails crinkling the edges of the paper. ¡°The report says I had twins ¨C a boy and a girl. One of them died.¡± Her voice cracked, mascara smudging as tears welled in her eyes. ¡°No wonder 1 could never connect with that girl. She isn¡¯t mine!¡±

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    Frank stared at the papers, his face ashen, the bat lowering slightly in his grip. The typewritten words swam before his eyes, but certain phrases stood out in stark relief: ¡°twin delivery¡± and ¡°male infant deceased.¡±


    With a sudden move, he snatched them from Linda¡¯s hands and threw them to the ground. ¡°That¡¯s garbage! What boy and girl? Both my daughters are alive and well!¡±


    Archer collected the scattered papers calmly, smoothing them with practiced hands. ¡°Mr. Morgan, these are authentic hospital records. I can arrange for hospital staff to verify them if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need verification of lies!¡±


    ¡°Then perhaps a DNA test would settle this,¡± Archer suggested, his voice reasonable, almost sympathetic. ¡°If Jade truly is your biological daughter, I¡¯ll apologize profusely andpensate you for the disturbance.¡±


    Frank¡¯s face flushed with anger, a vein pulsing at his temple. ¡°We¡¯re not doing any tests. You¡¯re not taking her blood or anything else.¡±


    ¡°Frank, why are you so against a test if you¡¯re so sure?¡± Linda asked suspiciously, eyes narrowing as she studied her


    husband¡¯s face.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s an invasion of our privacy! Because our daughter isn¡¯t some science experiment!¡± Frank¡¯s voice cracked with emotion, his hands trembling visibly now.


    Archer¡¯s eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. ¡°If Jade is my brother¡¯s child, I can¡¯t allow my only niece to remain estranged from her family. If you continue to refuse cooperation, I¡¯ll have no choice but to contact the


    authorities.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead! Call them!¡± Frank challenged, though fear flickered across his face.


    I¡¯ll also speak with her school principal,¡± Archer added, straightening his tie. ¡°I visited Jade beforeing here. I had hoped to avoid disrupting her life before confirming the truth, but you leave me no choice.¡±


    The baseball bat slowly lowered in Frank¡¯s grip as the reality of the situation sank in.


    ¡®Let¡¯s take this inside,¡± he muttered, shoulders slumping in defeat.


    Once the door closed, Frank copsed onto the sofa, head in his hands. The baty forgotten on the floor beside him. Linda paced nervously, her heels clicking on the linoleum floor, while Archer sat in the armchair opposite, maintaining hisposure.


    ¡°I¡¯ve raised that girl since she was a baby,¡± Frank said, his voice hollow, eyes fixed on a water stain on the carpet. ¡°Changed her diapers, taught her to ride a bike, worked double shifts to put food on the table.¡±


    17:14 Wed, Sep 24 <b>B</b>..


    ¡°We both have,¡± Linda interjected, pulling away from Frank¡¯s restraining hand with a sharp jerk. ¡°Do you know how hard it¡¯s been? All these years taking care of a child that isn¡¯t even mine? And we barely have enough money for


    ourselves.¡±


    58


    Archer leaned forward, elbows on his knees. ¡°If what I suspect is true, you and your husband are the Sullivan family¡¯s benefactors. We would ensure you¡¯re properly thanked for raising my brother¡¯s daughter.¡±


    Linda¡¯s eyes lit up at the implication, calctions running behind her gaze. ¡°We¡¯ve sacrificed everything for these kids. Especially that one. Do you know how difficult she was? Always cold, never grateful-¡±


    ¡°What happened to your brother?¡± Frank interrupted, looking up at Archer with red¨Crimmed eyes. ¡°And the mother? Why aren¡¯t they here instead of you?¡±


    Archer¡¯s expression softened slightly, a sh of genuine grief crossing his features. ¡°My brother passed away over fifteen years ago. As for the child¡¯s mother, I don¡¯t know. My brother never knew he had a child. He didn¡¯t abandon


    her ¨C he couldn¡¯t have. The mother must have had her reasons¡­¡±


    A heavy silence filled the room, broken only by the ticking of a wall clock and Linda¡¯s nervous fidgeting with her bracelets.


    ¡°I found her,¡± Frank finally whispered, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He looked older suddenly, the weight of a long¨Cheld secret visible in the new lines on his face. ¡°Behind themunity hospital. In a cardboard box.¡±


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    The living room fell silent except for the ticking of the old wall clock. Linda¡¯s mouth tightened into a thin line, while Emily stared at her father in confusion. Archer Sullivan leaned forward, his expression intense.


    ¡°What do you mean, you found her?¡± Archer asked quietly, his cultured voice barely containing his eagerness.


    <b>58 </b>


    Frank rubbed his weathered hands over his face. ¡°Linda was pregnant with twins. A boy and a girl.¡± His voice cracked. ¡°The delivery was difficult. The boy¡­ he didn¡¯t make it. Only Emily survived.¡±


    ¡°Linda was unconscious after the delivery. The doctors had given her something strong for the pain.¡± Frank continued, his voice growing steadier as he finally unburdened himself of the secret he¡¯d carried for nearly two decades. ¡°I went home to get some things¨Cclothes, toiletries¨Cand when I was walking back through the hospital¡¯s rear entrance, I heard a baby crying.¡±


    He took a deep breath, his work shirt stretching across his chest. ¡°There was a cardboard box by the dumpster. Inside was a baby girl¨CJade¨Cwrapped in a blue nket. So tiny. So perfect. I couldn¡¯t understand how anyone could just¡­ leave her there.¡±


    ¡°Did you ask around? Report it?¡± Archer pressed, leaning forward, his expensive suit creasing slightly at the elbows.


    Frank nodded. ¡°I asked everyone in the hospital if they knew anything. No one imed her. The security cameras near that exit weren¡¯t working. It was clear she¡¯d been deliberately abandoned.¡±


    ¡°So you just¡­ took her?¡± Archer¡¯s voice held no judgment, only curiosity.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of her going to a foster home or orphanage. So I convinced a doctor to list her as Linda¡¯s second twin.¡± Frank looked up, his eyes wet. ¡°By the time Linda woke up from the anesthesia, we told her


    she¡¯d had twin girls.¡±


    ¡°You lied to me for eighteen years?¡± Linda¡¯s voice was dangerously low, her painted nails digging into her forearms.


    ¡°I did what I thought was right,¡± Frank replied, not backing down. ¡°She needed a home. We¡¯d just lost our son. It


    felt¡­ meant to be.¡±


    Archer sat back, processing the information. The leather of the couch creaked beneath his weight. ¡°So Jade Morgan isn¡¯t your biological daughter. She was abandoned at birth.¡± He looked at the medical records in his hands. ¡°The timing matches perfectly with when my brother¡¯s girlfriend disappeared.¡±


    ¡°What happened to your brother?¡® Frank asked, a hint of genuine concern in his voice.


    ¡°He died fifteen years ago,¡± Archer <b>said </b>softly, a sh of old grief crossing his features. ¡°He never knew he had a child. His girlfriend vanished without exnation.¡±


    The assistant who had apanied Archer shifted ufortably by the door, his eyes darting periodically to the window as if expecting trouble.


    Archer stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the neighborhood with its cracked sidewalks and chain- link fences. After a moment, he turned back to Frank, his posture straightening as ifing to a decision.


    ¡°I want to thank you, Mr. Morgan, for what you did,¡± he said sincerely. ¡°For taking care of her all these years. For giving her a home when she had none.¡±


    Frank nodded, epting the gratitude with quiet dignity despite his shabby surroundings.


    ¡°If she is who I think she is¨Cmy brother¡¯s daughter¨CI promise you she¡¯ll be well provided for,¡± Archer continued. ¡°The Sullivan family takes care of its own.¡±


    ¡°If she wants to go with you,¡± Frank said softly, a protective edge to his voice. ¡°It¡¯s her choice. It¡¯s always been her


    choice.¡±


    Linda scoffed, the sound harsh in the quiet room. ¡°Choice? What about us? We¡¯ve sacrificed for eighteen years! Fed her, clothed her, put up with her attitude-¡± Her voice rose with each grievance.


    ¡°Linda,¡± Frank warned, shooting her a silencing look.


    Archer reached for his wallet, the ck leather gleaming as he pulled it from his inside pocket. ¡°As I said, the Sullivan family is prepared to show our gratitude.¡± He pulled out a sleek ck card. ¡°This card contains five million dors as a token of our appreciation for raising her.¡±


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    Linda¡¯s eyes bulged, and her hand shot out instinctively. ¡°Five million?¡± she gasped, all pretense of indignation forgotten. The broken nail on her index finger caught the light as her hand hovered in midair.


    58


    Emily¡¯s mouth dropped open, her face a mask of disbelief and bitter envy as she stepped further into the room. The stepsister she¡¯d tormented for years was apparently a Sullivan¨Cone of New York¡¯s wealthiest families. All the opportunities, all the privileges that could have been hers if fate had been different. Her cheap shirt suddenly felt even more constricting, the polyester a stark reminder of her status.


    The sound of a car door mming outside made them all jump. Frank moved to the window and peered out past the


    faded curtains.


    ¡°It¡¯s Jade,¡± he said, his voice a mixture of relief and dread. ¡°She¡¯s back.¡±


    Archer¡¯s hand, still holding the card, froze midair. His face tensed with anticipation, eyes fixed on the front door.


    The door swung open without warning. Jade Morgan stepped inside, her sharp eyes immediately taking in the scene before her. She noted Frank¡¯s guilty expression, Linda¡¯s eager gaze fixed on something in Archer¡¯s hand, and Emily¡¯s stunned face. Her attention settled on the stranger in the expensive suit who was staring at her with undisguised


    shock.


    ¡°Jade,¡± Frank said, his voice cracking. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ home.¡±


    Archer Sullivan seemed unable to speak, his hand with the ck card still suspended in the air as he turned fully toward the door. Linda nced between Archer and the card, frustration evident as it remained just beyond her


    reach.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Jade asked, her voice cold and precise. She dropped her bag by the door.


    ¡®Jade, this is Mr. Archer Sullivan,¡± Frank began hesitantly, gesturing toward their visitor. ¡°He¡¯s-¡±


    ¡°I have something for you,¡± Jade interrupted, pulling a man folder from her bag. She walked past Archer Sullivan without acknowledging him and ced the folder on the coffee table with deliberate precision. ¡°Divorce papers. Already drawn up. I need both your signatures.¡±


    Linda¡¯s attention momentarily diverted from the ck card in Archer¡¯s hand to the folder on the table. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she demanded, her voice rising in pitch.


    ¡°You wanted a divorce. I¡¯m making it happen,¡± Jade said coolly, flipping the folder open to reveal the legal documents inside. ¡°The house will be split between Frank and Emily. Max and I don¡¯t want any part of it.¡±


    Linda lunged for the papers, her cheap bracelets jangling. ¡°I don¡¯t want a divorce. Your father was just angry when he said that. How could you take it seriously? It was just a¡­¡±


    ¡°Sign them,¡± Jade said, ¡°or I go public about how you and Emily stole my physics draft to get her that Princeton early


    ¡­


    <b>58 </b>


    admission spot. How does prison sound, Linda?¡±


    Emily gasped from her position near the kitchen doorway, her face paling to a sickly white. Frank hung his head, unable to look at anyone. Linda¡¯s face contorted with rage and fear, her fingers gripping the edge of the papers so hard they crumpled beneath her grasp.


    ¡°What draft? What admission?¡± Archer Sullivan found his voice atst, looking between the family members with growing confusion. ¡°What¡¯s this about Princeton?¡±


    No one answered him. Frank stared at the stained carpet. Linda¡¯s jaw clenched so tight the muscles worked visibly beneath her skin. Emily had the decency to look ashamed, at least.


    ¡°Well?¡± Archer pressed, his authoritative tone cutting through the tension. ¡°Would someone care to exin?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± Jade said sharply, turning to face him fully. Her eyes were cold and assessing as they swept over his expensive suit, the ck card still in his hand, and the leather portfolio on the couch. ¡°Now, who are


    you and what are you doing in this house?¡±


    1


    ¡°Jade, Frank said, finally looking up. ¡°Mr. Sullivan is here because¡­¡± He trailed off, unable to find the words.


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    Frank shook his head<i>, </i>his shoulders slumping as he sank back onto the sofa. The confession had drained him, leaving nothing but resignation in his posture. The living room fell into a weighted silence, broken only by the asional car passing outside the window.


    Archer reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen. ¡°I have something I want to show you, Jade.¡± He turned the device around, disying a slightly yellowed photograph.


    58


    The woman in the image bore a striking resemnce to Jade¨Cthe same delicate bone structure, the same angle to her chin. Her features were refined, her expression elegant but guarded. She looked like an older, softer version of Jade, her eyes holding the same intelligence but none of the coldness.


    Jade barely nced at the screen, her eyes flicking to it for just a second before looking away. She didn¡¯t reach for the phone, didn¡¯t ask to hold it closer. Her expression remained perfectly neutral, as if Archer had shown her nothing more interesting than yesterday¡¯s weather report.


    ¡°This is Hazel Reed,¡± Archer said softly, his voice tinged with old grief. ¡°And I believe she was your mother.¡±


    Jade¡¯s eyebrow twitched slightly¨Cthe only indication she¡¯d heard him at all. If anything, her eyes seemed to grow more distant, a flicker of irritation crossing her features.


    ¡°Child,¡± Archer continued, tucking his phone away when it became clear Jade wouldn¡¯t take it, ¡°these are your real


    parents. Conrad Sullivan and Hazel Reed. I¡¯m your uncle¨Cyour father¡¯s younger brother.¡±


    Frank shifted ufortably on the sofa. ¡°It¡¯s true, Jade,¡± he admitted, unable to meet her eyes. ¡°I found you at the


    hospital.¡±


    Jade studied the man who¡¯d raised her, her gaze clinical and detached. No shock registered on her face, no betrayal or hurt. If anything, she looked bored by the revtion that should have shattered her world.


    ¡°Your father¨CConrad¨Cwas the eldest son of the Sullivan family,¡± Archer exined, leaning forward in his chair. ¡°He was brilliant, driven. A workaholic who never showed much interest in rtionships until he was thirty¨Cthree.¡±


    Archer¡¯s gaze turned distant, lost in memory. ¡°There was a symphony orchestra performing in Cloud City. Conrad attended on a whim. That¡¯s where he saw Hazel for the first time. She was ying the violin¨Cfirst chair, despite being only twenty¨Cfive,¡±


    Jade stood perfectly still, her arms crossed over her chest. Her expression suggested she was enduring this story rather than absorbing it.


    ¡°Hazel was an orphan,¡± Archer continued. ¡°She¡¯d grown up in the foster system here in Cloud City. Brilliant musician, but physically fragile. Always sickly. But when she yed¡­¡± He shook his head slightly. ¡°Conrad said he¡¯d never heard anything so beautiful.¡±


    Linda snorted from her position near the wall.


    ¡­


    17:15 Wed, Sep 24 B..


    <b>58 </b>


    ¡°They fell in love quickly. Conrad visited Cloud City every weekend for a year. Then he told our mother he wanted to marry Hazel.¡± Archer¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Our mother, ir Sullivan, was¡­ is¡­ a formidable woman. She refused to ept Hazel as Conrad¡¯s wife. A musician from nowhere, with no family connections, no social standing¡­¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± Linda interrupted. ¡°Rich people drama. What¡¯s this got to do with us?¡±


    Archer ignored her, his eyes fixed on Jade. ¡°Conrad fought with our mother for two months. He was willing to give up his position in the family, his shares in thepany. But our mother had a heart attack during one of their arguments. The doctors said any more stress could kill her.¡±


    ¡°Emotional maniption,¡± Jade remarked, her first words since Archer had begun his story. Her tone was t,


    unimpressed.


    Archer nodded. ¡°Exactly. Conrad was trapped at the Sullivan estate, unable to leave our mother¡¯s side without risking her health¨Cor so the doctors imed. He asked me to go find Hazel, to exin what had happened.¡± His voice grew


    quieter. ¡°But when I reached Cloud City, Hazel¡¯s orchestra had disbanded. No one knew where she¡¯d gone.¡±


    Jade¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, the only sign she was listening at all.


    ¡°Conrad was convinced our mother had done something,¡± Archer continued. ¡°He abandoned everything to search for Hazel. Spent a year traveling, following leads that went nowhere. He grew sick with worry, was hospitalized several


    times for exhaustion.¡±


    Archer paused, hisposure slipping for a moment. ¡°Eventually, Conrad developed severe depression. He barely left his room for two years. And then one morning¡­¡± His voice cracked. ¡°He took his own life at the family estate.¡±


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    Jade¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. If anything, the slight furrow between her brows suggested she found the whole story annoying rather than moving.


    58


    ¡°If Conrad had known about you, Archer said softly, ¡°I believe he would have lived. He would have had something to live for.¡± He nced at Frank. ¡°I can only assume that Hazel, with her poor health, felt she couldn¡¯t care for a child


    alone. That¡¯s why she left you at the hospital.¡±


    Frank cleared his throat. ¡°Your mother seems pretty strong¨Cwilled,¡± he said to Archer. ¡°If Jade decides to go with you, will she¡­ will your mother treat her well?¡±


    ¡°I swear on my life,¡± Archer said firmly, no harm wille to her in our home.¡±


    ¡°Who said I was going anywhere with you?¡± Jade¡¯s voice cut through the room like ice.


    Archer blinked, surprised by her direct challenge. ¡®I¡­ Of course, it¡¯s entirely your choice. Whether you choose to remain with the Morgans ore to the Sullivan household, we¡¯ll respect your decision. Either way, you¡¯re family.¡±


    Jade¡¯s lips curved into a cold smile.


    ¡°I just said that no matter if you¡¯re willing to return to the Sullivan family or not, we Sullivan family will definitely reward the Morgan family for raising you,¡± Archer confirmed with a nod.


    ¡°You mean reward Linda for locking me in the basement when I was six because I broke her favorite mug?¡± Jade asked, her voice eerily calm. ¡°Or for making me sleep on the back porch when I was nine because I got better grades than Emily and she was jealous?¡±


    Archer¡¯s face drained of color. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Maybe you want to reward her for the cigarette burns on my arms when I was twelve,¡± Jade continued in the same conversational tone. ¡°Or perhaps for feeding me nothing but cold cereal for a month when I was fourteen because she spent the grocery money on those fake designer purses.¡± She nodded toward the collection disyed prominently on the shelf.


    Linda¡¯s face had gone pale, her eyes darting nervously between Jade and Archer. ¡°She¡¯s lying,¡± she said quickly. ¡°Teenagers always exaggerate. We had some disagreements, sure, but-¡±


    ¡°Ask the neighbors,¡± Jade suggested to Archer.


    Frank had covered his face with his hands, his shoulders shaking slightly.


    Archer stood up slowly, his face a mask of controlled fury. ¡°Is this true?¡± he asked Linda.


    Ling


    abandoned her attempt at denial. ¡°Look, raising teenagers is hard, okay? Sometimes discipline gets a little strict. Besides,¡± she added, her eyes calcting, ¡°if she¡¯s really your fancy Sullivan niece<b>, </b>then you owe us for taking


    care of her all these years.¡±


    ¡°Owe you?¡® Archer repeated incredulously.


    ¡°Fifty thousand dors,¡® Linda said, crossing her arms. ¡°That¡¯s my price. Fifty thousand and you can take her right


    now.¡±


    58


    ¡°Linda!¡± Frank gasped, his head jerking up.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t act shocked,¡± Linda snapped at him. ¡°It¡¯s a fair price. Fifty grand, t rate. You give me the money, you


    take her with you. Simple as that.¡±


    Archer¡¯s face had hardened into stone. ¡°You¡¯re attempting to sell a child.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not selling anything,¡± Linda retorted. ¡°I¡¯m asking forpensation for eighteen years of food, clothing, housing. The Sullivan family is loaded¨Cfifty grand is nothing to you people.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not a car, Linda,¡± Frank said, his voice shaking.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Linda shot back. ¡°A car would¡¯ve been useful. She¡¯s been nothing but trouble since the day you brought her home. So yeah, fifty grand. The Sullivans owe us that much at least.¡±


    Archer¡¯s hand trembled slightly as he reached into his jacket pocket. For a moment, Jade thought he might be reaching for his checkbook. Instead, he pulled out his phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m contacting Child Protective Services,¡± he said coldly. ¡°What you¡¯ve described is criminal child abuse and neglect. And now you¡¯re attempting to sell a minor. The authorities will be very interested.¡±


    Linda lunged forward, her face contorted with rage. ¡°You can¡¯t prove anything! It¡¯s her word against mine! Who¡¯s going to believe some moody teenager over a mother?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re <b>just </b>trying to get out of paying what you owe!¡® Linda shrieked, her voice rising to a painful pitch. ¡°Your family is responsible for all this! If you hadn¡¯t abandoned her mother, none of this would have happened! The Sullivans owe us!¡±


    ¡°ENOUGH!


    The <b>roar </b>came from Frank, who had stood up from the sofa.


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    <b>58 </b>


    Frank¡¯s roar still echoed in the small living room as silence descended. Jade watched him with mild interest, noting how the veins in his neck stood out like cords. His face had turned an rming shade of red, but there was something in his eyes she¡¯d rarely seen before¨Cdetermination.


    ¡°You. Frank pointed at Archer Sullivan, his finger trembling slightly. ¡°The child is mine. I found her, I raised her, and I don¡¯t want anything from you or your family.¡±


    Archer looked taken aback by the sudden disy of backbone. ¡°Mr. Morgan, I understand your attachment, but legally-


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about legally.¡± Frank¡¯s voice was quieter now but no less firm. ¡°Jade is my daughter in every way that matters. These past eighteen years, I¡¯ve been the one who checked her temperature when she was sick. I taught her to ride a bike. I helped her with homework until she got too smart for me to keep up.¡±


    Frank reached for the divorce papers on the coffee table and pulled a pen from his pocket. ¡°I¡¯m signing these,¡± he said, scribbling his signature across the bottom line. ¡°This house? You can have it, Linda. I¡¯ll be out tonight.¡±


    Linda¡¯s mouth fell open. ¡°You¡­ what? Just like that?¡±


    ¡°Just like that,¡± Frank confirmed, capping the pen with a decisive click.


    He turned back to Archer. ¡°I don¡¯t need your money. If Jade wants to go with you, to learn about her biological family, that¡¯s her choice. Take her.¡±


    Then his eyes hardened, and he stepped closer to Archer. ¡°But if you or anyone in your family ever hurts her, ever makes her feel unwee or less than what she is, I swear to God, I will find you. I may not be rich or powerful, but I¡¯m her father, and I will never stop fighting for her. Do you understand me?¡±


    Archer stared at Frank for a long moment before nodding slowly. ¡°I understand perfectly, Mr. Morgan.¡±


    Linda gave a short, bitterugh. ¡°Listen to you! Acting all tough now. Where was this backbone all these years when I needed it? You¡¯ve been a doormat our entire marriage, and now you¡¯re suddenly Mr. Decisive?¡±


    Frank didn¡¯t even look at her. Sign the papers, Linda.¡±


    ¡°And why should I let you off the hook so easily? Linda crossed her arms. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you asking for money from these rich people? Fifty thousand isn¡¯t nearly enough. We raised their precious heir for eighteen years. We deserve millions!


    Jade stepped forward, her patience wearing thin. ¡®You deserve nothing.¡±


    ¡®You ungrateful little-¡±


    It seems you¡¯re not going to sign,¡± Jade interrupted coolly. ¡°That¡¯s fine. I anticipated that. The police will be very


    interested in that case. Going to prison or getting divorced¨Ceither way, you¡¯re out of our lives.¡±


    <b>58 </b>


    ¡°Wait!¡± Linda grabbed the papers, her hands shaking. ¡°Fine. You want a divorce? I¡¯ll give you a divorce.¡± She scrawled her signature with such force she nearly tore the paper.


    ¡°You¡¯re both dead to me,¡± she spat, throwing the pen across the room. ¡°All these years I¡¯ve sacrificed, and this is how you repay me? Frank, you were nothing when I met you. Nothing! I made you a family. I gave you children!¡±


    ¡°My life was supposed to be better than this,¡± she whispered, her voice cracking. ¡°I wasn¡¯t supposed to end up in this shithole, married to a loser, raising someone else¡¯s kid.¡±


    Jade picked up the signed divorce papers and folded them carefully, tucking them into her bag. ¡°You made your choices, Linda. Every single day, you chose cruelty over kindness. You chose bitterness over gratitude. Don¡¯t me others for the life you built.¡±


    She turned to Frank and handed him a business card. ¡°This is Chris Jensen¡¯s number. If she tries to cause trouble for you after this, call him. He¡¯ll handle everything.¡±


    Frank took the card, his fingers brushing against hers. For a moment, Jade saw the weight of years lift from his shoulders. ¡°Thank you, Jade.¡±


    She nodded once, then faced Archer Sullivan. ¡°As for you, Mr. Sullivan. I appreciate your¡­ concern. But I have no interest in bing part of your family drama. Please don¡¯t interfere with my life again.¡±


    She walked to the door, pausing only to look back at Frank. He seemed to have aged a decade in just these few minutes, his shoulders slumped, his eyes tired.


    Jade pulled out her phone as she left the house, sending a quick text to Felix Huxley. She needed him to arrange housing for Frank.


    Max¡¯s urgent knocking echoed through Jade¡¯s apartment that evening. When Ethan opened the door, Max nearly fell into the room, breathing hard as if he¡¯d run all the way there.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 170

    ¡°Did you


    :


    Max gasped, looking from Ethan to Jade. ¡°Did you go with them to do a DNA test? Are you really moving in with the Sullivans?¡±


    Jade was sitting on the couch, a ss of expensive bourbon in her hand¨Ca gift from Ethan earlier that evening. ¡°Hello to you too, Max. Want a drink?¡±


    ¡°What? No! Jade, this is serious!¡± Max walked over to the couch, his face flushed with exertion. ¡°Dad called me. He


    said some rich guy named Sullivan came by, iming you¡¯re his brother¡¯s daughter!¡±


    Ethan looked between them, confusion evident on his face. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m missing something important here.¡±


    Jade sighed, taking another sip of bourbon. ¡°Apparently, I¡¯m the long¨Clost daughter of Conrad Sullivan and Hazel Reed. Archer Sullivan¨CConrad¡¯s brother¨Cshowed up at the house today to im me for the Sullivan family. The usual soap opera stuff.¡±


    ¡°And¡­ are you?¡± Ethan asked carefully.


    ¡°Am I what?¡±


    ¡°Conrad Sullivan¡¯s daughter.¡±


    Jade shrugged. ¡°Maybe. Probably. The timing fits, and apparently I look like my birth mother.¡± She nced at Max, who had copsed onto the couch beside her. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t matter. I didn¡¯t agree to any DNA test, and I¡¯m not going to.¡±


    Max¡¯s shoulders sagged with relief. ¡°So you¡¯re not leaving us for the Sullivans?¡±


    ¡°Yes. The Sullivan family means nothing to me,¡± she continued. ¡°The only scenario in which I¡¯d ever set foot in the Sullivan house would be to confront that old witch ir Sullivan and make her pay for what she did to my birth parents.¡±


    She turned to face Max directly. ¡°But you should know this: whether I¡¯m a Morgan or a Sullivan by blood, you¡¯re my brother. The only family member I truly care about.¡±


    Max¡¯s eyes welled with tears, and he looked down at his hands. ¡°I thought¡­ when Dad told me you weren¡¯t really my


    sister¡­¡±


    ¡°Blood doesn¡¯t make family, Max,¡® Jade said firmly. ¡°If it did, Linda would be a mother instead of just an egg donor.¡±


    Max nodded, wiping at his eyes.


    ¡°Are you hungry? Jade asked, standing up. I¡¯ve got some leftovers in the fridge.¡±


    ¡°A little,¡± Max admitted.


    Jade headed for the kitchen, leaving Max and Ethan in the living room. When she returned with a te of food, Max


    was gone.


    ¡°Where¡¯d he go?¡± she asked, setting the te down.


    ¡°He said he needed some air,¡± Ethan replied, picking up a small rectangr object from the coffee table. ¡°He left


    this.¡±


    It was Max¡¯s bank card¨Cthe one Jade had given him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to him,¡± Ethan said, heading for the door. ¡°He can¡¯t have gone far.¡±


    Ethan found Max sitting on a bench outside the apartment building, staring at the ground. He sat down beside him, holding out the bank card.


    ¡°You forgot this,¡± Ethan said.


    Max nced up, then away. ¡°I didn¡¯t forget it. I just¡­ I don¡¯t know if I should keep it anymore.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    Max sighed heavily. ¡°She¡¯s not really my sister. And if she¡¯s a Sullivan, she doesn¡¯t need to take care of me anymore. I should stand on my own.¡±


    2


    Ethan was quiet for a moment. ¡°You know, from what I¡¯ve seen, your sister is a pretty remarkable judge of character. She doesn¡¯t waste time or resources on people she doesn¡¯t value.¡±


    Max looked up at him.


    ¡°She¡¯s also someone who values loyalty above almost anything else,¡± Ethan continued. ¡°Think about it¨Cthe ident of birth versus eighteen years of shared history. Which do you think matters more to someone like her?¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Your sister is a practical person, Max. If she didn¡¯t want you in her life, she would have cut ties long ago. The fact that she¡¯s given you this,¡± he tapped the card, ¡°tells me she considers you family, regardless of blood.¡±


    Max took the card back slowly.


    ¡°You know,¡± Ethan said, ¡°I think your sister would be hurt if you pushed her away now. Not that she¡¯d ever admit it, of course. She¡¯s too proud for that. But she¡¯d feel it all the same.¡±


    Max considered this. ¡°I guess you¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Look,¡± Ethan said gently, ¡°your sister is quick to speak her mind. She¡¯s not one for sentimental speeches. But she made it very clear that you¡¯re the only family member she truly cares about. Don¡¯t throw that away because of something as trivial as DNA.¡±


    A small smile formed on Max¡¯s face. ¡°I understand. Thank you, Mr. Haxton.¡±

 Treatment 171

    <b>Chapter </b><b>171 </b>


    Jade¡¯s phone buzzed with a text from Max. She nced at the screen.


    <i>Sis</i>, heading back to school. Still have homework to <i>finish</i>.


    ? (9?)


    She tucked the phone away as Ethan approached her at the front door of the house. He looked amused, like he was enjoying some private joke.


    ¡°Your brother seems nice,¡± Ethan said, leaning against the doorframe. His casual stance couldn¡¯t hide the expensive


    cut of his suit.


    ¡°What did you two talk about?¡± Jade asked, crossing her arms.


    Ethan¡¯s lips curved into a smile. ¡°Guy stuff.¡±


    ¡°Guy stuff? Really?¡± She raised an eyebrow. That¡¯s the best you cane up with?¡±


    ¡°What can I say? We bonded over our mutual admiration for a certain intimidating woman.¡±


    Jade snorted. ¡°You¡¯re terrible at psychological counseling, you know that?¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re terrible at eptingpliments,¡± he shot back. ¡°We should form a support group.¡±


    Despite herself, Jade smiled. ¡°I¡¯d rather jump off a building.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d probablynd on your feet,¡± Ethan said, then gestured toward the living room. ¡°May <b>I</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    She stepped aside to let him in, wondering why she was even allowing this conversation to continue.


    ¡°So,¡± Ethan said once they were seated, ¡°Cloud City. You came back because your parents were divorcing?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Foster parents,¡± she corrected automatically. ¡°And yes.¡±


    Ethan nodded, his eyes reflecting something that looked dangerously like sympathy. Jade hated sympathy.


    ¡°That can¡¯t have been <b>easy</b>,¡± he said carefully. ¡°The divorce, finding out about your birth parents<b>¡­</b>¡±


    ¡°Life <b>isn¡¯t </b>easy for most people,¡± she replied with a shrug. ¡°At least I¡¯m alive.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Do you want to find your birth mother?¡± Ethan asked. ¡°I could help.¡±


    Jade met his gaze directly. ¡°The Sullivans will find her. They lost her, they can do the work.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s quite the love story,¡± Ethan said. ¡°Conrad Sullivan and Hazel Reed. Star¨Ccrossed lovers torn apart by family


    8:15 Thu, Sep 25


    duty.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s to admire?¡± Jade asked coldly. ¡°They could have chosen differently. They both could have lived.¡±


    Ethan studied her for a moment, his head tilted slightly. ¡°You know, Miss Morgan, technically speaking, you¡¯re the Sullivan family¡¯s ¡®eldest daughter.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    97


    ¡°You¡¯re younger than Sullivan¡¯s current eldest daughter.¡® But you¡¯re the daughter of Sullivan¡¯s eldest son. That makes


    you the family¡¯s rightful ¡®eldest daughter.¡±


    Jade rolled her eyes. ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less about Sullivan family hierarchy.¡±


    ¡°The Haxton family has considerable resources,¡± Ethan said, changing tack. ¡°If you want help dealing with the Sullivans, you only need to ask.¡±


    Jade stood up. ¡°Thank you for the offer, but I can handle my own family drama.¡±


    Ethan rose smoothly, recognizing the dismissal. ¡°Of course. I wouldn¡¯t expect anything less.¡±


    At the Sullivan family mansion, Archer paced his study while his brother Dominic watched from an armchair.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure it¡¯s her?¡± Dominic asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m certain,¡± Archer replied. ¡°We just need the DNA test to confirm it officially, but I¡¯d stake my life on it. She looks


    so much like Hazel.¡±


    ¡°Does Mother know?¡±


    Archer shook his head. ¡°Not yet. I can¡¯t tell her until we¡¯re absolutely certain. She¡¯s never recovered from Conrad¡¯s death. If this turns out to be false hope¡­¡±


    Dominic nodded. ¡°I saw her, you know. At the charity auction in New York, and again at Thornton¡¯s birthday. Never would have guessed she was Conrad¡¯s daughter.¡± He shook his head in wonder. ¡°Conrad would have been so happy to


    know he had a child.¡±


    The next morning, Jade was awakened by insistent doorbell ringing. Half¨Casleep, she stumbled to the door and peered through the peephole. Archer Sullivan stood there with another man who resembled him¨Cpresumably his brother.


    She closed her eyes for a moment, drew a deep breath, and then firmly shut the deadbolt before returning to bed.


    8:15 Thu, Sep 25


    They rang again. And again. And again.


    Eventually, she put in earplugs and went back to sleep.


    Hourster, Jade checked out her window. They were still there, sitting in a ck Bentley parked across the street.


    Idiots.


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 Treatment 172

    <b>Chapter </b>172


    By evening, the Sullivans had finally left.


    That night, in the Sullivan mansion, Archer and Dominic gathered the family in the main living room. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation as everyone settled into their seats.


    ¡°We¡¯ve called you all here because we¡¯ve discovered something important,¡± Archer began, his voice steady despite his obvious excitement. ¡°We believe we¡¯ve found Conrad¡¯s daughter.¡±


    Gasps filled the room. Aurelia looked up sharply from her phone. Catherine¡¯s mother clutched her husband¡¯s arm.


    Dominic opened a leather¨Cbound photo album and ced it on the coffee table. ¡°We¡¯ve beenparing photographs, and the resemnce is unmistakable.¡±


    He pointed to a portrait of Hazel Reed, then slid forward a printed photo of Jade Morgan from a recent university publication.


    Aurelia leaned forward, her eyes widening in shock. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s Jade Morgan¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s Conrad¡¯s daughter?¡± ir whispered, reaching out to touch the photographs with trembling fingers. ¡°Our Conrad had a child all this time?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re certain,¡± Archer confirmed. ¡°We¡¯ve already spoken with her foster parents. They found her abandoned at a hospital shortly after birth.¡±


    ¡°We need to see her,¡± ir said firmly, rising to her feet. ¡°All of us. She needs to know she has a family. A real family.¡± She looked around the room with determination. ¡°We¡¯ll go tomorrow. Together.¡±


    The next day, there was another knock at Jade¡¯s door. Persistent bastards.


    She was in the shower when it came, but heard Chase¡¯s footsteps in the living room, followed by the sound of the door opening.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡® Chase¡¯s voice carried down the hallway.


    A woman¡¯s voice responded, surprised. ¡®I think we have the wrong apartment. We¡¯re looking for Jade Morgan.¡±


    ¡°This is her ce,¡® Chase replied. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    There was a pause, then Archer Sullivan¡¯s voice: ¡®I¡¯m her uncle. We need to speak with her about an urgent family


    matter.¡±


    ¡°Chase?¡± Aurelia¡¯s voice sounded sharp with surprise. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I could ask you the same question, Aurelia,¡± Chase responded coolly.


    <b>¡°</b>Is she home?¡± Archer asked. ¡°We have important matters to discuss with her.¡±


    ¡°Wait here,¡± Chase said. ¡°I¡¯ll see if she¡¯s avable.¡±


    Jade heard his footsteps on the stairs. He knocked lightly on the bathroom door.


    ¡°Jade? The Sullivan family is here. Like, all of them. Should I tell them to fuck off, or what?¡±


    Wrapped in a towel, she considered her options. ¡°Tell them I¡¯m not home and they should nevere back. Otherwise, I¡¯ll make them regret it.¡±


    Chase chuckled. ¡°Got it.¡±


    She heard him descend the stairs and deliver her message. Through the bathroom door, Catherine Sullivan¡¯s indignant voice carried clearly.


    ¡°Not home? But her friend is here! She¡¯s clearly avoiding us. How rude!¡±


    ¡°Catherine!¡± a male voice admonished. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Chase¡¯s voice drifted up, ¡°but that¡¯s her message. She¡¯s not home, and she says you should all leave and note back.¡±


    ¡°This is ridiculous,¡± Catherine huffed. ¡°We¡¯vee all this way, and she can¡¯t be bothered to greet us? No manners at all.¡±


    ¡°Catherine,¡± a different female voice cut in, ¡°remember where you are. This is someone else¡¯s home.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Chase said coldly. ¡°This is Jade¡¯s home, and you¡¯re being disrespectful. I think you should leave.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll wait,¡± Archer Sullivan said firmly. ¡°However long it takes.¡±


    Jade stayed upstairs for hours, asionally hearing snippets of conversation. The doorbell rang once¨CChase¡¯s delivery. She heard him unwrap his food, the television turn on, and the sounds of a video game.


    More time passed. Catherineined about her feet hurting in her heels.


    ¡°Can I at least sit down?¡± she demanded.


    (


    8:15 Thu, Sep 25


    ¡°You want to sit on someone else¡¯s furniture without permission?¡± Chase asked. ¡°Wow. And you were just talking


    about manners.¡±


    Finally, as evening shadows lengthened across her bedroom floor, Jade came downstairs.


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 Treatment 173

    <b>Chapter </b>173


    As evening shadows lengthened across her bedroom floor, Jade finally descended the stairs. The Sullivan family members, who had been waiting for hours in her living room, all rose to their feet. Chase, who had been ying video games on the couch, paused his game and watched the scene unfold with cautious interest.


    ir Sullivan, the elderly matriarch, stepped forward the moment she saw Jade. Her eyes widened with recognition


    and emotion.


    ¡°Oh my God,¡± she gasped, her hands trembling as she reached toward Jade. ¡°It¡¯s you. It¡¯s really you. You¡¯re my son¡¯s


    child.¡±


    Chase shot Jade a confused look, clearly wondering what was happening. He shifted closer to the stairs, positioning himself where he could intervene if needed, though his expression suggested he found the old woman¡¯s behavior


    suspicious.


    Archer stepped forward, cing a hand on his mother¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Jade, these are all your family members. We¡¯vee to wee you home. Aurelia,e here, this is your cousin.¡±


    Dominic approached, his expression earnest. ¡®Child, I¡¯m your Uncle Dominic. We met at Philip Thornton¡¯s birthday celebration, remember? This is Catherine, your cousin.¡±


    A woman in her forties stepped forward with a warm smile. ¡®Child, I¡¯m your Aunt Thalia. We met that day at Crystal Vault, do you remember? You¡¯ve suffered so much all these years outside.¡±


    One by one, the Sullivan family members¨Cexcept Catherine¨Cintroduced themselves, each expressing how happy they were to finally meet Jade, how sorry they were for all she¡¯d endured.


    Chase watched the scene unfold with growing bewilderment, his gaze darting between Jade and the Sullivan family.


    Jade finally descended the stairs fully, stopping halfway down. Her face remained cold and distant.


    ¡°Private property,¡± she said tly. ¡°Are you waiting for the police to arrive, or will you leave on your own?¡±


    The room fell silent. ir¡¯s smile faltered, her outstretched hands dropping to her sides.


    ¡®Jade, Archer began carefully, ¡°we¡¯vee to make things right. We want to take you home, where you belong.¡±


    ¡°Home?¡± Jade¡¯sugh was sharp and humorless. ¡°What home? The one where my mother can¡¯t go? Or the one where my father killed himself?<b>¡± </b>


    ir gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. ¡°No, child. We didn¡¯t know-


    ¡°Didn¡¯t know what?¡± Jade cut in. ¡°That my father was suffering? Or that I existed at all?¡± Her eyes narrowed.


    ir stepped forward, her face crumpling. ¡°Child, please. I was wrong. So terribly wrong.¡± She moved toward the


    stairs, her eyes pleading. ¡°I¡¯ll kneel and beg your forgiveness if I must.¡±


    ¡°Grandma, no!¡± Aurelia cried, rushing forward.


    But ir was already lowering herself painfully to her knees, her aged body trembling with the effort.


    Jade watched impassively. ¡°Is that all? A kneeling old woman is supposed to make up for two dead parents?¡± Actually


    three.


    2


    Aurelia looked up at Jade, her eyes swimming with tears. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know you were my cousin before. If you¡¯re angry at me, you can yell at me instead.¡±


    ¡°Lucky there aren¡¯t any reporters here,¡± Jade said coldly. ¡°They might think I was bullying an old woman. Or that I was the one who killed people.¡±


    Catherine stepped forward, her face flushing with anger. ¡°How dare you speak like that?¡±


    ¡°Catherine!¡± Dominic barked, silencing his daughter with a sharp look.


    Jade¡¯s gaze swept over the assembled family, her expression cial. ¡°You think a simple apology and some tears erase what happened? Now get out of my house.¡±


    ¡°Please,¡± ir begged, still on her knees. ¡°We¡¯re your family.¡±


    ¡°My family?¡± Jade¡¯s voice was dangerously soft. ¡°My family is who I choose. Not who shares my DNA. Now leave, before I make you leave.¡±


    Something in her tone made Chase flinch. He moved quickly to help ir to her feet.


    ¡°I think you should go,¡± he said quietly to Archer. ¡°She¡¯s serious.¡±


    Archer hesitated, looking between his mother and Jade. Finally, he nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll go. But this isn¡¯t over, Jade. We¡¯ll


    be back<i>.</i>¡±


    ¡®Don¡¯t bother,¡± Jade replied.


    The Sullivan family filed out, supporting a weeping ir between them. Aurelia nced back once, her expression a mixture of hurt and confusion, before the door closed behind them.


    Chase turned to Jade, his eyes wide. ¡°Holy shit. Was that for real? You¡¯re not actually a Morgan?¡±


    Jade walked past him into the kitchen and poured herself a ss of wine. ¡°Does it matter<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°I guess not,¡± Chase said, following her. He leaned against the counter. ¡°That olddy scared the crap out of me when she started crying. I thought you were going to give in.¡±


    <b>8:16 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    Jade raised an eyebrow. <b>¡°</b>Why would <b>I</b><b>?¡± </b>


    <i>97 </i>


    ¡°Because she was kneeling and everything.¡± Chase shook his head. ¡°If I¡¯d known they were that bad, I would¡¯ve kept


    the door shut.¡±


    Chase studied her face carefully. ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re a Sullivan, huh? That¡¯s kind of a big deal.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not anything,¡± Jade replied.


    ¡°Maybe we should do a DNA test,¡± Chase suggested with a mischievous grin. ¡°What if you¡¯re an Astor instead?¡±


    Jade gave him a withering look. ¡°I don¡¯t have grandchildren your age.¡±


    Chaseughed, the tension breaking. ¡°Fair point.¡± He grabbed his jacket from the back of a chair. ¡°Want to go for a drive? Clear your head?¡±


    In the Sullivan mansion, ir sat in her armchair, tears streaming down her face as she clutched a photograph of


    her son Conrad.


    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault,¡± she whispered. ¡°I drove Hazel away. I lost my granddaughter.¡±


    Dominic knelt beside her chair, taking her hand in his. ¡°Mother, we¡¯ll fix this. We¡¯ll bring her home.¡±


    ¡°How?¡± ir demanded. ¡°You saw how she looked at us. She hates us.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s hurt,¡± Archer said. ¡°We can¡¯t expect her to wee us with open arms after everything that happened.¡±


    Catherine sat at the dining table, pushing her food around her te without eating. ¡°I don¡¯t see why everyone¡¯s so upset, she muttered. ¡°She was incredibly rude.¡±


    ¡°Catherine, her mother warned quietly.


    ¡®Well, she was!¡± Catherine insisted. ¡°Grandma got on her knees, and she just stood there like some ice queen. Who does that?¡±


    ¡°Someone who lost both parents because of our family¡¯s actions,¡± Dominic said sharply.


    ¡°I¡¯m <b>just </b>saying,¡± Catherine continued, dropping her fork with a tter, ¡°nobody¡¯s questioning where she came <b>from </b>or what she¡¯s been doing all these years. She lives in that fancy apartment, drives expensive cars, but <b>supposedly </b>grew up <b>in </b><b>that </b>awful neighborhood? It doesn¡¯t add up.¡±


    ¡°What are you implying?<b>¡± </b>Archer asked coldly.


    ¡°<b>I¡¯m </b>not implying anything,<b>¡± </b>Catherine shot back. ¡°<b>I¡¯m </b><b>stating </b>facts. She behaved horribly at the <b>Crystal </b>Vault,


    <b>3/4 </b>


    8:16 Thu, Sep 25


    :


    97


    iming to be the owner. At the auction, she drove up prices just to spite me. Her foster parents live in squalor, but she¡¯s somehow wealthy enough to live like that? Doesn¡¯t anyone else find that suspicious<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Maybe Philip Thornton gave her that apartment,¡± Aurelia said quietly. ¡°As a schrship perk or something.¡±


    ¡°Catherine, go to your room and think about your behavior today.¡± Dominic mmed his hand on the table. ¡°Now.¡±


    Catherine stood up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. ¡°Fine.¡± She stormed out of the dining room, her footsteps echoing on the marble floor as she headed upstairs.


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 Treatment 174

    <b>Chapter </b>174


    :


    97


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    Rain pattered against the windows of Princeton¡¯s ssroom, creating a soothing background rhythm as I read a book. The campus looked almost ethereal through the rain¨Cstreaked ss, gothic architecture softened by mist and


    water.


    It had been a rtively peaceful week. No Sullivan family members showing up at my door, no emotional grandmothers falling to their knees in my living room. Just sses, research, and the asional text from Max. Normal, if anything in my second life could be called that.


    My phone vibrated. Chase had sent a link to the university¡¯s Reddit forum with an rming message:


    <i>Jade</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>need </i>to see <i>this </i>NOW.


    I clicked the link, and my eyebrows rose slightly at the thread title: [<b>EXPOSED</b><b>] </b><b>Jade </b><b>Morgan¡¯s </b><b>stic </b><b>Surgery </b><b>and </b><b>Weight </b>Loss <b>Journey</b><b>. </b>The post had over two thousand upvotes and hundreds ofments.


    The original post contained several photos¨Cold ones from my high school days when my current body was


    significantly overweight, paired with recent images. The caption read: ¡°<i>From </i><i>nobody </i><i>to </i><i>campus </i><i>queen</i><i>. </i><i>How </i><i>much </i><i>did</i><i>. </i><i>those </i><i>surgeries </i><i>cost</i><i>? </i><i>Sugar </i><i>daddy </i><i>funding</i>?¡±


    I scrolled through thements, mildly interested in the social dynamics at y.


    ¡°<i>Wait</i><i>, </i><i>THIS </i>is <i>the </i><i>genius </i><i>everyone¡¯s </i><i>talking </i><i>about</i><i>? </i><i>She </i><i>used </i><i>to </i><i>look </i>like <i>THAT</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>No </i><i>way </i><i>those </i><i>grades </i><i>improved </i><i>naturally</i><i>. </i><i>Something¡¯s fishy</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Didn¡¯t </i>she used to <i>have </i><i>a </i><i>crush </i><i>on </i><i>Orion </i><i>Miller</i>? I <i>heard </i>she <i>sent </i>him <i>love </i><i>letters </i><i>Imao</i>¡±


    Some more reasonable voices had chimed in:


    ¡°<i>These </i>photos look <i>doctored</i>. <i>The </i><i>lighting </i><i>is </i><i>all </i>wrong.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Who </i>cares if she lost weight? <i>That </i>takes <i>dedication</i>, not <i>stic </i><i>surgery</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Saw </i>her <i>at </i><i>the </i><i>Cloud </i><i>City </i><i>High </i><i>School </ist <i>year</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>was </i><i>heavier </i>then but had the same facial <i>features</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    Before I could finish reading, Chase slid into the seat next to me, face flushed with anger.


    ¡°Have you seen this shit?¡± he hissed, pointing at his phone. ¡°Someone¡¯s trying to trash your reputation. The forum moderators can¡¯t even delete the post¨Cit¡¯s like someone nted a virus in it.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s just inte gossip.¡±


    <b>8:16 </b>Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>


    ¡°It gets worse,¡± Chase said grimly, showing me another thread titled: Jade <b>Morgan</b><b>: </b><b>Princeton¡¯s </b><b>Kept </b>Woman<b>? </b>


    This one imed I¡¯d been seen exiting a ck Maybach with the license te ¡°NY001¡°. Comments spected wildly about my supposed rtionship with a ¡°wealthy benefactor.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i><i>she </i><i>wants </i>a <i>sugar </i><i>daddy</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>not </i><i>just </i><i>date </i><i>Chase </i><i>Astor</i>? <i>His </i><i>family¡¯s </i>loaded.¡±


    ¡°<i>Chris </i><i>Jensen </i><i>is </i><i>her </i><iwyer</i><i>. </i><i>That </i><i>guy </i><i>only </i><i>represents </i><i>legitimate </i><i>clients</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>saw </i><i>her </i><i>getting </i><i>out </i>of <i>that </i><i>car</i><i>. </i><i>The guy </i><i>inside </i><i>looked </i><i>older</i><i>. </i><i>MUCH </i><i>older</i>.¡±


    Chase ran a hand through his hair in frustration. ¡°This is spreading everywhere. It¡¯s all over the neighboring schools¡® forums too. Look at the ount creation dates¨Cthese are all new ounts posting the most vicious stuff. This is


    coordinated.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± I murmured, more intrigued by the technical aspects than the content.


    Across the lecture hall, I noticed Aurelia Sullivan staring at her phone, her expression morphing from shock to disgust. She stood abruptly, addressing her circle of friends.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± she said loudly. ¡°What gives any of you the right to talk about someone like this? There¡¯s not a shred of evidence.¡±


    Her friends looked at her in confusion as she gathered her books and stormed out, the door mming behind her.


    ¡°What¡¯s her problem?¡± Chase wondered. ¡°Isn¡¯t she a Sullivan? I thought they were your enemies or something.¡±


    My phone pinged with notifications as a new post appeared on the forum. It was from Orion Miller, the economic department¡¯s golden boy.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯ve <i>known </i><i>Jade </i><i>Morgan </i><i>since </i><i>high </i><i>school</i>. <i>She </i><i>never </i><i>sent </i><i>me </i><i>love </i><i>letters</i><i>¨C</i><i>that¡¯spletely </i><i>fabricated</i><i>. </i>Yes<i>, </i><i>she </i><i>was </i>heavier back <i>then</i><i>, </i><i>but </i>she <i>lost </i><i>weight </i><i>through </i><i>exercise</i><i>, </i><i>not </i><i>surgery</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>watched </i><i>her </i><i>transformation </i><i>over </i>time. <i>Stop </i><i>spreading </i>lies <i>about </i><i>someone </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know</i>.¡±


    ¡°Well, at least someone¡¯s defending you,¡± Chase said, peering over my shoulder.


    I closed the app and packed my books. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I have ss in ten minutes.¡±


    Chase escorted me through the hallway, his face darkening as he noticed the stares and whispers following us.


    ¡°Goddamn it,¡± he muttered. ¡°Which asshole is so bored they had to spread this garbage on the forums?¡±


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± I asked calmly,


    ¡°You¡¯ve been ndered all over campus! They¡¯re saying you slept your way to the top, got stic surgery, faked your intelligence¨Cand you¡¯re not even mad?¡±


    8:16 Thu, Sep 25


    ¡°Is getting mad going to fix anything?¡±


    :>))


    Chase stopped walking, staring at me with disbelief. ¡°They¡¯re destroying your reputation! You worked hard to get here. We should go to President Thornton¡¯s office right now.¡±


    To do what? Have him make an announcement over the PA system?¡± I raised an eyebrow.


    <b>97 </b>


    Chase turned to his friends trailing behind us. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to find some tech people to handle this? Where are


    they?¡±


    Before his friends could respond, I interrupted. ¡°Don¡¯t bother. I¡¯ll handle it myself.¡±


    ¡°Come on,¡± Chase scoffed. ¡°You¡¯ve only been takingputer science for like a few months. Whoever did this clearly knows what they¡¯re doing¨Cthey¡¯ve locked down the forum somehow. We need professionals.¡±


    I led the way into the ssroom, aware of the eyes tracking our movement. The whispers increased as we entered, some sympathetic, others malicious.


    ¡°Your white knight¡¯s arrived,¡± someone murmured as Orion Miller approached us, his expression earnest.


    ¡°Jade,¡± he said, ¡°I¡¯ve contacted some of our high school ssmates. They¡¯re going to help clear your name.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your help,¡± I replied tly.


    ¡°But the rumors-¡±


    ¡°Are just rumors<b>.</b>¡±


    Orion reached out to stop me, but Chase intercepted his hand midair. ¡°She said she doesn¡¯t need help. You deaf or


    something?¡±


    Tension crackled between them, neither backing down. Just as the situation threatened to escte, Sterling Huxley pushed through the doorway, eyes widening at the scene.


    ¡°Whoa, what¡¯s happening here?¡± Sterling quickly wedged himself between Orion and Chase, pulling Orion back.


    ¡°Dude, chill out.¡±


    Orion shook him off. ¡°I¡¯m just trying to help.¡±


    Sterling led him toward the door, speaking in a low voice. ¡°You know who rejected her when she was heavy, right? You thought she wasn¡¯t good enough for you then. And now you¡¯re rushing to her rescue?¡± He shook his head. ¡°Besides, you see who she¡¯s with? The Astors aren¡¯t people like us, man. Don¡¯t start trouble you can¡¯t finish.¡±


    Inside the ssroom, I took my seat and pulled out myptop, Chase and his friends gathered around me, curious.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Chase asked.


    8:16 Thu, Sep 25


    ¡°Finding out who posted those threads.¡±


    The boys exchanged skeptical nces as I opened a terminal window and began typing rapidmands. Lines of code filled the screen, drawing gasps from Chase¡¯s friends.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± one of them whispered. ¡°You can actually code?¡±


    I ignored him, fingers flying across the keyboard as I traced the origin of the posts, bypassing the forum¡¯s security and following digital breadcrumbs back to their source.


    ¡°There,¡± I said after a few minutes, pointing to an IP address on the screen. ¡°Computer Science building, male dormitory C, third floor, room 305.¡±


    97


    Chase¡¯s face darkened with anger. ¡°Someone from our own school? Those bastards.¡± He turned to his friends. ¡°Come on, guys. Let¡¯s pay this asshole a visit.¡±


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>175 </b>

 Treatment 175

    <b>Chapter </b><b>175 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Jade¡¯s phone vibrated in her pocket as Chase and his friends stormed off to confront the Reddit poster. She didn¡¯t bother following them. When she pulled out her phone, Ethan Haxton¡¯s name shed on the screen. Perfect timing.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Haxton,¡± she answered, keeping her voice neutral despite themotion around her.


    ¡°Jade.¡± His voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of concern. ¡°I¡¯ve been informed about what¡¯s happening at


    Princeton. Are you alright?¡±


    She leaned back in her chair, watching students hurry between sses through the rain¨Cstreaked windows<b>. </b>¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s just university gossip.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more than that.¡± There was a pause. ¡°I¡¯ming to Princeton.¡±


    Before she could respond, the ssroom door burst open. A group of students rushed in<b>, </b>eyes glued to their phones.


    ¡°Holy shit, did you see the new post?¡± a girl with a pink streak in her hair eximed. ¡°Someone just dropped a bomb


    on the forum!¡±


    Her ssmates immediately pulled out their devices. Whispers quickly turned to gasps.


    ¡°Is that a fucking Maybach purchase receipt?¡±


    ¡°Look at the name¨CEthan Haxton!¡±


    ¡°The car te matches¨CNY001!¡±


    Jade turned back to her phone. ¡°What did you do?¡± she asked Ethan, already knowing the answer.


    ¡°What needed to be done,¡± he replied simply. ¡°The forum needed some rity.¡±


    Across the room, conversations erupted like popcorn.


    ¡°Wait, so that ¡®sugar daddy¡® rumor was about Ethan Haxton? The Ethan Haxton?¡±


    ¡°This can¡¯t be real. Why would someone like him even look at a Princeton student?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s him<b>, </b>then fuck¨CAstor, Sheldon, and Jensen all look like nobodies inparison.¡±


    ¡°This <b>is </b>obviously fake. Whoever posted this has zeromon sense. You can¡¯t just fake documentation for <b>someone </b>like Haxton.¡±


    <b>: </b>


    E


    Jade could practically hear Ethan¡¯s satisfaction through the phone. ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°<b>I </b>simply dislike misinformation,¡± he replied. ¡°And I particrly dislike when it involves you.¡±


    In his downtown New York office, Ethan had pushed aside contracts for a multi¨Cbillion¨Cdor merger to personally reviewments on a university forum. One by one, he banned ounts posting maliciousments, exercising administrator privileges that shouldn¡¯t have been possible for anyone outside the university¡¯s IT department.


    Meanwhile, across campus in the female dormitories, panic had erupted in one particr room.


    ¡°We¡¯re so fucked,¡± Megan Hayes whispered, pacing frantically. ¡°It¡¯s Ethan Haxton. What if they find us?¡±


    Her two roommates sat frozen on their beds, faces pale.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me who started the sugar daddy rumor,¡± one of them said quickly. ¡°That was all you, Megan.¡±


    In theputer science building, Chase¡¯d cornered a terrified junior¨Cthe top student inputer science¨Cwho¡¯d been coordinating with dozens of paidmenters.


    ¡°I¨CI was just having fun,¡± the student stammered as Chase dragged him toward the administration building. ¡°It was


    just a joke!¡±


    In President Thornton¡¯s office, the atmosphere was tense. The student sat hunched in a chair, while Chase stood by


    the window, arms crossed.


    ¡°Who paid you?¡± Jade asked calmly, having arrived minutes earlier.


    The student looked up, startled by her direct approach. ¡°N¨Cnobody! I told you, I just-¡±


    ¡°Was it Megan Hayes? Emily Morgan? Aurelia Sullivan? Catherine Sullivan?¡±


    At ¡°Catherine Sullivan,¡± his eyes widened fractionally¨Ca tell even an amateur could spot.


    ¡°I¡­¡± he swallowed hard. ¡°Catherine paid me a few hundred thousand. She said it was just a prank.¡±


    President Thornton sighed heavily, massaging his temples. Just minutes earlier, he¡¯d been praying the culprit wasn¡¯t


    a student.


    While this drama unfolded, across town in a luxurious office, Dominic Sullivan was reviewing quarterly reports when his phone rang without him touching it. Somehow, it had epted the call automatically and switched to speaker mode.


    ¡°Hello?¡± he said, confused.


    ¡°You have thirty minutes,¡± a cold female voice responded. ¡°If you don¡¯t want Sullivan Group bankrupted by morning, bring Catherine to Princeton. Now.¡±


    <b>8:16 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    The line went dead just as Archer pushed open the door. ¡°Dom, Aurelia just called. She says Jade¡¯s in some kind of


    trouble at school.¡±


    97


    Back in her bedroom, Catherine Sullivan lounged on her bed<b>, </b>scrolling throughments with satisfaction. People were tearing Jade apart, questioning her integrity, her grades, her appearance¨Ceverything. Perfect.


    Then she saw the new post¨Cthe Maybach receipt with Ethan Haxton¡¯s name. Her face contorted with rage and disbelief.


    ¡°This slum rat must be insane,¡± she muttered, gripping her phone tightly. ¡°A girl from that disgusting neighborhood thinking she can have Haxton¡¯s heir?¡±


    Jealousy burned through her veins as she began typing instructions to hire more online trolls.


    On campus, the revtion about the Maybach owner hadn¡¯t cleared Jade¡¯s name as intended. Instead, students now spected that Jade herself had posted the receipt, desperate to prove her connection to someone important.


    ¡°She¡¯s so pathetic, making up rtionships with billionaires.¡±


    ¡°Someone should warn her before she gets hurt. Haxton will sue her for defamation.¡±


    Then, at precisely 3:15 PM, a sleek ck Maybach with the license te ¡°NY001¡± pulled up at Princeton¡¯s south gate. Students gasped, phones raised to capture the moment.


    ¡°Holy shit, the car is real!¡±


    ¡°Is that¡­ oh my God, it¡¯s actually Ethan Haxton!¡±


    Inside the car, Connor grimaced. ¡°I feel like we¡¯re in a zoo exhibit.¡±


    Ethan, perfectlyposed in his tailored suit, simply lowered the window and gave the gawking students a clear


    view of his face<i>. </i>


    ¡°This is a significant sacrifice, sir,¡± Connor muttered.


    Ethan smiled slightly. Is it? Or is this actually quite convenient?¡±


    He pulled out his phone and texted Jade: I¡¯m at the south gate. Would you minding to pick me up, Miss Morgan?


    The crowd grew as word spread, and students whispered among themselves.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way she actually knows him.¡±


    ¡°First Chris Jensen<b>, </b>now this?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You think a guy like that would actually date a college freshman<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    8:16 Thu, Sep 25


    97


    Fifteen minutester, Jade pushed through the crowd, feeling their stares boring into her back. When Ethan saw her, he stepped out of the car, his six¨Cfoot¨Cplus framemanding immediate attention. The whispers instantly died as


    students froze in disbelief.


    ¡°You¡¯re not wearing enough,¡± he said, frowning at her light sweater. ¡°Aren¡¯t you cold?¡±


    ¡°I run warm,¡± she replied simply.


    He opened the passenger door himself. ¡°Get in. It¡¯s warmer inside.¡±


    The collective gasp from the crowd was almostical as Jade slid into the Maybach. Camera shes went off like strobe lights, and she could already imagine the photos circting through every social tform within minutes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d actuallye get me,¡± Ethan said once they were both inside, the door closing with a soft, expensive thud that sealed them off from the chaos outside.


    ¡°It¡¯s the least I could do. Mr. Haxton made a special trip for me,¡± she answered.


    ¡°Well, it concerns your reputation.¡± His eyes studied her face. ¡°I wanted to silence those voices for you. Though had I known you¡¯d be so underdressed, I wouldn¡¯t have made youe out.¡±


    ¡°Does it bother you?¡± he asked, gesturing vaguely toward the window where students still pressed against the ss, trying to glimpse inside. ¡°Being the center of attention like this?¡±


    Jade nced at the faces outside¨Csome shocked, others envious, a few calcting. In her previous life, attention meant danger. Now, it was merely an inconvenience.


    ¡°Not particrly,¡± she replied.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 176

    <b>Chapter 176 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Dominic and Archer Sullivan escorted Catherine through the side entrance of the administrative building. Their faces were grim, matching the stormy clouds gathering outside. Catherine walked between them, her designer heels clicking against the marble floor, chin held high despite the circumstances. Her Burberry coat was immacte, not a wrinkle in sight, as if she were attending a business meeting rather than facing consequences.


    President Thornton sat behind his desk, fingers steepled, his expression severe. The deep lines in his forehead had deepened further since this morning. Chase stood by the window, arms crossed, his normally yful demeanor reced by cold anger. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.


    The door had barely closed when a frantic student burst in, eyes wild with panic. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he rushed toward Catherine, shoving a ck bank card into her hand.


    ¡°Take it back! All of it!¡± he shouted, voice cracking. ¡°You need to tell them this was all your idea. I¡¯m not going down for this! I don¡¯t want to get expelled. Please!¡± His hands shook violently, desperation emanating from every pore.


    Catherine shrieked, jumping backward as if she¡¯d been burned. ¡°Get away from me, you freak! Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    Dominic and Archer quickly stepped between them, Archer firmly guiding the student back while Dominic kept a vice¨Clike grip on Catherine¡¯s arm. The student struggled against Archer¡¯s hold, nearly hyperventting.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± President Thornton said, standing with authority. ¡°Young man, please wait outside. We¡¯ll deal with your situation separately.¡±


    After the student was escorted out, his sobs still audible through the closed door, Dominic turned to Catherine, his face flushed with anger.


    ¡°You still won¡¯t admit it?¡± he growled, fingers digging into her arm. ¡°Look at what you¡¯ve done! That boy¡¯s academic career is ruined because of you!¡±


    Catherine¡¯s eyes narrowed, a practiced look of innocence washing over her features. ¡°I told you it wasn¡¯t me, Daddy. I¡¯m being set up.¡± She shot a venomous nce toward Chase. ¡°That Morgan girl is obviously trying to frame me because she¡¯s jealous of me.¡±


    Chase let out a short, harshugh from his position by the window, ¡°Frame you? Please, Jade doesn¡¯t even care enough about you to bother. Who exactly do you think you are?¡±


    ¡°We have proof,¡± President Thornton said quietly, his voice carrying more weight for its softness.


    Chase pushed off from the window, pulled out his phone and ced it on the desk with a decisive tap. ¡°Jade hacked into the campus coffee shop¡¯s security system. We have footage of you meeting with that kid, handing him money, and giving him explicit instructions on what to post.¡±


    8:16 Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>


    ¡­


    <b>97 </b>


    The color drained from Catherine¡¯s face as the video yed, clearly showing her passing an envelope to the student, their conversation caught perfectly by the audio. Her perfectly manicured nails dug into her palms as she watched herself being exposed.


    ¡°So what if I did it? Catherine suddenly snapped, her voice rising to a near¨Cscreech. ¡°I only told the truth! Everyone knows she¡¯s being kept by some rich guy. I just made sure people were talking about it. She deserves to be exposed!¡±


    Dominic¡¯s hand came down hard across Catherine¡¯s face. The p echoed through the office like a gunshot, silencing everything else. A perfect red handprint bloomed on her pale cheek.


    ¡°She is your cousin!¡± he shouted, his voice breaking. ¡®Conrad¡¯s daughter. Your blood! How dare you spread these filthy lies about your own family!¡±


    President Thornton¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡®Conrad Sullivan¡¯s daughter? The Conrad Sullivan?¡± He looked startled by this revtion.


    Catherine¡¯s hand went to her reddening cheek, her eyes filled with tears <b>of </b>shock and rage. ¡°So what if she <b>is</b>? She¡¯s still trash from the slums. She¡¯s still sleeping her way to the top. Her voice took on a mocking tone. ¡°She even had the nerve to im she¡¯s with Ethan Haxton! Can you believe that? As if someone like him would look twice <b>at </b>gutter trash like her. She¡¯s ruined now, and you want to bring her into the Sullivan family? She¡¯ll drag <b>us </b><b>all </b>down with her pathetic lies!¡±


    1


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    8:17 <b>Thu</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 177

    <b>Chapter </b><b>177 </b>


    :


    ¡°Sleeping her way to the top?¡± a deep voice cut through the room like ice through warm butter.


    97


    Everyone turned to see Ethan Haxton standing in the doorway, his tall frame filling the entrance. Raindrops glistened in his hair and on the shoulders of his perfectly tailored suit. Beside him stood Jade Morgan, her expression cool and collected as she surveyed the room. Ethan stepped inside with Jade following, closing the door behind them with deliberate slowness<b>. </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I must correct you, Miss Sullivan,¡± he said, his voice cool and measured. ¡°If by ¡®kept¡® you mean Miss Morgan is my mistress, I regret to inform you that I haven¡¯t had that particr honor.¡±


    Catherine¡¯s mouth fell open, her eyes widening to an almostical degree.


    1


    ¡°The social media posts were mine,¡± Ethan continued, moving further into the room, his presence bothmanding and protective. ¡°I thought some rity was needed regarding the vehicle situation. The rumors were bing rather¡­ creative.¡±


    ¡°But- Catherine stammered, her voice failing her.


    Ethan nced at Jade, the hint of a smile ying at the corner of his mouth. ¡°I would dly spend money on Miss Morgan if she¡¯d allow it, but she seems to be quite financially independent. In fact, I suspect she has more liquid assets than I do at the moment.¡± His voice dropped slightly, taking on a warmer tone. ¡°If she ever deigns to ept my financial support, I would consider it an honor.¡±


    Chase snorted withughter. ¡°Open your eyes, Catherine. Good luck seeing reality for once.¡± He shook his head, visibly enjoying her difort. ¡°Who¡¯s reaching above their station now? Last person who said Jade was delusional about Ethan was your cousin Aurelia, and she nearly lost her pants betting against it. You Sullivan folks are


    something else¨Cif you can¡¯t reach it, you assume no one else can either.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lying, Catherine whispered, her voice trembling. ¡°You¡¯re from the poorest part of Cloud City. You lived in that disgusting neighborhood. How could you possibly know the Haxtons?¡±


    Ethan¡¯s gaze turned cold, temperature in the room seeming to drop several degrees. ¡°I would be very careful with your next words, Miss Sullivan. Very careful indeed.¡± The threat in his voice was unmistakable, wrapped in perfect civility.


    Jade finally decided to speak, her eyes sweeping over the Sullivan family members. ¡°Since everyone¡¯s here, let¡¯s talk about how we¡¯re going to handle this situation.¡±


    Dominic stepped forward, his expression pained. ¡°Jade, I take full responsibility for my daughter¡¯s actions. I hope you won¡¯t hold this against the family. We¡¯ve only just found you, and-¡±


    ¡®What do you want? Archer asked.


    <b>Jade </b>smiled slightly, the expression not reaching her eyes. ¡°Her four limbs.¡±


    8:17 Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>


    The room went silent. President Thornton¡¯s face paled, his hand unconsciously moving to his throat.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± he whispered, horror evident in his voice.


    Ethan cleared his throat. ¡°An arm or a leg. She can keep her life.¡± He said it so matter¨Cof¨Cfactly that it took a moment for the words to register with everyone.


    Dominic looked horrified. ¡°Jade, please=¡±


    ¡°Apologize,¡± he turned to Catherine, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°Get on your knees and beg for forgiveness.¡±


    Catherine¡¯s face contorted with rage. ¡°I will not! Why should I apologize? I didn¡¯t start the rumors about her being kept. Her ssmates saw her with some rich guy!¡±


    She turned to Ethan, desperation in her eyes. ¡°Mr. Haxton, she¡¯s not what you think. She¡¯s manipting everyone.


    She¡¯s-¡±


    97


    The sound of another p cut through the room as Dominic struck her again, harder this time.


    ¡°You stupid, stupid girl!¡± he hissed, spittle flying from his lips. ¡°Can¡¯t you see what¡¯s happening? You¡¯ve insulted Ethan Haxton to his face! You could destroy everything our family has built!¡±


    Slowly, the realization dawned on Catherine¡¯s face as she looked from Ethan to Jade and back again. Her eyes widened with genuine fear as she finally understood who exactly she had been attacking, and what power now stood against her.


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 Treatment 178

    :


    <i>97 </i>


    The tension in President Thornton¡¯s office could¡¯ve been cut with a knife. Catherine stood trembling, the realization of her predicament finally sinking in as she stared at Jade and Ethan Haxton.


    Dominic Sullivan ran a hand through his hair, his expression a mixture of resignation and shame. ¡°Call the police,¡± he said finally, looking at his daughter with disappointment etched into every line of his face. ¡°You¡¯ll face the consequences of your actions. If Jade doesn¡¯t want to let you out, you¡¯ll stay there and reflect on what you¡¯ve done. The Sullivan family won¡¯t bail you out.¡±


    Catherine¡¯s perfectly made¨Cup face crumpled. Tears streaked down her cheeks<b>, </b>smearing her mascara as she turned to Jade. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she sobbed, her voice breaking. ¡°I didn¡¯t think¨CI didn¡¯t mean¨Cplease, I¡¯m so sorry!¡± Her


    shoulders shook as she dissolved into hysterics<b>, </b>sinking to her knees.


    Chase Astor leaned against the window frame, rolling his eyes. ¡°Anyone watching would think we¡¯re the ones bullying her. She apologizes and then acts like she¡¯s the victim. Unbelievable.¡±


    Dominic stepped forward, his tall frame bending as he bowed deeply to Jade. ¡°Child, I failed to raise her properly. Her actions are partly my responsibility, and I apologize to you.¡± His voice was steady but strained, the weight of


    family honor evident in each word.


    From her position on the floor, Catherine watched her father bow to Jade, her tear¨Cstained face twisting with hatred. The sight of her proud father humbling himself before someone she considered beneath them made her stomach churn with rage. Her fingers dug into her palms, leaving crescent¨Cshaped marks as she fought to control her


    breathing.


    ¡°I promise she will publicly rify the truth,¡± Dominic continued, straightening. ¡°She will take full responsibility for her actions and face whatever consequencese her way.¡±


    Jade studied him coolly, her expression revealing nothing as she ran her finger along the edge of Thornton¡¯s desk. ¡°Is that all?¡± she asked, her voice soft but carrying an undercurrent of steel that made everyone in the room shift


    ufortably.


    Dominic¡¯s face paled. He nced at his brother Archer, who stood silently by the door, then back to Jade. ¡®Child, you can hit her, yell at her, have her arrested¨CI won¡¯t say a word. But breaking limbs¡­¡± His voice cracked, genuine fear shing across his face. ¡°Please<b>, </b>I¡¯m begging you, spare her this once.¡±


    Archer stepped forward, his normally confident posture slightly hunched. ¡°Jade, please reconsider. She¡¯s young and foolish, but-


    President Thornton cleared his throat, folding his hands on the desk. ¡°Miss Morgan, your father and your uncles were very close. Conrad, Dominic, and Archer were inseparable in their youth. If Conrad were still alive, I don¡¯t think he would want you to do this. He had a merciful heart, despite his business acumen.¡±


    Jade tilted her head, considering. A small<b>, </b>dangerous smile yed at the corners of her mouth. ¡°If it¡¯s too much trouble, <b>I </b>could just kill her instead. Much cleaner.¡±


    8:17 Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>


    ¡°Good heavens, child!¡± Thornton eximed, hand flying to his chest as he sank back in his chair. ¡°Your words are getting increasingly frightening. My heart isn¡¯t what it used to be, you know.¡±


    ¡°I want her expelled from the Sullivan family,¡± Jade said after a moment. ¡°And I want a press conference where she admits everything publicly. Every detail, every lie.¡±


    Ethan stepped closer to Jade, his presence both protective and menacing. His expensive cologne filled the space between them, subtle yet unmistakable. ¡°That seems unnecessarilyplicated,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°Just say the word, and I can ensure the Sullivans are removed from their familypany entirely. Sullivan Enterprises would make an interesting addition to Haxton Capital¡¯s portfolio.¡±


    Catherine¡¯s sobs increased, genuine terror in her eyes now. She scrambled to her feet, mascara creating grotesque trails down her cheeks. ¡°Daddy, please! Don¡¯t let them do this!¡±


    Dominic quickly nodded, ignoring his daughter¡¯s pleas. ¡°I agree to your terms. First thing tomorrow morning, I¡¯ll hold a press conference.¡±


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 Treatment 179

    <b>8:17 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>179 </b>


    <b>97 </b>


    Two dayster, Princeton¡¯s official forum exploded with activity. Two video clips had been posted by the university administration: one showing the student who had spread rumors confessing to being paid, and another featuring Catherine Sullivan admitting she was the mastermind behind the smear campaign.


    The official statement from the university announced immediate expulsions for the student who created the posts and Megan Hayes, who had aided in spreading the rumors. Catherine¡¯s two roommates received formal reprimands- their third strikes, which meant they also faced potential expulsion.


    ¡°Did you see the statement?¡± a girl with bright blue hair asked her friend as they walked across the quad. ¡°Total nuclear fallout. They¡¯re not even trying to keep it quiet.¡±


    ¡°Sullivan Enterprises stock dropped fifteen percent this morning,¡± her friend replied, clutching her textbooks tighter. ¡°My dad says Haxton Capital is circling like sharks, ready to¨Coh my God.¡±


    She stopped mid¨Csentence, her jaw dropping open. Across thewn, Ethan Haxton was walking toward the economics building, his tall figure impossible to miss. Students froze in their tracks, phones immediately raised to capture the moment. His tailored charcoal suit and confident stride drew every eye on campus.


    ¡°What¡¯s Ethan Haxton doing here?¡± someone whispered loudly, furiously typing on their phone.


    ¡°Probably checking on Jade,¡± another replied, nodding toward Jade who was walking several yards behind him, seemingly unbothered by themotion. ¡°Must be nice having a billionaire friend to fight your battles.¡±


    ¡°Look at him,¡± another girl sighed, watching Ethan disappear into the building. ¡°That height, that face, that presence. Sorry, Chris Jensen, I¡¯m officially switching teams. There¡¯s something about the way he moves, like he owns everything his eyesnd on.¡±


    ¡°So what exactly is Jade¡¯s rtionship with Ethan Haxton?¡± a freshman asked, pulling her beanie lower against the autumn chill. ¡°That can¡¯t just be an old family friend, right? The way he looks at her¡­¡±


    ¡®Looks more like lovers to me,¡± an older studentmented, adjusting her sses.


    The fallout spread beyond the university. Ethan Haxton¡¯s appearance at Princeton topped trending topics on every social media tform. Sullivan Enterprises stock continued its downward spiral, with financial analysts predicting serious repercussions for thepany¡¯s future.


    Dominic Sullivan took his wife Thalia and daughter Catherine out of the country, but the damage was done. Catherine had be theughingstock of Cloud City¡¯s elite circles, her name synonymous with petty jealousy and spite.


    8:17 Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>


    97


    A weekter, Jade stood in the arrival area of the airport, absently scrolling through her phone. She was waiting for someone important, someone she hadn¡¯t seen in years. The flight from Russia hadnded twenty minutes ago, and passengers were beginning to filter through customs.


    From the corner of her eye, she noticed amotion near the VIP arrival gate. Ethan Haxton stood there with two security personnel, his attention fixed on the arrival board. He hadn¡¯t noticed her, his profile sharp against the bright airport lighting, eyes focused straight ahead with that characteristic intensity of his.


    <i>Interesting</i>, Jade thought, pausing her scrolling. <i>Who¡¯s </i><i>important </i><i>enough </i><i>for </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Haxton </i><i>to </i><i>personally </i><i>pick </i><i>up</i><i>? </i>She watched him curiously, wondering about the connection.


    Her attention shifted back to the main arrival gate as passengers from the Russia flight began emerging. She scanned the faces, looking for one in particr. The crowd parted and closed like waves, familiar faces nowhere to be seen.


    And then she saw him¨Ca vic man with shoulder¨Clength curly hair, dressed impably in designer clothes that somehow managed to look both expensive and slightly mboyant. A Versace scarf was draped artfully around his neck. <i>Typical</i><i>, </i>she thought with a small smile. <i>Always </i><i>the </i>peacock<i>. </i>


    Night spotted her immediately, his sharp eyes finding her in the crowd as if guided by radar. Without hesitation, he. dropped the handle of his sleek luggage and rushed toward her, pushing past disgruntled travelers with single- minded purpose. He gathered her into a tight embrace that lifted her off the ground.


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    97


    ¡°God, I¡¯ve missed you so much,¡± Night murmured against Jade¡¯s hair, his ent thicker than she remembered as his arms tightened around her like steel bands.


    ¡°Enough already, let go,¡± Jade muttered, trying to wriggle free from his grip.


    Night justughed and squeezed tighter, bending her spine backward. Hisughter drew attention from passersby in the busy airport terminal. Some travelers even pulled out their phones, probably assuming they were witnessing some romantic reunion between long¨Cdistance lovers.


    ¡°Just this, just this exact tone¨CI¡¯ve missed it so much,¡± Night continued, his eyes sparkling with genuine delight. ¡°This cold, merciless voice, baby, I love it. This is exactly what I needed after so long.¡±


    Jade let out an exasperated ¡°tsk¡± as Night finally set her down but immediately cupped her face between his hands, tilting her head up to examine her features. His gray eyes scanned every inch of her face with an intensity that would have unnerved most people.


    ¡°Sweetheart, this face is adorable,¡± he said, pinching her cheek with unnecessary force. ¡°And your height is cute too. So tiny now.¡± He measured the top of her head against his chest. ¡°Like a little doll.¡±


    She pped his hand away, annoyed. ¡°Are you done?¡±


    ¡°No matter what you look like,¡± Night continued, his voice suddenly serious, his Russian ent adding weight to his words, ¡°I¡¯ll always love your soul.¡±


    ¡°Picking up a friend?¡±


    Jade turned to see Ethan Haxton standing a few feet away, his eyes fixed on Night¡¯s hands, which were still framing her face.


    The woman from the VIP lounge stood beside him, watching their interaction with curious eyes. She was elegantly dressed in a cream cashmere coat, her golden curls perfectly styled despite the long flight. A stunning emerald and diamond ne glinted at her throat.


    Jade tilted her head slightly, evading Night¡¯s grasp. ¡°Yeah, you too?¡± She nced at the woman beside him,


    She smiled warmly at Jade, her blue eyes crinkling at the corners. ¡°You must be Jade. Ethan¡¯s told me about you.<b>¡± </b>


    Jade gestured to Night, who had casually draped his arm around her shoulders again. ¡°This is my friend, Night. You might know him.¡±


    Connor, standing slightly behind Ethan, visibly stiffened at the introduction. His hand instinctively moved toward his jacket. Even Ethan¡¯s perfectly controlled expression faltered for a microsecond. Night¡¯s reputation clearly preceded himmander of the Arctic Fox Mercenaries¡® elite 791 Group wasn¡¯t a credential most airport meetings involved.


    <b>8:17 </b>Thu, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    Connor¡¯s mind raced as he processed the information. Themander of 791 Group? Here? And apparently on intimate terms with Jade Morgan? The implications were staggering. If Night was here, it meant something significant was happening¨Cor about to happen. He¡¯d need to update their security protocols immediately.


    ¡°Mr. Night,¡± Ethan extended his hand, his voice measured. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you.¡± His eyes narrowed slightly, reassessing Jade and what her connection to someone like Night might mean.


    97


    Night¡¯s handshake was deliberately casual, almost disrespectful. He barely grasped Ethan¡¯s fingers before letting go.


    Ethan didn¡¯t rise to the bait. Instead, he turned to the woman beside him. ¡°This is my aunt, Olivia Haxton.¡±


    Olivia stepped forward, grasping Jade¡¯s hand in both of hers. Her grip was surprisingly strong for someone so elegantly put together. The diamonds on her fingers caught the light as she held Jade¡¯s hand. ¡°Jade, I¡¯m so pleased to finally meet you. Ethan¡¯s told me about what you did for my brother.¡± Her eyes shone with genuine gratitude. ¡°Thank you for saving William.¡±


    ¡°It was nothing,¡± Jade said, ufortable with her sincerity.


    Night, never one to stay quiet for long, suddenly pointed at Ethan¡¯s wrist. ¡°Darling, so that¡¯s who you wanted the watch for.¡± He turned to Ethan with an exaggerated smile. ¡°Had I known it was for Mr. Haxton, I would have picked something more suitable. While that watch is decent, it hardly does justice to someone of Mr. Haxton¡¯s stature. I¡¯m afraid you¡¯vepromised your reputation with such a modest gift, baby.¡±


    Jade fought the urge to roll her eyes.


    Ethan¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver. ¡°I had assumed this was something you picked up casually,¡± he replied, adjusting the watch on his wrist. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you specifically asked your friend¨CMr. Night, who I understand is quite the busy man¨Cto select it. That makes it far more valuable.¡± He looked directly at Night. ¡°I¡¯ll treasure it even more now.¡±


    Night draped his arm around Jade¡¯s shoulders. ¡°You should. Unlike me, who has a collection of treasures from my darling here, you should appreciate the rarity.¡± His fingers traced small circles on Jade¡¯s shoulder, a deliberate gesture that wouldn¡¯t be missed by someone as observant as Ethan. ¡°I prefer abundance to scarcity when ites to gifts from her. There¡¯s never too much of a good thing.¡±


    ¡°Are you two ever going to stop?¡± Jade cut in, feeling the tension building between them. The air felt charged, like the moment before lightning strikes.


    Night squeezed her shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s go, shall we? I barely ate on the ne. We¡¯ll get food first, then catch up at home.¡± The emphasis on ¡°home¡± was subtle but deliberate,


    She nodded, ready to escape this increasingly awkward encounter. Night grabbed his abandoned luggage from where a security guard was eyeing it suspiciously.


    ¡°It was nice meeting you,¡± Jade said to Olivia, who smiled warmly in return.


    ¡°Likewise, dear. I hope we¡¯ll see more of you.¡±


    8:17 Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>


    As Night led her away, his arm still around her shoulders, she could feel Ethan¡¯s gaze following them. His face had hardened, the muscles in his jaw visibly tight. His usualposed demeanor had cracked, revealing something possessive beneath the surface. For someone who prided himself on control, the reaction was telling.


    ¡°Change of ns,¡± Ethan said to Connor as they reached the automatic doors. ¡°We¡¯re not going directly home.¡±


    ¡°Sir?¡± Connor sounded confused, his eyebrows furrowing. ¡°But your parents are expecting us for dinner to wee


    97


    ¡°How about I take you somewhere else for dinner?¡± Ethan interrupted, addressing his aunt. ¡°The chef at my parents¡® house hasn¡¯t changed the menu in years. Nothing new there.¡±


    Connor¡¯s expression shifted from confusion to understanding as he nced toward Night and Jade¡¯s retreating figures. He¡¯d rarely seen Ethan change ns so abruptly, especially familymitments. The implications weren¡¯t lost on him.


    Olivia followed her nephew¡¯s gaze, a knowing smile spreading across her face. ¡°That Morgan girl has some impressive friends. You¡¯d better step up your game, nephew.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes never left Jade as he replied, ¡°I¡¯m well aware, Aunt Olivia.¡±


    Night whispered something in Jade¡¯s ear as they disappeared through the exit, making herugh¨Ca sound that carried back to where Ethan stood. His fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around his phone.


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    <b>8:17 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>

 Treatment 181

    <b>Chapter </b><b>181 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    <i>97 </i>


    I felt Night¡¯s <b>gaze </b>on me as I navigated through Princeton¡¯s evening traffic. His eyes hadn¡¯t left me since we¡¯d gotten in the car twenty minutes ago. The weight of his stare was bing impossible to ignore.


    ¡°What the hell are you staring at?¡± I finally snapped, keeping my eyes fixed on the road ahead.


    Instead of backing off, Night leaned closer, invading my personal space until I could smell his expensive cologne. ¡°Darling, this face is still so new to me,¡± he said, his ent thickening with amusement. ¡°I need to memorize every


    detail.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve been staring since the airport. It¡¯s creepy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s appreciation,¡± he corrected, fingers reaching out to touch my cheek before I swatted them away.


    Night¡¯s attention shifted to my wrist as I changednes. His yful expression hardened. ¡°What is that piece of garbage on your wrist?¡±


    I nced down at my worn watch. The leather strap was cracked, and the face was scratched, but it kept perfect


    time. ¡°It¡¯s a watch.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a watch. That¡¯s an insult to timekeeping.¡± Night grabbed my wrist, pulling it toward him despite my protest. ¡°You wear this trash, yet you made me search for that limited¨Cedition one for your pretty boy Haxton?¡±


    ¡°It tells time. That¡¯s all I need it to do,¡± I replied, yanking my hand back.


    ¡°You know what else is interesting?¡± Night continued, ignoring myment. ¡°You ¡®die,¡®e back to life, and the first people you meet with are Titan Defense Group and Chris Jensen¨Cnot me. Chris bragged to me for half an hour after seeing you.¡±


    I kept my face neutral. ¡°I was worried about your safety.¡±


    Night¡¯s <b>face </b>lit up. ¡°I knew it! You care about me the most, baby.¡±


    His smug expression made me want to m on the brakes and send him flying into the dashboard.


    ¡°How long are you nning to stay in Princeton?¡± I asked<b>, </b>changing the subject.


    Night stretched <b>out</b><b>, </b>making himselffortable. ¡°As long as you need me, darling.¡±


    ¡°<b>That¡¯s </b>not an answer.¡±


    He sighed dramatically. ¡°The perils <b>of </b>being irreceable. So many people demanding my time<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>8:17 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°What about the power struggles within Arctic Fox?¡± I pressed. ¡°Your 791 Group has always been a target for the other units. Has the situation calmed down? You seem awfully rxed to be here wasting time with me.¡±


    97


    Night scoffed, waving dismissively. ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about? In our world, poweres from strength. Anyone who dares challenge me gets eliminated. Simple as that. They¡¯ve learned to behave.¡±


    His casualness about killing was so familiar it almost made me smile. Almost.


    ¡°Besides,¡± he continued, his voice softening, ¡°seeing you is worth any risk. They can go fuck themselves if anyone has a problem with it.¡±


    Night shifted in his seat, studying me again. ¡°Now, about this Haxton character¡­<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°What about him?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°What¡¯s the deal? Is he just another mark or something more?¡± His tone remained casual, but I caught the tension underneath.


    ¡°Still assessing,¡± I replied coolly.


    Night¡¯s fingers drummed against his thigh. ¡°I don¡¯t like him.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t like anyone.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true. I like you.¡± He paused dramatically. ¡°And I¡¯m jealous.¡±


    I shot him a re. ¡°Keep talking and I¡¯ll throw you out of this moving car.¡±


    Nightughed, clearly enjoying my irritation. ¡°There¡¯s my Shadow.¡±


    As we approached the Grand za Hotel, I noticed something odd. ¡°You came alone this time. No security detail, no VIP treatment. That¡¯s not like you.¡±


    ¡°Why would I need bodyguards when I have you<b>?</b>¡± Night grinned. ¡°Besides, sometimes it¡¯s better to fly under the


    radar<b>.¡± </b>


    I pulled up to the hotel entrance. ¡°Since when do you care about being under the radar?¡±


    The valet approached, and I handed him the keys. As we entered the lobby, I froze. Standing by the reception desk was Ethan Haxton, apanied by his aunt Olivia and Connor.


    ¡°Miss Morgan, what a coincidence!¡± Olivia called out, her eyes lighting up at the sight of us.

 Treatment 182

    Night leaned down to whisper in my ear. ¡°Coincidence my ass. Your boy is stalking you.¡±


    ¡°This <b>is </b>Princeton¡¯s most expensive hotel, I muttered back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t defend him,¡± Night growled.


    Olivia approached us, elegant in her designer dress<b>. </b>¡°Ethan has reserved a private dining room to wee me back. Since you¡¯re here, why not join <b>us</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Before I could decline, Night stepped forward with a charming smile. ¡°We¡¯d be delighted. I love livelypany.¡±


    I shot him a re that he pointedly ignored.


    In the private dining room, Night pulled out my chair with exaggerated gantry, then sat so close to me our shoulders touched. He picked up the menu and began ordering without consulting me.


    ¡°My darling will have the seared scallops to start¨Cshe loves seafood but hates shellfish except for scallops. Then the rare steak, no sauce on the side. And bring us your best Cabe.¡±


    ¡°Darling, what do you think?¡± Night asked.


    I shrugged. ¡°Sounds fine.¡±


    Night reached for the red rose in the table¡¯s centerpiece and tucked it behind my ear. ¡°A beautiful flower for a beautiful woman. Perfect.¡±


    I removed the rose and stuck it into Night¡¯s perfectly styled hair. ¡°There. Much better.¡±


    Anyone else would have been furious¨CNight was obsessive about his hair and spent ridiculous amounts of time styling it. But he just beamed at me like I¡¯d given him the greatest gift.


    I caught Ethan watching us, his jaw clenched tight. When he noticed me looking, his expression softened into a slight smile.


    ¡°Stop looking at him,¡± Night demanded. ¡°Look at me. What¡¯s so interesting about him anyway?¡±


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re quite straightforward, Mr. Night.¡±


    ¡°My darling appreciates directness,¡± Night replied, his eyes never leaving my face. ¡°She hates <b>the </b>convoluted <b>games </b>businessmen like you y. All that pretense and fa?ade.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver. ¡°For someone who¡¯s clearly dated countless women, <b>you </b>seem to <b>understand </b><b>this </b><b>one </b>particrly well.<b>¡± </b>


    8:17 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>25 </b>


    ¡°Just passing flings,¡± Night replied with a dismissive wave. ¡°What I feel for my Shadow is genuine.¡± He turned to Ethan, his smile sharp. ¡°Though I wonder if your reluctance toward women might indicate¡­ certain issues? My darling is an exceptional doctor. For the right price, I¡¯m sure she¡¯d be willing to examine your problem.¡±


    2


    97


    I looked at Night, unimpressed. ¡°Being selective means there¡¯s something wrong with him? Don¡¯t let Chris hear you say that.¡±


    Night snorted. ¡°Chris might prefer men for all I know. Perhaps Mr. Haxton shares that preference?¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes darkened, but his smile remained in ce. ¡°Dr. Morgan seems quite familiar with my preferences. Perhaps you should ask her.¡±


    The waiter arrived with our food, breaking the tense moment. ¡°Dinner is served.¡±


    Throughout the meal, Night was attentive to my every need, refilling my water ss before it was empty and making sure the best cuts of meat were on my te.


    ¡°I¡¯ve brought something special,¡± Night mentioned casually. ¡°A 1932 Domaine de Roman¨¦e¨CConti. It arrives in two days. We should share a bottle, for old times¡® sake.¡±


    As we left the restaurant, Night carried the rose in his hair,pletely ignoring Ethan¡¯s presence. In the car, he finally spoke about our diningpanions.


    ¡°Is that the best he can do? Chase after my darling with that weak game? He should practice for a few more years.¡±


    I started the engine. ¡°Have you made any other new friends I should know about?¡±


    Night looked at me. ¡°Are you asking if I¡¯ve been ying well with others? You know I only tolerate people when


    necessary.¡±


    ¡°Just keep a low profile,¡± I warned. ¡°You¡¯re in someone else¡¯s territory now.¡±


    Night smiled<b>, </b>unworried. ¡°I¡¯ll behave. For you.¡±


    I floored the elerator, making him grab the dashboard. Hisugh filled the car as we sped through the night, leaving the hotel¨Cand Ethan Haxton¨Cbehind us.


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 183

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>183 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    The One:1 growled to a stop in front of Jade¡¯s house, and she cut the engine. The suburban silence that followed was almost jarring after the roar of the hypercar. Night hadn¡¯t spoken since they turned onto her street, his eyes fixed on the two¨Cstory building she called home.


    ¡°Darling,¡± he finally said, his ent thickening with disbelief, ¡°please don¡¯t tell me you actually live in this¡­ ce?¡±


    Jade nced at the overgrownwn.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it?¡± she asked, though she knew exactly what he was thinking.


    Night gestured dramatically at the house. ¡°I gave you a ck card with no limit. No. Limit. And you¡¯re wearing that garbage watch and living in this¡­¡± he paused, searching for the right word, ¡°dump.¡±


    Jade got out of the car, mming the door harder than necessary. The sound echoed through the quiet neighborhood, making a stray cat dart across the yard.


    Night followed, still ranting as his Italian leather shoes crunched on the gravel driveway. ¡°Did Chris Jensen stay here


    too when he visited? In this architectural tragedy?¡±


    ¡°Mmm,¡± Jade replied nomittally, fishing her keys from her pocket.


    ¡°You¡¯re certain you didn¡¯t take him somewhere decent?¡± Night pressed, catching up to her on the porch. ¡°A five¨Cstar


    hotel? A penthouse? Or¡­¡±


    Jade turned to face him, irritation bubbling beneath her calm exterior. Her cold eyes met his. ¡°Are youing in or


    not? If not, you can sleep in the car.¡±


    Night¡¯s face broke into a smile<b>, </b>his eyes softening. ¡°Of course I¡¯ming in. I¡¯d sleep in a cardboard box and eat fast food every day if it meant being with you.¡±


    The lock clicked, and Jade pushed the door open, flicking on lights as she entered. Night followed, his designer shoes looking absurdly out of ce on the cheap carpet.


    ¡°Upstairs or downstairs?¡± Jade asked tly, dropping her keys on the hall table.


    Night¡¯s expression turned hopeful, brightening his handsome vic features, ¡°Preferably in the same room as you. <b>I¡¯ll </b><b>take </b><b>the </b>floor<b>, </b>couch, whatever you want.¡±


    She gave him a cold look that would have sent most men running. ¡®Disposing of bodies here <b>is </b>slightly <b>inconvenient</b><b>, </b>but <b>not </b>impossible<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>8:18 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    Night spread his arms wide, smile never faltering. ¡°I¡¯m yours to do with as you please.¡±


    Later that night, Jade heard Night¡¯s animated voice from the living room. She moved silently down the hallway, staying in the shadows as she approached. Years of training had made her footsteps imperceptible, a ghost in her own home.


    <b>97 </b>


    ¡°-her ce is like something from a horror movie,¡± Night was saying, hisptop screen illuminating his face in the softly lit room. A small tablemp cast warm shadows across the walls while his golden curls caught the mixed light, creating an almost ethereal glow around his head.


    Chris Jensen¡¯s voice came through the speakers. ¡°Do you know who she wanted that watch for?¡±


    Night¡¯s posture straightened, pride and arrogance radiating from him. ¡°I know. Met him today. Patheticpetition.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Chris replied thoughtfully. ¡°He must be serious about her. When I met him recently, he kept hisposure remarkably well.¡±


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± Night scoffed, his ent growing thicker with his irritation.


    Jade reached for the tablemp¡¯s switch and flipped it off, plunging the room into darkness except for the blue glow of theptop screen. Night let out a startled yelp that quickly morphed into nervousughter.


    ¡°Jesus, baby, how do you walk so silently?¡± He fumbled to turn on his phone shlight. ¡°Were you trying to give me a


    heart attack?¡±


    ¡°If I wanted you dead, you wouldn¡¯t have the chance to scream,¡± Jade said simply, her silhouette barely visible in the doorway, now illuminated only by theptop¡¯s glow.


    The next morning, Chase¡¯s excited voice carried across the Princeton parking lot as he honked repeatedly at the sleek hypercar pulling into a reserved space. His face fellically when a tall man with golden curls stepped out instead of Jade,


    Night nced at Chase with mild annoyance before striding toward the Computer Science building, his camel hair coat billowing behind him. Students stopped mid¨Cconversation as he passed, phones raised to capture the stranger who looked like European royalty dropped into their mundane campus.


    Within minutes<b>, </b>the university forum exploded with posts andments:


    ¡°Who¡¯s the prince <i>that </i>just <i>arrived </i>in a Koenigsegg???<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>That </i><i>watch </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>wearing </i><i>could </i><i>probably </i><i>pay </i><i>my </i>entire tuition.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Did </i><i>you </i>see <i>his </i><i>HAIR</i><i>? </i>It¡¯s like a <i>golden </i>lion¡¯s mane <i>but </i><i>BETTER</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <b>8:18 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    By evening, the Halloween party at Princeton¡¯s main hall was in full swing. Orange and ck decorations hung from the ceiling, fake cobwebs draped across corners, and stic skeletons guarded the punch bowl. When Night and Jade walked in together, the crowd parted like the Red Sea. Night¡¯s hand rested possessively on her shoulder, his fingers idly ying with a strand of her hair.


    The whispers followed them around the room like persistent shadows:


    <i>¡°</i><i>First </i><i>Haxton</i>, <i>now </i><i>this </i><i>guy</i><i>? </i><i>Morgan¡¯s </i><i>got </i>a <i>type</i><i>¨C</i><i>rich </i><i>and </i>gorgeous.¡±


    ¡°<i>The </i><i>eternal </i><i>Morgan </i><i>goddess </i><i>and </i><i>her </i><i>revolving </i>door <i>of </i><i>hot </i><i>men</i>.¡±


    Night pulled Jade toward a quieter corner, away from the pulsing music and Halloween decorations. ¡°This ce is suffocating.¡± His eyes searched hers. ¡°When are youing back to Russia with me?¡±


    ¡°I like being a student for now,¡± she replied. ¡°After we deal with the Shadow Organization, we¡¯ll see.¡±


    Night¡¯s face fell into an exaggerated pout. ¡°And what about me in the meantime?¡±


    Jade nced at him, deadpan. ¡°You¡¯re a bit old for college, but if you¡¯re not embarrassed, I could ask the president to add a desk for you.¡±


    His eyes lit up. ¡°I love when you threaten people and when you say absurd things with a straight face.¡±


    ¡°I prefer myself with a knife,¡± she replied tly.


    ¡°I love that too,¡± he said without missing a beat.


    Chase appeared beside them, his Halloween costume¨Csome superhero neither recognized¨Cslightly askew. ¡°<b>I </b>saw someone driving your car today,¡± he said to Jade. ¡°Did someone steal it?¡±


    Night leaned forward, pulling Jade closer to him possessively. ¡°Darling, don¡¯t talk to other men,¡±


    Only then did Chase notice Night¡¯s presence, his eyes widened. ¡°Darling? Are you and Haxton over or something?¡±


    ¡®He¡¯s just a friend,¡± Jade said neutrally.


    Chase immediately filed Night into the ¡°powerful connection¡± category, his demeanor shifting. ¡°Oh! Cool. Who is he? Can you introduce us?¡±


    ¡®Maybe if <b>you </b>were a beautiful woman,¡± Jade replied.


    Night pulled her face toward his. ¡°What beautiful women? Have you ever seen me with anyone else when I¡¯m with you?¡± His thumb traced her jawline possessively.


    8:18 Thu, Sep 25


    Chase watched their interaction with fascination bordering on disbelief.


    Back in New York, Ethan Haxton scrolled through Princeton¡¯s social media feeds, his jaw tightening as images of Night and Jade reced those of them together. The hashtag #MorgansMysteriousMan was trending across campusworks, with students specting wildly about the golden¨Chaired stranger.


    He typed a message to Jade: <i>¡°</i><i>How </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>Halloween </i><i>party</i><i>?</i>¡±


    A reply came almost instantly: <i>¡°</i><i>None </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>business</i>.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes narrowed, recognizing immediately that Jade wasn¡¯t the one who responded. Night had taken her phone. He waited for a correction, an apology, anything¨Cbut her phone remained silent.


    After a long moment, he turned his gaze toward the bathroom door and got an idea.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 184

    <b>Chapter </b><b>184 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    <b>The </b>rain tapped against the windows of my apartment, creating a soothing backdrop as Night and I shared a bottle of imported Russian vodka in the living room. The amber floormp cast long shadows across the hardwood floor, highlighting Night¡¯s golden curls as he lounged on the sofa opposite me.


    The doorbell rang, cutting through thefortable silence between us.


    Night¡¯s hand instinctively moved toward the concealed weapon at his ankle. ¡°Expecting someone?¡± he raised an eyebrow, instantly alert despite the alcohol.


    I shook my head. ¡°No.¡± I set down my ss with deliberate care and moved to the door with silent steps, my bodynguage shifting subtly from rxed to cautious.


    When I opened it, Ethan Haxton stood there, looking nothing like his usual polished self. His face was pale, almost ashen in the hallway light, hair slightly damp and disheveled. His expensive shirt was buttoned incorrectly, with one tail hanging longer than the other. One hand gripped his side protectively, knuckles white with tension.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± he said, his voice strained andcking its usual confidence. ¡°I apologize for the intrusion.¡±


    My eyes immediately assessed him, noting the careful way he held himself and the pain evident in his tightened jaw. A thin sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead despite the cool evening. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I had an¡­ ident. Slipped in the shower.¡± Ethan grimaced as he shifted his weight. ¡°I believe I might have bruised my ribs and shoulder when I hit the tub. The pain is¡­¡± he paused, seemingly reluctant to admit weakness,


    ¡°considerable.¡±


    My gaze traveled from his face to his torso. His breathing was shallow¨Clikely from pain¨Cand the way his left hand supported his ribcage suggested significant difort. The normally impable Ethan Haxton looked vulnerable,


    almost human.


    ¡°Whye here<b>?</b>¡± I asked, though I already suspected the answer. I kept my tone neutral, betraying neither concern


    nor annoyance.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather avoid hospitals. Too many cameras, too many questions.¡± Ethan attempted a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his <b>eyes</b>. ¡°The tabloids would have a field day with ¡®Haxton Heir¡¯s Bathroom Mishap.¡® I remembered you mentioned some medical training, and I thought perhaps¡­¡±


    Before <b>I </b>could respond, Night appeared behind me, his tall frame filling the doorway. His eyes narrowed as he took in Ethan¡¯s disheveled appearance, suspicion and territorial irritation evident in his stance.


    ¡°Did you walk into the wrong building?¡± Night¡¯s voice dripped with disdain, his ent bing <b>more </b><b>pronounced</b>. ¡°This isn¡¯t the emergency room. If you fell, go to a hospital like normal people do. Or call <b>one </b><b>of </b><b>your </b><b>many </b>


    servants.¡±


    8:18 Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>


    <b>97 </b>


    Ethan straightened himself despite the obvious pain it caused him. ¡°My apologies for the disturbance. I didn¡¯t realize Miss Morgan hadpany.¡± His eyes flickered between Night and me, noting our casual attire and the evident


    . </b>


    ¡°Night,¡± I said tly, ¡°he¡¯s hurt.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± Night folded his arms across his chest. ¡°Not our problem. Especially not yours, darling. We were in the middle of something.¡±


    Ethan nodded stiffly. ¡°He¡¯s right. I shouldn¡¯t havee. I¡¯ll find another solution.¡± He turned to leave but winced sharply at the movement, a small involuntary sound of pain escaping him.


    ¡°Wait,¡± I said, my decision made. ¡°Come upstairs. I¡¯ll examine those ribs.¡±


    Night¡¯s hand shot out, gripping my arm with surprising force. ¡°No,¡± he said firmly, eyes shing with possessive


    anger<b>. </b>


    I met his gaze, challenge shing in my eyes. For a moment, we stood locked in silent confrontation¨CNight¡¯s possessive re against my resolute stare.


    ¡®It¡¯s fine,¡® Ethan said, breaking the tension. ¡°I don¡¯t want to cause problems between you two.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not,¡± I replied, still looking at Night. I pulled my arm free from his grip with a subtle movement that nheless demonstrated my strength. ¡°Wait for me. I won¡¯t be long.¡±


    Night¡¯s jaw clenched, a muscle twitching at his temple. Finally, he stepped aside, his movements deliberately slow as if to emphasize his reluctance. ¡°Fine<b>. </b>But hurry up. Our vodka¡¯s getting warm.¡± The threat beneath his casual words


    was unmistakable.


    I led Ethan <b>up </b>to my room, closing the door behind us and turning the lock with a decisive click. I noticed his shoulders slump slightly at the sound, as if the finality of it disappointed him.


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 185

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>185 </b>


    ¡°Your friend doesn¡¯t seem pleased,¡± hemented, ncing around my minimalist bedroom with evident curiosity.


    ¡°He¡¯ll survive<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>I replied dismissively. ¡°Take off your shirt. I need to check your ribs properly.¡±


    Ethan carefully unbuttoned his shirt, revealing already darkening bruises along his left side. His torso was lean and well¨Cdefined, betraying regr workouts despite his busy schedule. I kept my touch clinical as my fingers pressed gently against his ribcage, checking for discement or severe damage.


    ¡°Breathe in slowly,¡± I instructed, my face inches from his chest as I listened for any telltale sounds of lung damage.


    Ethanplied, watching my face as I worked. I maintained a professional detachment, focused entirely on my examination. He seemed almost disappointed by this.


    ¡°Nothing¡¯s broken,¡± I finally dered. ¡°Bruised ribs, maybe a mild shoulder sprain. The pain will be significant for a few days<b>, </b>but there¡¯s no serious damage.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very thorough,¡± Ethan observed. ¡°Where did you learn medical examination techniques? Most people would just say ¡®take some aspirin.¡°¡±


    I reached for my first aid kit, removing bandages and antiseptic. ¡°I never give people check¨Cups,¡± I said as I prepared a bandage, my movements precise and practiced. ¡°I only do surgery.¡±


    I began wrapping his torso, my hands moving with practiced efficiency. My fingertips brushed against his skin, and I noticed his heart rate quicken beneath my touch, the pulse at his throat visibly increasing. I nced up at his face, finding his green eyes watching me intently, a mixture of pain and something deeper, more vulnerable in his gaze.


    A sharp knock on the door interrupted the moment.


    ¡°Darling,¡± Night called from the hallway, voiceced with impatience and thinly veiled jealousy. ¡°How much longer? Should I order food, or are you nning to y doctor all night?¡±


    I ignored him, focusing on securing the bandage with small metal clips. I then reached into my kit and removed a small vial and syringe.


    ¡°This will help with <b>the </b>pain,¡± I exined, filling the syringe with practiced ease. ¡°It¡¯s a mild analgesic, nothing that will impair your judgment.¡±


    ¡°Is Night more than a friend?¡± Ethan asked suddenly as I prepared his arm for the injection, <b>his </b>eyes never leaving my face<b>. </b>


    I paused, my eyes meeting his. ¡°Night is the person I trust most in this world,¡± I admitted, my <b>voice </b>softening almost imperceptibly.


    Ethan¡¯s gaze dropped to my hands. ¡°Before I met you, I never envied anyone,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Now I find <b>myself </b>


    8:18 <b>Thu</b>, Sep <b>25 </b>


    :


    envying quite a few people. First Zach and Ryan, then your brother, then Chris<b>, </b>and now Night.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Haxton is too aplished to envy anyone,¡± I replied, administering the injection with perfect precision<b>, </b>my free hand steadying his arm.


    97


    ¡°I grew up abroad with my aunt,¡± Ethan continued, seemingly needing to share this piece of himself. ¡°She raised me, became like a mother to me after my parents¡­ well, that¡¯s another story.¡±


    I looked at him curiously as I disposed of the needle. ¡°Why are you telling me this<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Ethan¡¯s eyes found mine again, earnest and unguarded. ¡°I envy them because they mean something to you<b>, </b>because they know you better than I do. I can¡¯t learn about you through other channels<b>, </b>so I thought perhaps¡­ if I let you know me, you might let me know you.¡± He gave a self¨Cdeprecating smile. ¡°It sounds foolish now that I¡¯ve said it aloud. I don¡¯t even know if you want to know me.¡±


    My lips curved into the barest hint of a smile, so slight it was barely perceptible. ¡°It¡¯s not foolish.¡±


    The pounding on the door grew more insistent, the wood actually vibrating with the force of Night¡¯s knock. ¡°Darling! If you don¡¯t answer me, I¡¯m going to kick this door down! And we both know I can do it!¡±


    I applied thest adhesive bandage to Ethan¡¯s shoulder with gentle precision. ¡°We¡¯re done here. The pain should


    subside soon.¡±


    Ethan began rebuttoning his shirt, fingers lingering on the buttons. ¡°Miss Morgan, there is something <b>I</b>¡­.¡±


    ¡°Darling!¡± Night¡¯s voice was now a low growl of warning, the kind that had made hardened mercenaries retreat in


    fear.


    Ethan straightened his cor, leaving whatever he had been about to say unspoken.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 186

    SHARE


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>186 </b>


    ¡°There,¡± I said, stepping back to assess my work. ¡°Try to move your shoulder a little. Not too much.¡±


    Ethan rotated his arm cautiously, testing the limits of his mobility. His face rxed slightly as he realized the movement wasn¡¯t as painful as before.


    ¡°The painkillers are working,¡± he said, his green eyes meeting mine. ¡°It feels much better. Thank you.¡±


    I packed up my first aid supplies, avoiding his gaze. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just basic field medicine.¡±


    Ethan watched me, his expression curious. ¡°You never did tell me where you learned all this.¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t,¡± I replied tly, closing the medical kit with a definitive click.


    He smiled slightly, epting my non¨Canswer with surprising grace. ¡°So,¡± he said, changing the subject, ¡°any ns for winter break? It¡¯sing up soon.¡±


    I shrugged, keeping my face neutral. ¡°I¡¯ll be going away for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Anywhere interesting?¡± There was genuine curiosity in his voice.


    ¡°Just somewhere far from here.¡±


    His eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Dangerous ces?<b>¡± </b>


    I almost smiled at his perception. ¡°Why? Worried about me, Mr. Haxton?¡±


    ¡°I sent you a message today,¡± he said, ignoring my deflection. ¡°Earlier.¡±


    ¡®I know.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to clear things up for me?¡± he asked, his tone carefully casual.


    ¡®You already know it wasn¡¯t me who replied,¡± I said, meeting his gaze directly. ¡°So why ask?¡±


    Before he could respond, Night¡¯s voice called through the door, impatience evident in every syble,


    ¡®Darling, are you two finished in there? The vodka¡¯s getting warm, and my patience is getting cold.¡±


    I handed Ethan a small bottle of pills and some extra bandages. ¡°Take these. Just in case.¡±


    He pocketed <b>them</b><b>, </b>his fingers brushing against mine for a fraction longer than necessary. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I moved toward the door, pausing with my hand on the knob. ¡°Try to avoid strenuous activity with those ribs. And


    keep them warm.¡±


    When I opened the door, Night¡¯s irritated expression instantly transformed into a sharine smile. ¡°Sweetheart,¡± he cooed, his eyes never leaving my face even as his awareness tracked Ethan¡¯s every movement.


    Ethan stepped past us into the hallway, careful to maintain distance from Night. He moved stiffly, favoring his injured side, but there was still a dignified grace to his movements that spoke of years of discipline.


    Night¡¯s cold eyes followed him down the stairs, his smile never reaching those icy blue depths. The silence stretched between them like a drawn weapon.


    When the front door closed behind Ethan, I turned to find Night¡¯s expression had shifted to one of mild amusement.


    ¡°His little rib scrape,¡± Night scoffed, following me back into the living room. ¡°Such drama. You¡¯d think he¡¯d been shot.¡±


    ¡°Like you¡¯ve never faked an injury,¡± I replied, reiming my seat on the couch.


    Night grinned, unrepentant. ¡°That was different. I needed to see my precious Shadow more often.¡±


    He refilled our sses with the amber liquid. ¡°How much did you charge him for that little medical consultation?¡±


    ¡°In Venezu, he paid me with about a dozen crates of military¨Cgrade weapons.¡±


    Night¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Venezu?¡±


    ¡°The Transcendent Military Alliance is his,¡± I said casually, taking a sip of vodka.


    Night studied me for a moment, then asked, ¡°If Ethan and I were both drowning, who would you save?¡±


    I looked at him over the rim of my ss. ¡°What kind of stupid question is that?¡±


    ¡°Humor me.¡±


    ¡°Why would either of you drowning be my problem?¡± I replied coldly.


    Night threw his head back andughed. ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡±


    The next morning, my phone buzzed with a message from Ethan: The painkillers worked wonders. <i>Shoulder </i><i>has </i>much better range of motion today. Thank you again for your help.


    <b>I </b>stared at the text, debating whether to respond.


    <i>Remember </i>to <i>change </i>the dressing <i>in </i><i>48 </i>hours<i>. </i><i>Keep </i><i>the </i><i>area </i>dry. I hit send before <b>I </b>could overthink it.


    A <b>few </b><b>days </b>before winter break, Night stood in my living room, his bags packed by the door.


    ¡°Arctic Fox business,¡± he exined, checking his weapons with practiced efficiency. ¡°Some idiots think they can challenge my authority. I need to remind them why that¡¯s a bad idea.¡±


    I nodded, understanding perfectly. Leadership challenges in organizations like Arctic Fox were usually settled with blood.


    ¡°I¡¯ll meet you at Crimson Valley in a week,¡± he said, holstering his gun beneath his jacket. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything stupid before I get there. When you arrive, be careful. If anythinges up, wait for me before you act.¡±


    His serious expression melted into his usual yful smile as he pulled me into a hug. ¡°And if your rib manes knocking again, don¡¯t open the door.¡±


    The next day, I packed light for my trip to Crimson Valley. Just the essentials: weapons, tech, and a few changes of clothes. I was hunting for ¡°Ace of Spades¡°. If he frequented Crimson Valley, he must have significant influence there.


    My phone buzzed with a message from Ethan: <i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>settle </i><i>on </i><i>ns </i>for <i>the </i><i>break</i>?


    I hesitated before typing: <i>Nothing </i><i>definite</i><i>. </i><i>Just </i><i>traveling around</i><i>. </i>I wasn¡¯t sure if I¡¯d find Ace of Spades there.


    After more than seven hours of flying and various transportation changes, I finally reached the border of Crimson Valley. The Austrian driver with the bushy beard nervously navigated the off¨Croad terrain as I pressed my tactical


    knife against his ribs.


    ¡°How much longer?¡± I asked in German.


    ¡°H¨Chalf an hour,¡± he stammered, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool air. ¡°We¡¯re almost there.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about Crimson Valley,¡± Imanded, keeping the knife steady.


    He swallowed hard. ¡°This time of year is the worst¨Ctotal chaos. A pretty young thing like you will be marked <b>the </b>moment you step foot there. Especially an attractive American girl,¡±


    I smiled coldly. ¡°Then I¡¯ve <be </b>at exactly the right time.¡±


    The driver didn¡¯t see my expression change when I noticed the subtle hand signals from a group of men <b>at </b>the <b>roadside </b>ahead. He slowed down, following their directions¨Ca little too eagerly.


    8:19 Thu, Sep 25


    <b>97 </b>


    In one fluid motion, the driver lunged toward me, trying to grab my knife while reaching for a concealed weapon. <b>I </b>kicked him hard, sending him tumbling out the open door of the jeep. Before he could recover, I slid into the driver¡¯s


    seat and yanked the door shut just as bullets pinged against the metal frame.


    The engine roared as I elerated, swerving to avoid a vehicle that tried to block my path. The men shouted and fired wildly, but I was already speeding away, continuing my journey to Crimson Valley alone.


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 187

    <b>Chapter </b><b>187 </b>


    I approached the checkpoint leading into Crimson Valley slowly, observing the heavily armed guards through my


    windshield.


    My SUV¡¯s headlights illuminated a makeshift barrier constructed from shipping containers and barbed wire. Three men with assault rifles stepped forward, their faces weathered and scarred. I could tell they weren¡¯t regr military -probably local gang enforcers. The tallest one signaled for me to lower my window.


    ¡°Passport and entry fee,¡± he demanded in heavily ented English, leaning down to peer inside.


    I rolled down the window and handed him a thick stack of American dors. ¡°Is this enough?¡±


    His eyes widened slightly, then narrowed as he got a better look at me. Something in his expression shifted, predatory interest recing routine suspicion. He exchanged nces with hispanions<b>, </b>a silentmunication passing between them.


    ¡°American girl,¡± he said, grinning to reveal tobo¨Cstained teeth. ¡°Very pretty. Maybe money not enough.¡±


    The other guards moved to position themselves around my vehicle. One reached for the door handle while the tall one kept talking.


    ¡°Crimson Valley special ce. Many rich men pay much more for pretty things than this.¡± He waved my cash dismissively. ¡°Youe with us, we introduce to important people.¡±


    I smiled pleasantly. ¡°No thanks.¡±


    Before he could react, I mmed my foot on the elerator. The SUV lurched forward, crashing through the flimsy barrier. The tall guard who had been leaning into my window lost his bnce, half¨Cfalling into the vehicle. He grabbed for the steering wheel, reaching with his other hand toward the keys in the ignition.


    Without taking my eyes off the road, I twisted his wrist sharply until I felt the satisfying crack of bone. He screamed, and I shoved him back out the window. The SUV bounced violently as I drove over the copsed barrier, the sound of gunfire erupting behind me.


    ¡°Damn!¡± I swore as the engine made an ominous grinding noise. Something must have been damaged during the crash. I pushed the vehicle as far as it would go, putting distance between myself and the checkpoint. After about a mile, the engine sputtered and diedpletely.


    I grabbed my backpack and checked my weapons. Two handguns, extra ammunition, three knives, and a garrote wire.


    I¡¯d have to continue on foot.


    Crimson Valley lived up to its reputation. The ce was a patchwork of opulence and squalor¨Cluxury cars parked outside crumbling buildings, armed guards protecting what looked like abandoned warehouses. The air reeked of


    <b>8:19 </b>Thu, Sep 25


    desperation, violence, and money.


    97


    I kept to the shadows<b>, </b>observing the locals. Many of the men had the same distinctive tattoo¨Ca blue scorpion on their wrists. From the Austrian driver¡¯s information, I knew they belonged to the Scorpio family, one of three major powers in the valley. The others were a major drug lord and an arms dealer with absolute authority over life and


    death.


    A group of men lounged outside what appeared to be a former hotel, drinking andughing. One of them noticed me and nudged hispanion. Soon, all eyes were on me. I kept walking, maintaining a purposeful stride.


    ¡°Hey, American!¡± one called out in English. ¡°You lost?¡±


    I ignored him, continuing past. I could feel multiple sets of eyes following me, tracking my movements. Someone was definitely trailing me¨Cnot even trying to be subtle about it. I turned down an alley, preparing for confrontation, but stopped short at what I found.


    The alley opened onto a makeshift auction block. A small crowd had gathered around a raised tform where a terrified young woman stood bound and gagged. She was blonde, blue¨Ceyed, probably European or American. Tears streaked her face as a man in an expensive suit described her ¡°attributes¡± to the audience.


    ¡°-twenty¨Ctwo years old, no diseases, excellent condition,¡± the auctioneer was saying, ¡°Training will begin immediately after purchase. Starting bid is fifty thousand.¡±


    I scanned the area, noting exits and guard positions. There were at least fifteen armed men, all with the blue scorpion tattoo. This was clearly a Scorpio family operation.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 188

    <b>Chapter </b><b>188 </b>


    Instead of risking exposure, I slipped into the shadows of a nearby building. I found a maintenancedder leading to the second floor and climbed it silently. From a broken window near the venttion system, I had a perfect view of the proceedings below.


    The bidding was fast and brutal. The girl¡¯s terror seemed to excite the audience, driving the price higher. Eventually, arge ck man in a tailored suit won with a bid of seventy¨Cfive thousand. As he approached to im his ¡°purchase,¡± I noticed a figure slipping away from the back of the crowd¨Csomeone with a blue scorpion tattoo visible on their wrist. Something about their movement caught my attention, but they disappeared before I could get a clear


    look.


    I tracked the buyer and his new ¡°acquisition¡± to a nearby building¨Ca former luxury apartmentplex that had been partially renovated. Two armed guards stood outside, but they were careless, more interested in their cigarettes than security.


    The girl was in a bedroom on the third floor. The buyer was pawing at her, muttering what he nned to do. I closed the door silently behind me and moved before he even registered my presence. One clean slice across his throat, and he copsed, gurgling as blood soaked into the carpet.


    The girl tried to scream through her gag, eyes wild with terror. I moved quickly to cut her restraints.


    ¡°Don¡¯t scream,¡± I warned coldly. ¡°I¡¯m not here to hurt you, but I will leave you if you make noise.¡±


    She nodded frantically, tears streaming down her face as I removed the gag.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered in American¨Cented English. ¡°Oh God, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Are you American?¡± I asked, keeping my voice low.


    She nodded. ¡°I was on vacation in Austria. They drugged me at a club, and I woke up here. It¡¯s been¨C1 don¡¯t know how long.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re staying here tonight,¡± I said. ¡°Don¡¯t leave this room. Don¡¯t make noise. There¡¯s food and water in the kitchen. I¡¯ll take care of the guards.¡±


    By morning, the buyer¡¯s four guards were dead. I left Melissa with strict instructions, food, and water before venturing out again.


    The news had already spread¨Can American woman had broken through the checkpoint and disappeared into Crimson Valley. The Scorpio family had people searching everywhere, their blue <b>scorpion </b>tattoos visible as they questioned locals and searched buildings.


    8:19 Thu, Sep 25


    97


    I moved through the market area, gathering information and memorizing theyout. When confronted, I dealt with threats quickly and efficiently.


    By evening, I¡¯d mapped most of the territory and gathered some useful intelligence. The Scorpio family was preparing for another auction tonight¨Capparently, these were regr events for their wealthiest clients.


    I returned to check on Melissa, who was still traumatized but holding up better than expected. After ensuring she


    was safe, I headed toward the auction venue.


    1


    Night met me outside as nned, lookingpletely out of ce in his designer clothes. As we entered together, I immediately noticed how the atmosphere in the room shifted. The usual suspects were there, but our presence- obviously expensively dressed outsiders¨Ccreated an unmistakable ripple of interest despite our attempts to blend in.


    ¡°They¡¯re all staring at us,¡± Night whispered, his lips barely moving as he leaned close to my ear. ¡°Particrly at you, my darling.¡±


    I could hear the murmurs spreading through the crowd. We definitely not been on tonight¡¯s guest list. Night¡¯s beauty rivaled any woman¡¯s in the room, but the lethal look in his eyes kept most at a respectful distance.


    I surveyed the room with calcted precision, noting exits, guards, and potential threats. The whispers continued around us, some specting about who we were, others warning to keep distance.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 189

    <b>Chapter </b><b>189 </b>


    <b>I </b>felt Night¡¯s arm slide possessively around my shoulders as we stood in the auction house, his bodynguage clearly marking me <b>as </b>his territory. His eyes <b>were </b>cold as they swept across the room, assessing every face, every potential


    threat.


    <b>¡°</b>Beautiful collection they have tonight,¡± he murmured close to my ear, his breath warm against my skin. ¡°Young women from Eastern Europe, a few Americans, even some Scandinavians. All stolen lives.¡±


    I nodded slightly, keeping my expression neutral. The makeshift auction house was actually a converted warehouse, with wooden chairs arranged in rows facing a small stage. Men of various nationalities filled the seats, their eyes hungry as they stared at us ¨C particrly at me.


    ¡°I noticed,¡± I replied quietly. ¡°They¡¯re treating humans like merchandise.¡±


    Night¡¯s fingers tightened slightly on my shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what they are to these people. Merchandise to be bought, used, and discarded.¡± His voice had a rare edge of disgust.


    The lights dimmed slightly, and a man walked onto the stage. The auction was beginning.


    Three young women were pushed onto the stage, their hands bound behind their backs. They wore only thin slips that barely covered their bodies, and I could see bruises on their arms and legs. Their eyes were vacant, likely drugged to keep thempliant.


    ¡°Joyful merchandise tonight, gentlemen,¡± the auctioneer announced in heavily ented English. ¡°All fresh imports, all verified healthy. We¡¯ll begin the bidding at twenty thousand each.¡±


    Night leaned closer to me. ¡°Joyful merchandise,¡± he repeated with quiet fury. ¡°I¡¯ve killed men for less offensive


    words.¡±


    ¡°Joyful ughter willeter,¡± I promised.


    His eyes shifted to me, suddenly curious. ¡°By the way, baby, you came here yesterday. Did anything happen I should


    know about?¡±


    ¡°Saved a girl,¡± I replied, keeping my <b>voice </b>low.


    ¡°Since when did you be so charitable?¡± Night raised an eyebrow. ¡°Man or woman?¡±


    I nced pointedly at the stage where the women stood trembling.


    ¡°Woman, then.¡± Night¡¯s lips quirked up. ¡°Good. If it was a man, he might have felt obligated to pledge his <b>undying </b>love and devotion to you for saving his life. Would have been tedious to get rid of him.¡±


    The <b>auction </b>continued, but something felt off. <b>The </b>bidding was subdued<b>, </b>the usual enthusiasm <b>dampened</b><b>. </b><b>Guards </b>were positioned at every exit, more than would be normal even for an illegal auction<b>. </b>And almost <b>everyone </b>in <b>the </b>


    <b>8:19 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    room kept stealing nces at us.


    ¡°We¡¯re attracting too much attention,¡± I whispered.


    Night shrugged. ¡°Let them look.¡±


    Just then, I spotted a familiar figure making his way through the crowd. Chris Jensen, dressed in an expensive but slightly rumpled suit, his hair tousled as if he¡¯d been running his hands through it. He slid into the empty seat


    beside me.


    <b>978 </b>


    ¡°Traffic was hell,¡± he muttered, straightening his tie. ¡°Did I miss anything important?¡±


    ¡°Just the usual depravity,¡± Night replied, his tone suddenly cool. ¡°You¡¯rete.¡±


    Chris shot him an irritated look. ¡°Some of us had to drive here on actual roads rather than being flown in on private


    jets.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°I told both of you I was handling this alone.¡±


    ¡°Ah, but where would be the fun in that?¡± Chris grinned, though his eyes remained serious<b>. </b>¡°Besides, I¡¯ve been wanting to meet the Shadow Organization¡¯s little pets for a while now. Figured this was as good an opportunity as


    any.¡±


    Night draped his jacket over me. ¡°You¡¯re cold,¡± he said, though I hadn¡¯t shivered.


    ¡°Always the gentleman,¡± Chris remarked dryly. ¡°Do you polish your armor daily, or just when you¡¯re nning to y


    the knight?¡±


    Night smiled thinly. ¡°Better a knight than a snake.¡±


    I was about to tell them both to shut up when I noticed a figure moving behind the curtain at the back of the stage. A man with sharp features stepped partially into view, giving instructions to one of the guards. I recognized him immediately ¨C he had been watching the auction yesterday before retreating backstage.


    As if sensing my gaze, he looked directly at me. There was a moment of recognition in his eyes, followed by something unexpected a smile. Not friendly, not warm, but acknowledging. Then he disappeared behind the curtain again<b>. </b>


    ¨C


    ¡°Damn,¡± Night muttered, having caught the exchange. ¡°Who¡¯s your new friend?¡±


    ¡°Not my friend,¡± I replied. ¡°But I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯s high up in the Scorpio hierarchy. He was here yesterday too.¡±


    Chris leaned forward slightly. ¡°The Scorpio family is massive. This operation is just one branch of their <b>business</b>. <b>If </b>they¡¯re working with Ace of Spades, we could be looking at a much bigger problem than we anticipated.¡±


    I nodded slightly<b>, </b>processing the information. ¡°What¡¯s the n for tonight? Chris <b>asked </b><b>after </b>a <b>moment</b>.


    ¡°Burn it down,¡± I replied simply.


    Chris¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°All of it?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°There <b>are </b>five auction houses like this one throughout Crimson Valley,¡± I exined. All run by the Scorpio family. They¡¯ve been trafficking humans for years, making millions. Tonight, they all burn.¡±


    Chris smiled slowly. ¡°I like the way you think.¡±


    Night¡¯s eyes gleamed with anticipation. ¡°Let¡¯s give them a night to remember.¡±


    Three hourster, <b>I </b>stood across the street from the burning warehouse, watching mes lick at the night sky. In the distance, I could see two more fires zing, confirming that Night and Chris had been sessful with their targets


    as well.


    I could hear shouts in Spanish and English as Scorpio¡¯s men scrambled to contain the ze, but it was toote. The fire had spread too quickly, engulfing the entire structure. Anyone who had been inside was either already out or beyond saving.


    I checked my watch. It was time to move to the rendezvous point.


    I arrived to find Night and Chris already there, Night lounging in a dusty armchair, sipping from a sk of whiskey.


    ¡°Sessful evening?¡± Night asked, offering me the sk.


    I took a small sip before handing it back. ¡°Very. Yours<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Didn¡¯t even have to get my hands dirty,¡± Night replied with azy smile. ¡°Had some of the Arctic Fox boys take care of it. Didn¡¯t want to get my shoes dirty the streets here are filthy.¡±


    ¨C


    Chris snorted. ¡°Of course. Heaven forbid you soil your precious Italian leather.¡±


    Night shrugged unapologetically. ¡°These are custom made.¡±


    I checked my weapons and moved toward the door. ¡°I need to go find someone to ask about something.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Chris asked, looking up with curiosity.


    ¡°The guy from the <b>stage</b>,¡± Night answered before I could, his expression darkening slightly. ¡°<b>The </b>one who smiled <b>at </b>


    her. The one with a death wish.<b>¡± </b>


    I <b>gave </b>Night a cold look but didn¡¯t contradict him.


    <b>¡°</b>Should we wait for <b>you</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>Chris asked.


    13/4


    8:19 Thu, Sep 25


    ¡­


    97


    I shook my head. ¡°No need. I¡¯ll find youter.¡± I nced around the dpidated apartment. ¡°This ce belonged to the ck man who bought that American girl yesterday. The girl is in the next room, too terrified to make a sound. Scorpio¡¯s men will be here soon once they check all his properties.¡±


    Chris nodded, checking his gun. ¡°Then I suggest we make ourselves scarce.¡±


    <b>8:20 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 190

    <b>Chapter </b><b>190 </b>


    <b>mes </b>still danced in the distance as morning broke over Crimson Valley. The destruction of five auction houses <b>had </b>sent <b>the </b>Scorpio family into a frenzy, like disturbing a nest of hos. From my vantage point on a nearby rooftop, I could see armed men patrolling the streets, stopping anyone who looked remotely American.


    From my position, I could see into an open window of the headquarters building. A man with salt¨Cand¨Cpepper hair was pacing furiously, his face contorted with rage as he shouted at someone out of view. Even from this distance, his fury was palpable.


    ¡°Burn them all!¡± he roared, mming his fist against a wall. ¡°Find these American dogs and bring them to me! <b>I </b>want them alive so <b>I </b>can skin them myself<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    I adjusted my scope slightly, focusing on the person receiving this tirade. It was the man from the auction house- Loki. He stood perfectly still, his face a nk mask as the older man¨CMarcus, I presumed¨Ccontinued his rant.


    ¡°You worthless mongrel!¡± Marcus spat. ¡°You were there and you did nothing! You saw them and you let them walk right in!¡± He grabbed a crystal tumbler from his desk and hurled it at Loki, who didn¡¯t even flinch as it shattered against the wall beside his head.


    ¡°The Scorpio family doesn¡¯t tolerate failure,¡± Marcus continued, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. ¡°Get out of my sight. Find them, or don¡¯te back at all.¡±


    Loki gave a slight nod before turning and walking out of the room. His face remained expressionless, betraying nothing of his thoughts.


    <b>I </b>packed up my surveince gear. It was time to pay Loki a visit.


    Finding his apartment was simple enough. As part of the Scorpio family, he lived in one of the better districts of Crimson Valley, though his amodations were modestpared to what I¡¯d seen of Marcus¡¯s lifestyle. The building had minimal security¨Ca single guard who was more interested in his phone than his surroundings.


    I waited inside Loki¡¯s apartment, seated at his coffee table, methodically cleaning my tactical knife. The apartment was sparsely furnished, almost impersonal. No photographs, no personal mementos. Just the necessities and a <b>few </b>expensive bottles of liquor.


    When the door finally opened, I stayed perfectly still. Loki stepped inside, closing the door behind him before reaching for the light switch. As his hand moved, I flicked my wrist, sending my knife sailing through the air. It embedded itself in the wall, centimeters from his fingers.


    ¡°Shit!¡± He jerked his hand back, immediately dropping into a defensive stance. His eyes found me in <b>the </b>shadows, recognition dawning on his face. ¡°Well, well. The American girl from the auction.¡±


    ¡°<b>Not </b><b>just </b>any American girl,¡± I replied, my voice cold. ¡°The one who burned down your <b>boss¡¯s </b><b>little </b><b>enterprise</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    8:20 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    Loki¡¯s lips twitched, almost forming a smile. ¡°I gathered as much.¡± He straightened, seeming unconcerned by my presence. ¡°I assume you¡¯re here to kill me?¡±


    ¡°If I wanted you dead, you wouldn¡¯t have made it through the door.¡±


    He nodded, epting this logic. ¡°May I?¡± He gestured toward the kitchen.


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Loki walked to the refrigerator, pulling out a beer. He offered me one, which I declined with a slight shake of my head. He popped the cap and took a long swig before leaning against the counter.


    ¡°Your boss seemed pretty upset,¡± I remarked. ¡°Mongrel, worthless, failure¡­ he reallyid into you back there.¡±


    A sh of something¡ªanger, perhaps¨Ccrossed Loki¡¯s face before disappearing behind his mask of indifference. ¡°Marcus has a colorful vocabry when he¡¯s angry.¡±


    And yet you seem to be taking it rather well.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°What choice do I have?¡± He shrugged.


    I stood, retrieving my knife from the wall. ¡°You¡¯re not out looking for me like he ordered.¡±


    ¡®No, I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°Why?<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Because I¡¯m not his dog tomand.¡± Loki took another sip of beer. ¡°So, I assume you didn¡¯t break into my apartment just to discuss my family dynamics. What do you want?¡±


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 191

    <b>Chapter </b><b>191 </b>


    I decided to be direct. ¡°I¡¯m looking for Ace of Spades.¡±


    Loki¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Shadow Organization, then?¡± When I didn¡¯t respond, he continued, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to disappoint you. I know very little about the Shadow Organization.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±


    ¡°Try the drug lord in the east district, or perhaps the arms dealer in the southwest.¡± Loki set his beer down. ¡°I was only recently assigned here by the family. I don¡¯t know much about our operations in this area. As you heard earlier, I don¡¯t exactly have a say in family matters. Many things I¡¯m not privy to, including whether your Ace of Spades might be with us.¡±


    I smiled coldly. ¡°You want to use me against Marcus.¡±


    ¡°I have my motivations,¡± he admitted. ¡°But what I¡¯ve told you is true.¡±


    I tilted my head, considering him. ¡°Who in your Scorpio family would be most like Ace of Spades<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°If Ace of Spades were here,¡± Loki replied carefully, ¡°would they work under Marcus? That¡¯s what you¡¯re wondering,


    isn¡¯t it?¡±


    I nodded slowly.


    ¡°Interested in working together?¡± Loki suggested. ¡°With your skills and my inside knowledge, we could¡ª¡±


    ¡°You think you¡¯re worthy?¡± <b>I </b>cut him off, my voice dripping with disdain.


    I turned and headed for the window I¡¯d entered through. As I slipped out into the night, I heard Loki murmur, ¡°Not necessarily.¡±


    The journey to the arms dealer¡¯s territory was tense. Scorpio¡¯s men were everywhere, stopping vehicles, questioning pedestrians. Our driver<b>, </b>a American who¡¯d been living in Crimson Valley for years, navigated the back roads expertly.


    ¡°Scorpio¡¯s hunting for Americans,¡± he exined. ¡°Lucky for us, the arms dealer has a soft spot for our kind. Any American in trouble can seek help there.¡±


    When we reached the checkpoint at the border of the arms dealer¡¯s territory, the guards eyed us suspiciously. Night and Chris sat in the back of the SUV, while I rode shotgun.


    ¡°Americans<b>?</b>¡± one guard asked, peering into our vehicle.


    <b>8:20 </b><b>Thu</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°Yes,¡± our driver answered. ¡°Seeking sanctuary.¡±


    The guard studied each of our faces before nodding. ¡°Go ahead. But stay out of trouble.¡±


    ??)


    As we drove through the gates, I noted the stark difference between Scorpio¡¯s territory and this one. The buildings were better maintained, the streets cleaner. People moved about freely, without the oppressive fear I¡¯d sensed elsewhere in Crimson Valley.


    We were led to argepound at the center of the territory. Two figures stood waiting for us¨Ca tall, muscr man with a shaved head and a slender woman with short blonde hair.


    97


    ¡°I¡¯m Maverick,¡± the man introduced himself. ¡°This is Sloane. Wee to our humble operation.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Jade,¡± I replied. ¡°This is Night, Chris Jensen, and you can call him Night.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a boss,¡± Night added with a grin. ¡°Handsome, rich, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Annoying,¡± I finished for him. ¡°We need your help.¡±


    Chris stepped forward, exining our situation¨Cthe rescued girl who needed to return to America, Scorpio¡¯s manhunt for us, our need for temporary shelter.


    Sloane frowned. ¡°Scorpio¡¯s looking for them, and you brought them here? This water¡¯s too hot for us to wade into.¡±


    Maverick raised a hand to silence her. ¡°We¡¯ll help with the girl. We can get her on a transport tonight.¡±


    ¡®I want our people escorting her,¡± Chris insisted.


    Sloane¡¯s frown deepened, but Maverick nodded. ¡°Agreed.¡±


    ¡°We also need to purchase weapons,¡± Chris continued. ¡°And request temporary lodging.¡±


    Maverick¡¯s expression turned apologetic. ¡°We can supply the weapons, but I can¡¯t offer you shelter. You just burned Scorpio¡¯s property. I can¡¯t risk having you here. I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t do more.¡±


    We were escorted to the border of their territory.


    As we prepared to leave, I suddenly turned back. ¡°Wait for me. I need to go back.¡±

 Treatment 192

    <b>Chapter 192 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Jade slipped back into the arms dealer¡¯s territory under the cover of darkness, her footsteps silent as she navigated between the shadows. Security had tightened since theirst visit¨CScorpio¡¯s manhunt had everyone on edge. Finding a small venttion shaft near the main building¡¯s back, she positioned herself where she could hear Sloane and Maverick¡¯s conversation clearly.


    ¡°That girl came from Scorpio¡¯s auction house,¡± Sloane¡¯s voice carried a sharp edge of concern. ¡°They brought her here so openly. What if this is their way of drawing trouble to us? By taking her in, you¡¯ve given Scorpio the perfect excuse toe after us.¡±


    Despite her protests, she¡¯d already arranged transportation for the rescued girl with Night¡¯s men. Her loyalty to Maverick was evident, even when she disagreed with him.


    Maverickughed dismissively. ¡°How many times have we crossed Scorpio over the years? What¡¯s one more offense to add to the list?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s different this time,¡± Sloane insisted. ¡°These Americans aren¡¯t ordinary tourists. They burned down five auction houses in one night.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have our people investigate their backgrounds,¡± Maverick replied. ¡°You contact the boss¨Ctell him about our visitors. If he has no quarrel with us, we can consider this a goodwill gesture toward potential friends. But if they have other intentions¡­¡± his voice dropped, ¡°they¡¯ll be formidable enemies.¡±


    Jade had heard enough. Silently, she withdrew into the night.


    In his New York office, Ethan Haxton looked up from his investment reports as Connor entered with a troubled expression.


    ¡°Sir, we¡¯ve identified those strangers in Crimson Valley,¡± Connor announced. ¡°Based on our sources, they appear to be Jade Morgan, Night, and Chris Jensen.¡±


    Ethan set aside his papers. ¡°What are they doing there?¡±


    ¡°Yesterday they burned down Scorpio family¡¯s auction houses. Now they¡¯re being hunted.¡± Connor shifted ufortably. ¡°Today they came to our territory asking for weapons.¡±


    ¡°Interesting.¡± Ethan tapped his fingers against his desk. ¡°Why would they target Scorpio specifically?¡±


    ¡°Unclear<b>, </b>sir. But I¡¯m concerned that¡­¡± Connor hesitated, ¡°if she was denied weapons, she might decide to burn <b>our </b>operation down too.¡±


    <b>8:20 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    A slight smile touched Ethan¡¯s lips. ¡°Then we should be careful not to upset her, shouldn¡¯t we<b>?</b>¡±


    ??))


    At Scorpio headquarters, Marcus paced furiously around his office. Outside, several bodiesy at the entrance¨Cmen he¡¯d sent to capture the Americans.


    ¡°Useless! All of you are useless!¡± he roared, sweeping items off his desk.


    Loki stood calmly by the door. ¡°Perhaps we should request additional support from the family. These people are clearly not ordinary American tourists.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Marcus whirled on him. ¡°You worthless piece of shit! You think the family will send reinforcements for this minor problem?¡±


    ¡°They might be hiding with the local drug lord or arms dealer,¡± Loki suggested evenly. ¡°We could concentrate our


    search in those areas.¡±


    Marcus sneered. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to tell me how to do my job.¡± He summoned several men, issuing new pursuit


    orders.


    As Marcus sent more men to their deaths, Loki suppressed a smile. The more men who died, the more Marcus would have to answer to the family. And if these Americans were provoked further, Marcus himself might not survive- which would solve many of Loki¡¯s problems.


    Jade decided to visit the local drug lord¡¯s territory alone. Burning Scorpio¡¯s auction houses and killing their men hadn¡¯t drawn out any significant yers yet. The drug lord might have information about Ace of Spades that she could use.


    After gathering intelligence, her n was to blow up the arms dealer¡¯s weapons cache. That should be enough to flush out the mysterious ¡°boss¡± Maverick had mentioned.


    As she made her way through the outskirts, taking a winding dirt road, she spotted a ck Maybach stuck in the


    mud ahead.


    Ethan watched Connor struggle with the car¡¯s tires, sinking deeper into the muck with each attempt to free them. Suddenly, Connor froze, his hand moving toward his concealed weapon.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton, doing business again?¡± Jade¡¯s voice cut through the darkness.


    Ethan lowered his window, his expression shifting from surprise to amusement when he saw her standing in the moonlight.


    <b>97 </b>


    ¡°Sightseeing again?¡± he countered with equal sarcasm.


    ¡°I just arrived, and it¡¯s already dark,¡± Ethan said. ¡°Where are you headed?¡±


    ¡°Just looking around,¡± <b>she </b>replied, then extended her hand toward him. ¡°Want to join me?¡±


    Without hesitation, Ethan stepped out of the car, instructing Connor to handle the vehicle situation.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you when I need pickup.¡±


    Connor¡¯s objections died on his lips as Ethan walked away with Jade.


    They followed the narrow path, guided only by moonlight filtering through the trees.


    ¡°I heard you burnt down the auction houses?¡± Ethan finally asked.


    ¡°I saw something I didn¡¯t like. Got itchy fingers,¡± she answered casually.


    Ethan chuckled. ¡°I sometimes forget you¡¯re supposedly studying to save lives.¡±


    At this, Jade gave a small, humorless smile. ¡°That¡¯s not why I¡¯m interested in medicine.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your real purpose here?¡± he pressed.


    She didn¡¯t answer directly. ¡°Curiosity killed the cat, Mr. Haxton.¡±


    ¡°But satisfaction brought it back,¡± hepleted the saying, his eyes never leaving her face.


    The drug lord¡¯spound was more heavily guarded than Jade had anticipated. After they¡¯d burned Scorpio¡¯s operations, security everywhere had tightened. Armed men patrolled the perimeter in pairs.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring a weapon,¡± Ethan whispered as they crouched behind a low wall.


    ¡°We¡¯re just observing,¡± she assured him, though her eyes were systematically scanning each building, identifying entry points and guard rotations.


    Ethan noticed her calcted assessment. Though she imed they were just ¡°looking around,¡± her movements <b>were </b>clearly purposeful, targeting areas where important people would likely be found.


    <b>They </b>carefully avoided the patrol routes<b>, </b>eventually reaching a luxurious vi. Through a partially open window, they could hear voices inside.


    8:20 Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>


    ¡­


    <b>97 </b>


    ¡°We¡¯ve identified all three of them,¡± a man¡¯s voice reported. ¡°One is themanding officer of Group 791, another <b>is </b>


    some mob prince, and the third is a student.¡±


    ¡°A student?¡± another voice questioned skeptically. ¡°What kind of student associates with people like that?¡±


    ¡°The female student apparently has an unusual rtionship with the Haxton family in New York,¡± the first voice


    continued.


    Ethan, with his tall frame, was briefly silhouetted against the window. A guard in the distance shouted, ¡°Hey!


    Someone¡¯s by the window!¡±


    By the time the guards reached the spot, they had vanished.


    The men inside came out to investigate. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±


    ¡®I saw someone at the window, sir.¡±


    ¡°Secure every exit! Don¡¯t <b>let </b>anyone suspicious escape! Find them now!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>Comments

 Treatment 193

    ?


    <i>97 </i>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    Ethan and I ducked into what appeared to be an underground food storage cer, the earthy smell of root vegetables filling the cramped space. Distant shouts echoed above us as Scorpio¡¯s men continued their search. I pulled the wooden door shut, plunging us into near darkness save for thin slivers of moonlight filtering through the cracks.


    ¡°That was close,¡± Ethan whispered, his breath visible in the cool air.


    I nodded, scanning our surroundings. The small room was lined with wooden shelves stocked with preserved foods and fresh produce. Ethan reached toward a small container, pulling out what looked like blueberries.


    ¡°Try one,¡± he said, offering me a plump berry between his fingers.


    I epted it without hesitation, popping it into my mouth. ¡°Sour,¡± I stated tly.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, taking one for himself. His expression changed to surprise as he bit into it. ¡°Mine¡¯s sweet,¡± he said, examining the remaining berries more closely.


    I couldn¡¯t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. Something about his confusion was strangely endearing.


    ¡°Here,¡± he said, carefully selecting a few more. ¡°These look riper¡­¡±


    Before I could respond, my heightened senses caught the sound of footsteps directly above us. <b>I </b>swiftly reached out, pressing my palm firmly against Ethan¡¯s mouth. ¡°Shhh,¡± I breathed, barely audible.


    Ethan froze at the sudden contact, his eyes widening slightly. I felt his warm breath against my palm as neither of us moved. The unexpected intimacy of the moment seemed to affect him more than me¨CI noticed his hand tightening around the berries until juice began seeping between his fingers.


    We remained still as statues while heavy boots thumped across the wooden floorboards above our heads. After what felt like an eternity, the footsteps faded. I slowly removed my hand from Ethan¡¯s mouth, noting the slight heat across his cheeks.


    ¡°They¡¯re gone,¡± I whispered. ¡°Let¡¯s move while we can.¡±


    We slipped out of the cer and into the night, making our way through the shadows back toward the main road. The streets were eerily quiet now, most of Scorpio¡¯s search parties having moved to other sectors of the valley.


    Ethan walked half a step behind me, asionally ncing at my profile when he thought I wouldn¡¯t notice. I could feel his gaze like a physical touch.


    ¡°<b>Connor¡¯s </b>gone,¡± he observed when we reached the spot where his car had been stuck. ¡°<b>He </b>must have gotten it out and relocated.¡±


    <b>8:20 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re walking,¡± I said<b>, </b>setting off toward our temporary hideout.


    ¡°This is <b>the </b>second time we¡¯ve been alone together,¡± Ethan noted after several minutes <b>of </b>silence<b>. </b>¡°Since we met, I mean. Besides that time you drove me around to see the ocean, this seems to be our second solo adventure.<b>¡± </b>


    <b>1979 </b>


    I gave him a sidelong nce. ¡°How does it feel, Mr. Haxton? Your second time doing something this¡­ ndestine<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Exhrating,¡± he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of something I couldn¡¯t quite ce. ¡°Different from boardroom negotiations, though arguably just as dangerous sometimes.¡±


    Before I could respond, I spotted movement at the street corner ahead¨Ca group of men with the distinctive blue scorpion tattoos on their wrists. I counted at least twenty of them, blocking our path.


    ¡°Shit,¡± I muttered. ¡°I¡¯m getting tired of all these fightstely.¡±


    Ethan stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of me. ¡°Let me handle this.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow, amused by his chivalry. ¡°Your coat will get in the way,¡± I said, eyeing his long ck overcoat. ¡°Take it off. I¡¯ll hold it for you.¡±


    Ethan nced down at his outfit¨Cdress shirt and tailored cks beneath the coat. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said, slipping the expensive garment off his shoulders and handing it to me.


    As Scorpio¡¯s men approached, Ethan rolled up his sleeves with methodical precision. His posture changed subtly¡ª shoulders rxed, weight bnced perfectly on the balls of his feet. The transformation was fascinating to watch.


    The first attacker lunged forward with a knife. Ethan moved with startling speed, redirecting the man¡¯s momentum and sending him crashing into two others. What followed was nothing short of impressive. Ethan¡¯s movements were economical, precise, and devastatingly effective. He wasn¡¯t just fighting¨Che was dismantling the opposition with


    surgical precision.


    I found myself genuinely enjoying the show. This wasn¡¯t the careful businessman I¡¯de to know¨Cthis was someone else entirely. His skill level was far beyond what I¡¯d expected, likely on par with Night¡¯s abilities. Each


    strike was calcted, each defensive maneuver wless.


    When thest man fell, Ethan turned back to me, barely winded. His normally perfect hair was slightly disheveled, a thin sheen <b>of </b>sweat on his brow the only indication of exertion.


    ¡°You¡¯re full of surprises, Mr. Haxton,¡± I said, unable to keep the appreciation from my voice.


    ¡°Had enough?¡± <b>he </b>asked, straightening his cuffs. ¡°Or should we wait? I¡¯m sure more wille soon.¡±


    ¡°Next time,¡± I replied. ¡°There¡¯s no shortage of fights around here.¡±


    He nodded, taking his coat back from my hands. Our fingers brushed briefly during the exchange<b>, </b>and I <b>noticed </b><b>his </b>lingered a moment longer than necessary.


    8:20 Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>


    97


    We reached my temporary lodgings just before midnight. The building was a weathered two¨Cstory wooden structure that had seen better days decades ago. Night appeared at an upstairs window almost immediately, his silhouette unmistakable even in the darkness. Secondster, he emerged from the front door.


    ¡°Baby,¡± Night called out, his ent thicker than usual as he approached. His eyes narrowed when theynded on Ethan. ¡°I thought you were just going for a walk. Did you walk all the way back to America and return?¡±


    ¡°Ran into him on the way,¡± I replied simply.


    Night snorted. ¡°Right. Like I¡¯d believe that.¡± He ced a possessive hand on my shoulder. ¡°It¡¯ste, baby. You should


    rest.¡±


    As Night steered me toward the door, I felt an impulse to look back at Ethan. Night sensed it, gently but firmly turning my face forward. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him, sweetheart,¡± he murmured. Through the window, I could see Chris watching the scene with amusement.


    Outside, Ethan remained standing in the cool night air. I watched from my second¨Cfloor window as he studied our rundown hideout, his expression thoughtful. He seemed to be weighing something in his mind.


    I tapped on the ss<b>, </b>catching his attention. When he looked up, I motioned for him toe inside.


    Minutester, Ethan stood awkwardly in my small room as I locked the door behind him.


    ¡°Amodations are scarce around here,¡± I exined. ¡°This is all we¡¯ve got. You¡¯ll have to make do.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s voice dropped to a lower register, slightly rough around the edges, ¡°Is this¡­ appropriate?¡±


    I shrugged, unmoved by his concern. ¡°We¡¯ve shared a room before,¡± I reminded him, thinking of our previous encounters. ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal,¡±


    The tension in his shoulders remained, but he nodded, epting the situation.


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 Treatment 194

    <b>Author¡¯s </b>POV:


    The room was about as inviting as a prison cell. One sagging double bed dominated the cramped space<b>, </b>apanied by a rickety table that wobbled dangerously when Jade set her bag on it and a wooden chair that looked like it had survived several wars¨Cbarely. The wallpaper, some faded floral pattern, peeled at the corners, and the single lightbulb cast more shadows than light.


    Ethan stood in the doorway<b>, </b>surveying their amodations. His expensive clothes looked wildly out of ce in this dump, like a diamond tossed into a garbage heap.


    ¡°Cozy,¡± he remarked, stepping inside and closing the door behind him with a click that sounded oddly final.


    Jade nced around for extra bedding but found nothing¨Cno spare nkets, no additional pillows. Just the one bed with threadbare sheets that had probably been white once, a lifetime ago.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the chair,¡± Ethan said immediately, shrugging off his coat. ¡°You get some rest.¡±


    Jade raised an eyebrow. ¡°That chair looks like it might copse if you breathe on it wrong.¡±


    ¡°Having a roof over our heads is luxury enough considering the circumstances.¡±


    Jade didn¡¯t argue. Without another word, she kicked off her boots and climbed onto the bed. The mattress sagged rmingly in the middle, springs protesting loudly beneath her like they were being tortured.


    ¡°Good night,¡± Ethan said softly, reaching for the light switch.


    ¡°Night,¡± Jade replied as darkness enveloped the room.


    She closed her eyes but remained alert, listening to Ethan settling into the chair. Every few minutes, the chair would creak ominously under his weight, followed by his subtle adjustments as he tried to find afortable position that clearly didn¡¯t exist. Outside, the wind picked up, howling through the poorly sealed window frame like a wounded animal. The temperature in the room dropped noticeably as the hours passed, biting through her clothes despite the


    nket.


    Around 2 AM, the wind grew stronger. The window rattled incessantly, the frame making an ear¨Csplitting <b>scraping </b>noise with each gust, Ethan got up and move to the window. He pressed his hand against the frame, trying to stabilize it and reduce the noise. His fingers must have been freezing¨Cthe drafting through the gaps <b>was </b>like <b>ice</b><b>, </b>carrying with it the smell of dust and imminent rain.


    ¡°Juste <b>to </b>bed,¡± she said suddenly, breaking the silence. She flipped back the corner of the nket, ¡°This <b>is </b>


    ridiculous<b>.</b>¡±


    Ethan turned, his silhouette stark against <b>the </b>faint moonlight filtering <b>through </b><b>the </b>window. His <b>shoulders </b><b>tensed </b><b>visibly</b><b>. </b>¡°That¡¯s<b>¡­ </b>not appropriate.<b>¡± </b>


    <b>8:20 </b>


    <b>nu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    1978


    ¡°What are you, twelve? It¡¯s freezing, and that chair is a medieval torture device.¡±


    He hesitated, running his thumb along his fingers as if weighing something. ¡°I¡¯m not exactly known for my self- restraint, Jade. This would be¡­ testing my limits.¡±


    Jade snorted. ¡°That¡¯s your problem? You don¡¯t trust yourself?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t trust myself,¡± he said carefully. ¡°It¡¯s that the person in question is you.¡±


    ¡°I can break your arm in three ces before you could blink,¡± she reminded him tly.


    A shortugh escaped him. ¡°That¡¯s both reassuring and terrifying.¡± He ran a hand through his hair, clearly conflicted. ¡°I just¡­ I don¡¯t want to make you ufortable.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ufortable watching you freeze to death by that window. But suit yourself.¡± Jade flipped the nket back into ce and turned away.


    For several minutes, the only sound was the howling wind and the persistent rattling of the window. The temperature continued to drop, until she could see her breath forming small clouds with each exhale.


    ¡°Are you asleep?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice came softly through the darkness.


    ¡°Would I answer if I was?<b>¡± </b>


    A pause, then: ¡°I regret my decision.¡± His tone carried a hint of self¨Cdeprecation. ¡°That chair is indeed an instrument


    of torture.¡±


    Without turning around, Jade lifted the nket again.


    After another moment¡¯s hesitation, she felt the mattress dip as Ethan carefully lowered himself onto the far edge of the bed. He kept his coat draped over himself instead of sharing the nket, maintaining as much distance between them as the small bed would allow. His body was rigid, positioned precariously on the edge like he was preparing to leap off at any second.


    ¡°Today¡¯s my birthday,¡± he said suddenly, his voice soft in the darkness.


    Jade turned her head slightly. ¡°I didn¡¯t get you a gift.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± He chuckled quietly. ¡°I just¡­ wanted to tell you.¡±


    Silence settled between them, broken only by the wind outside and the asional creak of the bed frame as one of them shifted slightly.


    ¡°Why did youe to Crimson Valley?¡± Ethan asked. ¡®Is it about the Shadow Organization? Revenge?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Yes,¡± she answered simply<b>, </b>the word hanging between them like smoke.


    <b>8:21 </b>Thu<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°I thought so.¡± He shifted slightly.


    ¡°And what about you?<b>¡± </b>she asked. ¡°Are you really here on business<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Honestly?¡± His voice dropped lower, nearly swallowed by the howling wind. ¡°I heard you were here. That¡¯s why I


    came.¡±


    <b>97 </b>


    Jade considered this. ¡°I was surprised to see you.¡±


    ¡°Good surprised or bad surprised?¡±


    ¡°Just surprised,¡± she replied, then added after a moment, ¡°A little bit of good surprised.¡±


    The bed creaked as Ethan turned to face her, though she kept her back to him. She could feel the warmth radiating from his body, a stark contrast to the freezing air in the room.


    ¡°What kind of men do you like, Jade?¡± he asked, his voice hesitant. ¡°You mentioned Max was gentle, quiet<b>¡­ </b>sweet. Is that your type?¡±


    ¡°Depends on the person.¡±


    ¡°And if we¡¯re not talking types but specific people¡­¡± He took a deep breath, the sound of it loud in the quiet room. ¡°What do you think about me? Would you¡­ would you consider going on a date with me sometime, Jade?¡±


    Her steady breathing was the only response. He shifted slightly to look at her more closely.


    ¡°Jade?¡± he whispered.


    To his surprise, she had actually fallen asleep. Her features had softened, making her look less guarded than he¡¯d ever seen her. A mix of disappointment and amusement crossed his face as he realized she had missed his momentous question entirely,


    The mattress shifted as Ethan carefully turned onto his back, chuckling softly at the irony. Just as he was gathering his courage, she had drifted off. The sagging mattress naturally drew her sleeping form toward him, until her face was inches from his shoulder, her warm breath tickling his skin. Ethan¡¯s amusement faded as he watched her sleep, his jaw clenching slightly as he fought against the urge to brush a strand of hair from her face.


    After several tense minutes, Ethan slowly, carefully extracted himself from the bed. He returned to his post by the window, pressing his palm against the rattling frame to silence it. The cold air numbed his fingers, a wee distraction from the warmth he¡¯d left behind.


    He remained there until morning, a silent sentinel against both the cold and his own desires. asionally, he would nce back at Jade¡¯s sleeping form, a mixture of tenderness and resignation in his eyes.

 Treatment 195

    <b>Chapter </b><b>195 </b>


    :


    <b>97 </b>


    Ethan slowly eased the door shut behind him, careful not to make a sound. The house¡¯s hallway was dimly <b>lit </b><b>by </b><b>the </b><b>gray </b>dawn filtering through a dirty window at the end of the corridor.


    He turned, ready to find some coffee, when he found himself face to face with Night, who was exiting the room directly across the hall.


    For a second, they both froze. Night¡¯s eyes flickered from Ethan to the door he¡¯d just closed¨CJade¡¯s door. His expression darkened instantly, eyes narrowing to dangerous slits.


    ¡°You fucking piece of-¡± Night didn¡¯t finish his sentence before lunging forward.


    Ethan barely had time to block the first punch, which still caught the edge of his jaw. The narrow hallway of the motel left little room to maneuver, forcing both men into close¨Cquartersbat. Night fought with explosive anger, each strike aimed to cause maximum damage. Ethan matched him blow for blow, his controlled movements revealing years of training.


    A vicious knee caught Ethan in the ribs, but he countered with an elbow to Night¡¯s sternum that made the man grunt. They crashed against the thin walls, the aged wood creaking dangerously under their weight.


    ¡°Gentleman, might I suggest-¡± Chris Jensen appeared in his doorway, leaning casually against the frame as he watched the two men grapple. His voice held mild amusement. ¡°Perhaps taking this outside? I fear this establishment may not survive your enthusiasm.¡±


    Neither man acknowledged him, too focused on their fight. Night drove Ethan back against the opposite wall, the impact sending a framed picture crashing to the floor. Ethan responded by grabbing Night¡¯s shirt and mming him into the narrow hallway table, which copsed under theirbined weight.


    Just as Night reared back for another strike, Jade¡¯s door flew open. She stood in the doorway, her hair disheveled from sleep, eyes burning with cold irritation.


    ¡°Are you fucking done?¡± Her voice cut through the hallway like ice.


    Ethan immediately went still. Nightnded one final punch to Ethan¡¯s chest before Jade¡¯s re froze him in ce


    too.


    Without another word, Jade mmed her door shut. The sound echoed through the now¨Csilent hallway.


    ¡®Well, Chris observed dryly, ¡°you¡¯ve done it now. Woke her up.¡±


    <b>In </b>the Scorpio familypound, Marcus paced angrily, his face flushed with rage.


    ¡°Those American bitches burned down my auction house! Killed fifteen of my men!¡± He mmed his fist into <b>the </b>


    8:21 <b>Thu</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    97


    wall, then turned his fury toward Loki, who stood silently near the window. ¡°And where were you? Hmm? Where the fuck were you when they were burning my property to the ground?¡±


    Loki remained silent, his face an emotionless mask as Marcus continued his tirade.


    ¡°This is your fault,¡± Marcus spat. ¡°Your security was shit. Your men were ipetent. You¡¯re the reason we¡¯re losing money and men!¡±


    When Marcus finally exhausted himself, dropping heavily into a leather chair, Loki approached with a ss of water.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Loki said softly. ¡°I ept full responsibility.¡±


    As Marcus reached for the ss, Loki¡¯s other hand moved in a blur. The knife slid between Marcus¡¯s ribs with surgical precision, directly into his heart. Marcus¡¯s eyes widened in shock as Loki twisted the de, then yanked it out with brutal force. Blood fountained from the wound, spattering across Loki¡¯s face.


    Loki calmly wiped the blood from his cheek, lifting it to his nose for a curious sniff. ¡°Your blood smells as foul as


    your mouth.¡±


    Marcus slumped forward, his life fading rapidly. Loki crouched beside him, a smile ying on his lips.


    ¡°Everyone will believe it was that American girl who killed you.¡± He thrust the knife into Marcus¡¯s mouth, silencing


    him forever. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make sure Scorpio avenges you.¡±


    The mood at breakfast was suffocating. Night red at Ethan across the small table, while Chris sipped his coffee with exaggerated interest in the chipped mug. Jade sat silently, dark circles under her eyes.


    ¡°I apologize for the disturbance,¡± Ethan said, addressing Jade directly while ignoring Night¡¯s burning stare.


    Chris slid a te of toast toward Jade. ¡°Eat something. It¡¯ll help with the mood.¡±


    ¡°Where did you sleepst night?¡± Chris asked Ethan, clearly trying to defuse the tension.


    ¡®In a chair by the window,¡± Ethan replied, his voice neutral,


    Night¡¯s jaw tightened, his eyes never leaving Ethan¡¯s face.


    Without a word, Jade stood and walked out, leaving her breakfast untouched. Night immediately followed, casting one final venomous look at Ethan.


    Ethan watched them go, then turned to find Chris studying him with amused interest.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that,¡± Chris said, his voicenguid. ¡°I have no romantic interest in Jade. You don¡¯t need to worry about me.¡±


    8:21 Thu, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    :


    97


    Later that morning, Connor arrived at the motel, taking in the dpidated building with poorly disguised horror.


    ¡°You spent the night here, sir?¡± he asked quietly, eyeing a stain on the wall that might have been blood.


    Ethan remained, thick¨Cskinned and determined to wait for Jade. After half an hour, she and Night returned. The transformation in Jade was notable ¨C her earlier irritation had dissipated, reced by focused determination. Night walked close beside her, one arm draped possessively around her shoulders, calling her ¡°baby¡± with each sentence. The years of friendship between them were evident,pletely unaffected by Ethan¡¯s presence.


    They had barely settled when a ck SUV pulled up outside. A man with a blue scorpion tattoo on his wrist approached them cautiously.


    ¡®Loki sends his regards,¡± the man said, his ent thick. ¡°He wishes to speak with you all. He says he knows who you¡¯re looking for.¡±


    Loki¡¯spound was opulentpared to the rest of Crimson Valley. He greeted them with expansive hospitality, all smiles and gracious gestures.


    ¡°I must speak with Miss Morgan alone,¡± Loki insisted, earning immediate protests from both Night and Ethan.


    Loki leaned closer to Jade. ¡°The King of Hearts was here, in Crimson Valley. He visited the territory of the drug lord next door. What he did there, I cannot say.¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t so forting before,¡± Jade noted coldly.


    Loki smiled. ¡°I didn¡¯t recall then. But I speak truth now. The Ace of Spades you seek ¨C he likely resides there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all you had to say? This useless shit?¡± Night sneered.


    Loki bowed slightly. ¡°I apologize I couldn¡¯t be of more help. If there¡¯s anything else I can do-


    ¡°We burned down your auction house<b>, </b>killed your men, and you¡¯re offering help? Scorpio¡¯s corporate culture is fascinating. Night cut him off with a derisiveugh.


    ¡°As they say, conflicts can lead to understanding,¡± Loki offered smoothly.


    Night¡¯s expression darkened, ¡°I prefer honest enemies to fake friends. While I¡¯m in Crimson Valley, Scorpio better stay out of my sight. Cross me, and I¡¯ll blow your entire family to hell, not just this branch.¡± He wrapped his arm around Jade¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Baby, let¡¯s go.¡±


    As they left, Ethan noticed the way Loki¡¯s eyes followed Jade ¨C calcting, assessing, with something that looked unsettlingly like anticipation.

 Treatment 196

    The SUV crawled through the broken streets of Crimson Valley, tires crunching over scattered debris. Jade sat in the back with Night while Ethan and Connor upied the front seats. Chris followed in another vehicle, maintaining a careful distance.


    Night leaned toward Jade, his breath warm against her ear. ¡°Baby, I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± he said, voice low and intimate. ¡°Why don¡¯t we take action tonight? I¡¯ll go tear apart that drug cartel¡¯s territory, and you can blow up the arms dealer¡¯spound. With that much chaos, I bet our mystery master will have to show his face.¡± He stretched his arm across her shoulders. ¡°This shithole is getting on my nerves. The sooner we finish, the sooner you can join me for that vacation in Russia.¡±


    Connor¡¯s head whipped around so fast Jade thought he might give himself whish. ¡°Blow up what?¡± he sputtered. ¡°You want to blow up their territory? The arms dealers?<b>¡± </b>


    Night fixed him with a cold stare. ¡°And who the fuck asked for your opinion?¡±


    Connor immediately turned back to the road, frantically trying to catch Ethan¡¯s attention. ¡°Mr. Haxton, sir¡ª¡±


    Ethan didn¡¯t respond. His gaze remained fixed ahead.


    Jade shrugged Night¡¯s arm off. ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see what happens tonight.¡±


    Night pouted but didn¡¯t press further.


    The explosions started just after midnight.


    Jade was sitting on the edge of the bed in her room when the first st shook the windows. Within seconds, ten, twelve, fifteen more followed in rapid session, their echoes reverberating through Crimson Valley like thunder.


    Night bolted upright from where he¡¯d been lounging, a gleeful smile spreading across his face. ¡°Damn, baby! When did you nt those bombs? Why didn¡¯t you invite me along for the fun?¡±


    ¡®I didn¡¯t do this,¡± Jade said, moving to the window. The night sky glowed orange with distant fires, illuminating the low clouds with an eerie light.


    Chris burst through the door without knocking, his usually immacte appearance slightly disheveled. ¡°Scorpio territory,¡± he confirmed, slightly out of breath. ¡°Someone just hit at least a dozen of their gambling dens simultaneously,¡±


    Night¡¯s eyes narrowed with suspicion. ¡°The military strategist in me is impressed. The jealous friend in me is wondering who¡¯s stealing our thunder.¡± He turned to Ethan, who had appeared silently in the doorway. ¡°It¡¯s getting dark. Shouldn¡¯t you be leaving? Or are you nning to spend the night?¡±


    <b>8:21 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    Ethan¡¯s gaze slid from Night to Jade, his expression unreadable. ¡°I¡¯ll leave when Jade asks me to.¡±


    Jade ignored both of them, focusing on the orange glow in the distance.


    97


    In the Scorpio family¡¯s headquarters, Loki received the news with a calm that unnerved his subordinates.


    ¡°Twelve casinos hit simultaneously,¡± reported a man with a fresh cut across his cheek. ¡°Military precision. They¡¯re iming it was the arms dealer¡¯s people.¡±


    Loki nodded slowly, though knowing it was not. ¡°I¡¯ll inform the family about these developments, along with Marcus¡¯s unfortunate demise. Suggest everyone lie low for a while.¡±


    <i>Better </i><i>to </i><i>let </i><i>them </i><i>burn</i>. We <i>can </i><i>rebuild</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>all </i>of <i>this </i><i>can </i>be <i>med </i><i>on </i><i>Marcus</i>. <i>First </i><i>the </i><i>auction </i><i>house</i><i>, </i>now <i>the </i><i>casinos</i>. <i>His </i><i>ipetence </i><i>was </i><i>staggering</i>. <i>The </i><i>family </i><i>won¡¯t </i>miss <i>him </i><i>much</i>.


    ¡°But sir,¡± the man protested, his voice rising with indignation. ¡°They¡¯ve struck at the heart of our territory! We must retaliate, show them Scorpio¡¯s strength=¡±


    The words died in his throat as Loki¡¯s hand shot out, gripping the man¡¯s windpipe with devastating pressure. The subordinate¡¯s eyes bulged as Loki slowly stood, maintaining his grip.


    ¡°However lowborn I might be, I still carry the Scorpio name. Who are you to dictate our family¡¯s response?¡± He tightened his grip, watching dispassionately as the man¡¯s face turned purple.


    When the man finally went limp, Loki released him, letting the body crumple to the floor. He straightened his jacket and addressed the remaining men, who stood frozen in horror.


    ¡®Clean this up. And spread the word¨CI want no unauthorized retaliation.¡±


    ¡°Baby, let¡¯s find somewhere else to stay tonight,¡± Night whined, draping himself dramatically across the bed. ¡°I haven¡¯t slept properly for days. Look at these dark circles.¡± He moved closer, batting his eyshes at Jade. ¡°See? Look how exhausted I am.¡±


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 197

    <b>Chapter </b><b>197 </b>


    :.


    ¡°Get the fuck away from me,¡± Jade muttered, shoving his face back.


    A knock at the door interrupted Night¡¯s theatrics. Maverick stood outside, his weathered <b>face </b>creased in a cautious


    smile.


    97


    ¡°I¡¯d like to offer you folks more suitable amodations,¡± he said, his eyes darting between Night and Jade. ¡°Given the recent excitement, it seems prudent to relocate you.¡±


    Night immediately straightened, his yful demeanor vanishing. ¡°How convenient,¡± he said coldly. ¡°Explosions rock Scorpio territory, and suddenly you¡¯re offering us shelter. Why the hospitality, old man? Did your people blow up those Scorpio casinos?¡±


    Maverick¡¯s eye twitched almost imperceptibly. ¡°Uh¡­ it was an ident. A misunderstanding. You burned down their auction house, we blew up their casinos. Makes us something like allies, doesn¡¯t it? Care to be friends<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Night snorted. ¡°Everyone wants to be our friend these days. How do I know you¡¯re not setting <b>us </b>up? Seems suspicious, you showing up now. Maybe you heard we were nning to blow up your territory next?¡±


    Maverick¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    Jade moved toward the door, brushing past Maverick without acknowledging his shock. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Baby, wait-¡± Night called after her.


    Jade didn¡¯t break stride. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to change locations?¡±


    ¡°Please,¡± Maverick said, regaining hisposure as he gestured to Night and Chris. His eyes lingered respectfully on Ethan, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, offering him a slight nod of deference.


    ¡ª


    Maverick led them to apound at the edge of his territory¨Ca cluster of small but clean buildings surrounded by armed guards. The contrast with their previous amodations was stark.


    I hope these quarters will suffice,¡± Maverick said, showing them thest of four separate rooms. I¡¯ve arranged for private security and meals to be delivered.¡±


    With a respectful nod, Maverick left them to settle into their new surroundings.


    After leaving his guests, Maverick found Sloane waiting anxiously at themand center of theirpound.


    ¡°Is it true, sir<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>Sloane asked eagerly, eyes bright with anticipation. ¡®Is Mr. Haxton really here in Crimson Valley<b>? </b><b>I </b>could bring him breakfast tomorrow.¡±


    8:22 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°You¡¯ll do no such thing,¡± Maverick replied firmly. ¡°Thest thing he needs is your fawning attention causingplications.¡±


    97


    At eleven that night, Jade heard Ethan¡¯s door open. Secondster<b>, </b>Night¡¯s door creaked open as well. She moved silently to her own door, cracking it just enough to observe.


    Ethan stood in the hallway, dressed in the same clothes from earlier. Night leaned against his doorframe, arms crossed, a smirk ying on his lips.


    ¡°Midnight stroll?¡± Night asked. ¡°Perhaps you could borrow one of the arms dealer¡¯s guard dogs for protection. I hear they¡¯re very effective at keeping unwantedpany away.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d suggest you take one yourself, but they might mistake you for a fire hydrant.¡±


    Night pushed off from the doorframe, his posture shifting from casual to threatening. ¡°You want to say that again?¡±


    Jade pushed her door open wider, leaning against the frame. Both men immediately froze, their heads snapping in


    her direction.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep,¡± Ethan said quickly, his voice softening. ¡°Thought I¡¯d get some air.¡± Without waiting for a response, he walked away, disappearing down the corridor.


    Night immediately changed his demeanor, his shoulders slumping. ¡°Baby, I¡¯m sorry. But he started it.¡±


    Without a word, Jade headed to the stairs.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Night asked.


    ¡°Out for a bit,¡± she replied. ¡°Don¡¯t follow me.¡±


    She made her way directly to the drug lord¡¯spound, avoiding the increased patrols triggered by the casino bombings. The route was familiar now¨Cshe¡¯d been here with Ethan just days before. She slipped past the guards with practiced ease and headed straight for the cer where she and Ethan had hidden.


    The cer was cool and dark, smelling of earth and preserved vegetables. Jade settled onto a crate and waited.


    It didn¡¯t take long. Footsteps approached. The door creaked open¡­

 Treatment 198

    <b>Chapter </b><b>198 </b>


    <b><i>97 </i></b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    The cer was cool and dark, smelling of earth and preserved vegetables. I sat at the rickety table, casually popping blueberries into my mouth. I¡¯d been waiting for nearly an hour, but patience had always been one of my strengths.


    Finally, light footsteps approached. I concealed my presence, maintaining a rxed posture as I continued eating. The door creaked open, and a tall man stepped inside. When he spotted me at the table, surprise shed across his face, quickly reced by recognition and wariness<b>. </b>


    He regained hisposure quickly. ¡°So, you¡¯re the one causing trouble on Scorpio family territory.¡±


    I looked up, a slight smile ying on my lips. ¡°And your boss must be the ¡®Ace of Spades.¡°¡±


    The man narrowed his eyes, studying me. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°The person who¡¯se to kill you all,¡± I replied calmly.


    Commotion erupted inside the Scorpiopound, but I had already slipped away. I easily evaded the patrolling guards, vanishing into the night like a ghost.


    As I rounded the corner, I found Ethan Haxton waiting in the shadows. In the moonlight, his tall figure was particrly striking.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked, slightly surprised but not rmed.


    Ethan stepped forward, his expression calm. ¡°I came looking for you.¡±


    ¡®Here, I pulled a small bunch of blueberries from my pocket and offered Ethan a few.


    He epted them, his eyes twinkling with amusement. ¡°Is it sweet?¡±


    ¡°Sour, 1 replied briefly,


    Ethan tasted one, smile deepen. ¡°You¡¯re right. It¡¯s sour.¡±


    We walked side by side down the streets of Crimson Valley, surrounded by buildings casting long shadows in the moonlight.


    ¡°Who was that man?¡± Ethan asked.


    <b>8:22 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°A member of <b>the </b>Shadow Organization, Ace of Spades¡® right¨Chand man,¡± I said evenly. ¡°He¡¯s dead now.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s steps faltered momentarily. ¡°You¡¯ve been hunting them?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m eliminating the old guard in the organization one by one,¡± my voice remained steady. ¡°Four targets left.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure Ace of Spades will appear?¡±


    97


    ¡°He will. He¡¯s already got his eye on me,¡± I popped another blueberry into my mouth. ¡°Either he¡¯lle to me, or <b>I¡¯ll </b>go to him.¡±


    We continued walking in silence for a while.


    Ethan suddenly spoke. ¡°Night clearly likes you.¡±


    ¡°What kind of ¡®like¡® are you talking about?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Romantic interest, of course.¡± Ethan¡¯s voice was calm, but a flicker ofplex emotion passed through his eyes.


    I smiled.


    ¡°Am I wrong?¡± Ethan pressed.


    I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could speak, Night and Chris Jensen appeared ahead of us, interrupting <b>our </b>conversation. Night¡¯s face showed obvious displeasure, while Chris maintained his usualposure.


    The next day, we visited a secluded warehouse in the suburbs. Maverick was inspecting a pile of weapons and equipment. When he saw <b>us </b>enter, he immediately put on a business¨Clike smile.


    ¡°Wee, wee! What can I do for you?¡± Maverick greeted enthusiastically,


    ¡°Timed explosives. The high¨Cprecision kind,¡± I stated our purpose directly.


    Maverick raised an eyebrow. ¡°Those don¡¯te cheap,¡±


    ¡°Price isn¡¯t an issue,¡± Ethan interjected calmly.


    Sloane emerged from a back room, her eyes lighting up noticeably when she saw Ethan, her face showing


    admiration.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton, <b>it¡¯s </b>an honor to meet you!¡± Sloane said eagerly.


    Night rolled his <b>eyes </b>and turned to me. ¡°Darling<b>, </b>should we buy a few rocketunchers? We could level the whole


    <b>8:22 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    ce at once<b>. </b>Save time. I¡¯m itching for some action.<b>¡± </b>


    :


    Ignoring Night¡¯s suggestion, I whispered to Ethan, ¡°Looks like Sloane is very interested in you.¡±


    Ethan chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I might have to disappoint her.¡± His gaze lingered meaningfully on me.


    <i>97 </i>


    Over the following days, Crimson Valley was engulfed in a series of explosions. Night¡¯s 791 team members were dispatched to different locations, executing carefully nned bombing missions.


    First, we demolished several key Scorpio family territories. Explosions echoed through the night sky, orange¨Cred mes illuminating the entire valley. Then we turned to the drug lord¡¯s strongholds, first bombing their ntations, then the processing nts, and finally the transport vehicles.


    For each operation, I personally participated in the night missions, precisely detonating the devices. And after each mission, Ethan would wait for me at the designated spot, no matter howte.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have toe every time,¡± I told Ethan.


    ¡°I want to make sure you¡¯re safe,¡± Ethan replied, his voice filled with concern.


    The situation in Crimson Valley grew increasingly chaotic, with residents living in fear. Local media dubbed us ¡°Death¡¯s Agents,¡± as death and destruction followed wherever we appeared.


    After the series of explosions, the drug lord¡¯s empire wasrgely destroyed. This finally caught the attention of the mastermind behind it all¨CAce of Spades appeared in Crimson Valley.


    We received a formal invitation to a maze¨Clike high¨Crise building. The structure stood alone, surrounded by buildings that had been reduced to rubble.


    As we entered the lobby, I immediately recognized three familiar faces¨Cformer Shadow Organization assassins. They stood coldly, their eyes filled with hostility.


    Suddenly, a middle¨Caged man in an impable suit emerged from the elevator. His eyes scanned everyone present, finally resting on me.


    ¡®Wee,¡± his voice was deep and powerful. ¡°Mr. Haxton. Mr. Night. Mr. Jensen. And this sweet girl.¡±


    Right behind him appeared a cold¨Cfaced man¨CEclipse. I frowned slightly, clearly surprised to see this person following Ace of Spades.


    Ace of Spades examined everyone carefully, especially me. Danger glinted in <b>his </b>eyes.


    8:22 Thu, Sep 25


    ¡­


    97


    ¡°You know what?¡± he turned to the others. ¡°This seemingly harmless young girl might be the most dangerous among


    you. She might even be the one with the most authority.¡±


    Night and Chris maintained vignt postures, ready to respond to any sudden developments.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious,¡± Ace of Spades continued. ¡°Night and Chris, you were once Shadow¡¯s friends, yet now you stand with this American girl. When I learned that Night, Chris, and an American girl named Jade were causing trouble in Crimson Valley, I investigated the rtionship between the three of you, but found nothing.¡±


    His smile grew more dangerous. ¡°Now, you stand before me, May you tell me?¡±


    ¡°Just friends.¡± <b>I </b>said, feeling Ethan¡¯s gaze.


    Chapter Comments


    ͹ 2

 Treatment 199

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>199 </b>


    ¡­


    Author¡¯s POV:


    :


    97


    Ace of Spades lounged on a leather sofa, his rxed posture contradicting the sharp alertness in his eyes. He gestured for Jade and herpanions to sit across from him. Three men stood behind him, fingers hovering near their weapons. But it was the lean man to his right that caught Jade¡¯s attention ¨C Eclipse. His cold, predatory gaze tracked her movements with professional precision.


    ¡°Crimson Valley¡¯s quite unstable these days,¡± Ace of Spades remarked, swirling amber liquid in a crystal ss. The ice clinked softly against the side. ¡°Even my territory has been attacked by unknown assants. You should be


    careful.¡±


    Night started to respond, but Jade nudged his arm discreetly with her elbow. The pressure was light but deliberate.


    ¡°I heard Scorpio family¡¯s casino was bombed,¡± he said instead. ¡°Aren¡¯t you two feuding?¡±


    Ace of Spades¡® lips curved into a thin smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°Scorpio¡¯s casino was blown up by those arms dealer fellows. Haven¡¯t you heard?¡±


    Night raised an eyebrow, his expression deliberately puzzled. ¡°Is that so? Then perhaps they bombed your ce too.¡±


    The tension in the room thickened like smoke. Jade could practically taste the suspicion in the air. Ace of Spades studied Night for a moment before introducing himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m Mchai ckthorn,¡± he said, his tone dripping with false warmth. ¡°What brings you all to Crimson Valley?¡±


    ¡°Business,¡± Night replied vaguely.


    Ethan straightened his cuffs. ¡°Tourism,¡± he said smoothly.


    Chris adjusted his sses. ¡°This ce is quite chaotic. I¡¯m looking for potential legal cases.¡±


    Ace of Spades turned his prating gaze to Jade,


    ¡°School assignment,¡± she said with a casual shrug. ¡°I¡¯m looking for inspiration.¡±


    Ace probed Night about potential coboration, but Night kept his responses deliberately ambiguous. When Ace invited them to stay for dinner, Jade declined and they made their exit.


    <b>The </b>cold night air hit Jade¡¯s face as they stepped outside, a wee relief from the suffocating tension indoors. Once they were a safe distance away, Night turned to her.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take him out right there?¡±


    <b>8:22 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    97


    ¡°The odds weren¡¯t in our favor,¡± she admitted, scanning their surroundings for any followers. ¡°Eclipse¡¯s skills surpass yours, Chris¡¯s, and Connor¡¯s. His speed rivals mine. Even if you three could distract those three men, I¡¯d still have <b>to </b><b>deal </b>with both Ace and Eclipse simultaneously.¡±


    She nced back at thepound, its windows glowing like predatory eyes in the darkness. ¡°With my current physical condition and reflexes, that would be a suicide mission. And that¡¯s not counting the three skilled killers standing guard.¡±


    ¡°So what now?¡± Night asked, his fingers tapping impatiently against his thigh.


    ¡°Tonight I¡¯ll pay Eclipse a visit,¡± Jade decided. ¡°Eliminate him first.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s face tightened with concern. ¡°That¡¯s too dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Definitely too risky,¡± Chris agreed. ¡°Given their capabilities, if they detect you, escape would be nearly impossible.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t we use poison like we did with Warren Mitchell?¡± Ethan suggested, his voice dropping to a near whisper.


    ¡°This old fox is too cautious,¡± Jade replied. ¡°Besides, our visit today has already put them on alert. Poison won¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s Warren Mitchell?¡± Night asked, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°King of Hearts,¡± she answered simply.


    Night¡¯s eyes flickered to Ethan, a question in them that he didn¡¯t voice.


    Back in hispound, Ace of Spades dismissed his men but kept Eclipse by his side. As soon as the room emptied, he pulled out a secured tablet. A new encrypted message from JOKER had arrived.


    ¡°I¡¯m right,¡± he read aloud, eyes narrowing. ¡°The girl. Seemingly harmless but the most dangerous of the group. She¡¯s the one who eliminated King of Hearts, Umbra, and Silhouette.¡±


    Eclipse¡¯s face remained impassive.


    ¡°Is she a gic clone?¡± Ace wondered, studying the attached photo of Jade. ¡°Or perhaps Shadow¡¯s secret prot¨¦g¨¦? Coming to avenge her<b>?</b>¡±


    ¨C


    <b>He </b>set <b>the </b><b>tablet </b>down, turning to Eclipse. ¡°Tonight, you¡¯ll eliminate the girl. The others leave them alone. We don¡¯t need unnecessaryplications.¡±


    Eclipse nodded, a silent promise <b>of </b>death.


    <b>Later </b>that night, Jade stood by her window, checking her weapons. The tactical knife felt familiar in her palm, <b>its </b>


    214


    <b>8:22 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    weightforting. A soft ping from her phone drew her attention Too dangerous.¡±


    ¨C


    a message from Ethan: ¡°Don¡¯t act on your own.


    She almost smiled. His concern was touching, but unnecessary. She¡¯d faced worse odds in her previous life.


    The whisper of movement outside her window was her only warning. Jade dropped to the floor as the ss shattered inward. A dark figure slipped through the opening with serpentine grace Eclipse. The moonlight glinted off the de in his hand.


    ¨C


    She moved without thinking, muscle memory taking over. Her knife met resistance as it sliced across his arm. He hissed but didn¡¯t slow, pivoting to strike again. Their des shed, the sound sharp in the quiet room.


    He was good very good. Each movement precise, economical, lethal. They circled each other in the darkness, two predators recognizing a worthy opponent. Blood dripped from his arm, but his eyes showed no pain, only cold calction.


    Jade feinted left, then dropped low, aiming for his leg. He anticipated the move, jumping back and countering with a sh that missed her face by millimeters. She could smell his sweat, see the slight tremor in his injured arm. One more good strike and she¡¯d have him.


    A sudden pounding on her door broke her concentration. ¡°Jade!¡± Night¡¯s voice called out.


    Eclipse used that split¨Csecond distraction to disengage. Before Jade could pursue, he dove through the broken window and disappeared into the darkness.


    Cursing under her breath, she moved to the door, unlocking it to find Night, Ethan, and Chris standing there, faces tense with concern. Night was poised to kick the door down.


    ¡°Eclipse,¡± she exined tersely, aware of the bloody knife in her hand. ¡°He came to kill me.¡±


    ¡°Did you get him?¡± Night asked eagerly.


    ¡°I could have,¡± she replied, not bothering to hide her irritation. ¡°If someone hadn¡¯t started hammering on my door.¡±


    Chris immediately threw Night under the bus: ¡°He knocked on the door.¡±


    Night shrugged unapologetically. ¡°Sorry for caring too much about you, darling.¡±


    ¡°What now?¡± Ethan asked, his eyes moving from the broken window to Jade¡¯s face. There was something in his expression a mixture of concern and something deeper.


    ¨C


    ¡°Now,¡± <b>Jade </b>said, examining <b>the </b>blood on her knife with cold satisfaction, ¡°I finish what I started. He¡¯s injured- better to end this tonight than let him recover.¡±


    The taste of the hunt was already in her mouth, metallic and familiar. Eclipse had made his move. Now it was her


    turn.

 Treatment 200

    <b>Chapter </b><b>200 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Eclipse stumbled through <b>the </b>side entrance of thepound, clutching his bleeding arm. Blood seeped between his fingers, staining his tactical gear. His face<b>, </b>usually a mask of cold professionalism, now betrayed genuine shock.


    Ace of Spades looked up from his desk, eyebrow raised. ¡°Problems?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s¡­¡± Eclipse paused, struggling to find words. ¡°Her fighting style, her movements¨Cthey¡¯re identical to Shadow¡¯s. Exactly the same.¡±


    A heavy silence fell over the room. Ace of Spades set down his ss, ice cubes clinking against crystal. ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    Eclipse nodded grimly. ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Ace of Spades rose from his chair, moving to the window. ¡°Shadow died years ago. We


    confirmed it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Eclipse admitted, applying pressure to his wound. ¡°But I trained with Shadow daily. I know her movements like my own reflection.¡± His voice lowered. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t been staring directly at that girl¡¯s face, I would have sworn I was fighting Shadow herself.¡±


    Ace of Spades turned, eyes narrowing. ¡°And her skill level?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t gauge her full capabilities. She wasn¡¯t fighting at maximum capacity.¡± Eclipse¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°But her potential¡­ I believe it matches or exceeds your own.¡±


    The admission cost him¨CEclipse was not a man who acknowledged others¡® superiority easily. Before Ace of Spades could respond, a soft scrape of metal against concrete drew both men¡¯s attention to the balcony.


    Jade perched on the railing, tactical knife gleaming in the dim light. ¡°Let me correct you,¡± she said, voice eerily calm. ¡®My skills exceed his.¡±


    Eclipse instantly moved between Jade and Ace of Spades, drawing his weapon despite his injury.


    Ace of Spades remained unnervingly calm. ¡°Impressive entrance. Perhaps you¡¯d care to introduce yourself properly? It seems only fair I know who I¡¯m about to kill.¡±


    Jade¡¯s lips curved into a cold smile. ¡°Ask King of Hearts when you see him.¡±


    ¡°Bold words,¡± Ace of Spades replied, reaching slowly for the gun holstered at his side.


    Before he could grasp it, the main door crashed open. Night strode in, Ethan Haxton at his heels.


    <b>8:27 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°Hey!¡± Night called, his vic ent thick with amusement. ¡°Your opponent is over here.<b>¡± </b>


    Eclipse tensed, clearly calcting odds that had suddenly shifted against them.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe we have any quarrel,¡± Ace of Spades said smoothly, addressing Night and Ethan. ¡°Perhaps there¡¯s been a misunderstanding?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Jade replied, her voice ice. ¡°I remember everything perfectly.¡±


    969


    The room exploded into motion. Jadeunched herself at Ace of Spades while Night and Ethan, in a rare disy of cooperation, moved against Eclipse. The two men who had been constantly at odds now fought with surprising coordination,plementing each other¡¯s styles as they pressed Eclipse backward.


    Throughout the building, the guards fell silently as Chris Jensen, Sloane, and Maverick systematically cleared each floor. rms red toote¨Cthepound was alreadypromised.


    Ace of Spades parried Jade¡¯s attack with surprising speed, confirming Eclipse¡¯s assessment. ¡°You fight exactly like her,¡± he muttered, eyes widening as Jade executed a signature move only Shadow had mastered. ¡°How is this possible?¡±


    Jade didn¡¯t bother responding, intensifying her assault. Each strike flowed into the next with lethal precision.


    A sh of movement caught her peripheral vision¨CEthan had momentarily lost focus, ncing her way. Eclipse seized the opportunity, his de slicing across Ethan¡¯s arm. Blood bloomed through the expensive fabric of his shirt.


    Ace of Spades, recognizing the losing battle, abruptly disengaged and vaulted over the balcony railing.


    ¡®Shit!¡± Jade hissed, immediately in pursuit.


    Ethan called after her, but Night¡¯s sharpmand kept him focused on Eclipse. ¡°Don¡¯t get distracted! This one¡¯s still dangerous!¡±


    Sloane burst through the door, taking in Ethan¡¯s injury with a single nce before joining the fight against Eclipse. ¡°Go after her,¡± she told Ethan. ¡°We¡¯ve got this.¡±


    Ethan didn¡¯t need to be told twice. He sprinted down the stairs, leaving Night and Sloane to finish the battle.


    Outside<b>, </b>Connor intercepted him. ¡°Mr. Haxton, you¡¯re injured-¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Jade<b>?</b>¡± Ethan demanded, ignoring the blood soaking his sleeve.


    ¡°Miss Morgan took a vehicle and pursued someone heading southeast,¡± Connor reported, already moving toward


    their car.


    Ethan slid into the passenger seat, leaving Connor to drive. ¡°Follow them. Now.¡±


    8:27 Thu, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    <b>96 </b>


    They sped through the darkened streets of Crimson Valley, heading away from the city center. Ethan¡¯s arm throbbed, but he barely registered the pain. His eyes scanned the empty road ahead, searching for any sign of Jade.


    ¡°Twenty¨Ctwo miles out, sir,¡± Connor noted as they continued their pursuit. ¡°We might have lost them.¡±


    ¡°Keep going,¡± Ethan insisted, his voice tight.


    The distant glow appeared on the horizon like a malevolent sunset. As they rounded a bend, the source became clear -two vehicles engulfed in mes, casting flickering shadows across the barrenndscape.


    Connor slowed the car. ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t think-¡±


    Ethan was already out of the vehicle before it fully stopped. The smell of burning fuel and scorched metal filled his lungs as he approached the wreckage. Blood stained the ground in dark patches, leading away from the crash. A charred bodyy half¨Cejected from one vehicle, features unrecognizable.


    Ethan¡¯s heart hammered in his chest until he spotted a ck jacket discarded nearby¨CJade¡¯s jacket. Something cold and terrible seized his chest. His brain hadn¡¯t fully processed the implications before his body was already running toward the burning wreckage.


    ¡°JADE!¡± he shouted, voice raw with desperation.


    Another explosion rocked the night as one of the vehicles¡® fuel tanks ignited. The st of heat forced Ethan back, mes leaping higher into the darkness. In the improved illumination, he could finally confirm the charred body


    wasn¡¯t Jade.


    ¡°JADE!¡± he called again, scanning the perimeter with increasing panic. ¡°ANSWER ME!¡±


    Thendscape remained silent except for the crackling mes. Ethan moved in widening circles, searching frantically for any sign of her.


    A small stone skittered across <b>the </b>ground near his feet, deliberately thrown. Ethan whipped around, following its trajectory to a shadowy area beyond the road.


    There, crouched beside a small stream, was Jade. She was methodically washing a deep gash on her forearm, her face an expressionless mask even as blood diluted in the water.


    Ethan rushed to her, dropping to his knees in the mud. ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± he breathed, taking in the wound¨Ca jagged slice nearly six inches long that exposed muscle and tissue.


    His hands shook as he pulled out his handkerchief, pressing it gently against the wound. ¡°Are you hurt anywhere else?¡± His <b>voice </b>trembled despite his efforts to control it. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything? Does it hurt too much? <b>Just </b>hold on, I¡¯ll get you back for treatment.¡±


    Jade finally looked up<b>, </b>her expression unnervingly calm despite the severity of her injury. ¡°The local territory wars are intense,¡± she observed clinically. ¡°Ace of Spades is dead. Consider his territory yours¨Can birthday gift<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    8:27 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>25 </b>


    :


    Ethan stared at her in disbelief<b>. </b>Something inside him snapped. He pulled her against his chest, wrapping his arms around her with desperate intensity,pletely heedless of his own bleeding arm.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± he whispered hoarsely against her hair. ¡°Just shut up.¡±


    <b>96 </b>


    His heart hammered so violently he was certain she could feel it through his blood¨Csoaked shirt. He held her tighter, as if afraid she might dissolve into the darkness if he loosened his grip even slightly.


    Chapter Comments


    ͹ 2

 Treatment 201

    <b>Chapter </b><b>201 </b>


    :


    96


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    Ethan¡¯s arms tightened around me, his expensive cologne mingling with the metallic scent of blood. His heart hammered against my cheek, the rhythm erratic and desperate.


    ¡°Jade,¡± he whispered, voice breaking slightly.


    My eyshes fluttered at the sound of my name on his lips, but I kept my expression neutral. The gash on my arm throbbed mercilessly, but pain was an old friend. I¡¯d learned topartmentalize it years ago.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s selfish to ask,¡± Ethan continued, his voice steadying, ¡°but can I request one more birthday gift?¡±


    I remained silent, waiting.


    ¡°No matter what happens in the future, in any situation¨Cpromise me you¡¯ll protect your life.¡± His voice dropped to barely above a whisper. ¡°Please.¡±


    The desperation in his tone was unexpected.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I said finally. ¡°But you were very loud just now.¡±


    As I shifted in his embrace, my fingers brushed against something wet on his arm. I pulled back slightly, noticing for the first time the dark stain spreading across his custom¨Ctailored sleeve. Blood had soaked through the expensive fabric, turning the navy blue almost ck in the dim light.


    Ethan seemed to realize I¡¯d noticed his injury. He loosened his grip and pulled back, his hand moving to wipe the blood from my face with surprising gentleness.


    ¡°You¡¯re hurt,¡± I said, gripping his wrist to examine the wound.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± He carefully dabbed at my face with his handkerchief, then improvised a quick bandage for my arm. ¡®Just a scratch from Eclipse.¡±


    I stood, pulling him up with me. ¡°Back to base. We need to treat these wounds properly.¡±


    Ethan draped his coat over my shoulders without being asked. The weight of it settled around me, still warm from his body, I suppressed the strangefort it brought.


    <b>In </b>the <b>car</b><b>, </b>the silence stretched between us until Ethan broke it.


    ¡°When did you figure out I was behind the arms dealers?¡± he asked, gaze fixed on the road ahead.


    ¡°I <b>suspected </b>in Crimson Valley when I first saw you,¡± I replied honestly. ¡°Confirmed it when I was buying the


    8:27 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    explosives.¡±


    His lips quirked upward. ¡°And you didn¡¯t say anything?¡±


    ¡°You were ying your cards close. I was ying mine closer.¡± I nced at his profile. ¡°You should know that if you¡¯d been a dayter arriving, I would have blown your territory to hell.¡±


    Ethan actuallyughed, the sound surprisingly genuine. ¡°Blow it up if you want. Once we¡¯ve treated your wounds, you can destroy whatever makes you happy.¡±


    <b>96 </b>


    I ignored the burning sensation as Ethan¡¯s medic cleaned my wound. The cut was deep enough to see muscle tissue, but I¡¯d had worse. Much worse.


    My phone vibrated. Night¡¯s name shed on the screen. I picked up immediately.


    ¡°Where the hell are you?¡± His voice was tight with worry.


    I¡¯m back. Getting patched up,¡± I replied calmly.


    Night¡¯s relief was audible. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking everywhere for you. Just crashed into Chris in the stairwell¨Che¡¯s bleeding from the shoulder.¡±


    ¡°How bad?¡± I asked, watching as the medic applied antiseptic to my gash.


    ¡°He ims it¡¯s just a flesh wound. Said something about bad luck, fighting and getting stuck with the strongest one of the three.¡± Night¡¯s voice lowered. ¡°He asked if you took care of Ace of Spades.¡±


    ¡°Tell him it¡¯s done,¡± I replied simply.


    ¡°I¡¯ming to you,¡± Night said before hanging up. ¡°By the way, I just passed Sloane and Maverick nursing injuries in the corner. Looks like Haxton¡¯s men were more involved than we thought.¡±


    Five minutester, Night burst into the medical room, practically shoving Ethan aside to examine my injury himself. His face was flushed from running, eyes wild with concern.


    ¡°Jesus fucking Christ,¡± he hissed, eyes widening at the severity of the gash. ¡°This is what you call a small injury¡®?¡±


    I shrugged my uninjured shoulder. ¡°Because it is.¡±


    Night knew my standards¨Csmall injuries meant you could still walk away; serious injuries meant you might lose a limb<b>; </b>fatal injuries were self¨Cexnatory.


    ¡°Where¡¯s that bastard <b>Ace¡¯s </b>body?¡± Night¡¯s eyes darkened dangerously. ¡°I¡¯ll cut it into pieces, and feed it to wild dogs.¡±


    I almost smiled at his protectiveness. Almost.


    <b>8:27 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    <b>96 </b>


    The door swung open, and Maverick entered, shoving Eclipse and two Shadow Organization assassins ahead of him. All four prisoners had their hands bound behind their backs and wore identical expressions of cold defiance.


    ¡°Brought you some party favors,¡± Maverick announced.


    ¡°Chris?¡± I asked, looking past him.


    ¡°Flesh wound,¡± Chris replied from the doorway, his arm freshly bandaged. ¡°Nothing serious.¡±


    Night circled the captives like a predator. ¡°What about the other higher¨Cups? Let¡¯s break them¨Cget all the information at once instead of giving them time to prepare.¡±


    I studied Eclipse¡¯s face, remembering our fight. ¡°No need. They¡¯re loyal to Shadow. Keeping them alive is just creating future problems.¡±


    My words hung in the air. Eclipse¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± he demanded, straining against his restraints. ¡°What¡¯s your connection to Shadow?<b>¡± </b>


    I met his gaze evenly, seeing the confusion and growing suspicion there. Behind him, I noticed Connor, Maverick,


    and Sloane exchange nces, clearly shocked by the mention of Shadow.


    Night stepped forward, positioning himself between me and Eclipse. ¡°She has no connection to Shadow,¡± he said coldly. ¡°But she does have one to me.¡± He turned to Maverick¡¯s men. ¡°Take them downstairs, cut their hamstrings, and guard them. I¡¯ll deal with them personallyter.¡±


    As they dragged the prisoners away, Night turned to Ethan with a smirk. ¡°Always the modest one, aren¡¯t you, Mr. Haxton? ying the humble businessman while running one of thergest arms operations here.¡±


    Ethan barely acknowledged Night¡¯s taunt, his eyes fixed on me instead. After several seconds of silence, he shrugged. ¡®I admire your mboyant style, Night.¡±


    ¡°Not as much as I admire yourmitment to the act,¡± Night shot back. ¡°Leaving a perfectly goodpound to squeeze into our shitty little building. Dedication to the undercover role, I suppose.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s expression remained neutral, but I caught the slight tightening around his eyes. ¡°I had nned to reveal my identity earlier<b>, </b>to move you to mypound, but then Jade¡¯d invited me into her room and we¡¯d¡­¡±


    Connor stood expressionless beside Ethan, apparently ustomed to his employer¡¯s unusual decisions. Maverick<b>, </b>on the other hand, couldn¡¯t hide his shock as <b>he </b>stared between Ethan and Night.


    <b>8:27 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>

 Treatment 202

    <b>Chapter </b><b>202 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    :


    <b>96 </b>


    Night¡¯s eyes narrowed as he red at Ethan across the medical room. The tension between them was thick enough


    to cut with a knife.


    ¡°You sure you want to settle scores on his turf?¡± Jade asked Night, nodding toward Ethan.


    Night¡¯s lips curled into a predatory smile. ¡°Last time we didn¡¯t get to finish properly. I¡¯m in a shit mood anyway.¡±


    Jade stepped between them, the movement pulling at her freshly bandaged arm. ¡°He¡¯s injured.¡±


    Night¡¯s gaze flickered to Ethan¡¯s right arm, then to Jade¡¯s own¨Cboth wrapped in nearly identical bandages at almost the same spot. His expression darkened as he made the connection. The coincidence wasn¡¯t lost on him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go upstairs,¡± Jade said, heading toward the door. She paused before leaving, turning back to Ethan. ¡°Don¡¯t get


    that wound wet.¡±


    Ethan nodded, his green eyes never leaving her face. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    Night gave Ethan onest threatening look before following Jade. As they reached the doorway, he draped his arm possessively around her shoulders. ¡°Baby, you¡¯re injured too. How are you going to shower? Need me to help?¡± He said it loudly enough for Ethan to hear, his words deliberately provocative.


    Jade rolled her eyes and kept walking.


    Miles away, perched on a hillside overlooking the drug lord¡¯spound, Loki watched smoke rise from a burning building.


    ¡°Another one gone,¡± he murmured, a slight smile ying on his lips.


    The mes danced in his eyes as he considered who might be next.


    Ethany in bed staring at the ceiling<b>, </b>sleep evading him despite his exhaustion, His mind kept returning to the image of Jade by the stream, crouched in the darkness<b>, </b>silently washing blood from her wound. She had looked so small then, so vulnerable,


    That kind of life¨Cfighting, getting wounded, handling injuries alone¨Cseemed to be routine for her. While he¡¯d <b>winced </b>at <b>the </b>sting of antiseptic on his own wound, she hadn¡¯t even flinched.


    Who are you really<i>, </i>Jade Morgan<i>? </i>he wondered. What¡¯s your connection to Shadow Organization<i>? </i>What did they do to


    you<i>? </i>


    The throbbing pain in his arm intensified, making sleep even more impossible. If his wound hurt this much, hers must be painful too. He reached for his phone, finger hovering over her contact, wanting to text and ask if she needed painkillers.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he put the phone down. She clearly knew how to handle injuries better than he did.


    A quiet knock woke Jade the next morning. She checked her phone first¨Ca message from Ethan: <i>Bringing </i><i>breakfast</i>. You <i>awake</i>?


    She swung her legs over the side of the bed, wincing slightly as the movement pulled at her stitches. After checking through the peephole, she opened the door to find Ethan standing there, holding a thermal container and a ck bag.


    ¡°Morning,¡± he said, his voice low and smooth. Dark circles under his eyes suggested he hadn¡¯t slept much either.


    Jade stepped aside to let him in, then closed the door. ¡°I need to wash up first.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    When she emerged from the bathroom, he was still standing, as if sitting would be too presumptuous. The thermal container was on the nightstand, steam escaping from a small vent.


    ¡°Bone broth with nutrients,¡± he exined. ¡°I¡¯ll make you something with iron for lunch. Red meat, spinach¨Cgood for blood replenishment.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a flesh wound,¡± she said. ¡°Not enough blood loss to worry about.¡±


    He gave her a look that said he disagreed but wouldn¡¯t argue. Then he held up the ck bag. ¡°Female necessities. I remembered your <b>cycle </b>should be starting around now.¡±


    She met his gaze<b>, </b>impressed but not about to show it. ¡°Good memory.¡±


    ¡°What are your ns for Christmas?¡± Ethan asked, watching Jade sip the broth. ¡°Going to Russia with Night?¡±


    She stared into the container<b>, </b>considering her answer. Christmas had never been significant to her¨Cbefore or <b>after </b>her rebirth. ¡°It¡¯s just another day.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>It doesn¡¯t have to be,¡± he said, leaning forward slightly. ¡°My parents are having dinner <b>at </b><b>the </b>main <b>house</b><b>. </b>Nothing fancy<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>8:27 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°Sounds nice for you.¡±


    <b>96 </b>


    ¡°I¡¯ve spent every Christmas with them. Missing one dinner won¡¯t matter.¡± He paused. ¡°My parents and my aunt Olivia still want to thank you properly for what you did for my grandpa. They¡¯d like to meet you, talk to you.¡±


    Jade considered his words, wondering what a normal Christmas would be like. Before she could respond, a sharp knock interrupted them.


    ¡°Baby, you up?¡± Night¡¯s voice called through the door. ¡°I thought I heard you talking.¡±


    Jade opened the door to find Night leaning against the doorframe, his casual pose belied by the tension in his shoulders. His eyes flicked past her to where Ethan stood.


    ¡°Baby, breakfast is pretty good today,¡± Night said with a forced smile. ¡°You should head down and eat. I need a quick word with Mr. Haxton.¡±


    Jade looked between them, sensing the brewing confrontation. ¡°<b>If </b>you can¡¯t stand him, don¡¯t hold back,¡± she told Ethan. ¡°If your wound reopens<b>, </be find me.¡± Then she turned to Night. ¡°Remember whose territory this is.¡±


    She stepped past Night into the hallway. ¡°Keep it down. Don¡¯t disturb Chris.¡±


    As she walked away, she heard Night¡¯s sweet tone: ¡°Baby, wait for me.¡± But not before he¡¯d given Ethan a look that could freeze hell.


    Two dayster, Ethan checked his watch for the third time in five minutes. The airport¡¯s departure lounge was crowded with holiday travelers, but the person he was waiting for hadn¡¯t appeared yet.


    A stylishly dressed woman approached, her designer clothes and confident stride drawing attention from nearby passengers. She stopped directly in front of Ethan, extending a perfectly manicured hand.


    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Ruby,¡± she said with a practiced smile. ¡°Want to be friends? I¡¯ve been watching you.¡±


    Connor stepped forward. ¡°<b>He¡¯s </b>not interested.¡±


    Ruby barely nced at Connor. ¡°I don¡¯t mean anything improper. It¡¯s a four¨Chour flight, and I thought it might be nice to have someone interesting to talk to.¡± She flipped her curled hair over her shoulder, the gesture deliberately flirtatious.


    ¡°<b>I </b>said, he¡¯s not interested,¡± Connor repeated firmly.


    Ruby¡¯s smile turned cold. ¡°You¡¯re his assistant, right? I was talking to your boss.¡± She turned back to Ethan. ¡°You don¡¯t mind if <b>I </b>sit here, do you?<b>¡± </b>


    8:27 Thu, Sep 25


    <b>96 </b>


    She moved to take the seat beside Ethan but froze when she caught his expression. Ethan wasn¡¯t looking at her¨Chis attention was fixed on something over her shoulder. Ruby turned to see what had captured his interest.


    A girl in simple jeans and a hoodie was walking toward them, her face partially hidden by her hair. Despite her understated appearance, there was something maic about her presence.


    Jade had only stepped away to use the restroom. When she returned, she found someone trying to im her seat


    next to Ethan.


    Chapter Comments


    2

 Treatment 203

    Jade¡¯s POV:


    I walked over to Ethan, who promptly stood up from his seat in the airport lounge. Connor sat nearby, fingers flying over hisptop keyboard. I raised an eyebrow at the woman standing in front of Ethan, her designer outfit and perfectly styled hair screaming ¡°I¡¯m avable and interested.¡±


    ¡°Your friend?¡± I asked, nodding toward her.


    Ethan¡¯s expression cooled instantly. ¡°Never seen her before.¡±


    Connor nced up from hisptop. ¡°Not an acquaintance of ours, no.¡±


    The woman¡¯s confident smile faltered as she awkwardly pulled back the ass she¡¯d been about to nt in the seat


    next to Ethan. She recovered quickly, shing a practiced smile.


    *This must be your sister,¡± she said, her eyes sweeping over me. ¡°She¡¯s gorgeous. Good genes in your family.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s face hardened further, green eyes turning frosty. Behind us, more than a dozen security personnel who had been seated discreetly throughout the lounge simultaneously rose to their feet.


    The woman noticed, her smile vanishingpletely as she backed away. ¡°Sorry to disturb you,¡± she muttered before hurrying off.


    I dropped into the seat she¡¯d been eyeing. ¡°You¡¯re quite the people ma, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Ethan sat back down, his expression softening as he looked at me. ¡°It just makes me seem approachable and easy.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she was exceptional,¡± I said, watching his reaction. ¡°She was beautiful, at least.¡±


    His eyes locked onto mine, intense and unwavering. ¡°No matter how beautiful, it depends on who¡¯s looking.¡±


    The temperature between us seemed to rise by several degrees. I broke eye contact first, scanning the crowded terminal. Holiday travelers packed every avable space, their faces a mixture of excitement and exhaustion. Christmas decorations hung from the ceiling oversized ornaments and twinkling lights creating a festive atmosphere that felt alien to me,


    ¨C


    My phone vibrated in my pocket, offering a wee distraction. I pulled it out to see Max¡¯s face filling the screen


    for a video call.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Hey</b>,¡± I answered, unable to keep the warmth from my voice.


    ¡°Jade!¡± Max¡¯s <b>face </b>lit up, his features animated with excitement. ¡°When are youing home? Will you be here for Christmas<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>8:28 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep 25 </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m at the airport now. Should be back at Princeton tonight.¡±


    Max squinted, leaning closer to his screen. ¡°Is that Mr. Haxton with you?¡±


    I angled the phone so Ethan was visible. He smiled and gave a small wave. ¡°Hello, Max.¡±


    ¡°Whoa!¡± Max¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Are you guys spending Christmas together?¡±


    96


    Ethan leaned closer to my phone. ¡°Only if our flight gets dyed and we¡¯re stuck here. But we should make it back


    in time.¡±


    Our flight wasn¡¯t dyed. Wended in Princeton right on schedule, and I found myself standing with Ethan near the baggage im. The airport was a sea of holiday travelers, reuniting families embracing while exhausted airline


    staff directed traffic.


    ¡°The invitation to Christmas dinner still stands,¡± Ethan said, his voice low enough that only I could hear it. ¡°My


    parents would love to thank you properly for what you did for my grandfather.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pass,¡± I replied. ¡°But thanks.¡±


    He looked disappointed but nodded. An older man in a crisp uniform approached <b>us</b>, bowing slightly to Ethan.


    ¡°Wee back, sir. The car is ready.¡±


    Ethan turned to the man. ¡°Bertram, do you have what I asked for?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Bertram produced two elegant ck envelopes with gold embossing ¨C the Haxton family crest gleaming


    under the fluorescent lights.


    Ethan handed them to me. ¡°Gift cards for you and Max. Any Haxton property worldwide¨Chotels, restaurants, spas.


    Valid forever, no limit.¡±


    I stared at the cards, feeling their weight.


    ¡®Just a small thank you. Take one for Max too.¡±


    I slipped them into my pocket, ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Bertram will drive you home,¡± Ethan said.


    ¡°Not necessary. I can get a-¡±


    ¡°I <b>have </b>Connor,¡± he interrupted.


    Forty minutester, Bertram pulled up to my suburban home. I thanked him and <b>got </b>out<b>, </b>grabbing <b>my </b><b>bag </b><b>from </b>the trunk. <b>As </b>I approached the house, I noticed something odd¨Csomeone¡¯s ass was sticking up in <b>the </b>air <b>as </b>they pressed


    2


    <b>8:28 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    their <b>face </b>against my living room window, peering inside.


    :


    I walked over and kicked the person squarely in the backside.


    The figure yelped, face smacking into the ss before he spun around<b>, </b>clutching his nose. ¡°What the fu-¡± Chase Astor¡¯s outrage turned to recognition. ¡°Jade! Jesus Christ, I think you broke my nose!¡±


    ¡°What are you doing creeping around my house?¡± I demanded.


    96


    ¡°Creeping? I¡¯ve been trying to reach you for months!¡± Chase dabbed at his nose, checking for blood. ¡°Where have you been? Vacation? I asked Sterling, and he said he hadn¡¯t seen you around Cloud City.¡±


    ¡°Vacation,¡± I confirmed.


    ¡°You went on vacation without me?¡± Chase looked genuinely hurt. ¡°I¡¯m excellent at booking hotels, arranging transportation, taking photos, nning itineraries¡ª¡±


    ¡°Ethan handled all that.¡±


    Chase froze, his hand still on his nose. ¡°What? You went with Mr. Haxton?¡±


    I stepped around him to unlock my door. ¡°Why are you at my house?¡±


    ¡°To keep youpany for Christmas, obviously!¡± He followed me inside, looking around at the sparse furnishings. ¡°Your stepmother and stepsister are terrible people, so you wouldn¡¯t want to spend the holiday with them. And the Sullivans are definitely out of the question after what happened with Catherine.¡±


    He plopped down on my couch. ¡°Come to our house for Christmas dinner! My parents would love to have you. Dad¡¯s been asking about you, actually. He thinks you¡¯re a ¡®fascinating youngdy¡® ¨C his exact words.¡±


    ¡®I already turned down Ethan¡¯s invitation. Why would I ept yours<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Chase¡¯s expression fell like I¡¯d kicked his puppy. ¡°Because we¡¯re friends? Because it¡¯s Christmas and no one should be alone? Because my mom makes amazing roast turkey with cranberry stuffing?<b>¡± </b>


    My phone buzzed with a text message. I read it quickly, then looked up at Chase. ¡°Are you in a hurry to get home?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. Why?¡±


    ¡°Want to pick up two people from the airport for me?¡±


    Chase¡¯s eyes immediately lit up with interest, his disappointment forgotten. ¡°Absolutely! Who am I picking <b>up</b><b>? </b><b>More </b>mysterious friends of <b>yours</b>? Someone dangerous? Someone famous<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>He wiggled his <b>eyebrows </b><b>suggestively</b>.


    I handed him the details<b>. </b>¡°You¡¯ll see when you get there.¡±

 Treatment 204

    Author¡¯s POV:


    Chase¡¯s silver Bentley Bentayga cruised through Princeton International Airport¡¯s arrivals area, drawing admiring nces from travelers struggling with their luggage. Inside, Chase Astor fidgeted with his designer watch, scanning the crowd for the two men Jade had asked him to pick up.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what they look like,¡± he muttered to himself<b>, </b>tapping his fingers nervously on the steering wheel. His eyes darted between the terminal doors and his phone, where Jade had sent only the barest details: two men<b>, </b>one named Ryan, one named Zach, arriving on flight AA307.


    When the automatic doors slid open and two men stepped out¨Cone with sharp eyes that immediately surveyed the surroundings, the other younger with golden¨Cbrown hair and a baby face dotted with freckles¨CChase knew instinctively these were Jade¡¯s mysterious friends.


    He pulled up to the curb and rolled down his window. ¡°Ryan and Zach?¡± he called out, waving enthusiastically.


    The older man nodded once, his posture rxing slightly. ¡°You¡¯re Jade¡¯s friend?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s me!¡± Chase hopped out of the driver¡¯s seat, rushing around to help with their minimal luggage. ¡°I¡¯m Chase. Wee to Princeton! Are you hungry? Thirsty? I¡¯ve got snacks in the car. Premium stuff, not airport food.¡±


    The younger man¨Cclimbed into the front passenger seat without a word, staring out the window as if Chase didn¡¯t


    exist.


    *Thanks for the pickup,¡± Ryan said, sliding into the back seat. His voice was polite but his eyes were calcting, taking in every detail of Chase¡¯s expensive vehicle.


    Chase nced at his silent passenger, then at Ryan through the rearview mirror. ¡°So, how do you guys know Jade? I¡¯m her best friend. We¡¯ve been through some wild stuff together.¡±


    Ryan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Best friend?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Chase nodded vigorously. ¡°I¡¯m probably the only person who can make her smile. Well, sometimes. Rarely. But it happens!¡±


    Zach snorted softly, still looking out the window.


    ¡®I¡¯m Chase Astor, by the way,¡± Chase continued, oblivious to Zach¡¯s dismissal. ¡°Jade and I go to the same school. I¡¯m her upperssman.¡±


    <b>this</b>, Zach finally turned his head, giving Chase a brief, assessing look before returning his attention to the


    window.


    Ryan leaned forward slightly. ¡°Astor? As in the Astor family?¡±


    <b>8:28 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    Chase beamed with pride. ¡°The one and only!¡±


    P:


    Ryan sat back, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Chase caught his expression in the rearview mirror.


    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Chase asked.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ryan replied smoothly. ¡°Just interesting that the Astor heir is ying chauffeur.¡±


    Chaseughed. ¡°For Jade? I¡¯d do pretty much anything. She¡¯s-¡±


    A violent jolt cut him off as something mmed into the back of the Bentley. Chase¡¯s head snapped forward, then back against the headrest.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Chase eximed, immediately pulling over to the shoulder. He jumped out of the car, his face flushing with anger when he saw the crumpled hood of a red BMW behind him.


    A slender young woman with caramel¨Ccolored hair stepped out of the BMW, her designer sunsses pushed up onto


    her head.


    <b>¡°</b>Aurelia Sullivan,¡± Chase spat out the name like it tasted bad. ¡°Don¡¯t you know how to drive? Or does your family¡¯s money not cover driving lessons?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it on purpose!¡± Aurelia snapped back, examining the front of her car with dismay. ¡°You stopped too


    suddenly!¡±


    ¡°I was driving perfectly normally!¡± Chase gestured wildly at the dent in his rear bumper. ¡°Look what you did to my


    car!¡±


    Ryan had gotten out to inspect the damage, crouching down to examine the crushed metal of the trunk.


    ¡®I¡¯ll pay for it, okay?¡± Aurelia crossed her arms defensively. ¡°Double whatever it costs.¡±


    ¡°You think I need your money?¡± Chase scoffed. ¡°My allowance for a week is probably more than your car cost!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve said enough,¡± Aurelia¡¯s face hardened, ¡°I said I¡¯d pay double. What more do you want?¡±


    ¡°How about you <b>get </b>back in your car and I¡¯ll rear¨Cend you? See how you like it! I¡¯ll pay you ten times the damage!<b>¡± </b>


    <b>As </b>they continued to argue<b>, </b>a strange sound interrupted them¨Ca muffled whooshing followed by a dull thump from


    inside Chase¡¯s trunk.

 Treatment 205

    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Chase looked around. ¡°Are people setting off fireworks? It¡¯s <b>not </b>even the Fourth of July!¡±


    ¡°Whoosh¨CBANG!¡± The sound was louder this time, and the trunk of Chase¡¯s Bentley visibly shuddered.


    Ryan stepped back quickly, his hand instinctively moving toward his waist. Zach, who had finally emerged from the passenger seat, also retreated, his previously bored expression suddenly alert.


    ¡°Fireworks aren¡¯t allowed in the city limits,¡± Chaseined, oblivious to the danger. ¡°Some people have no-¡±


    The realization hit him mid¨Csentence. ¡°Oh shit. The trunk!¡±


    He lunged for the trunk release button on his key fob. The moment the lid popped open, a fountain of multicolored sparks erupted, shooting in all directions.


    ¡°FUCK!¡± Chase screamed, jumping back as a rocket whizzed past his ear. ¡°The fireworks I bought for New Year¡¯s<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    The trunk had be aunching pad for dozens of fireworks, all igniting in sequence. Chase danced around wildly, trying to dodge the colorful projectiles while Aurelia stood frozen in shock, her mouth hanging open.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± she breathed as a particrly impressive burst of gold and blue exploded overhead.


    Ryan and Zach had taken cover behind Aurelia¡¯s BMW, watching the chaos with varying degrees of disbelief.


    Pedestrians stopped to stare and record the impromptu fireworks disy. Cars honked as drivers slowed to gawk at the spectacle of a frantic Chase Astor leaping and spinning to avoid being hit by his own fireworks in the middle of Princeton¡¯s busiest street.


    Forty minutester, Jade sat at a private table in The Velvet Lounge, checking her watch for the third time. She¡¯d expected Chase to arrive with Ryan and Zach at least twenty minutes ago.


    The hostess approached her table. ¡°Ms. Morgan? There are¡­ three gentlemen here for you. Should I send them in?¡±


    ¡®Yes, please,¡® Jade replied.


    Nothing could have prepared her for the sight that greeted her next. Chase, Ryan, and Zach stumbled into the private dining room looking like they¡¯d crawled through a war zone. Their clothes were singed and covered in soot, their <b>faces </b>smudged with ck powder, and Chase¡¯s perfectly styled hair was sticking up in all directions, partially


    melted on one side.


    The hostess hovered uncertainly at <b>the </b>door. ¡°Are you¡­ sure these are your guests, Ms. Morgan<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>1/3 </b>


    <b>96 </b>


    8:28 <b>Thu</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    Jade couldn¡¯t help the smirk that tugged at her lips. ¡°Unfortunately, yes.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>What the hell happened to you three?¡± she asked as the hostess reluctantly departed.


    ¡°Your friend,¡± Zach finally spoke, shooting Chase a venomous re, ¡°is a disaster waiting to happen.¡±


    Chase grinned, his white teeth standing outically against his ckened face. ¡°The fireworks in my trunk exploded.¡±


    ¡°Fireworks,¡± Jade repeated tly.


    ¡°For New Year¡¯s!¡± Chase eximed. ¡°But then Aurelia rear¨Cended us, and they just¡­ went off<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    The three men excused themselves to clean up in the restroom. When they returned, looking marginally more presentable, Jade nodded toward Zach.


    ¡°Zachie, long time no see,¡± she said casually.


    Zach opened his mouth as if to respond, then closed it again, looking ufortable as he settled into his chair.


    ¡°Thanks for sending the cavalry, Boss,¡± Ryan said with a slight smile, taking the seat beside Zach.


    Chase froze halfway into his chair. ¡°Boss? Did you just call her ¡®Boss¡°?¡±


    He looked between Jade and Ryan, his eyes widening. ¡°Are you in Chris¡¯s gang now? Or were you not actually on vacation with Ethan but recruiting minions instead?¡± He leaned forward excitedly. ¡°Are you taking applications? What are the requirements? Is there a membership fee?¡±


    Jade shook her head. ¡°Your imagination is really something.¡±


    ¡®Is that apliment?¡± Chase asked hopefully.


    ¡°Obviously not,¡± Zach muttered, the secondplete sentence he¡¯d spoken since arriving.


    Chase whipped around to face him. ¡°So you can talk! Why were you ignoring me in the car when I was trying to be friendly?<i>¡± </i>


    Zach <b>gave </b>him a withering look and turned his attention to the menu.

 Treatment 206

    <b>Chapter </b><b>206 </b>


    The dining room of the Haxton mansion gleamed with tasteful opulence on Christmas Eve. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the mahogany table adorned with fine china and sterling silver cutlery. The scent of roasted turkey and fresh pine from the twelve¨Cfoot Christmas tree mingled in the air.


    William Haxton sat at the head of the table, his face gaunt but his eyes sharp as ever. Despite his illness, he maintained themanding presence that had built the Haxton empire.


    ¡°Another year,¡± the family¡¯s eldest son raised his ss. ¡°Father, you¡¯ve ousted the doctors¡® predictions <b>again</b>.¡±


    William¡¯s lips curved into a slight smile. ¡°Stubborn as ever, I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Stubborn?¡± The son chuckled. ¡°Your constitution is made of steel, old man.¡±


    Conversations flowed around the table, voices rising and falling in the rhythm of family politics and business talk.


    As servants began bringing in the first course, Ethan Haxton suddenly stood, pulling out his phone. Without exnation, he aimed it at the feast spread across the table and took several photos.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± his mom asked, eyebrow raised.


    ¡°Taking pictures,¡± Ethan replied, his fingers moving rapidly over the screen.


    ¡°We can see that,¡± his aunt said dryly. ¡°The question is why?¡±


    Ethan nced up, his expression neutral. ¡°I¡¯m sending them to Jade Morgan.¡±


    The effect was immediate. Forks paused midway to mouths. Eyes flickered to William, then back to Ethan.


    ¡°Oh, his mom said, setting down her silverware. ¡°Well, take a few more then. Did you get the ham? The zing turned out beautiful this year.¡±


    ¡°Get some with us in it too,¡± his father suggested, straightening his tie.


    Ethan shook his head. ¡°No family portraits. Just the food,¡±


    He finished selecting the best photo and typed a simple message<b>: </b><i>Merry </i>Christmas, <i>Wish </i>you were here.


    <b>Jade¡¯s </b><b>phone </b>vibrated with Ethan¡¯s message. She nced at the photo of the borate Haxton Christmas dinner<b>, </b>her <b>lips </b>quirking slightly. Without hesitation, she angled her phone to capture her own table.


    Her phone buzzed again almost immediately. <i>Who¡¯s </i><i>that </i>with <i>you</i><b><i>? </i></b>


    <b>7:59 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T</b>¡­


    <b>Jade </b>looked <b>across </b><b>the </b>table at Ryan and Zach<b>, </b>both watching her with quiet interest. <i>Zach </i><i>and </i><i>Ryan</i><i>. </i><i>Just </i><i>arrived</i>.


    86


    Another message appeared secondster<b>. </b>Good. You shouldn¡¯t be alone <i>on </i><i>Christmas </i><i>Eve</i><i>. </i><i>Don¡¯t </i>worry <i>about </i><i>Titan</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>got </i><i>people </i><i>looking </i><i>after </i><i>things </i><i>there</i><i>. </i>


    She put her phone away, feeling Chase¡¯s curious gaze.


    ¡°Haxton checking in?¡± <b>he </b>asked, trying to sound casual.


    ¡°Just exchanging Christmas greetings,¡± Jade replied.


    Chase¡¯s phone chimed with a notification. He checked it and sighed dramatically. ¡°My father demands my presence for the annual Astor Christmas Eve g.¡± He stood and adjusted his designer jacket. ¡°Sorry to eat and run<b>, </b>but family obligations wait for no man.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Jade said. ¡°Thanks for picking these two up.¡±


    ¡°Anytime.¡± Chase shed a smile at Ryan and Zach, who remained impassive. ¡°The bill¡¯s been taken care of. Merry Christmas!¡±


    <b>As </b>Chase departed, leaving the three of them alone, Ryan leaned forward.


    n Defense Group is running smoothly,¡± he reported, his voice low despite their private dining room. ¡°Xavier¡¯s dling all operations as instructed. John has rejoined us too. With Transcendent Military Alliance¡¯s protection, We¡¯re expanding nicely. Recruited some promising new blood as well.¡±


    Ryan paused, studying Jade¡¯s face. ¡°Boss, you called us all the way from Venezu. What do you need us to do?¡±


    Jade took a sip of her wine before answering. ¡°I killed two Shadow Organization executives. They¡¯lle for revenge eventually.¡± She paused. ¡°I have a brother here. He¡¯s in school.¡±


    Though she didn¡¯t borate, both men understood immediately. While Ethan¡¯s people had been helping protect Max, <b>it </b>wasn¡¯t enough. Jade preferred her own people for missions that truly mattered.


    Zach, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke. ¡°Shadow Organization¡­¡± His eyes narrowed. ¡°Was Nobody killed by them too?¡±


    <b>Jade </b>mat


    you go after them?<b>¡± </b>


    shoulders squaring. ¡°Of course.¡±


    smile flickered across Jade¡¯s face. She¡¯d always had a soft spot for the kid.


    p me watch over Max,¡± she said. ¡°You¡¯ll get your chance with Shadow Organization soon enough.¡±


    <b>yan </b>nodded, understanding her implicit confirmation. ¡°It¡¯s been years since I¡¯ve celebrated Christmas,¡± he mused,


    <b>7:59 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T </b>


    changing the <b>subject</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°<b>I </b>got you both presents<b>,</b>¡± Jade said, surprising them.


    :


    Zach¡¯s <b>eyes </b>widened slightly, the most emotion he¡¯d shown all evening.


    Later, as they descended in the elevator to the lobby, a well¨Cdressed older man in an expensive suit bumped into Zach. The man apologized profusely, his eyes lingering on Zach¡¯s youthful features.


    ¡°<b>So </b>sorry, young man,¡± he said, reaching toward Zach¡¯s arm. ¡°Let me make sure you¡¯re alright.¡±


    Zach sidestepped the man¡¯s outstretched hand, his expression hardening as he shot the man a cold look before following Jade.


    ¡°Hey<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>Another man¨Cclearly a friend of the first¨Cstepped into Zach¡¯s path. ¡°My buddy apologized to you. The least you <b>could </b><b>do </b><b>is </b>acknowledge it.¡±


    Zach <b>star </b>at him nkly. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    <b>man </b>approached, smiling catingly. ¡°My friend¡¯s had a bit to drink. No harm done, right?¡± He moved <b>to </b><b>Zach</b>. ¡°But you did bump into me pretty hard. Are you hurt? Why don¡¯t youe upstairs with me? If re <b>injured</b>, I¡¯d be happy topensate you.¡±


    <b>Jade </b>recognized the predatory look in the man¡¯s eyes. In Venezu, isted men like Zach¨Cyoung, attractive, and <b>vulnerable</b>¨Cwere frequent targets. During Titan¡¯s darkest days, Zach had faced such advances more than once.


    <b>¡°</b><b>You¡¯re </b>in luck, young man,¡± the second man said with a knowing smirk. ¡°Mr. Richards here doesn¡¯t take interest in <b>just </b>anyone. Those who catch his eye tend to find themselves in very¡­ favorable positions. Understand? If not,e <b>upstairs</b>, and Mr. Richards can exin personally.¡±


    Zach¡¯s fists clenched, knuckles cracking audibly. ¡°Get lost.¡±


    Ryan stepped between them<b>, </b>cing a protective hand on Zach¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We¡¯re leaving,¡± he said quietly, trying to guide Zach away.


    Mr. Richards, clearly not used to rejection, followed them, his security personnel nking him. His friendly demeanor remained, but his eyes had hardened with determination.


    Zach rejoined Jade, his jaw tight with anger. She looked at his flushed face and the men following them.


    ¡°Why¡¯d youe back?¡± she asked calmly.


    ¡°They won¡¯t leave me alone,¡± Zach muttered.


    <b>7:59 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T </b>


    Jade shrugged. ¡°So handle it. Just don¡¯t kill them.¡±


    Zach blinked in surprise. ¡°You mean-*


    I¡¯ll cover for you, she confirmed.


    :


    86


    Mr. Richards approached, misinterpreting Zach¡¯s return as eptance. ¡°Good boy,¡± he said, reaching for Zach. ¡°Let us


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 207

    Rnd Richards smiled as he reached for Zach. That smile didn¡¯tst long.


    Zach moved with lightning precision, grabbing Rnd¡¯s outstretched wrist and twisting it at an unnatural angle. Before the older man could even gasp, Zach delivered a vicious kick to his lower back.


    85


    Rnd flew forward, his bodyguards too slow to catch him. They tumbled like bowling pins, expensive suits skidding across the polished floor. A nearby waiter jumped back, nearly dropping his tray of champagne flutes.


    ¡°You little shit!¡± Rnd wheezed, struggling to get up. His face had gone from lecherous to livid in seconds.


    Zach¡¯s expression changed. The annoyance in his eyes crystallized into something colder, more dangerous. He¡¯d been prepared to walk away, but now he was pissed off.


    ¡°Zach¡­¡± Ryan¡¯s quiet voice held a warning.


    The bodyguards swarmed toward Zach, five men in identical ck suits. Their movements screamed ¡°ex¨Cmilitary¡± ¨Cpetent enough for regr security work, but nowhere near Zach¡¯s level.


    The first guard reached for Zach¡¯s arm. Big mistake. Zach sidestepped, grabbed the man¡¯s extended elbow, and applied precise pressure. The crack of breaking bone echoed through the lobby. The guard hadn¡¯t even hit the floor before Zach was moving to the next one.


    ¡°Zach, Ryan said again, louder this time. ¡°No deaths.¡±


    Zach acknowledged the instruction with the slightest nod, then proceeded to systematically dismantle the remaining guards. His movements were economical, almost beautiful in their efficiency<b>. </b>No wasted motion, no shy kicks ¨C just brutal, effective violence.


    Within thirty seconds, all five bodyguards were down. Rnd¡¯s friend tried to flee, but Zach caught him by the cor and mmed him against the wall hard enough to knock him unconscious.


    Rnd backed away, eyes wide with terror. ¡°Y¨Cyou don¡¯t know who I am, he stammered. ¡®I¡¯m not someone you can mess with. People respect me in New York. You¡¯ll regret this, I swear to God.¡±


    Jade couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Will we?¡±


    Rnd nced at her, confusion momentarily recing fear. ¡®Do I know you from somewhere?¡±


    ¡®Does it matter?¡± Jade asked.


    Hotel security finally arrived, four men with walkie¨Ctalkies and stern expressions.


    ¡°Those three,¡± Rnd pointed shakily at them. <b>¡®</b>Arrest them immediately!¡±


    <b>7:59 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b>


    Ryan calmly set down their luggage and stepped forward to intercept the security team. Jade turned to Zach.


    ¡°Want to teach <b>this </b>creep a proper lesson<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>she asked quietly.


    Zach¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°What did you have in mind?¡±


    86


    Five minutester, Rnd found himself stripped naked and zip¨Ctied to one of the decorative columns in the hotel¡¯s entrance. The marker Jade had borrowed from the concierge desk proved useful ¨C ¡°PREDATOR was now written across his chest in bold ck letters<b>. </b>


    ¡°The mortification might actually kill him,¡± Ryan observed as Rnd lost consciousness, his head slumping forward. ¡°Should we be concerned?¡±


    ¡°About him? Not really.¡± Jade checked her phone. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Our ride¡¯s outside.¡±


    Outside, Ryan nced back at the hotel. ¡°That guy does have some connections in New York.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Compared to Chase Astor?¡± Jade asked.


    ¡°Not even close,¡± Ryan admitted. ¡°But still¡­¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Then we¡¯re fine,¡± Jade said, walking toward the sleek sports car parked at the curb. ¡°Chase has our backs.¡±


    She stopped abruptly, realizing the obvious problem. ¡°This only seats two.¡±


    ¡°We could borrow one from the hotel,¡± she suggested, eyeing the valet stand.


    Ryanughed. ¡°Nobody was just as much of a bandit, huh?¡±


    Jade shot him a look. ¡°You call that being a bandit? Please.¡± She gestured to Zach. ¡°Come on, Zachie. Let¡¯s go get a


    car<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    The drive to Jade¡¯s ce was quick. Zach sat silently in the passenger seat of their ¡°borrowed¡± sedan, watching the passing scenery with disinterest.


    ¡°Next time,¡± Jade said, breaking the silence, ¡°don¡¯t hold back with people like that. You can treat this ce just like Venezu,¡±


    Zach¡¯s eyes shifted to her, something flickering behind them.


    ¡°What? Are you touched?¡± she teased. ¡°Thinking I¡¯m not such a bad boss after all? Ready to forget about Nobody?¡±


    Zach turned away with a dismissive sound. ¡°Hmph.¡±


    <b>7:59 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T</b>..


    ??)


    <b>86 </b>


    Jade¡¯s suburban house looked exactly as she¡¯d left it. She unlocked the front door and flipped on the lights, revealing a modern, minimalist interior.


    ¡°Make yourself at home,¡± she told Zach.


    ¡°Where is your brother?¡± Zach asked. ¡°I want to see him.¡±


    ¡°Later. He¡¯s not here. Went back to our hometown for a few days. He¡¯ll be back after Christmas.¡± Jade gestured


    around. ¡°Pick any room you want. And let Ryan in when he gets here.¡±


    She headed upstairs, leaving Zach to explore. From her bedroom window, Jade watched as Ryan parked the sports car in the garage, then started toward the house.


    Downstairs, Zach was examining the cleaning robot in the corner with fascination. When Ryan entered, Zach


    immediately dragged him over to look at it.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a Roomba,¡± Ryan said, amused by Zach¡¯s interest.


    ¡°But it maps the whole house,¡± Zach pointed out, crouching to watch it navigate around a table leg.


    The doorbell rang again. Ryan went to answer it, then stopped short. ¡°Mr. Haxton. And Connor.¡±


    The realization that Transcendent Military Alliance¡¯s leadership was connected to the powerful Haxton family probably exined his wide eyes.


    Connor nodded to Ryan, then spotted Zaching down the hallway. Connor smiled in recognition ¨C they¡¯d shared the experience of broken legs and being stuffed in a trunk.


    ¡®I¡¯m looking for your boss,¡± Ethan said simply.


    Ryan invited them in. ¡°She¡¯s upstairs. Zach, go get her.¡±


    When Jade came downstairs, Ethan gestured to the case. ¡°All new stock. Thought you might need them.<b>¡± </b>


    Connor opened a sleek metal case he¡¯d been carrying. Zach¡¯s eyes immediately locked onto the contents an array of brand¨Cnew weapons.


    ¨C


    ¨C


    Jade examined the collection, a smile spreading across her face. The timing couldn¡¯t have been better she¡¯d been nning to get Ryan and Zach properly equipped.


    She handed Zach a matte ck pistol. ¡°How¡¯s the grip<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Zach tested the weight, his expression appreciative.


    <b>7:59 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>26 <b>T </b>


    ¡°<b>If </b>you were a woman,¡± Jade told Ethan, ¡°Wall Street¡¯s finest would be lining up to marry you.¡±


    Ethan smirked. ¡°I also brought you some proper food. How¡¯s your injury healing<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°Injury? Zach¡¯s head snapped toward Jade. ¡°You¡¯re hurt?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± she waved dismissively. ¡°Already healing. How about you, Ethan? Your arm better?<b>¡± </b>


    Ethan raised his arm slightly. ¡°Much improved.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a lookter,¡± Jade offered.


    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate that,¡± Ethan replied with a slight smile.


    A


    86


    Connor turned to Zach. ¡°How did you recover so quickly from your broken leg? We both had the same injury, but you were out of the hospital that same day.¡±


    Zach nced at Connor, then at the weapons. ¡°Weren¡¯t you faster?¡±


    ¡°I was hospitalized for a month,¡± Connor said.


    ¡°Why stay so long if you weren¡¯t in pain?¡± Zach asked.


    Connor pointed at himself incredulously. ¡°Who wasn¡¯t in pain? Me? Who told you that?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Your boss did,¡± Zach replied.


    Connor¡¯s mouth snapped shut. ¡°¡­


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 208

    <b>Chapter </b><b>208 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    :


    <b>86 </b>


    The doorbell echoed through my house. Ryan, who had been reading on the couch, immediately tensed, his hand moving to the weapon concealed at his ankle. Zach, who¡¯d been meticulously cleaning a knife at the kitchen counter, paused mid¨Cmotion.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be Max,¡± I said, emerging from my bedroom. ¡°My brother¡¯s back from Cloud City.¡±


    For days, Zach had been asking about Max. I¡¯d watched his curiosity grow with each passing hour, like a predator circling unknown territory. Now he was about to meet the person I¡¯d assigned him to protect.


    I opened the door to reveal a slender young man with intelligent eyes behind wire¨Crimmed sses. Max was sixteen, with a quiet intensity that made most people underestimate him.


    ¡°Hey, sis,¡± Max said, then froze when he spotted Zach and Ryan. His eyes darted between the strangers, then back to me. ¡°Did I¡­ walk into the wrong house?¡±


    He checked the house number behind him, then frowned. ¡°No, this is definitely your ce.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in the right ce,¡± I assured him.


    Max¡¯s eyes settled on Zach, who was studying him with unsettling intensity. ¡°You are¡­?¡±


    Zach didn¡¯t answer, just continued his silent assessment.


    Ryan stepped forward, breaking the awkward silence. ¡°You must be Max. We¡¯re friends of your sister, staying here for a couple days.¡±


    ¡®I brought you something,¡± Max said to me, holding up a white bakery box. ¡°Cloud City Donuts. From that ce you used to like.¡±


    I took the box and opened it. The sweet<b>, </b>sugary scent filled the entryway, I took a small bite of one donut and frowned slightly. ¡°They changed the recipe.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Really? They taste the same to me.¡± Max looked disappointed.


    Zach reached over and grabbed one without asking. He took arge bite, chewing thoughtfully. ¡°These are good.¡±


    I shot him a look. ¡°Help yourself, why don¡¯t you?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I did,¡± Zach replied without a hint of irony, taking another bite.


    After getting Max settled in, I pulled Zach aside in the kitchen. ¡°So? What do you think of my brother?<b>¡± </b>


    <b>7:59 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T </b>


    ¡­


    :


    <b>86 </b>


    Zach wiped sugar from his lips with the back <b>of </b>his hand. ¡°What¡¯s hisbat experience? Can he handle firearms?¡±


    ¡°Jesus, Zach,¡± I muttered. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s eat.¡±


    Later, Max cornered me in the upstairs hallway while Ryan and Zach were upied downstairs.


    ¡°Who are those guys really?¡± Max asked, his voice low. ¡°They don¡¯t look like tourists.¡±


    I leaned against the wall. ¡°Just some friends passing through Princeton.¡±


    ¡°Friends who look like they know fifty ways to kill someone with a paperclip?¡± Max raised an eyebrow. <b>¡°</b>Come on,


    sis<b>.</b>¡±


    I sighed. The truth was that Ryan and Zach were there to protect Max from potential Shadow Organization agents, but I wasn¡¯t about to burden my brother with that knowledge.


    ¡°Here,¡± I said instead, pulling two gift cards from my pocket. ¡°One¡¯s from me, one¡¯s from Ethan.¡±


    Max¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Mr. Haxton sent me a gift card?¡± He studied both cards, then looked up at me. ¡°Are you and Mr. Haxton¡­ you know, official now?¡±


    I nced at the cards in his hand. ¡°Just take them.¡± I reached into my other pocket and pulled out a sleek watch. ¡°This is waterproof. You can wear it in the shower.¡±


    Max¡¯s face lit up as he examined the watch. ¡°This is amazing. I¡¯ll wear it all the time.¡±


    Over the next day, Zach¡¯s behavior was too obvious. The man seemed to appear wherever Max went¨Cwhen he was studying in the living room, getting a snack from the kitchen<b>, </b>or heading to the bathroom. Once, Max walked into his bedroom to find Zach sitting on his bed, ying with a bullet like it was a coin trick.


    ¡°Why do you keep following me?¡± Max finally asked.


    Zach looked up from the bullet he was rolling between his fingers. He didn¡¯t answer.


    At dinner, Zach followed Max out of his room. ¡°Don¡¯t disturb him while he¡¯s studying,¡± Ryan said with a warning


    tone.


    ¡®I wasn¡¯t making noise,¡± Zach replied defensively.


    The next afternoon, I grabbed my car keys. ¡°Zach, let¡¯s go for a drive.¡±


    Zach looked up from where he was methodically field¨Cstripping a pistol. ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Just around. Ryan, stay with Max.¡± My tone made it clear this wasn¡¯t a request.


    In the <b>car</b>, Zach watched the scenery blur past the window. ¡°Where are we going?¡± he asked again.


    7:59 <b>Fri</b>, <b>Sep </b>26 <b>T </b>


    ¡°Nowhere specific. Just showing you around.¡± I kept my eyes on the road.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you bring Ryan?¡±


    I smirked. ¡°Maybe I prefer yourpany, Zachie.¡±


    Zach fell silent for a moment, then asked, ¡°Can I drive?¡±


    <b>86 </b>


    I pulled over without a word and switched seats with him. Once behind the wheel, Zach¡¯s demeanor changed slightly. A hint of excitement crept into his usually impassive face.


    ¡°I know this car,¡± he said, running his hands over the steering wheel. ¡°There are only six in the world.¡±


    ¡°You like it?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s yours then.¡±


    Zach shook his head. ¡°No thanks.¡±


    ¡°Why not?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Can¡¯t drive this in Venezu. Too shy.¡± His practical answer didn¡¯t match the appreciation in his eyes.


    I had nned to show Zach my school, thinking he might enjoy seeing Princeton¡¯s campus. But as we approached, seven ck SUVS suddenly surrounded us, cutting off our path. Two dozen men in suits poured out, forming a perimeter around my car.


    A familiar face approached¨Cthe assistant who had been with Rnd Richards at the restaurant. His nose was still swollen from ourst encounter.


    <i>¡®</i>Get out of the car,¡± he demanded, tapping on the window with a gun.


    Zach looked at me, and I nodded slightly. We stepped out, facing the wall of men.


    The assistant recognized Zach and sneered. ¡°You¡¯re going to regret what you did to Mr. Richards.¡±


    ¡°That old pervert still alive?¡± Zach¡¯s voice was t. ¡°Stilling after young boys?¡±


    ¡°You have no idea who you¡¯ve messed with,¡± the assistant snarled. ¡°Mr. Richards is a powerful man. If you¡¯re smart, you¡¯lle with us. He still wants you, and he¡¯s willing to be generous. Resist, and you¡¯ll learn what real pain feels like.¡±


    Zach didn¡¯t wait for him to finish. He mmed the car door shut andunched forward with frightening speed. His fist connected with the assistant¡¯s face, and the sound of teeth breaking echoed in the street. The man copsed,


    <b>7:59 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T</b>¡­


    blood spurting from his mouth.


    :


    ¡°<b>Just </b>trash,¡± Zach muttered, turning to face the other guards who were now rushing toward him.


    ¡°Jade! Is that you?¡± a voice called out from the direction of the school.


    Chase Astor was jogging toward us<b>, </b>waving excitedly. He was heading our way, ignoring the campus security guard calling for him to stop.


    <b>86 </b>


    Chapter Comments


    ? 3


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 Treatment 209

    <b>Chapter </b><b>209 </b>


    ¡­


    Author¡¯s POV:


    :


    A


    <b>86 </b>


    The assistant¡¯s face contorted with rage as he gestured toward Jade and Zach. ¡°All of you, get them!¡± he shouted to his remaining security team.


    Before they could move, a familiar voice cut through the tension.


    ¡°Jade! Is that you?¡±


    Jade turned to see Chase Astor jogging toward them, his designer shoes barely touching the ground as he moved. His eyes widened as he took in the scene¨CZach standing over a unconscious man, the group of suited men frozen in uncertainty, and Jade leaning casually against her car.


    Chase nced at the security team, then at the men already sprawled on the pavement. His lips curled into an amused smile. ¡°What¡¯s happening here? Are you recruiting team members? Testing their abilities?¡±


    Jade rolled her eyes. Trust Chase to find humor in a standoff.


    Chase¡¯s gaze lingered on Zach, who had just knocked a man twice his size unconscious with a single punch. ¡°<b>If </b>you¡¯re hiring, I¡¯d like to apply.¡± He winked at Zach. ¡°Maybe you could put in a good word for me? I¡¯m great at¡­ well, looking pretty.¡±


    Zach didn¡¯t react, his face expressionless as he stared down the remaining security personnel.


    The assistant groaned, pushing himself up from the ground. Blood trickled from his nose as he pointed at them. ¡°Take them! All of them! Mr. Richards wants them now!¡±


    Chase¡¯s yful demeanor vanished. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Jade?¡±


    ¡°These guys came looking for trouble,¡± she said, nodding toward the assistant. ¡°They found it.¡±


    Chase¡¯s expression hardened instantly. He stepped forward and grabbed the assistant by his cor, yanking him up. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±


    The assistant¡¯s eyes widened. He looked at Chase¨Cwho stood a full head taller than him¨Cthen tried to wrench himself free. Chase¡¯s grip only tightened.


    ¡°Let go of me,¡± the assistant snarled, struggling against Chase¡¯s hold. ¡°Do you know who I work for? I¡¯m Rnd Richards¡® personal assistant!¡±


    The name drop that was meant to intimidate had the opposite effect. Chase pped the man hard across the face. ¡°And I¡¯m Chase Astor.¡±


    The assistant froze, his face draining of color. The name ¡°Astor¡± clearly carried weight even in his circles.


    7:59 Fri<b>, </b>Sep 26 <b>T </b>


    :


    ¡°A¨CAstor?¡± he stammered, his previously aggressive demeanor crumbling. ¡°I¡­ there¡¯s been a misunderstanding.¡±


    <b>86 </b>


    ¡°A misunderstanding?¡± Jade stepped forward. ¡°Your boss sent you to harass my friend, and now you¡¯re trying to take us somewhere against our will. Sounds like you¡¯re trying to do something dirty.¡±


    Chase¡¯s eyes shed with anger. He struck the assistant again, then reached into the man¡¯s pocket and pulled out his phone.


    ¡°Mr. Astor, please,¡± the assistant pleaded, his tonepletely transformed. ¡°This is a mistake. My boss is the CEO of Richards Group. You¡¯ve met him before. Ourpanies have business together.¡±


    Chase ignored him, scrolling through the phone until he found what he was looking for. He hit dial and put it on speaker.


    A gruff voice answered after two rings. ¡°How¡¯s it going? Did you get them?¡±


    Chase¡¯s lips curled into a cold smile. ¡°Hello, Rnd.¡±


    There was a moment of silence. ¡°Who is this?¡± Richards demanded.


    ¡°Chase Astor. Remember me? Old man Henry¡¯s grandson?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Astor?¡± Richards¡® voice shifted to a more respectful tone. ¡°What are you doing with my assistant¡¯s phone?¡±


    ¡°Your assistant and his goons just tried to abduct my friends outside Princeton.¡± Chase¡¯s voice was casual, but his eyes were hard. ¡°Not very smart, Rnd.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Astor, I deeply respect your grandfather, but that doesn¡¯t mean you can speak to me this way. Those three people are your friends, huh? Fine, I¡¯ll give you this one. Tell them I¡¯ll back off¡ª¡±


    ¡°Back off?¡± Chaseughed. ¡°Save that speech for Ethan Haxton. That girl your men were hassling? She¡¯s his dream girl.¡±


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 210

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>210 </b>


    Jade sighed heavily. ¡°¡­You really had to go there.¡±


    :


    A


    <b>86 </b>


    Richards went silent. H finally remembered. At Philip¡¯s birthday party, Ethan had leaned in close enough that people mistook it for an attempted kiss. He¡¯d personally poured her a drink, something he rarely did for anyone.


    ¡°A¨CAstor,¡± Richards finally stammered. ¡°This is a misunderstanding. A terrible misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die,¡± Chase said cheerfully, ¡°I suggest you go crawling to Haxton on your knees.¡±


    The line went dead.


    The assistant stood frozen, his face ashen. The name ¡°Ethan Haxton¡± had clearly short¨Ccircuited whatever remaining courage he possessed.


    ¡°You should go,¡± Chase said, tossing the phone back to the assistant. ¡°Hurry back and help your pathetic boss prepare for his funeral.¡±


    The assistant didn¡¯t need to be told twice. He scrambled back to his feet, gesturing frantically for his team to retreat. They practically fell over each other in their haste to escape, piling into their vehicles and speeding away.


    Chase turned to Jade with a triumphant grin. ¡°Jade, problem solved! I just handed it over to Ethan Haxton.¡±


    ¡°Thanks so much,¡± she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.


    ¡°Hey, Haxton¡¯s been chasing you, right? He should do something useful. Bankruptingpanies, running people out of the country¨Cthat¡¯s his specialty.¡± Chase seemed genuinely pleased with himself.


    Jade cut him off. ¡°Zach, get in the car.¡±


    Chase¡¯s eyes followed Zach as he walked around to the driver¡¯s side. ¡°Can Ie with you guys?¡± he asked Jade, though his eyes remained fixed on Zach as he slid behind the wheel. The admiration in Chase¡¯s gaze was painfully obvious.


    ¡®We¡¯re going to get our nails done and talk about boys,¡± Jade deadpanned. ¡°Not really your scene.¡±


    ¡®I¡¯ll have you know I give excellent manicure advice,¡± Chase protested, but Jade was already sliding into the passenger seat.


    As they pulled away, they could hear the whispers of students who had gathered to watch the confrontation.


    ¡°Was that really Jade Morgan in that car?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the vic¨Clooking guy¡¯s car? And who were those men? They looked like mobsters.¡±


    <b>8:00 </b>Fri<b>, </b>Sep 26 T


    ¡­


    :


    ¡®Did you hear what Chase said? Mr. Haxton is chasing Jade, and apparently not catching her¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh! Are you crazy? Don¡¯t repeat that!¡±


    ¡°Chase said it, not me¡­¡±


    Their voices faded as the car turned onto the main road. Zach nced at Jade. ¡°We¡¯re just letting them go?¡±


    She smiled, a cold expression that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Not quite. Take the next right.¡±


    Fifteen minutester, they were parked on a quiet side street, waiting as Richards¡® assistant made a frantic phone call from his car.


    ¡°No, sir, I swear we¡¯reing right back. Yes, I understand how serious¡ª¡±


    The car door was suddenly yanked open. The assistant looked up in shock to find Jade standing there, with Zach right behind her.


    ¡°Out,¡± she ordered.


    86


    The assistant¡¯s eyes widened in terror. ¡°They¡¯re here!¡± he screamed into the phone before Jade knocked it from his hand.


    Zach stepped forward. ¡°Let me handle this.¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°These scumbags? I can take care of them with one hand.¡±


    And she did. One by one, Jade methodically worked through the two dozen security personnel. Some tried to pull weapons¨Cthose ended up in worse shape than the others. By the time she finished, the ground was littered with groaning bodies.


    ¡®Feel better now?¡± she asked Zach, who had simply watched with professional appreciation.


    ¡°That old bastard,¡± Zach muttered. ¡°Who knows how many people he¡¯s hurt before. If I¡¯d run into him earlier¡­¡± He didn¡¯t finish the thought, but the dangerous glint in his eyes said enough.


    Jade nodded toward the car. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡®Where to?¡± Zach asked as he started the engine.


    ¡°Back to school,¡± she replied.

 Treatment 211`

    <b>Chapter </b><b>211 </b>


    :


    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¨Cif 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¨Ctools 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¨Ceven as friends¨Crather 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¨Ca 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¨Cgame 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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 Treatment 212

    8:00 Fri<b>, </b>Sep 26 T


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>212 </b>


    :


    A 86


    ¡°Cheap?¡± Chase sputtered, outraged. ¡°Are you questioning my purchasing power? I don¡¯t buy cheap anything! You¡¯re the cheap one¨Ccheap personality, cheap apologies, cheap driving skills!¡±


    ¡°I apologized and I¡¯m paying for damages,¡± Aurelia said through gritted teeth, her face flushing with anger. ¡°We¡¯re even. Take the money and leave me alone.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want your money,¡± Chase said, trying to step around her. ¡°I need to find Jade.¡±


    Aurelia rolled her eyes dramatically. ¡°Still yingpdog to Morgan? Pathetic.¡±


    ¡°Says Edward Sheldon¡¯spdog,¡± Chase retorted with a sneer. ¡°Following him around with physics problems like some desperate tutor. News sh¨Che¡¯s not interested in your equations.¡±


    Color flooded Aurelia¡¯s cheeks. She thrust a bank card at his chest with enough force to make him step back. ¡°I don¡¯t like owing people money! Take it!¡±


    Chase caught the card reflexively as Aurelia spun on her heel and stormed off, her boots leaving angry taps in her wake.


    ¡°Your car was trash anyway!¡± she called over her shoulder.


    Chase stared at the card in his hand, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°Sullivan women,¡± he muttered, pocketing the card. ¡°All fire and no sense.¡±


    Chase finally spotted Jade in the hallway. He ran a hand through his hair and put on his most charming smile.


    ¡®Jade!¡± he called, jogging over. His smile faltered slightly when he saw Edward standing close to her, their heads bent over a textbook.


    ¡°Chase,¡± Jade acknowledged, her expression neutral as always.


    Edward nced up, his intelligent eyes assessing Chase before returning to the book.


    ¡°Big game against Randview tomorrow,¡± Chase said, ignoring Edwardpletely. ¡°You¡¯lle watch me y, right?¡±


    Jade shrugged. ¡°Depends on my schedule.¡±


    ¡°You shoulde,¡± Chase insisted, leaning against the lockers with practiced casualness. ¡°I¡¯ll score twenty points just for you. The whole school¡¯s talking about it¨CRandview brought in some transfer students just for their basketball team.¡±


    8:00 Fri, Sep 26 <b>T </b>


    ¡­


    ¡°Sounds riveting,¡± Jade said, not looking up from the textbook Edward was showing her.


    Edward adjusted his sses, clearly ufortable with Chase¡¯s presence hovering over them.


    <b>86 </b>


    ¡°I should get going,¡± Chase said, but not before giving Edward a hard look. ¡°Just remember<b>, </b>Sheldon¨Cask for help if you need it, but don¡¯t get any other ideas. Anyone trying topete with Ethan Haxton tends to have unfortunate idents.¡± He tapped his temple knowingly.


    Edward simply stared at him before returning his attention to the textbook in his hands. ¡°Your concern is noted,¡± he said quietly.


    Jade nced up at Chase, one eyebrow slightly raised.


    Chase shed her a wide grin before sauntering away.


    The gymnasium buzzed with excitement the next day. Princeton students packed the bleachers on one side, while Randview College supporters filled the other. The sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor mingled


    with the roar of conversation as both teams warmed up.


    Chase scanned the crowd, looking for Jade¡¯s face among the sea of people. He dribbled the ball absently, more focused on the audience than the pre¨Cgame drills.


    The doors at the far end of the gym opened, and the Randview cheerleaders streamed in, their short skirts and practiced moves drawing immediate attention. Their routine was wless, ending with their star cheerleader performing an impressive series of flips that had the Randview section erupting in cheers.


    ¡°Damn,¡± a teammate whispered,ing to stand beside Chase. ¡°That¡¯s Randview¡¯s strategy? Distract us with their cheer squad?¡±


    Chase snorted. ¡°Could be worse.¡±


    ¡°Hey, why don¡¯t you ask Jade Morgan to be our cheerleader?¡± his teammate suggested with a smirk. ¡°Level the ying field,¡±


    Chase¡¯s head whipped around so fast he nearly gave himself whish. ¡°Are you insane?¡±


    His teammate paled slightly. ¡°I was just joking, man.¡±


    The referee¡¯s whistle cut through the chatter. Both teams lined up on the court, the atmosphere electric with


    tension.

 Treatment 213

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>213 </b>


    ¡­


    The referee¡¯s whistle pierced the air, and the basketball game between Princeton and Randview College officially began. The gymnasium buzzed with energy, students from both schools decked out in their respective colors, creating a sea of orange and ck on one side and blue and white on the other. Chase Astor bounced on his toes, eyes narrowed with determination as his tall teammate won the jump ball, sending it straight to him.


    86


    Chase smoothly passed it to another yer before positioning himself under the basket. Within seconds, he received the ball back and leapt into the air for a thunderous dunk that had the Princeton students erupting in cheers, stomping their feet against the bleachers.


    ¡°Princeton draws first blood!¡± the announcer¡¯s voice boomed across the gymnasium as Chase ran back down the court, shing his trademark grin at the crowd.


    Chase¡¯s moment of glory was short¨Clived. Randview responded with three consecutive baskets, pushing Princeton into a defensive scramble. Their tallest yer, a six¨Cfoot¨Cseven transfer student with arms that seemed to stretch forever, easily shot over Princeton¡¯s defense. With each point surrendered, Chase¡¯s expression darkened, his jaw clenching tighter as he barked orders at his teammates.


    In the bleachers, Jade Morgan slouched in her seat, already regretting her decision to attend. She stifled a yawn as she watched the yers dart back and forth across the court. Basketball wasn¡¯t exactly her idea of entertainment. The scoreboard¡¯s digital numbers changed again: 7-13, Randview¡¯s favor.


    ¡°You look thrilled,¡± Julian Sheldon said, appearing beside her with a cardboard container in hand. His wire¨Crimmed sses caught the harsh gymnasium lights as he settled next to her. ¡°Popcorn?¡±


    Jade took a handful without enthusiasm. ¡°Is this what passes for excitement in college?¡±


    ¡°Better than calculus,¡± Julian quipped, settling into the empty seat next to her. ¡°Besides, Chase has been telling everyone you¡¯d be here. I think he¡¯s ying extra hard to impress you.¡±


    Jade rolled her eyes, turning her attention back to the court where the action had suddenly stopped. A Randview yer had collided hard with Chase¡¯s teammate, sending him sprawling across the floor. The crowd gasped collectively as the yer clutched his ankle, his face contorted in pain.


    ¡°You motherfucker!¡± Chase shouted, shoving the Randview yer with enough force to make him stumble backward. ¡°Are you here to y ball or break legs?¡±


    The referee rushed between them as yers from both teams converged, tension crackling in the air like electricity. Coaches from both sides hurried onto the court, pulling their yers back before the situation escted further. The Randview yer shrugged, feigning innocence despite the smirk ying at his lips.


    The injured Princeton yer was helped to the sidelines, limping heavily with his arm draped over a teammate¡¯s shoulder. Jade could see the swelling in his ankle even from her seat.


    ¡°Chase, my ankle¡¯s screwed,¡± he said, grimacing as the team medic examined him. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can go back in.¡±


    8:00 Fri, Sep 26 T


    ¡­


    :


    <b>86 </b>


    ¡°Where the hell am I supposed to find a recement?¡± Chase ran a hand through his sweat¨Cdampened hair, ncing at the scoreboard: Princeton 7, Randview 13. The sight of the opposing team¡¯s smug expressions only fueled his frustration. He scanned the bench, but there were no more substitutes avable.


    To make matters worse, Randview¡¯s cheerleaders chose that moment to perform another routine, their perfectly synchronized movements drawing appreciative whistles from their supporters. Their captain executed a wless series of backflips, ending in a split that had the Randview section roaring.


    Sterling Huxley, who¡¯d been watching from nearby, stepped forward. ¡°I could sub in.¡±


    Chase scoffed, looking at him like he¡¯d suggested they forfeit. ¡°Are you forgetting you¡¯re from Randview?¡±


    Sterling shrugged and stepped back, rejoining the Randview supporters whoughed at Chase¡¯s predicament.


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 Treatment 214

    Jade¡¯s phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out to see Chase¡¯s name shing on the screen. She had been about to respond to Ethan¡¯s message, but Chase¡¯s call interrupted her.


    ¡°What?¡± she answered.


    ¡°We¡¯re ying like shit,¡± Chase said without preamble. ¡°I was hoping you¡¯d still be here. My teammate¡¯s down with a twisted ankle, and we don¡¯t have any substitutes. Do you know how to y basketball?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Jade replied tly, watching Ethan¡¯s message appear on her screen.


    ¡°Come on,¡± he pleaded. ¡°You have perfect aim. Juste down and sink a couple of three¨Cpointers. We might not win, but at least we won¡¯t embarrass ourselvespletely. It¡¯s a matter of Princeton pride.¡±


    Before Jade could respond, a tall guy with perfect teeth approached Chase on the court. Even from the bleachers, Jade could see the Randview captain¡¯s condescending smile.


    ¡°Need some help, Astor?¡± Brock Reynolds asked loudly enough for Jade to hear through the phone. ¡°We could lend you a yer.¡±


    ¡°Fuck off, Reynolds,¡± Chase snapped. ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to be a good sport.¡±


    ¡°Just trying to be helpful,¡± Reynolds shrugged with exaggerated innocence. ¡°But if you¡¯d rather forfeit¡­¡±


    Jade hung up and made her way down to the court. Julian called after her, but she ignored him, her expression unreadable as she approached the teams. The crowd¡¯s chatter dimmed as people noticed her movement, whispers following her progress down the bleachers.


    ¡°I¡¯ll y,¡± she announced, stepping onto the court.


    The gymnasium fell into a shocked silence before erupting into whispers. From the Randview section, voices carried clearly:


    ¡°That¡¯s Princeton¡¯s Instagram queen?¡±


    ¡°Way hotter in person than in her photos.¡±


    ¡°Even in that baggy hoodie, you can tell she¡¯s stacked.¡±


    Chase¡¯s teammates exchanged nces, clearly doubting this unexpected development. The coach looked ready to object but remained silent after a warning look from Chase.


    Reynolds¡® eyes widened as he took her in, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. ¡°Jade Morgan, right? I¡¯ve heard a lot about you. Never had the chance to-¡±


    8:00 Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>26 <b>T </b>


    ¡°Have you heard about Ethan Haxton¡¯s interest in her?¡± Chase interrupted, stepping between them with a provocative smirk.


    Reynolds¡® smile faltered. ¡°I just heard you two were acquainted. The age gap seemed¡­ I assumed you were family friends or something.¡±


    Chase held up his phone. ¡°Got that recorded. Sending it to Ethan now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary,¡± Reynolds said quickly, his confident demeanor cracking. He nced nervously at Chase¡¯s phone. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡±


    <b>86 </b>


    ¡°You should return to your team,¡± Jade said coolly, her eyes holding a warning. ¡°And remind your yers that court injuries go both ways.¡±


    Reynolds retreated, but not before adding, ¡°If you¡¯re ying, I¡¯ll make sure my team goes easy on you.¡±


    ¡°How about a wager?¡± Jade suggested, surprising both Chase and Reynolds. ¡°Losing team runs around campus shirtless.¡±


    Brock agreed.


    The referee signaled for the game to resume, the timekeeper pointing meaningfully at the clock.


    ¡°I¡¯ll y center,¡± Jade said to Chase as they huddled with the team.


    ¡°Center?¡± Chase stared at her incredulously. ¡°You mean you¡¯ll jump for the ball? You¡¯re like five¨Cfoot¨Cfive.¡±


    ¡°Not interested anymore?¡± Jade turned to leave.


    ¡°No, no! Center it is,¡± Chase backpedaled quickly. ¡°You¡¯re the center. Absolutely.¡±


    ¡®She¡¯s the shortest person on the court. We¡¯re already losing¨Cthis is just going to make it worse.¡± One teammate whispered to another, eyeing Jade skeptically.


    Chase shot him a silencing re. ¡°Want to wear something more¡­ athletic?¡± he asked Jade, eyeing her oversized hoodie. ¡°That hood and those pockets will just get in the way.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s fifteen minutes,¡± Jade said, stepping onto the court. ¡°I¡¯ll manage.¡±

 Treatment 215

    <b>hapter </b><b>215 </b>


    :


    ?


    <b>86 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    The gymnasium fell eerily quiet as Jade took her position at center court. Students from both schools leaned forward in their seats, expressions ranging from confusion to outright amusement. The silence didn¡¯tst long before whispers rippled through the Princeton section.


    ¡°Is Astor serious? He¡¯s putting Instagram girl as center?¡± A guy in an orange Princeton hoodie snickered to his


    friend.


    ¡°This is what happens when you¡¯re desperate,¡± another replied. ¡°They¡¯re basically forfeiting at this point.¡±


    From the Randview side, thementary was even less charitable. ¡°Princeton¡¯s officially given up,¡± a tall blonde in Randview blue called out. ¡°At least the view got better!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not even trying to win anymore,¡± someone else shouted. ¡°Just throwing in the towel with style!¡±


    I ignored them all, focusing instead on Brock Reynolds, who stood across from me with a smirk stered across his


    face. His teammates had gathered around him, all stealing nces at me while trying not tough too obviously.


    ¡°So,¡± Brock said, lowering his voice as he stepped closer. ¡°You ever yed basketball before?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m learning on the job,¡± I replied coolly.


    Brock¡¯s smirk widened into a grin. ¡°Like you said earlier, things can get physical on the court. If you fall down or start crying when you lose, Mr. Haxton won¡¯t hold it against us, will he?¡±


    I tilted my head slightly. ¡°Getting cold feet? You can forfeit now if you¡¯re scared.¡±


    His teammates snickered behind him, clearly enjoying what they perceived as an easy win. Brock¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained.


    ¡°How about we sweeten the deal?¡± he suggested, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. ¡°If I win, we be friends. If you win, I¡¯ll do whatever you want.¡±


    Chase, who had moved to stand beside me, scoffed loudly. ¡°Just who the fuck do you think you are? She wouldn¡¯t be caught dead hanging out with you.¡±


    ¡°She can speak for herself,¡± Brock replied, not taking his eyes off me.


    I met his gaze steadily. ¡°If you can steal the ball from me even once, I¡¯ll consider it a loss.¡±


    The statement hung in the air for a moment before Brock¡¯s teammates burst intoughter. Even my own team looked at me with wide eyes, as if I¡¯dpletely lost my mind.


    8:00 Fri, Sep 26 <b>T</b>..


    ¡°<b>Is </b>she serious<b>?</b>¡± one of my teammates whispered to Chase.


    Brock chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°Then I guess I ept. Let¡¯s start this show.¡±


    The referee approached with the ball, signaling for us to take our positions. Chase gave me onest concerned nce before backing away. The Princeton team looked torn between wanting to win and assuming defeat was inevitable. Brock¡¯s team, on the other hand, seemed rxed and confident, already savoring their victory.


    86


    The referee blew his whistle and tossed the ball high into the air. Brock crouched, preparing to leap¨Cbut I was already moving. Iunched myself upward with a burst of speed that seemed to catch everyone by surprise. My hand connected with the ball first, easily tapping it toward Chase, who stood frozen for a split second before he recovered and caught it.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Chase whispered, then quickly passed to his teammate.


    The teammate, still stunned by what had just happened, fumbled the pass. Brock and Chase both lunged for the loose ball, but I was faster. I slipped between them, scooped up the ball, and darted toward the three¨Cpoint line.


    The gym was dead silent as I squared my shoulders, jumped, and released the ball in one fluid motion. It arced through the air and swished through the without touching the rim.


    ¡°Three points for Princeton!¡± the announcer¡¯s voice broke the stunned silence. ¡°Score is now 10-13!¡±


    For a moment, nobody moved. The yers on the court stared at me as if I¡¯d just performed some impossible magic trick. Then Chase let out a whoop that seemed to break the spell.


    ¡°What the actual fuck was that?¡± Brock demanded, his face flushed with anger as he turned to Chase. ¡°You said she didn¡¯t y basketball!¡±


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 Treatment 216

    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b>216


    ¡­


    :


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t,¡± Chase replied, his grin threatening to split his face. ¡°At least, that¡¯s what she told me.¡±


    Brock¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked back at me. ¡°So that¡¯s how it is. ying games with me? Fine. That was just a lucky shot. Let¡¯s see if you can do it again when I¡¯m actually trying.¡±


    <b>86 </b>


    As Randview took the ball for a bottom¨Cline throw¨Cin, I positioned myself near their guard. The moment the ball left his hands, I intercepted it with a quick step and leap that left him gaping. I dribbled past two defenders who moved too slowly to even touch me, my feet barely seeming to touch the ground.


    At the three¨Cpoint line, I jumped again. Brock lunged toward me, his hand outstretched to block my shot, but he was toote. The ball sailed over his fingertips and through the hoop with another satisfying swish.


    ¡°Another three¨Cpointer from Morgan!¡± the announcer shouted, excitement evident in his voice. ¡°Princeton closing the gap, 13-13!¡±


    The Princeton section erupted into cheers. Students who had been preparing to leave sat back down<b>, </b>suddenly invested in the game. Even the professor who had been grading papers in the corner looked up, his sses sliding down his nose as he stared at the court in disbelief.


    ¡°Jade, you sneaky little devil,¡± Chaseughed, jogging up to me. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were this good?¡±


    I shrugged, not bothering to answer as I took my defensive position. Chase¡¯s grin widened as he turned to his team. ¡°Come on, guys! We¡¯re back in this!¡±


    Brock¡¯s expression had transformedpletely. The casual arrogance was gone, reced by intense focus. He barked orders at his teammates: ¡°Tighten up that defense! Don¡¯t let her get free! Someone stay on her¨Cshe¡¯s too damn fast!¡±


    The game resumed with new energy. Brock dribbled the ball down the court, his eyes locked on me as if waiting for me to make a move. I stayed in position, watching his teammates arrange themselves around him. When he finally passed to his forward, I was already moving.


    I slipped between two defenders, intercepted the pass, and took off down the court. Brock sprinted after me, determination etched on his face. He was fast¨Cprobably the fastest on his team¨Cbut not fast enough. I pivoted around him, leaving him grasping at air, andpleted another perfect shot.


    ¡°Morgan scores again!¡± the announcer¡¯s voice was practically a shout now. ¡°Princeton takes the lead, 16-13!¡±


    The Princeton crowd was on their feet, the earlier skepticismpletely forgotten. Chants of ¡°Jade! Jade! Jade!¡± echoed through the gymnasium. Even the professors were watching now, their papers and phones forgotten.


    Brock¡¯s face was a storm cloud as he gathered his team. ¡°What the hell are you all doing? It¡¯s one girl! Just box her out already!¡±


    8:00 <b>Fri</b><b>, </b>Sep 26 T


    :


    ¡­


    86


    The next y, Randview tried a different approach. Two yers stayed close to me, attempting to block my movements while Brock controlled the ball. I waited patiently, conserving my energy until I saw my opening. When Brock attempted a pass to his forward, I burst between my guards, intercepted the ball, and raced toward the basket.


    All five Randview yers converged on me, forming a wall of bodies. Instead of trying to break through, I stopped at the three¨Cpoint line and shot. The ball sailed over their heads and through the, extending Princeton¡¯s lead.


    ¡°This is unbelievable, folks!¡± the announcer was practically screaming now. ¡°Morgan has single¨Chandedly turned this game around! Princeton leads 19-13!¡±


    The Princeton yers were ecstatic, high¨Cfiving each other and me as we ran back to defense. Chase looked like he might explode with excitement, shouting encouragement to the team.


    ¡°Keep it up! We¡¯ve got this!¡± he yelled, pping me on the back. ¡°Jade, you¡¯re fucking amazing!¡±


    Brock, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to punch something.


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 Treatment 217

    <b>Chapter </b><b>217 </b>


    86


    The scoreboard read 19:13. We were already leading, but I was just getting started. I casually dribbled the ball back to center court, one hand in my pocket, enjoying the shocked expressions on my opponents¡® faces.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back on my ount,¡± I called out to Brock, who was breathing hard, his face flushed with exertion. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want you thinking I got lucky.¡±


    One of Brock¡¯s teammates, a muscr guy with a buzz cut, scowled at me. ¡°Is she fucking serious right now?¡±


    Brock didn¡¯t respond, though I could see the muscles in his jaw working as he clenched his teeth. He was trying hard not to lose his cool, but the strain was showing.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting the hang of it now,¡± I said with a casual shrug. ¡°First time ying and all. Just needed to warm up my hands a bit.¡±


    The whistle blew, and I kicked into higher gear. I moved like water, flowing around defenders who might as well have been standing still. The ball was an extension of my hand, and the basket seemed to pull it in like a ma. Three¨Cpointers,yups, jump shots¨Cthey all found their mark with effortless precision.


    The scoreboard ticked upward: 22:13. Then 37:13. Then 45:13. By the time we hit 59:13, Brock¡¯s team looked like they¡¯d run a marathon, while I hadn¡¯t even broken a sweat.


    Students from all over campus had heard something unusual was happening. They streamed into the gymnasium, filling the previously half¨Cempty stands until people were standing three deep along the walls. Their phones were out, recording what was quickly bing Princeton legend.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± a girl in the front row whispered loudly. ¡°Is she even human?¡±


    Chase, who had barely touched the ball since I took over, was having the time of his life. He jogged alongside me, a massive grin splitting his face.


    ¡°Hey, Reynolds!¡± he called out to Brock. ¡°You think you could do a few crunches while you¡¯re down there? I¡¯ve always wondered if you actually have abs or if it¡¯s just padding in your jersey!¡±


    Brock, who had fallen trying to block one of my shots, red up at Chase,


    Chase wasn¡¯t finished. He turned to his teammates, loud enough for everyone to hear: ¡°Hey guys, what do you think about the dude trailing behind Brock? Is he wiping sweat or tears off his face?¡±


    The Princeton section erupted inughter. Even our team was grinning now, jogging around the court like they were on a casual stroll through the park while Randview¡¯s yers gasped for breath.


    Brock called a timeout, gathering his team in a huddle. I could see him gesturing furiously, his face red with frustration and exhaustion.


    8:00 Fri<b>, </b>Sep <b>26 </b><b>T. </b>


    86


    When y resumed, all five Randview yers converged on me like a pack of wolves. Chase started to move toward me, but I shook my head slightly. I wanted this challenge.


    They formed a tight circle around me, arms outstretched<b>, </b>bodies positioned to block every possible escape route. For a moment, I stood still, letting them think they had me trapped. Then I moved.


    It was like watching a ballerina dance through a field of statues. I ducked, pivoted, and spun through impossibly small gaps between defenders. The ball never left my control, an obedient extension of my will. Before they could adjust, I was airborne.


    The gym fell silent as I soared toward the basket, rising higher than seemed physically possible for someone my size. Time seemed to slow as I mmed the ball through the hoop with such force that the backboard shuddered.


    The silencested exactly one second before the gym exploded.


    ¡°JADE IS A BEAST!¡± someone screamed from the stands, and the chant was immediately taken up by dozens, then hundreds of voices.


    Chase was literally jumping up and down, pumping his fists in the air. ¡°Holy fuck! Holy fucking fuck!¡± he kept repeating, his vocabry apparently reduced to those few words by the shock of what he¡¯d just witnessed.


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 Treatment 218

    8:00 Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>26 <b>T </b>


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>218 </b>


    ¡­


    <b>86 </b>


    Brock stood in the center of the court, hands on his knees, staring at me with a mixture of disbelief and resignation. But he wasn¡¯t done yet.


    ¡°It¡¯s not over,¡± he insisted, straightening up with visible effort.


    I smiled coolly. ¡°Then let¡¯s continue.¡±


    What followed was less a basketball game and more a demonstration. I moved at full speed now, no longer holding back. Brock¡¯s team couldn¡¯t even track my movements, much less counter them. Their frustration mounted with every point I scored, every attempt they failed to block.


    ¡°How is she not even tired?¡± one of Brock¡¯s teammates gasped, watching me sink another perfect three¨Cpointer.


    Brock, his pride in tatters, made onest desperate attempt. As I dribbled toward the basket, he charged directly at me, clearly hoping to use his superior size to knock the ball away.


    He didn¡¯t evene close. I sidestepped his charge effortlessly, and somehow¨Cthough no one saw exactly how it happened¨CBrock¡¯s calf received a powerful kick. The impact was so forceful that no one suspected it came from me. He stumbled forward, knee hitting the hardwood with a painful crack before he copsedpletely, clutching his leg and crying out in pain.


    I looked down at him with cold contempt, then turned toward the basket. With calcted force, I mmed the ball into the hoop. The backboard exploded in a shower of tempered ss that rained down on the court as the final buzzer sounded.


    Final score: 97:13.


    The gymnasium erupted in thunderous apuse and cheers. Students who had never noticed me before were on their feet, shouting my name. Phones were raised everywhere, capturing the aftermath of my performance.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± a guy in a Princeton sweater eximed. ¡°NBA yers would look weakpared to that!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not just a goddess,¡± another student dered. ¡°She¡¯s the fucking queen of the court!¡±


    Even the girls were swept up in the excitement. ¡°I¡¯m definitely learning basketball now,¡± one announced to her friends. ¡°How does someone so slim have that much arm strength?¡±


    Brock remained on the floor, his calf and knee already turning an ugly purple. One of his teammates knelt beside him, confusion evident on his face.


    ¡°What happened to your leg, man? How¡¯d you get hit like that?¡±


    I shrugged, expression neutral. ¡°Physical contact happens on the court. Isn¡¯t that what you said?¡±


    8:00 Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>26 <b>T </b>


    ¡­


    Brock said nothing, just stared at me with aplex mix of emotions in his eyes.


    ¡°So¡­ we really have to run?¡± one of his teammates asked reluctantly.


    Another one sighed. ¡°It¡¯s just running shirtless for ap. Not a big deal for guys like us.¡±


    86


    Chase sauntered over, his grin predatory. ¡°You wish it was that simple. He said we could do whatever we want if he lost, right?¡± He looked pointedly at Brock.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Brock ground out through clenched teeth.


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling generous today,¡± Chase announced. ¡°You can keep your underwear on. But you¡¯re running around the entire Princeton campus, then all the way back to Randview College.¡±


    He paused, his smile widening. ¡°And you¡¯ll be shouting ¡®Princeton is the best¡® the whole way.¡±


    Brock¡¯s face contorted with anger. ¡°You set me up,¡± he spat, ring at me. ¡°Pretending you¡¯d never yed before. ying dumb to trick me.¡±


    I looked down at him, my expression bored. ¡°ying dumb? Why would I need to? This isn¡¯t exactly rocket science. One look and anyone could figure it out.¡±


    ¡°Hear that?¡± Chase interjected. ¡°Why would she need to trick someone like you? That¡¯s what genuine talent looks like. Now stop making excuses. Keep stalling and we¡¯ll take those underwear too.¡±


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 Treatment 219

    <b>Chapter </b><b>219 </b>


    ?(66)


    The gymnasium fell silent as Chase¡¯s words hung in the air. Brock Reynolds stood frozen, his face contorted with rage and humiliation.


    ¡°Time to pay up, Reynolds,¡± Chase called out. ¡°We had a bet, remember?¡±


    Brock¡¯s teammates exchanged nervous nces. One of them stepped forward. ¡°Come on, man, this is ridiculous. We can¡¯t just ¡±


    ¡°A bet¡¯s a bet,¡± Chase interrupted, his grin widening. ¡°Unless you guys want everyone to know that Randview doesn¡¯t honor theirmitments.¡±


    I watched with mild interest. The victory had been almost too easy, but watching Brock squirm under the weight of his humiliation? That was somewhat entertaining.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Brock spat, his voice trembling with barely contained fury. He red at me, then at Chase. ¡°Let¡¯s just get this over with.¡±


    Chase stepped closer to Brock, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. ¡°Strip.¡±


    The tension in the room was palpable as Brock reached for the hem of his jersey. His movements were stiff, mechanical. He pulled the sweat¨Csoaked fabric over his head, revealing a torso that was toned but unimpressive.


    ¡°Continue,¡± Chase said, his voice cold andmanding.


    Brock¡¯s face flushed deep red. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me strip you myself,¡± Chase replied, his tone making it clear this wasn¡¯t an idle threat.


    Brock¡¯s jaw clenched tight. Then, with a sudden movement born of desperation, he yanked down his shorts, leaving himself standing in just his underwear.


    ¡°Whoa!¡± someone from Chase¡¯s team called out. The crowd erupted into murmurs and nervousughter.


    ¡°What the hell is happening? Are they stripping?¡± a girl in the stands asked loudly.


    ¡°Did they make some kind of bet?¡± another student wondered.


    I heard someone mention my name. ¡°The minute I hear ¡®bet,¡® I immediately think of Jade Morgan. Is this another one of her crazy schemes?¡±


    Chase turned to me with a theatrical flourish, cing his hand over my eyes. ¡°Jade, you shouldn¡¯t look at this. You¡¯ll not only get eye strain, but if Ethan Haxton finds out, he¡¯ll definitely kill me.¡±


    <b>8:00 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>26 </b><b>T</b>¡­


    :


    <b>I </b>swatted his hand away, rolling my eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡±


    A


    <b>86 </b>


    Chase wasn¡¯t done. He turned back to face Brock¡¯s teammates. ¡°The rest of you too. A team wins together, loses together.¡±


    Reluctantly, one by one, they stripped down to their underwear. Each face burned with shame, red from neck to


    hairline.


    Students in the crowd had their phones out now, recording the spectacle. Some wereughing, others looked ufortable, but no one was looking away.


    Just when I thought the situation couldn¡¯t get more chaotic, the gymnasium doors swung open. Philip Thornton, the dean of Princeton, walked in with a group of well¨Cdressed individuals¨Cmembers of the educationmittee on a campus tour.


    Philip froze mid¨Csentence as several nearly¨Cnaked Randview yers ran past. Themittee members¡® expressions ranged from shock to horror to poorly concealed amusement.


    ¡°I¡­ uh¡­¡± Philip stammered. ¡°That¡¯s our swim team. They¡¯re doing some¡­ outdoor training exercises.¡±


    Onemittee member raised an eyebrow skeptically.


    Chase was still reveling in his victory when he noticed something on my sleeve. ¡°Jade, are you bleeding?¡±


    I nced down at my arm. The sleeve of my shirt had a small but growing red stain. The wound from Christmas had reopened during the game. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    Chase grabbed my arm, his yful demeanor vanishing. ¡°That¡¯s not nothing. Let me see.¡±


    I pulled away. ¡°It¡¯s fine. The wound just reopened.¡±


    ¡°What wound? How did you get hurt? Was it that bastard Brock? Or that asshole Rnd from the other day?¡± Chase¡¯s questions came rapid¨Cfire.


    ¡®I got it during Christmas,¡± I replied tly.


    Chase¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What kind of injury still bleeds after all this time? And why didn¡¯t you say something? You shouldn¡¯t have been ying with an injury!¡±


    Before I could respond, my phone buzzed. I checked the message:


    <i>I¡¯m </i>outside<i>. </i>Where are <i>you</i><i>? </i><i>¨C </i><i>E.II. </i>


    ¡°I need to go,¡± I said to Chase. ¡°Ethan is waiting for me.¡±


    Chase¡¯s expression shifted to panic. ¡°Wait, I didn¡¯t know you were injured! If Mr. Haxton asks, make sure to tell him


    8:00 Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>26 <b>T </b>


    ¡­


    that, okay? I don¡¯t want him getting the wrong idea and, you know, killing me.¡±


    Outside, Ethan¡¯s sleek ck car was parked at the curb. He stepped out when he saw me, his expression changing from calm to concerned as his eyes locked onto my bloodstained sleeve.


    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked, immediately taking my arm and examining it through the fabric.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious,¡± I said. ¡°Just an old wound that opened up.¡±


    His fingers were gentle but insistent as he rolled up my sleeve to assess the damage. ¡°This needs proper medical attention. Come with me.¡±


    86


    At my apartment, Ethan¡¯s personal physician examined my arm. ¡°The stitches have torn,¡± the doctor noted, cleaning the wound efficiently.


    ¡°She was ying basketball. With an existing injury,¡± Ethan exined, his tone carefully neutral but with an undertone of disapproval.


    I shrugged my free shoulder. ¡°It was a friendly match against Randview College. As a future Princeton student, I had to defend the school¡¯s honor.¡±


    ¡°Did you win?¡± the doctor asked conversationally.


    ¡°97 to 13,¡± I replied. ¡°I scored 90 points myself.¡±


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s quite specific. Let me guess¨Canother bet?¡±


    After the doctor left, Ethan showed me his phone. ¡°Connor showed me the school forum. It seems your basketball game has generated quite a buzz.¡±


    The thread was titled ¡°JADE MORGAN DESTROYS RANDVIEW & FORCES STRIP SHOW,¡± apanied by blurry photos of Brock and his teammates in their underwear.


    ¡°Not much to see, honestly,¡± Ethanmented. ¡°Next time, perhaps bet on something more interesting.¡±


    ¡°Their physiques were rather disappointing,¡± I agreed.


    Connor, who had been quietly standing in the corner, cleared his throat. ¡°Mr. Haxton¡¯s is much better, if I may say so. Years of mixed martial arts and proper nutrition-¡±


    Ethan shot him a warning re, and Connor immediately fell silent.


    I couldn¡¯t resist. ¡°You¡¯ve seen Ethan¡¯s physique, Connor? Personally?¡±


    Connor¡¯s face flushed red. ¡°No! I mean, I¡¯ve seen him at thepany gym, from a professional distance, of course.¡±


    <b>8:00 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T</b>¡­


    :


    ¡°Maybe <b>that </b>should be our next bet,¡± I suggested. ¡°See if Ethan lives up to the hype.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s expression cycled through several emotions before settling on aposed neutral look.


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    A


    86

 Treatment 220

    :


    86


    The afternoon sun streamed through the living room windows of my apartment. My bandaged hand was a constant reminder <b>of </b>yesterday¡¯s basketball game and the wounds that had reopened during my dominance over Brock Reynolds and his team. Ethan sat across from me, scrolling through his phone, asionally ncing up with an amused expression at the continuing fallout from the ¡°Princeton Strip Show¡± as the school forum had dubbed it.


    My phone vibrated on the coffee table. Ryan¡¯s name shed on the screen.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± I answered, leaning back on the couch.


    ¡°<b>Boss</b><b>, </b>we have a situation.¡± Ryan¡¯s voice was tense,cking its usual casual tone. ¡°Max is missing<b>.</b>¡±


    I sat up straight. ¡°What do you mean ¡®missing¡°?¡±


    1


    ¡°He was at school, then he wasn¡¯t. Hisst ss ended thirty minutes ago. I¡¯ve checked everywhere¨Ccafeteria, library, usual hangouts. The watch signal disappeared too.¡±


    A cold feeling spread through my chest. The watch I¡¯d given Max for Christmas wasn¡¯t just waterproof¡ªit had a built¨Cin tracker only I could ess.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you back,¡± I said, ending the call and immediately reaching for my backupptop on the side table.


    Ethan set his phone down, his rxed demeanor vanishing. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Ryan says Max is missing.¡± My fingers flew across the keyboard as I logged into my tracking system.


    Ethan moved from the armchair to sit beside me on the couch, his shoulder brushing against mine as he leaned in to see the screen.


    ¡°Your hand is still injured. Let me help,¡± he offered, reaching for theptop.


    ¡°The tracking system is my design. I know it better,¡± I replied, not taking my eyes off the screen. ¡°The signal¡¯s being blocked, not hacked. That¡¯s something.¡±


    Connor¡¯s phone rang, drawing our attention. He stepped away to answer it, but his concerned expression as he nced back at us confirmed he was receiving simr news.


    ¡°The security team just called,¡± Connor said after hanging up. ¡°They lost visual on Max after hisst ss.¡±


    I refocused on my screen, bypassing security protocols and essing deeper tracking functions. ¡°Got it. The watch and phone are both at the eastern building on campus.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the old science wing,¡± Ethan said, leaning closer. ¡°It¡¯s been empty sincest semester. They¡¯re nning to rebuild it over the summer.¡±


    8:00 Fri<b>, </b>Sep 26 T


    ¡­


    Connor watched with barely concealed amazement as my fingers moved across the keyboard<b>, </b>breaking through security systems like they were made of tissue paper.


    ¡°I¡¯m pulling up the school¡¯s security feeds,¡± I said, windows of surveince footage popping up on my screen. I scrolled through different cameras, analyzing each feed. ¡°The system hasn¡¯t beenpromised. This was targeted specifically at Max.¡±


    ¡°You can ess the school¡¯s private security system?¡± Connor whispered, eyes wide.


    I ignored him, sending a text to Ryan with the location. ¡°Ryan and Zach are heading to the eastern building now.¡±


    On the screen, students moved through hallways, filtered into ssrooms, everything appearing normal. Then I spotted him¨Ca muscr man in a tactical¨Cstyle outfit walking out of the teacher¡¯s office area.


    <b>86 </b>


    ¡°That¡¯s Sergeant Ford,¡± Ethan said, frowning. ¡°The training camp instructor. But what would he be doing there during regr school hours?¡±


    ¡°Coincidence,¡± I muttered.


    My phone buzzed with a message from Ryan: <i>Found </i><i>him</i>. <i>East </i><i>building </i><i>janitor¡¯s </i><i>closet</i><i>. </i><i>Unconscious </i><i>but </i><i>breathing</i><i>. </i><i>Dropped </i><i>him </i><i>where </i><i>a </i><i>teacher </i><i>would find </i>him. <i>He¡¯s </i><i>being </i><i>taken </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>infirmary </i><i>now</i><i>. </i>


    I immediately switched to the infirmary¡¯s camera feed, watching as two staff members carried Max to a bed. His face was pale but he appeared unharmed.


    ¡°He looks okay,¡± Ethan said, his voice low and reassuring. ¡°Could this be the Shadow Organization?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer, continuing to watch the screen as a nurse checked Max¡¯s vital signs. Instead of specting, I needed


    facts. ¡°We¡¯ll ask Max when he wakes up.¡±


    Connor was staring at me, his professional demeanor cracking as realization dawned on his face. ¡°You¡¯re X,¡± he said,


    his voice barely above a whisper.


    I nced at him, neither confirming nor denying.


    ¡°The hacker. The one who¡­¡± Connor trailed off, looking at Ethan, whoseck of surprise confirmed what he suspected. ¡°You knew?<i>¡± </i>


    Ethan merely nodded once, his attention still on the screen showing Max.


    Connor fell silent, his eyes wide and mouth slightly open. He looked from me to Ethan and back again, visibly struggling to find words.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ actually X?¡± he finally managed, his voice cracking slightly.


    He ran a hand through his hair, clearly flustered. ¡°And you¡¯re just¡­ such a young girl<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    8:01 Fri<b>, </b>Sep 26 <b>T </b>


    I didn¡¯t respond, turning my attention back to the screen showing Max.


    On screen, Max stirred, his eyes fluttering open. I immediately dialed his number, putting the call on speaker.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Max¡¯s voice was weak.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked, keeping my voice calm despite the rage building inside me.


    86


    ¡°Not sure,¡± he mumbled. ¡°A teacher I didn¡¯t recognize asked me to help move some equipment. When we got to the storage room, I felt dizzy¡­ then nothing.¡±


    ¡°Can you describe him?¡±


    ¡°Not really. Everything¡¯s fuzzy.¡±


    ¡°Does anything hurt? Feel off?¡± I pressed.


    ¡°Just my head. Little dizzy still.¡±


    ¡°Stay there. I¡¯lle get you soon.¡± I hung up and closed theptop, my mind already calcting possibilities and


    responses.


    ¡°He was drugged,¡± I told Ethan. ¡°Probably something fast¨Cacting, meant to knock him out quickly.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°If you don¡¯t have other enemies, this has to be the Shadow Organization. But why target Max and not harm him?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a warning.¡± My voice was ice cold.


    Ethan studied my face carefully. ¡°They¡¯re afraid of directly confronting you.¡±


    I nodded slightly. The Shadow Organization had good reason to fear me. Ace of Spades, King of Hearts, Umbra, Silhouette, Eclipse¨Call dead by my hand. I knew their operations, their personnel, their weaknesses. And they¡¯d lost their greatest asset when they betrayed Shadow¨Cme.


    In direct confrontation, one on one, not a single member of the Shadow Organization could match me. JOKER mightst longer than most, but the oue would be the same. But they could target the few people I cared about. That¡¯s what made them dangerous.


    ¡°Will they go after Max directly next time?¡± Ethan asked, his concern evident.


    ¡°They¡¯ll try,¡± I said, my tone making it clear what would happen if they did. ¡°We¡¯ll be ready.¡±


    My war with the Shadow Organization had officially begun.


    He was quiet for a moment, then asked, ¡°And when it¡¯s over? When you¡¯ve finished what you started? Will I get the


    8:01 Fri<b>, </b>Sep 26 <b>T</b>¡­


    answers I¡¯m looking for?¡±


    :


    The question hung in the air between us, loaded with meaning. Before <b>I </b>could respond, Connor cleared his throat.


    86


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± he said, his voice filled with a newfound reverence. His earlier shock had transformed into barely contained excitement as he stared at me with undisguised admiration. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯ve been in the same room as


    X this whole time.¡±


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 Treatment 221

    <b>Chapter </b><b>221 </b>


    86


    Connor stood in the living room of my apartment, shifting his weight nervously from one foot to another.


    ¡°I¡ªI¡¯m your idol,¡± Connor blurted out, then immediately shook his head, his cheeks flushing red. ¡°No, I mean, you¡¯re my idol. I¡¯ve admired you for so long.¡± His voice trembled with genuine excitement, like a fanboy meeting his favorite celebrity.


    I gave a slight nod, my expression neutral. ¡°I know. You¡¯re Q.¡±


    Connor¡¯s eyes widened even further, his face lighting up with the childlike delight of being recognized. The tension in his shoulders instantly vanished, reced by barely contained excitement.


    ¡°You know me? How do you know? Yes, that¡¯s right. I¡¯m Q.¡± His words tumbled out in a rush, pride evident in his voice.


    I studied him for a moment. ¡°Your hacking skills,¡± I said, turning to Ethan. ¡°Did he learn from you<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Connor nodded eagerly before Ethan could respond. ¡°Everything I know about bypassing security systems, Mr. Haxton taught me. The foundation, at least. I¡¯ve developed my own methods since then, but-¡±


    ¡°He was a quick study,¡± Ethan interrupted, his voice cool and controlled.


    I looked at Ethan with mild curiosity. ¡°You seem to be unranked in the hacker world.¡±


    A slight smile tugged at the corner of Ethan¡¯s mouth, transforming his severe features into something almost boyish. ¡°I didn¡¯t see the point before. But perhaps I could aim for second ce now.¡± His eyes locked with mine.


    Connor¡¯s excitement couldn¡¯t be contained. He took a step forward, eyes bright with realization. ¡°Did you¨Cwas it you who hacked myputer during the board meeting?¡±


    ¡°You deserved it,¡± I confirmed without hesitation, remembering the satisfaction of watching his system crumble under my attack.


    Connor¡¯s face crumpled into a mix of horror and embarrassment. His hands flew to his hair, gripping it as if reliving the moment. ¡°Do you have any idea how devastated I was? A whole conference room of people, all my colleagues, watching that on the big screen¡­ My reputation, my dignity¡­¡± He groaned dramatically. ¡°I couldn¡¯t look anyone in the eye for weeks!¡±


    I nced at Ethan with a hint of amusement. ¡°Did you see it too?¡±


    ¡°Forced to,¡± Ethan replied dryly, though the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.


    ¡°And?¡± I asked, my expression yfully provocative, ¡°What did you think?¡±


    Ethan avoided the question, his eyes briefly meeting mine before shifting away. ¡°I only wanted to throw him out the


    8:01 Fri<b>, </b>Sep 26 T


    window at that moment.¡±


    ??))


    86


    My gaze turned mischievous as I leaned forward slightly. ¡°Was it that necessary? Never seen anything like it before?¡±


    Connor¡¯s face reddened further, the blush spreading to his ears. ¡°The second half wasn¡¯t even my fault! It was the <b>Boss </b>who-¡± He stopped abruptly, seeming to realize he was about to incriminate Ethan. His eyes darted nervously


    between us<b>. </b>


    ¡°Someone¡¯s trying to appeal his case,¡± I observed, enjoying his difort.


    Ethan shrugged, the expensive fabric of his suit shifting smoothly with the movement. ¡°He deserved it. If your security is weak enough to get hacked, that¡¯s on you.¡±


    After Ethan and Connor left, my apartment felt oddly quiet. I sat on the couch, fingers absently tracing the bandage on my hand, when my phone rang. Zach¡¯s name shed on the screen. His terse message¨Cjust a police station


    address and ¡°need you¡°-sent me rushing downtown.


    The station buzzed with activity when I arrived¨Cphones ringing, officers shuffling papers, the acrid smell of old coffee hanging in the air. The fluorescent lights cast a harsh glow over everything, making even the youngest officers look tired. I was directed to the chief¡¯s office, where I found an unexpected familiar face alongside Zach.


    ¡°Sergeant Ford,¡± I said.


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 Treatment 222

    <b>Chapter </b><b>222 </b>


    The police chief looked between us, his weathered face disying obvious confusion. His eyes widened slightly as he nced at Zach then back to me.


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re ¡®Boss¡®?<b>¡± </b>he asked, brows furrowing. ¡°We just watched him make that call.¡±


    The chief leaned back in his chair, studying me with disbelief. ¡°Thought we¡¯d be meeting some¡­ well, different kind


    of person.¡±


    He gestured vaguely with his hand. ¡°And you two know each other?¡± he asked, looking between me and Sergeant


    Ford.


    I took in the chief¡¯s uniform, noting the badge and the years of service pins. ¡°You¡¯re the chief? What exactly has my


    friend done?¡±


    My tone was cool and controlled, but with an edge that made the chief straighten in his chair. Before he could answer, Sergeant Ford stepped in, his demeanor shifting slightly.


    ¡°If he¡¯s with Jade, then there¡¯s no problem,¡± Ford said, his usually stern voice softening just a fraction.


    The chief¡¯s eyebrows shot up. He leaned toward Ford, lowering his voice to a whisper that I could still easily hear. ¡°Aren¡¯t you usually by¨Cthe¨Cbook? Since when do you bend rules for friends?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s with the Haxton family,¡± Ford replied quietly.


    Understanding dawned on the chief¡¯s ¡®face immediately, his expression morphing from confusion to cautious respect. The Haxton name carried serious weight in these parts¨Cenough to make even a police chief reconsider his approach.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take him with me,¡± I said firmly, ¡°but I want to know what he¡¯s used of.¡±


    Sergeant Ford cleared his throat, his posture rxing slightly. ¡°I was at the school looking for a missing student when I encountered him. We both assumed the worst about each other and¡­ exchanged some blows.¡±


    ¡°We thought each other was involved with the student¡¯s disappearance,¡± Zach added, his face impassive but his eyes alert. ¡°I only came along because he identified himself as police<b>, </b>and I didn¡¯t want to cause trouble for you, since we were at school.¡±


    ¡°We were remarkably evenly matched,¡± Ford continued, a hint of respect in his voice. ¡°Not many can hold their own against me.¡±


    Ford turned to me, his professional mask slipping just enough to show genuine concern. ¡°I apologize. I was just doing my job. So that unconscious student was your brother?¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond to Ford¡¯s question, keeping my expression neutral. ¡°Ready to go?¡± I asked Zach.


    He nodded once<b>, </b>standing with fluid grace that belied his earlier fight.


    ¡°Since it was a misunderstanding, we¡¯ll be going now,¡± I said to the chief, who simply nodded, clearly d to have the situation resolved without paperwork.


    In the car, I nced at Zach¡¯s brooding expression as he stared out the window. Thete afternoon sun cast long shadows across his face, highlighting the tension in his jaw.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Lost the fight, feeling bad?¡± I asked, turning onto the main road.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t lose,¡± Zach protested immediately, pride ring in his voice. ¡°I came voluntarily.¡±


    ¡°What, never been to a police station before? Wanted the experience?¡± A hint of amusement colored my tone.


    Zach didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°I told you, you can treat this like Venezu. Don¡¯t worry about causing me trouble.¡± I could tell he was concerned about how his actions might reflect on me.


    Zach changed the subject, his voice softening slightly. ¡°How¡¯s your brother?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fine,¡± I assured him.


    ¡°Was it Shadow Organization?¡±


    ¡°Just a warning. Nothing serious.¡±


    Zach fell silent for a moment, his reflection thoughtful in the window ss. ¡°That guy¨CSergeant Ford he has old injuries. Without those, I couldn¡¯t have matched him.¡±


    I nodded slightly. So that exined it. Sergeant Ford was clearly more skilled than his current position would


    suggest.


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 Treatment 223

    <b>Chapter </b><b>223 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Sergeant Ford winced as Walter Morrison¡¯s fingers probed the damaged tissue of his right shoulder. The fluorescent lights of the Morrison Pharmaceutical Research Center cast harsh shadows across the examination room, highlighting the deep lines of pain etched into Ford¡¯s face.


    ¡°How bad is it?¡± Ford asked, his voice steady despite the difort.


    Walter Morrison shook his head, his white eyebrows furrowing. ¡°Worse thanst time. The scar tissue is expanding, further restricting your range of motion.¡± He stepped back, wiping his hands on a towel. ¡°Keep going like this, and someday you won¡¯t even be able to hold a spoon to feed yourself. I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t help.¡±


    Ford silently pulled his shirt back on, his movements careful and measured. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I knew what I was getting into. Thank you for your time.¡±


    Walter hesitated, then added almost casually, ¡°There is someone who might be able to help.¡±


    Ford froze, his fingers still on a button. His practiced indifference vanished instantly, reced by naked hope.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Jade sat on her living room sofa,ptop bnced on her knees. The house was quiet except for the soft click of keys beneath her fingertips. On the screen, lines of code scrolled past as she navigated through digital barriers with


    practiced ease.


    Shadow Organization¡¯s electronic security system had been partially designed by Jade in her previous life. She knew every backdoor, every failsafe, every potential weakness¨Cit was like walking through her own backyard with a blindfold on. Familiar territory, even in the dark.


    She inserted a small exploit into theirwork, bypassing their first¨Clevel authentication. Then another. And another. With surgical precision, Jade nted triggers throughout their system, each one connecting to the next like dominoes waiting to fall.


    With a satisfied smile, she hit the final key.


    ¡°Let the show begin,¡± Jade whispered to herself, leaning back to watch the chaos unfold.


    On a private ind in waters, rms red through the Shadow Organization¡¯s headquarters. Red emergency lights bathed the corridors in an eerie glow as security personnel ran to their stations, weapons drawn.


    In the control room<b>, </b>screens shed with warning messages. Firewalls copsed one after another as if they were


    made of paper rather than the most sophisticated code money could buy.


    ¡°What the hell is happening?¡± demanded the security chief, his knuckles white against the back of a technician¡¯s chair.


    The technician¡¯s fingers flew across the keyboard, perspiration beading on his forehead. ¡°Someone¡¯s inside our system. All security protocols are being overridden simultaneously. They¡¯re past everything¨Ceven the quantum encryptionyers<b>!</b>¡±


    ¡°Trace it!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying!¡± The technician¡¯s voice cracked with panic. ¡°The attack is bouncing through servers in Tokyo, London, New York, Sydney¡­ It¡¯s like they¡¯re everywhere at once.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± the chief muttered, but fear had already crept into his voice.


    86


    JOKER stood in his private office, watching the security feeds with narrowed eyes. The chaos unfolding across thepound would have rmed most, but his expression remained calcting.


    ¡°It¡¯s her, isn¡¯t it?¡± his lieutenant asked quietly.


    JOKER nodded slowly. ¡°The signature is unmistakable. No one else could navigate our systems with such¡­ intimacy.¡± He traced a finger along the edge of his desk. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect her to strike back so soon, or so directly.¡±


    ¡°But who is she?¡± The lieutenant¡¯s frustration was evident. ¡°How does she have Shadow¡¯s skills? Her methods are identical¨Cthe same precision, the same patterns.¡±


    ¡°That,¡± JOKER said, his voice hardening, ¡°is what we need to find out. She¡¯s dered war now. No more games.¡±


    The doorbell chimed, pulling Jade away from herptop where she¡¯d been monitoring the digital chaos she¡¯d unleashed. Through the security camera feed, she spotted Walter Morrison standing on her porch with his assistant.


    Jade closed theptop, hiding her smile. Her little gift to Shadow Organization would keep them scrambling for days. Setting theputer aside, she headed downstairs to answer the door.


    ¡°Dr. Morrison,¡± Jade greeted him, genuinely surprised by his visit. ¡°This is unexpected.¡±


    Walter Morrison offered a polite smile, his assistant hovering nervously behind him. ¡°Miss Morgan. I apologize for the intrusion, but I¡¯vee with a¡­ professional request.¡±


    Jade stepped aside to let them in. ¡°Professional? I wasn¡¯t aware we had any professional connections.¡±


    86


    8:01 Fri, Sep 26 <b>T </b>


    ¡­


    :


    ¡°We don¡¯t¨Cyet,¡± Walter said, entering her living room. ¡°I¡¯ve brought a patient with me. His condition is beyond my expertise, and I thought you might be able to help.¡±


    Jade raised an eyebrow. ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°The patient is still outside,¡± Walter continued. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if you¡¯d be avable for a consultation. If it¡¯s inconvenient, we can leave.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about this patient first,¡± Jade said, curious despite herself.


    Walter cleared his throat. ¡°Former special forces. One of the best snipers in his unit. Right arm suffered severe damage resulting in permanent tendon and nerve injury. It ended his military career.¡±


    Jade tilted her head, the pieces falling into ce. ¡°Let me guess¨Cthis patient¡¯s name wouldn¡¯t happen to be Ford, would it?¡± After all, she¡¯d just seen him at the police station yesterday.


    Walter¡¯s eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise. ¡°You already know him?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve met,¡± Jade said dryly. ¡°Recently, in fact.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ unexpected,¡± Walter admitted.


    ¡°Where is he now?¡± Jade replied.


    ¡°Waiting in the car with Colonel Edwards.¡± Walter nced toward the door. ¡°Should I invite them in?¡±


    Jade nodded. ¡°By all means<b>.</b>¡±


    Outside in a ck SUV, Sergeant Ford shifted ufortably in the passenger seat. Colonel Edwards watched him


    with thinly veiled concern.


    ¡°Rx,¡± Edwards said, his deep voice filling the car¡¯s interior. ¡°If Morrison vouches for this doctor, they¡¯re worth


    seeing.¡±


    Ford grimaced. ¡°It¡¯s not the doctor I¡¯m worried about. It¡¯s getting my hopes up again.¡±


    The driver¡¯s door opened, and Walter Morrison leaned in. ¡°She¡¯ll see you now.¡±


    ¡°She?¡± Edwards asked, surprise evident in his tone.


    Ford looked equally confused. ¡°You said this doctor knows me?¡±


    Walter nodded. ¡°Apparently you¡¯ve already met.¡±


    Ford¡¯s brow furrowed deeper. ¡°I don¡¯t recall meeting any miracle¨Cworking doctorstely.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Walter said with a mysterious smile, ¡°perhaps there¡¯s more to her than you realized.¡±


    Jade stood by her front door, watching as three figures approached through the evening shadows. Walter Morrison led the way, followed Colonel Edwards, and behind him, Sergeant Ford.


    Jade opened the door just as they reached the steps. The shock on Ford¡¯s face was almostical as recognition dawned. His eyes widened, jaw ckening slightly before he recovered hisposure.


    Colonel Edwards looked equally stunned. ¡°You¡¯re Ethan Haxton¡¯s¡­¡± he began, then stopped abruptly, seemingly


    unsure how to finish that sentence.


    The tension was palpable as Sergeant Ford hesitated at the threshold, clearly remembering theirst encounter at the police station. His eyes held a mixture of embarrassment and disbelief, while Colonel Edwards seemed to be rapidly reassessing everything he thought he knew about Jade.


    Jade met their surprised stares with a cool smile, stepping aside to invite them in. ¡°Gentlemen. Pleasee in.¡±


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 Treatment 224

    <b>Chapter </b><b>224 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    I gestured toward the living room as Walter Morrison<b>, </b>Sergeant Ford, and Colonel Edwards entered my house. The two military men scanned the room with practiced vignce, their postures rigid despite the casual setting.


    ¡°Need anything to drink?¡± I asked, more out of social obligation than actual hospitality.


    Colonel Edwards smiled politely. ¡°No need to trouble yourself, Miss Morgan.¡±


    I took his words at face value, dropping into an armchair without bothering to fetch any refreshments.


    ¡°I just knew it,¡± Colonel Edwards said, looking around the living room with newfound appreciation. ¡°Anyone who¡¯s close to Mr. Haxton couldn¡¯t be an ordinary person. I never expected Miss Morgan¡¯s family to have such


    achievements in medicine.¡±


    He paused, his eyes drifting toward the staircase. ¡°Though I must say, it¡¯s strange I¡¯ve never heard of them before. Could you ask your family toe down and take a look at Sergeant Ford¡¯s condition?¡±


    Walter Morrison cleared his throat, about to speak, but I cut in first.


    ¡°Which unit were you with, Sergeant Ford?¡± I asked, studying the way he held his right shoulder slightly higher than his left¨Ca ssicpensation for chronic pain.


    Sergeant Ford¡¯s eyes narrowed, clearly not expecting the question. He remained silent, his jaw tightening.


    ¡°Delta Force,¡± Colonel Edwards answered for him, his tone carrying a hint of pride.


    I nodded slightly. ¡°Impressive.¡±


    America¡¯s most elite fighting force¨Ceven regr special forces couldn¡¯tpare. No wonder Zach had mentioned he couldn¡¯t have beaten Ford if not for the old injury.


    ¡®Let me see your X¨Crays,¡± I said, holding out my hand.


    Walter Morrison quickly handed me a folder containing several films and medical reports. I examined them carefully, noting the extensive damage to the nerve pathways and deteriorated muscle tissue around the shoulder joint.


    ¡°Can you treat this?¡± Walter Morrison asked, watching my reaction closely.


    <b>I </b>continued studying the images. ¡°The damage is extensive. How long ago was the initial injury?¡±


    Colonel Edwards shifted impatiently. ¡°As I was saying, we¡¯d like to meet with the medical expert in your family. Dr. Morrison speaks very highly of them.¡±


    <b>8:01 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b>T


    :


    Walter Morrison exchanged a meaningful nce with me before clearing his throat. ¡°Colonel Edwards, there seems to be a misunderstanding. Miss Morgan is the medical expert I mentioned.¡±


    A heavy silence fell over the room. Colonel Edwards blinked twice, hisposure momentarily shaken. Sergeant Ford¡¯s expression shifted from skepticism to confusion.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Colonel Edwards finally managed. ¡°She¡¯s barely out of high school.¡±


    ¡°Nevertheless<b>,</b>¡± Walter Morrison continued firmly, ¡°she possesses medical knowledge that surpasses my own<b>.</b>¡±


    Colonel Edwards¡¯s face hardened with disbelief. ¡°Dr. Morrison, with all due respect-¡±


    ¡°You can verify with Philip Thornton at Princeton,¡± Walter Morrison interrupted. ¡°Or with Ethan Haxton. They¡¯ll confirm what I¡¯m telling you. Miss Morgan is, quite simply, a prodigy.¡±


    86


    I suppressed a smile at Walter¡¯s enthusiastic endorsement. Both military men were still processing this revtion, their faces a study in controlled shock.


    Colonel Edwds studied me with new intensity, as if trying to see through my exterior to whatever extraordinary brain beneath. Sergeant Ford¡¯s expression had transformed from skepticism to cautious hope, his eyes now


    y hands as if they might hold magical properties.


    you <b>doubt </b>my credentials,¡± I said calmly, ¡°you¡¯re wee to leave. But I can tell you right now that I can restore <b>about </b>eighty to ny percent function to Sergeant Ford¡¯s arm. Enough for him to return to active duty.¡±


    Sergeant Ford¡¯s head snapped up, hope shing across his face before he quickly suppressed it. ¡°Is that possible?¡± he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    I nodded. ¡°The procedure isn¡¯t standard, and the fee would normally be¡­ substantial.¡±


    ¡°Money isn¡¯t an issue,¡± Colonel Edwards stated, regaining hisposure.


    ¡®I don¡¯t want your money,¡± I replied, leaning back in my chair. ¡°I want something more valuable¨Cyour friendship, or at least your goodwill. You both hold positions of significant influence. Your favor is worth more than cash.¡±


    I gestured toward Sergeant Ford. ¡°That¡¯s why I asked about your military background. I wanted to know if you were worth helping.¡±


    Colonel Edwards¡¯s eyebrows rose fractionally. ¡°You don¡¯t do charity work?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t make bad investments,¡± I corrected. ¡°Treating an arm in exchange for two valuable connections? That¡¯s good business.¡±


    A slow smile spread across Colonel Edwards¡¯s face.


    ¡°Do we have a deal<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>I asked.


    86


    Colonel Edwards studied me with newfound respect. ¡°We do indeed, Miss Morgan.¡±


    I stood and motioned for Sergeant Ford to follow me to the kitchen. ¡°Remove your shirt and sit at the table. Dr. Morrison, your assistance, please.¡±


    While Walter Morrison prepared the area, I retrieved a specialized neural regeneration serum from a locked case in my study, along with micro¨Celectrical stimtion equipment. Walter and his assistant watched intently as I worked, clearly trying to memorize each step.


    ¡°This form targets damaged nerve fibers and promotes regeneration,¡± I exined as I prepared the first injection. ¡°Combined with targeted electrical stimtion, it can restore pathways that conventional medicine considers permanently damaged.¡±


    Sergeant Ford gritted his teeth as I inserted the first needle directly into the damaged nerve cluster. Sweat beaded on his forehead, but he remained silent throughout the procedure. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the edge of the table, but not once did he flinch or ask me to stop.


    ¡°Your pain tolerance is impressive,¡± Imented, adjusting the electrical current. ¡°Most patients scream at this point.¡±


    ¡°Delta <b>Force </b>training,¡± he managed through clenched teeth. ¡°Pain is just weakness leaving the body.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Poetic


    ed dryly, inserting another needle.


    <b>inutes </bter, I removed thest needle and applied a cooling gel to the inmed area. The skin was red and <b>looking</b>, but the underlying tissue had already begun responding to the treatment.


    <b>Try </b><b>rotating </b>your shoulder,¡± I instructed.


    Sergeant Ford cautiously moved his arm, his eyes widening as the joint moved with significantly less resistance than before. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ better,¡± he said, surprise evident in his voice.


    ¡°This is <b>just </b>the first treatment,¡± I exined, writing out instructions on a prescription pad. ¡°You¡¯ll need three more sessions over the next month, and you¡¯ll need to take these specific medications daily.¡±


    I handed him the prescription and a business card with my number. ¡°Call to schedule your next appointment. And start these exercises tomorrow¨Cnot today.¡±


    As Sergeant Ford carefully put his shirt back on<b>, </b>Colonel Edwards approached me. ¡°Miss Morgan, may I ask you something personal?<b>¡± </b>


    I raised an eyebrow, waiting.


    ¡°Your rtionship with Ethan Haxton¡­ it¡¯s been what, six months now? Shouldn¡¯t there be some resolution? If you two are genuinely interested in each other, you have my blessing. But if not¡­¡±


    His implication hung in the air between us.


    <b>8:01 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep 26 </b>


    ¡°My son, Tristan Edwards<b>, </b><b>is </b>about your age. Perhaps I could introduce you-¡±


    ¡°Not interested,¡± I cut him off tly. ¡°No time for dating.¡±


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    (06),

 Treatment 225

    <b>Chapter </b><b>225 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Colonel Edwards walked down the driveway <b>of </b>Jade¡¯s house<b>, </b>shaking his head in amazement. The evening air <b>was </b>cool against his <b>face </b>as he turned to Sergeant Ford and Walter Morrison. Streetmps cast long shadows <b>across </b>the suburban sidewalk as they headed toward their parked vehicles.


    ¡°That youngdy,¡± he said, his voice filled with wonder, ¡°is absolutely incredible.¡±


    Ford adjusted his arm, still feeling the residual effects of Jade¡¯s treatment. The pain that had been his constantpanion for years had diminished significantly, reced by an unfamiliar sensation of mobility he hadn¡¯t experienced since before his injury.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like it,¡± Morrison agreed, falling into step beside them. ¡°And I¡¯ve been in medicine for over forty years. The neural regeneration technique she used¡­ it¡¯s decades ahead of current medical science.¡±


    Colonel Edwards gestured expansively. ¡°She¡¯s what¨Ceighteen, neen at most? Yet her shooting skills, physical conditioning, and reaction time surpass even our Delta Force operatives.¡± He shook his head in disbelief. ¡°And now we discover she¡¯s an expert in pharmacology and neural regeneration. Thebination is unprecedented.¡±


    He chuckled, a rare sound from the usually stoic military man. ¡°My luck must be exceptional. Talents like hers appear once in a century, yet I¡¯ve encountered two such prodigies in my lifetime.¡±


    ¡°Who was the other one?¡± Morrison inquired.


    Edwards smiled cryptically. ¡°A cryptography genius who went off the grid years ago.¡±


    Sergeant Ford frowned, rotating his shoulder experimentally. A movement that would have sent shooting pain down his arm just hours ago now felt merely stiff. ¡°About the treatment fee, sir<b>¡­ </b>I¡¯m still uneasy about epting her services without properpensation.¡±


    ¡°She named her price,¡± Edwards replied firmly. ¡°Our friendship. In this world, connections are often more valuable than money, especially for someone in her position.¡±


    Ford hesitated, then cleared his throat. ¡°There¡¯s something else, sir. About Miss Morgan¡­¡±


    Edwards raised an eyebrow. <i>¡°</i>Go on.¡±


    ¡°There is a man, named Zach. He referred to her as ¡®Boss.¡® And there¡¯s something about him¡­ a particr intensity. The kind you see in men who¡¯ve killed before. There¡¯s a lethal quality to his movements.¡±


    ¡°Your point, Sergeant<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m wondering about Miss Morgan¡¯s true identity and connections. Who exactly are we getting involved with? She seems too young tomand that kind of respect from dangerous men.¡±


    Edwards smiled dismissively. ¡°Anyone with her capabilities would naturallymand respect. There¡¯s nothing


    unusual about that.¡±


    ¡°But sir-¡±


    ¡°Perhaps Mr. Haxton arranged security for her,¡± Edwards suggested. ¡°A woman of her value would need protection.¡±


    Walter Morrison adjusted his sses, his expression thoughtful. ¡°In all my observations, Sergeant<b>, </b>I¡¯ve only seen others seeking Miss Morgan¡¯s assistance. I¡¯ve never once witnessed her asking anyone for help.¡± He nced back at the house. ¡°You and Colonel Edwards have excellent timing.¡±


    ¡°I adore that girl,¡± Colonel Edwards dered with surprising enthusiasm. ¡°When I return home, I must tell my son about her. He¡¯s about her age¨Cbrilliant boy, graduated from West Pointst year.¡±


    ¡°I doubt she¡¯s looking for romantic entanglements,¡± Morrison remarked dryly. ¡°She seems rather¡­ focused.¡±


    ¡°Everyone needs connections,¡± Edwards replied confidently. ¡°Even extraordinary people like Miss Morgan.¡±


    In her bathroom, Jade wrapped a towel around her wet hair, steam billowing around her from the hot shower.


    Padding barefoot to her bedroom, droplets of water marking her path across the hardwood floor, she checked her encryptedptop for messages. A notification from a dark web hacking forum caught her attention¨Ca new member


    announcement.


    Jade¡¯s eyes narrowed as she read the details. Someone had sessfully broken Vex¡¯s encryption challenge, iming the second position on the exclusive ranking board. Vex, previously ranked second, had been pushed to third ce.


    She quickly navigated to the ranking page. X¡ªher own alias¨Cremained firmly in first ce, as it had for years. The gap between first and second was almostughable¨Ca chasm of skill that no one hade close to bridging.


    The new name in second ce made her smile. ¡°Y,¡± she murmured, scrolling through the sparse profile information.


    A private chat window opened automatically as elite members logged into the system. The exclusive group had expanded from ten to eleven participants with the addition of Y.


    Vex: Who <i>the </i>fuck is <i>Y </i><i>and </i><i>how </i>did <i>they </i>break my <i>encryption</i>?


    <b>R4dical</b>: <i>Fresh </i>meat climbs <i>the </idder<i>. </i>Wee to number two, Y.


    <b>Phantom</b><b>: </b><b>Y</b><b>, </b>care to share your methodology? That encryption was supposed to be unbreakable<i>. </i>


    <b>Null</b><b>: </b><i>Took </i>me <i>three </i>weeks just to understand <i>Vex¡¯s </i>challenge structure.


    <b>Hex</b><b>: </b><i>Impressive </i>entrance. <i>Show </i>us your tricks, <i>newble</i><i>. </i>


    <b>8:01 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T </b>


    :


    The new member remained silent, prompting irritation from several hackers.


    <b>Vex</b><b>: </b><b><i>Too </i></b><i>good </i>to <i>talk </i>to us? <i>Typical </i><i>newbie</i>. Doesn¡¯t know <i>the </i>rules.


    <b>R4dical</b><b>: </b><i>Someone¡¯s </i><i>bitter </i>about <i>losing </i><i>their </i>spot


    <b>Phantom</b>: <i>Second </i><i>ce </i><i>is </i>still <i>impressive</i><i>, </i><i>Vex</i>.


    <b>Vex</b><b>: </b><i>Fuck </i><i>off</i><i>. </i><i>Y </i><i>probably </i>got <i>lucky </i>or <i>cheated </i><i>somehow</i>.


    Q<b>: </b>Wee to <i>the </i><i>group</i><i>, </i>@Y<i>! </i>Excited <i>to </i><i>have </i><i>new </i><i>talent</i><i>. </i>


    Across town, Connor sat in his apartment, eagerly watching the chat unfold on his screen. Thements came quickly after his wee message.


    <b>R4dical</b>: <i>Kissing </i>ass <i>won¡¯t </i><i>keep </i><i>you </i>from <i>falling </i><i>out </i>of <i>the </i><i>top </i><i>ten</i>, Q.


    Compor scowled at his screen. ¡°What¡¯s it to you if I wee him?¡± he muttered, typing a quick response.


    <i>being </i><i>friendly</i><i>. </i><i>Something </i>you <i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>understand</i>.


    86


    He leaned back in his chair, wondering if Y could possibly be Mr. Haxton. The timing would be perfect¡ªright after their conversation about rankings.


    <b>Vex</b><b>: </b><i>Hey </i><i>Y</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you¡¯re </i>so <i>good</i><i>, </i><i>why </i>not <i>challenge </i><i>X</i>? Or <i>are </i><i>you </i>scared<i>? </i>


    The chat fell silent for a moment. Then, to everyone¡¯s surprise, Y responded.


    <b>Y</b><b>: </b><i>I¡¯m </i><i>quite </i><i>satisfied </i><i>with </i><i>second </i><i>ce</i><b>. </b><b><i>X </i></b>deserves <i>their </i><i>ranking</i><i>. </i>


    <b>R4dical</b><b>: </b><i>Another </i><i>X </i><i>fanboy</i><b>. </b><i>To </i>


    <b>Phantom</b><b>: </b>X <b><i>hasn¡¯t </i></b>


    Connor¡¯s


    noy


    xton.


    <i>eads </i><i>these </i><i>messages </i>or <i>participates </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>chat</i>.


    <i>Probably </i><i>retired </i><i>or </i><i>working </i><i>for </i>some government now.


    he whispered. The timing was too perfect¨Cit had to be his boss. He was certain


    xploded.


    <b>antom</b><b>: </b><i>X </i><b><i>IS </i></b><i>HERE</i><i>! </i>


    o shock when a new message appeared.


    <b>8:01 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T </b>


    <b>R4dical</b><b>: </b><i>No </i><i>fucking </i><i>way</i><i>! </i>


    <b>Vex</b><b>: </b><i>X</i><i>! </i>An honor <i>to </i><i>have </i><i>you </i>in <i>the </i><i>chat</i>.


    :


    <b>Null</b><b>: </b><i>OMG </i>IT¡¯S <i>ACTUALLY </i><i>X</i><i>! </i>I <i>never </i><i>thought </i><i>I¡¯d </i>see <i>this </i><i>day</i><i>! </i>


    <b>Hex</b><b>: </b><i>The </i><i>legend </i><i>appears</i><i>! What </i><i>brought </i><i>you back</i><i>? </i>


    66)


    Connor nearly fell out of his chair. The legendary X¨Chis idol¨Cwas actually participating in the chat. Then the realization hit him. That was Miss Morgan. That was Jade. He sat there, stunned by the connection between the legendary hacker he¡¯d worshipped and the young woman he¡¯d been spending time with. The cognitive dissonance was jarring¨CX and Jade, the same person. For a moment, he felt conflicted, but excitement quickly washed away his


    confusion.


    ¡°She¡¯s actually here,¡± he whispered, watching the chat continue to explode with messages as the entire forum lit up with activity.


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 Treatment 226

    <b>Chapter </b><b>226 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    :


    06


    The familiar blue light of myptop illuminated my face as <b>I </b>scrolled through the dark web forum. <b>I </b>smirked at the frantic messages from users begging for my attention¨Cpeople who¡¯d spent years trying to track my digital footprint were now falling over themselves just to get a response.


    A new post in the forum caught my eye. It was from Y¨CEthan¡¯s alias.


    <b>Y</b><b>: </b><i>I </i><i>know </i>it¡¯s <i>presumptuous</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>admired your </i><i>work </i><i>for </i><i>years</i><i>, </i><i>X. </i><i>Any </i><i>chance </i><i>you¡¯d </i>consider <i>taking </i>me under <b>your </b><i>wing</i>? <i>I¡¯d </i><i>be </i><i>honored </i><i>to </i><i>learn </i>from <i>the </i><i>best</i><i>. </i>


    Before I could respond, the forum exploded with reactions.


    <b>Syn</b><b>: </b>Look <i>at </i><i>this </i><i>newbie </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i>cozy <i>up </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>legend</i><i>. </i><i>Pathetic</i>.


    <b>Null</b><b>: </b><i>Y </i><i>thinks </i><i>he </i><i>can </i><i>just </i><i>waltz </i><i>in </i><i>and be </i>X¡¯s <i>apprentice</i>? <i>Get </i><i>in </i><i>line</i><i>, </i><i>buddy</i>.


    <b>Krypt</b><b>: </b><i>Fresh </i><i>meat </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>skip </i><i>the </i><i>hierarchy</i>. That¡¯s <i>not </i><i>how </i><i>this </i><i>works</i>.


    I watched the messages flood in, amused by their territorial behavior. The elite hackermunity had always been fiercelypetitive.


    With deliberate slowness, I typed a simple response:


    <b>X</b><b>: </b><i>Wing </i><i>extended</i>.


    The chat went dead silent for three seconds¨Can eternity in digital conversation¨Cbefore erupting into chaos.


    <b>Null</b>: WHAT THE ACTUAL <i>FUCK</i>?


    <b>Krypt</b><b>: </b>Did <i>X </i><b><i>just</i></b><i>¡­ </i><b>ept </b>a <i>newbie</i><b><i>? </i></b>


    <b>Syn</b><b>: </b>This has to be a <i>joke</i>.


    Rkt: Is this really <i>happening</i>?


    <b>Flux</b><b>: </b><i>This </i>seems suspicious. X hasn¡¯t been active for <i>years</i><i>, </i>then suddenly appears to wee Y, and now <i>is </i><i>offering </i><i>mentorship</i><i>? </i><i>They </i>must <i>know </i><i>each </i>other <i>IRL</i><i>. </i>


    <b>Vex</b><b>: </b><i>X</i>, <i>if </i>you¡¯re taking students, I¡¯ve been here for <i>FIVE </i><i>YEARS</i>. What about me?


    <b>Phantom</b><b>: </b><b><i>X</i></b><i>, </i>I¡¯ve contributed to three major security <i>protocols</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m <i>clearly </i>more <i>qualified </i>than Y.


    <b>8:01 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T </b>


    ¡­


    <b>Hex</b><b>: </b><i>This </i>is <i>bullshit</i><i>. </i><i>Y </i>hasn¡¯t <i>proven </i><i>anything </i>except <i>solving </i>one challenge.


    I leaned back in my chair, enjoying the chaos I¡¯d created.


    My phone vibrated with a text from Ethan:


    <i>Good </i>night, master.


    86


    I rolled my eyes at his yfulness but couldn¡¯t help the small smile that formed. I turned off my phone and headed to bed.


    The doorbell rang at exactly 2 PM this day. I¡¯d been expecting Walter Morrison to return with Sergeant Ford for his follow¨Cup treatment, but I wasn¡¯t prepared for the additional guests.


    Through the security camera, I spotted Walter¡¯s silver hair, Sergeant Ford¡¯s military posture, Colonel Edwards and an unfamiliar face¨Ca young man who shared his features.


    I opened the door, expressionless.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± Walter greeted me warmly. ¡°I hope we¡¯re not imposing. Colonel Edwards was most impressed with your treatment of Sergeant Ford and insisted on apanying us today. And he¡¯s brought his son, Tristan.¡±


    Colonel Edwards stepped forward, his posture impable. ¡°Miss Morgan, a pleasure to see you again. Allow me to introduce my son, Tristan Edwards. He graduated from West Pointst year, top of his ss.¡±


    The younger man<b>, </b>tall and athletic with his father¡¯s strong jawline, extended his hand. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you, Miss Morgan. My father hasn¡¯t stopped talking about you these days.¡±


    <b>I </b>gave his hand a cursory nce but didn¡¯t take it. Instead, I nodded slightly and stepped aside. ¡°Come in.¡±


    If Tristan was offended by my cold reception, he didn¡¯t show it. The group followed me into the living room, where I had already prepared the equipment for Ford¡¯s treatment.


    ¡®Please sit<b>, </b>Sergeant,¡± I instructed<b>, </b>gesturing to the medical chair I¡¯d set up. ¡°We¡¯ll need to continue with the neural regeneration today.¡±


    As I prepared the treatment, Colonel Edwards cleared his throat. ¡°My son has been stationed at Fort Bragg, Miss Morgan. He¡¯s an excellent marksman¨Calmost qualified for the Olympic team.¡±


    I didn¡¯t look up from my work. ¡°Fascinating.¡±


    ¡°When I told him about your extraordinary shooting skills, he was quite impressed,¡± Edwards continued, undeterred by myck of interest. ¡°I thought you young people might have a lot inmon.¡±


    <b>8:01 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b>T


    ¡­


    ?


    <b>86 </b>


    <b>Tristan </b>shifted ufortably. ¡°Dad, please.¡±


    ¡°I was hoping we could all have dinner together tonight,¡± Colonel Edwards pressed on. ¡°The Princeton Club has an excellent chef who-¡±


    ¡°I have ns,¡± I interrupted<b>, </b>finally looking up. ¡°Someone¡¯s bringing me dinner.¡±


    Colonel Edwards looked disappointed but quickly recovered. ¡°Another time, perhaps.¡±


    <b>As </b>I began Ford¡¯s treatment, focusing intently on the micro¨Celectrical stimtion, Colonel Edwards continued his attempt at conversation.


    ¡°Miss Morgan, I¡¯ve been meaning to ask¨Cwhere did you learn to shoot with such precision? Your technique is


    remarkable.¡±


    I met his gaze, my expression neutral. ¡°Carnival shooting gallery. Won a lot of stuffed animals.¡±


    Sergeant Ford couldn¡¯t suppress a smile despite the difort of his treatment.


    Colonel Edwards chuckled. ¡°Come now, that kind of skill doesn¡¯te from shooting at balloons.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d be surprised,¡± I replied tly.


    ¡°Perhaps you and Tristan could practice together sometime? The military base has excellent facilities.¡± Colonel Edwards continued, undaunted.


    Tristan winced. ¡°Dad, she¡¯s clearly busy.¡± He nodded toward my hands, which were steady as I administered Ford¡¯s


    treatment.


    Colonel Edwards finally took the hint and fell silent, though the look in his eyes told me he hadn¡¯t given up on his matchmaking scheme.


    The doorbell rang again, breaking the awkward silence.


    ¡°Could someone get that?¡± I asked, not looking up from Ford¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡®I¡¯ll go, Tristan offered, seemingly grateful for the escape.


    A momentter, I heard voices in the hallway, followed by Tristan¡¯s surprised exmation. ¡°Mr. Haxton?¡±


    Perfect timing.


    Footsteps approached, and Ethan walked into the living room, Connor trailing behind him. Both carried bags from Le Bernardin, one of the most exclusive restaurants in Princeton.


    ¡°We brought dinner,¡± Ethan announced, his eyes taking in the scene¨Cme working on Sergeant Ford¡¯s shoulder,


    8:01 Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>26 <b>T </b>


    :


    Walter Morrison observing closely, and Colonel Edwards sitting stiffly on the sofa.


    86


    Tristan returned to the room<b>, </b>his expression a mixture of confusion and realization as he looked between Ethan and me. The <b>pieces </b>were clearly falling into ce in his mind.


    ¡°Mr. <b>Haxton</b><b>?</b>¡± Colonel Edwards said<b>, </b>his voice strained. In his head, I could almost hear him thinking: Shit.


    I looked up briefly, acknowledging Ethan with a simple, ¡°You¡¯re here<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I am,¡± Ethan replied with equal brevity.


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 Treatment 227

    <b>Chapter </b><b>227 </b>


    ¡­


    A 86


    Ethan stepped into my living room with the confidence of someone who belonged there. Connor trailed behind him, carrying bags of what smelled like expensive Italian cuisine. Walter Morrison barely had time to acknowledge Ethan with a quick nod before returning his attention to my treatment of Sergeant Ford.


    Colonel Edwards, however, immediately rose to his feet. ¡°Mr. Haxton,¡± he said<b>, </b>his tone carrying a hint of surprise beneath the professional courtesy. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡±


    ¡°Indeed it has, Colonel.¡± Ethan ced the thermal container he was carrying on my coffee table and made himselffortable on my sofa, as if he¡¯d been there a hundred times before. ¡°I believe thest time was back in September.¡±


    I caught Colonel Edwards¡® expression shifting slightly as he observed Ethan¡¯s ease in my home. The pieces were visiblying together in his mind¨Chis matchmaking ns for his son were encountering an unexpected obstacle in the form of one of the most powerful men on the East Coast.


    ¡°Are you feeling unwell, Colonel?¡± Ethan asked, his voice carrying just the right amount of concern. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you at a medical appointment.¡±


    Colonel Edwards cleared his throat. ¡°I¡¯m just apanying Sergeant Ford for his treatment. Dr. Morrison speaks very highly of Miss Morgan¡¯s abilities.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s gaze shifted to Tristan, who had just returned from the hallway. ¡°All of you came to apany Sergeant


    Ford?¡±


    Sergeant Ford shifted ufortably. ¡°I mentioned to Colonel Edwards how skilled Miss Morgan was, and he thought it might be good for his son to meet her. Make a few friends at Princeton before graduation.¡±


    ¡°And how¡¯s that working out for you?¡± Ethan asked, his tone light but his eyes sharp. The question hung in the air, loaded with the confidence of someone who already knew the answer.


    Tristan remained silent, his jaw tightening slightly. He clearly understood that whatever n his father had concocted was doomed from the start.


    Connor<b>, </b>ever efficient, had already set up the food on my dining table. The aroma of authentic Italian cuisine filled the apartment.


    ¡°How is Sergeant Ford¡¯s treatment progressing?¡± Ethan asked, turning his attention to me.


    ¡°It¡¯s going well,¡± I replied, focusing on the micro¨Celectrical stimtion I was applying to Ford¡¯s shoulder. ¡°The neural pathways are responding to treatment.¡±


    ¡°You were out of town the past couple of days?¡± I asked, not looking up from my work.


    ¡°Italy,¡± Ethan confirmed. ¡°I was finalizing some details for your birthday gift.¡±


    <b>8:02 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T </b>


    I raised an eyebrow slightly, ncing at him. ¡°My birthday<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Sometime in March, isn¡¯t it?¡± Ethan smiled.


    A


    86


    ¡°Not necessarily,¡± I replied. March 8th was <b>the </b>day Frank had found me<b>, </b>but my actual birthday <b>as </b>Shadow was unknown. Not that <b>I¡¯d </b>ever celebrated it or cared to find out the date.


    ¡°What gift?¡± I couldn¡¯t help asking.


    <b>¡°</b>A vineyard in Tuscany,¡± Ethan said casually, as if purchasing Italian real estate was as simple as buying coffee. ¡°The climate is perfect for Sangiovese grapes.¡±


    ¡°Another vineyard,¡± I muttered under my breath.


    Colonel Edwards watched our exchange with thinly veiled interest, his expression gradually shifting from hopeful to resigned. Tristan<b>, </b>meanwhile, seemed to be studying how I managed to carry on a conversation while performing the delicate procedure on Ford¡¯s shoulder.


    Ipleted the treatment fifteen minutester, carefully removing the electrodes and applying a specialized healingpound to Ford¡¯s skin.


    ¡°The pain is significantly reduced,¡± Ford said, rotating his shoulder with genuine amazement. ¡°I can¡¯t thank you enough, Miss Morgan.¡±


    ¡°Same time next week,¡± I said, gathering my equipment. ¡°The improvement should continue, but we¡¯ll need at least two more sessions.¡±


    Colonel Edwards rose from his seat, nodding to his son. ¡°We should be going. Thank you for your time, Miss Morgan.¡± He turned to Ethan with a stiff smile. ¡°Mr. Haxton, always a pleasure.¡±


    ¡®Connor will see you out,¡± Ethan said, not bothering to get up. His dismissal was subtle but clear¨Ca small assertion of territory that wasn¡¯t lost on the Colonel.


    Connor immediately moved toward the door, gesturing politely for the visitors to follow him. As they walked out, I heard Colonel Edwards mutter to his son, ¡°That¡¯s Ethan Haxton. The Haxton family practically owns the New York.¡±


    ¡®I know who he is, Dad,¡± Tristan replied, his voice low. ¡°And I know better than to trypeting with him for anything¨Cor anyone.¡±


    Once they were gone, Ethan moved to the dining table and began unpacking the food containers. The rich aroma of truffle and freshly made pasta filled the room.


    ¡°I brought osso buco and risotto from Tuscany¡¯s best chef,¡± he said,dling a generous portion <b>of </b>soup into a bowl for me. ¡°<b>He </b>insisted on preparing it himself when he heard it was for someone special.¡±


    I sat down across from him, watching as he meticulously arranged the food. He ced the bowl in front of me, then selected the best pieces of meat from the main dish and transferred them to my te.


    <b>8:02 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b>T


    ¡°How¡¯s the vor?¡± he asked after I¡¯d taken a few bites. ¡°Too bold? Not enough seasoning?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good,¡± I admitted. The food was exceptional¨Crich,plex vors that spoke of generations of culinary


    tradition.


    86


    ¡°I was thinking,¡± Ethan continued<b>, </b><b>his </b>tone casual but his eyes attentive to my reaction, ¡°we could visit the vineyard together. The estate has a vi overlooking the entire valley. The sunset view is supposedly breathtaking.¡±


    I took another bite, considering his offer. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    ¡°Is that a polite ¡®no¡®?¡± he asked, his voice light but with an undercurrent of disappointment.


    ¡°It¡¯s a ¡®we¡¯ll see,¡± I replied. ¡°I already have several vineyards.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s fork paused halfway to his mouth. ¡°You do?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Night has gifted me vineyards in France, Italy, Spain, and Argentina,¡± I exined. ¡°Chris Jensen gave me two winepanies as well.¡±


    ¡°I should have known,¡± Ethan said, his enthusiasm visibly deting. ¡°Of course they¡¯d have already thought of that.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need material things,¡± I said, watching his expression. ¡°But I appreciate the thought.¡±


    Ethan nodded slowly. ¡°I understand that. Still<b>, </b>I¡¯m disappointed I couldn¡¯t give you something you¡¯d genuinely enjoy for your first birthday with me.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I didn¡¯t like it,¡± I pointed out.


    Ethan looked up, his eyes meeting mine with renewed interest.


    I reached over and ced a piece of bread on his te. ¡°Eat,¡± I said, my tone deliberately t to mask the unusual gesture of consideration.


    His mood instantly brightened, a subtle smile ying at the corners of his mouth. He took a bite, watching me with obvious pleasure.


    ¡®Did you ask me toe over because you knew Tristan Edwards would be here?¡± he asked after a moment. ¡°Was I your shield against unwanted advances?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer directly, taking another spoonful of the excellent risotto instead.


    Ethan¡¯s smile widened slightly. ¡°I don¡¯t mind, you know. I¡¯m happy to be of service, whatever the reason.¡± He paused, his voice softening. ¡°I¡¯m just d you called me.¡±

 Treatment 228

    Chapter <b>228 </b>


    ? (86


    The traffic light turned red, and I eased my car to a stop. Across the intersection, a figure caught my eye¨Ca young man in a ck tactical jacket. Something about his gait, the precise economy of movement, triggered a memory I


    couldn¡¯t quite ce.


    He was thin, almost gaunt, with pale skin that seemed to absorb the streetlight rather than reflect it. When he turned slightly, I caught a glimpse of his profile¨Csharp cheekbones, hollow eyes, a face that radiated a cold, isted


    intensity.


    I knew that face.


    The light turned green, but I didn¡¯t move. Cars behind me honked impatiently. I pulled over sharply and jumped out, darting between cars toward the opposite sidewalk. By the time I reached the spot, the man had disappeared down an alley, I sprinted after him, mybat instincts taking over as I moved silently despite my speed. When the alley opened into a small courtyard, it was empty.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I whispered, scanning the shadows. Nothing. The emptiness felt deliberate, taunting.


    My hand moved unconsciously to my left shoulder, fingers searching for a scar that no longer existed¨Cthe spot where I¡¯d taken a bullet in my previous life as Shadow.


    I shook my head, forcing myself back to the present.


    Back in my car, my phone rang. Ryan¡¯s name shed on the screen.


    ¡°Boss,¡± his voice was tense, controlled but urgent. ¡°Max is missing.¡±


    My blood turned to ice. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°He went to Barnes & Noble after school. Said he was going to pick up some books and maybe stop at the mall. He¡¯s not answering his phone, and I can¡¯t reach him on the emergency channel either.¡±


    I pulled into traffic, elerating faster than was legal. ¡°His watch?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the weird part. His phone stopped moving about thirty minutes ago. But his watch signal is moving fast, like he¡¯s in a vehicle heading east.¡±


    ¡°Or someone took his watch and is in a vehicle,¡± I said, my voice t with controlled rage.


    ¡°The signal just stopped at an abandoned warehouse in the northeast industrial zone,¡± Ryan reported, his voice tightening.


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way. Send me the coordinates<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>8:02 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b><b>T </b>


    ¡­


    :


    86


    The industrial zone was a wastnd of forgotten ambitions<b>¨C</b>crumbling brick buildings with broken windows<b>, </b>chain- link fences topped with rusted barbed wire. I parked two blocks away and approached on foot, staying in the


    shadows.


    Ryan emerged from behind a dumpster<b>, </b>his <b>face </b>grim.


    ¡®Found him,¡± he said without preamble. ¡°Max. He¡¯s unconscious but alive. Multiple contusions<b>, </b>some minor


    Relief flooded through me. ¡°Where?¡±


    Ryan nodded toward a drainage ditch. ¡°Over there. But Zach has his watch. He must have taken it off Max and gone in his ce<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°What?¡± The word came out sharper than I intended.


    ¡°I found signs of a struggle. Fingernail marks on Max¡¯s wrist where the watch was forcibly removed. Based on the blood patterns, I think Zach intercepted them when they were moving Max. He traded himself for the kid.¡±


    I checked Max¡¯s pulse¨Cstrong and regr. ¡°Take him back to Princeton. Have him checked for drugs. And Ryan,¡± I paused, meeting his eyes, ¡°don¡¯t let him out of your sight.¡±


    ¡°And you?¡± Ryan asked, though he already knew the answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m going after Zach.¡±


    Ryan¡¯s eyes moved to the warehouse, then back to me. ¡°Boss, they¡¯re expecting you. This is a trap.¡±


    ¡®I know.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t took the watch. They¡¯re using him as bait.¡±


    I nodded once. ¡°That¡¯s why I need to go now.¡±


    Ryan looked down at Max, then at the warehouse in the distance. ¡°I¡¯ll get him to safety. You¡­¡± He hesitated. ¡°You be careful in there.¡±


    Three hourster<b>, </b>my phone vibrated with a text from Ryan: ¡°Max awake. Asking for you.¡±


    <b>I </b>called immediately, and Ryan put Max on the line.


    <b>¡°</b>Jade?¡± His voice was weak, raspy with pain.


    8:02 Fri<b>, </b>Sep 26 <b>T </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m here. How are you feeling?¡±


    :


    ¡°Like I got hit by a truck.¡± He attempted augh that turned into a pained cough. ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Handling something. What happened, Max? Tell me everything.¡±


    <b>86 </b>


    ¡°I went to Barnes & Noble for that physics problem set I told you about.¡± His voice grew stronger as he spoke. ¡°Then I stopped at Nordstrom. Got you a ck wool coat and a new winter jacket for Dad. His old one is falling apart.¡±


    My chest tightened at his thoughtfulness, even as anger burned through me at whoever had hurt him.


    ¡°I was going to mail them tonight,¡± he continued. ¡°Had to use the restroom first. That¡¯s when they grabbed me. Three men. One covered my mouth while the other injected something into my neck. Next thing I knew, I was waking up in a van with my hands tied.¡±


    ¡°Was anyone else there?¡± I kept my voice level, controlled.


    ¡°Zach.¡± Max¡¯s voice dropped. ¡°They¡¯d caught him too. At least, that¡¯s what I thought at first. We were driving for a while when they stopped to check something. Zach¡­ he attacked one of them when the door opened. The guy had a knife¨Cstabbed Zach in the arm¨Cbut Zach didn¡¯t even flinch. He broke the man¡¯s neck, Jade. <b>Just</b><b>¡­ </b>snapped it.¡±


    I closed my eyes briefly. That sounded like Zach.


    ¡°Then he grabbed my wrist. It hurt¨Che just ripped the watch off. I thought he was going to leave me, but instead, he put the watch on himself and pushed me toward the door. ¡®Jump,¡® he said. ¡®Roll when you hit the ground. Hide until they¡¯re gone.¡® The van was still moving, Jade. I was scared, but Zach just pushed me out.¡±


    ¡°He saved your life,¡± I said quietly.


    ¡°Where is he? Did you find him? Are you okay?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Max. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    ¡°But Zach-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll find him.¡± My tone left no room for doubt. ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯ll see you soon.¡±


    I ended the call and stared at the warehouse in the distance. ording to the watch¡¯s tracking signal, Zach was still on the move<b>, </b>traveling quickly away from this location. They were using him as bait. They wanted me, and they knew exactly how to get me toe to them. Taking Max had been their first move. When Zach interfered, they adapted.


    My phone rang again. Ethan Haxton.


    ¡°I just spoke to Max,¡± I said by way of greeting.


    <b>8:02 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>26 <b>T. </b>


    ¡­


    ¡°He called me,¡® Ethan replied, his voice tight with concern. ¡°Jade, where are you?¡±


    ¡°Handling something.¡±


    ¡°Max told me everything. This is a trap. Shadow Organization doesn¡¯t make mistakes like letting a target escape unless they want to lure someone else in.¡±


    I remained silent, watching the warehouse, calcting entry points and potential threats.


    ¡°Jade,¡± Ethan¡¯s voice hardened. ¡°My security teams are on their way. Wait for backup<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    After a long silence, I finally spoke, my voice low and determined.


    ¡°I know exactly what I¡¯m walking into, Ethan. And I¡¯m still going.¡±


    <b>86 </b>


    I ended the call and moved toward the warehouse, a shadow melting into shadows. They wanted Shadow? They¡¯d get her.


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 Treatment 229

    <b>8:02 </b>Fri<b>, </b>Sep <b>26 </b><b>T </b>


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter 229 </b>


    :


    <b>86 </b>


    The noise was deafening¨Chelicopter des slicing through air, creating a constant whirring that made conversation nearly impossible. I pressed the phone harder against my ear<b>, </b>straining to hear Ethan¡¯s voice on the other end.


    ¡°You¡¯re in a helicopter?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice barely cut through the noise.


    ¡°Yeah, borrowed it from Colonel Edwards,¡± I shouted back, my eyes fixed on theptop screen in front of me, where a small red dot pulsed steadily.


    ¡°What happened? Where are you?¡±


    I shifted in the ufortable seat. ¡°Ryan tracked the van to the outskirts<b>. </b>Found it abandoned with blood all over the seats.¡± My jaw clenched involuntarily. ¡°They left in a hurry. The grass nearby was ttened¨Chelicopternding pattern. They airlifted Zach out.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re following them?¡±


    ¡°Max¡¯s watch signal is still moving. Whoever has it keeps changing direction.¡± I nced at the pilot, a stone¨Cfaced military man Tristan had assigned to me. ¡°There¡¯s a military base near where I found the van. Colonel Edwards happened to be there, so I asked for a favor.¡±


    ¡°Tristan was there too?¡±


    *Convenient, right? He even lent me a pilot and thisptop.¡± I tapped the military¨Cgradeputer tracking the signal.


    ¡°Where are they heading?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice grew fainter beneath the helicopter noise.


    ¡®Not sure yet.¡± I watched the signal¡¯s erratic movement. ¡°Listen<b>, </b>I can¡¯t hear you. I¡¯ll text.¡±


    I hung up and quickly typed: [How¡¯s my brother?<b>] </b>


    Ethan¡¯s response came secondster: [Multiple soft tissue contusions. No broken bones. Doctor says he¡¯ll recoverpletely in about a week.]


    Relief washed through me. [Take care of him for me? And have someone retrieve my car.]


    [Where are you now? I¡¯ming to you.]


    I smiled grimly at his persistence<b>. </b>[I¡¯ll tell you when I¡¯m sure. The signal keeps changing.]


    [Jade, this <b>is </b>clearly a trap.]


    [Don¡¯t worry.]


    8:02 Fri, Sep 26 T


    :


    :


    Aa 86


    I tucked the phone away and focused on the tracking system. Three hours passed before the helicopter needed to refuel. By then, the signal had crossed into a different flight path entirely.


    The pursuit continued for two days and one night. I changed helicopters twice, borrowed a private jet once, and finally realized we had crossed the U.S. border. The signal finally stopped moving in western Spain.


    ¡°Cute,¡± I muttered, raising an eyebrow. ¡°They really know how to pick their locations.¡±


    I pulled out my phone and dialed a number I hadn¡¯t used for years.


    ¡°Lawrence?¡± I said when the call connected. ¡°Long time no see. I need a favor.¡±


    Six hourster, I was on another private jet, courtesy of Night¡¯s ck card.


    My phone rang as we began our descent. Lawrence¡¯s name shed on the screen.


    ¡°My men found the watch,¡± he said without preamble. ¡°Bloody, discarded in an alley. No sign of your friend.¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± I muttered. ¡°Any leads?¡±


    ¡°There have been reports of strangers in the border region these past two days. My people are searching, but it¡¯s a challenge. This area isn¡¯t exactly friendly to outsiders asking questions.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it, Lawrence.¡±


    The alley where they¡¯d discarded the watch was narrow and filthy, tucked between crumbling buildings in what could generously be called the less touristy part of town. Blood speckled the cobblestones¨Cnot enough to indicate a fatal wound, but enough to know Zach hadn¡¯t gone quietly.


    I surveyed the slums stretching out around me. Densely packed, low buildings sprawled in every direction, home to thousands of people living on top of each other in poverty, Finding anyone here would be like finding a specific grain of sand on a beach.


    Unless Shadow Organization wanted to be found.


    They needed Zach alive as leverage against me, which was the onlyfort in this situation. But physical torture was definitely on the table, and Zach wasn¡¯t the type to sit quietly and cooperate.


    Locals eyed me suspiciously as I walked through the narrow streets. I caught snippets of their whispered conversations.


    <b>8:02 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep 26 </b><b>T</b><b>¡­ </b>


    ¡°Duke Linden¡¯s people are looking for someone.¡±


    ¡°I hope it doesn¡¯t involve us.¡±


    ¡°They say it¡¯s outsiders they¡¯re looking for.¡±


    ¡°Thank God.¡±


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 Treatment 230

    <b>Chapter </b><b>230 </b>


    I pulled out my phone as it vibrated with an iing call.


    ¡°Have you arrived?¡± Lawrence asked.


    ¡°Yes. At the location you mentioned.¡±


    ¡°Would you like me toe get you? This isn¡¯t the safest neighborhood.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I scanned the dpidated buildings. ¡°Any news<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°Not yet. You know, I could find your friend for you. This person must be very important to you.¡±


    ¡°Why else would I fly halfway around the world?¡±


    Lawrence chuckled. ¡°Perhaps to visit me? I¡¯ve helped you, so may I make a request? It¡¯s been so long¨Cwon¡¯t you finally let me see your true face? Last time you came to Crystal Vault, my staff described a beautiful young woman, but their description doesn¡¯t match the image I¡¯ve had of you. Seemed younger.¡±


    I almost smiled. Lawrence Linden, owner of Crystal Vault, the international jewelry empire. He lost it to me in a bet years ago. Before I disappeared due to Shadow Organization¡¯s gic harvesting operation, I returned Crystal Vault to him.


    ¡°Find my friend first, then we¡¯ll talk.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a promise, then.¡±


    I found a dingy bar and settled in at a corner table. Shadow Organization wanted me to chase them like a headless chicken. I refused to give them the satisfaction. If they wanted me, they knew where to find me.


    The bartender eyed me suspiciously as I ordered a drink. My phone buzzed with Ethan¡¯s name on the screen.


    ¡°Where are you now?¡± he asked immediately.


    ¡°Somewhere with terrible cell reception,¡± I deflected.


    ¡°Jade, I¡¯ve been trying to reach you for hours. Where are you? I¡¯lle to you.¡±


    The bar door opened, and three men in practical, worn clothing entered. Their eyes locked on me immediately.


    Lawrence¡¯s men.


    ¡°I need to go,¡± I told Ethan and hung up.


    8:03


    <b>dep </b>


    The leader approached my table<b>, </b><b>his </b>eyes suspicious <b>as </b>he examined this stranger in their territory.


    ¡®You¡¯re not from around here,¡® he said in ented English, more statement than question. ¡®What¡¯s your business in <b>this </b>neighborhood<b>?</b><b>¡® </b>


    I took another sip <b>of </b>my drink, assessing him and the two men nking him. Lawrence¡¯s men, judging by their disciplined stance.


    I pulled out my phone and dialed Lawrence. The leader¡¯s eyes narrowed as I put the call on speaker.


    ¡®Lawrence, your men are quite thorough with their questioning.¡®


    There was a pause on the other end. ¡®Ah, they¡¯ve found you. Good.¡®


    The leader¡¯s expression changed immediately, a mix of surprise and newfound respect crossing his features.


    ¡°You can call off your men. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Have you found your friend?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°No. I¡¯m waiting for them to find me.¡±


    ¡°I see. Contact me if you need anything.¡±


    The leader ced a small medallion on my table. ¡°This will grant you safe passage in this area. No one will bother you if they see it.¡±


    <b>I </b>nodded my thanks, and they departed as quickly as they¡¯d arrived.


    The hotel room wasn¡¯t much better than the bar, but it had a functioning shower and a rtively clean bed. I called Max on video chat, needing to see his face.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± I asked as his image appeared on screen.


    ¡°Like I got hit by a truck,¡± he said, attempting a smile despite the bruising on his face. ¡°Nothing serious though.¡±


    ¡°Your face doesn¡¯t look like ¡®nothing serious.¡°¡±


    ¡°Says <b>the </b>person who¡¯s apparently off on some dangerous rescue mission.¡± Max¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Jade,e home. Let Ethan help you. Ryan says these people are targeting you specifically. It¡¯s too dangerous.¡±


    ¡°I can handle myself.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re always saying that!¡± Max¡¯s voice rose, then he winced from the effort. ¡°Sorry. It¡¯s just¡­ Ethan¡¯s really worried. He hasn¡¯t left the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Hospital? I thought you were at home.¡±


    ¡°He insisted on proper monitoring.¡± Max shifted the phone, and suddenly Ethan¡¯s face appeared in the frame.


    He looked tired, with faint shadows under his eyes. ¡°You look terrible,¡± I told him.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± His mouth quirked into something almost resembling a smile. ¡°Be careful out there.¡±


    I nodded.


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    <b>85 </b>

 Treatment 231

    <b>Chapter </b><b>231 </b>


    :


    A


    85


    I woke up the next morning feeling strangely calm. I showered, dressed infortable jeans and a ck t¨Cshirt, and tucked Lawrence¡¯s medallion into my pocket. I stepped out into the Spanish sunshine<b>, </b>looking for all the world like an American tourist enjoying her vacation.


    The medallion worked exactly as Lawrence had promised. When I shed it at the entrance to a historic church that was closed for renovations, the security guard¡¯s eyes widened slightly before he stepped aside with a respectful nod. When I wandered into areas marked with ¡°residents only¡± signs<b>, </b>no one stopped me. I bought coffee from a small caf¨¦, practiced my Spanish with the locals, and took photos of architecture like I didn¡¯t have a care in the world.


    But I wasn¡¯t careless. As I pretended to admire a centuries¨Cold fountain in a small za, I caught the reflection of a man in dark clothing watching me from an alleyway. When I browsed handmade jewelry at an open¨Cair market, <b>I </b>noticed a woman with amunication device discreetly tucked into her ear, tracking my movements. Shadow Organization was everywhere<b>, </b>but they were just watching. Waiting.


    Let them wait.


    I maintained my tourist charade for two full days. I didn¡¯t actively search for Zach, didn¡¯t hack into security cameras, didn¡¯t do anything that screamed ¡°desperate rescue mission.¡± I knew they had him somewhere in thisbyrinthine district, and I knew they¡¯d eventually want to make contact. My job was to be patient.


    On the third night, I decided to change venues. I dressed in tight ck jeans and a deep red top, applied just enough makeup to blend with the nightlife crowd, and headed to a pulsing club near the edge of the district.


    The music hit me like a physical force when I stepped inside¨Cbass so deep I could feel it in my chest cavity. Strobe lights cut through artificial fog, illuminating sweaty dancers packed shoulder to shoulder. I weaved through the crowd to the bar and ordered a martini, surveying the room with calcted casualness.


    That¡¯s when I felt it¡ªa gaze that carried lethal intent. Unlike the watchers from the previous days, this one wasn¡¯t trying to be subtle. I turned slowly, scanning the second¨Cfloor balcony that ringed the dance floor.


    There he was. A man in a ck trench coat, his face half¨Chidden in shadow. When our eyes met, he held the gaze for three full seconds before turning and walking away from the railing.


    I sipped my martini<b>, </b>counting to ten in my head before setting the ss down and following. I moved with purpose but without hurry, like someone going to the bathroom, not pursuing a killer.


    The man led me through the back of <b>the </b>club<b>, </b>down an alley, and through a maze of narrow streets. I maintained a careful distance<b>, </b>never losing sight of him but never getting close enough to spook him. Finally, he entered what appeared to be an abandoned factory in one of the district¡¯s lowest¨Cie areas.


    The factory¡¯s interior was <b>a </b>cathedral of rust and decay. Moonlight filtered through broken windows, casting long shadows across concrete floors stained with decades of industrial grime. The air smelled of metal, dust, and¨Cfaintly but unmistakably¨Cblood.


    ¡°Shit,¡± I whispered.


    There<b>, </b>suspended from a rusted <b>steel </b>beam by nylon <b>rope</b>, hung Zach. His arms were stretched painfully above his head, and a <b>tactical </b>knife had been driven clean through his right forearm, pinning him in ce. Blood had dried in dark rivulets down his arm. His head hung forward, but the slight rise and fall of his chest told me he was alive.


    I moved forward, but a voice from the second¨Cfloor catwalk stopped me.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t if I were you,¡± a woman said<b>, </b>stepping into a shaft of moonlight. She wore a tactical bodysuit with the Shadow Organization insignia embroidered on the cor. Her tinum blonde hair was pulled back in a severe ponytail<b>, </b>and her eyes were as cold and gray as gunmetal.


    Selene. The fourth highest¨Cranked operative in Shadow Organization.


    Beside her, a man with close¨Ccropped dark hair and a face marred by a diagonal scar emerged from the shadows. Whisper. Fifth¨Cranked.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for you,¡± Selene said, her voice carrying easily in the cavernous space. ¡°Someone wants to talk to you.¡±


    Whisper opened aptop and ced it on the railing. The screen flickered to life, showing a face obscured by digital pixtion. The voice that came through had been processed to disguise its natural tone.


    ¡°We finally meet,¡± the disguised figure said. ¡°Your eyes¡­ they¡¯re exactly like Shadow¡¯s. That look in them¨CI¡¯d recognize it anywhere.¡±


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 Treatment 232

    <b>Chapter </b><b>232 </b>


    ¡°Shadow¡¯s death <b>was </b>unfortunate,¡± JOKER continued. ¡°But it was her fate. I don¡¯t know what she told you, but regardless of her words<b>, </b>I¡¯m sure you understand the power Shadow Organization wields.¡±


    I remained silent, calcting distances, angles, potential weapons.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be your enemy,¡± JOKER said. ¡°Perhaps we can negotiate. This conflict between us¨Cit only leads to mutual destruction.¡±


    He paused, letting his next words hang heavy in the air.


    ¡°But you have family and friends. One mercenary from Titan Defense Group was enough to lead you here, to leave you vulnerable. I could send operatives to Cloud City, to New York, and eliminate everyone you care about.¡±


    I felt my jaw tighten.


    ¡°Why sacrifice yourself for a dead woman? As they say, every man for himself. Think about it.¡±


    ¡°Before you took Zach, I wasn¡¯t nning to make the entire Shadow Organization pay for what happened to Shadow,¡± I said, my voice echoing off the concrete walls. ¡°But now? You all die.¡±


    In one fluid motion, I flung a knife toward Whisper, aiming for the hand holding theptop. Simultaneously, I executed a backflip thatnded me on a lower section of the second¨Cfloor tform. The knife hit its mark, and Whisper cursed as theptop ttered to the floor.


    Eight Shadow operatives emerged froin various hiding spots around the factory floor.


    I drew my gun and fired twice, taking down the two closest agents with precision headshots. A third rushed me with abat knife, but I sidestepped, grabbed his wrist, and used his momentum to send him tumbling over the railing to the concrete floor below.


    ¡°In all my years with Shadow Organization,¡± Selene called out as she circled to nk me, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen this many operatives deployed for a single target.¡±


    Whisper advanced from the other side, his injured hand wrapped in a makeshift bandage. ¡°Why did Shadow train you to destroy us? What did she tell you? Why did she betray the organization?¡±


    ¡°Betray?¡± Iughed, a cold sound that echoed through the factory.


    ¡°What-¡± Whisper began, but I cut him off with a roundhouse kick that caught him in the ribs.


    The fight intensified. I moved through the Shadow operatives like a deadly dancer, each movement precise and lethal. I dispatched agent after agent until only Selene and Whisper remained.


    We shifted from de work to pure hand¨Cto¨Chandbat, a brutal ballet of strikes, blocks, and counters. I caught


    Whisper with a side kick that sent him crashing into a wall with bone¨Cjarring force.


    ¡°You fight exactly like her,¡± Selene hissed, blood trickling from a split lip.


    The moment Whisper recovered<b>, </b>he lunged not for me, but toward the control for Zach¡¯s rope. My heart stopped as I realized his intention.


    ¡°No!¡± I shouted, diving toward him, but I was too far away.


    Whisper shed the rope with a knife, and Zach began to plummet toward the concrete floor. In desperation, <b>I </b>kicked a dead operative¡¯s body into position beneath him, providing some cushioning for his fall. It wasn¡¯t ideal, but it might prevent fatal injuries.


    Whisper tried to escape through a broken window, but I caught him by the cor and yanked him back. His head cracked against the wall<b>, </b>but he was still conscious enough to reach into his pocket and throw a handful of white


    powder directly into my face.


    I felt the burning immediately¨Cmy eyes, my nasal passages, my throat. I stumbled back, coughing violently, but maintained enough presence of mind to lunge forward, grabbing Whisper by the head. With one brutal, practiced motion, I twisted sharply, feeling the vertebrae snap beneath my hands. He went limp instantly, dead before his body crumpled to the ground.


    I frantically searched his body for an antidote, finding nothing. Through increasingly blurry vision, I saw Selene slip out of the factory, taking advantage of my incapacitation.


    By the time I made it to Zach, my vision was nearly gone. I checked his pulse¨Cweak but present. My phone had been destroyed in the fight, crushed under someone¡¯s boot. I had no way to call Lawrence or anyone else for help.


    I knelt beside Zach, my mind racing through options. How the hell was I going to get him to a hospital when I couldn¡¯t even see?


    That¡¯s when I heard footsteps approaching¨Clight, measured, unfamiliar. I immediately tensed, reaching into my pocket where I¡¯d stashed the medallion.


    ¡°Miss Morgan?¡± a male voice called out, one I recognized from its distinctive cadence.


    ¡°Loki?¡± I said, not bothering to hide my surprise.


    ¡°Need some help?¡± he asked, his voice closer now.

 Treatment 233

    <b>Chapter </b><b>233 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Zach¡¯s consciousness returned in fragmented pieces. First came the sensation¨Cpain radiating from his right arm, the stiff difort of hospital sheets beneath him, the rhythmic beeping of medical equipment. Then memory flooded back¨Cbeing suspended from a factory ceiling, a tactical knife driven through his forearm, blood trailing down his skin. He remembered Jade appearing. After that, darkness.


    His eyes snapped open. Where was Jade? Was she safe?


    The sterile white hospital ceiling offered no answers. Without hesitation, Zach ripped the IV from his arm, ignoring the sharp pain and small trickle of blood. He swung his legs over the bed¡¯s edge, fighting a wave of dizziness as he stood.


    ¡°Se?or, por favor! You must stay in bed!¡± A nurse rushed into the room, speaking rapid Spanish. ¡°Sus heridas son graves!¡±


    Zach ignored her, stumbling toward the door. ¡°Where is she? Where¡¯s Jade?¡±


    The nurse called for assistance, and a doctor entered, attempting to block Zach¡¯s path. The doctor spoke in Spanish, gesturing for Zach to return to bed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand you,¡± Zach growled, frustration mounting. ¡°I need to find her. Now.¡±


    When the doctor ced a hand on his shoulder, Zach¡¯sbat instincts red. He shoved the man aside with more force than intended.


    ¡°Get out of my way, don¡¯t stop me!¡± he shouted, his voice hoarse from disuse.


    ¡°What¡¯s all this noise about?¡± a familiar voice called from the doorway. ¡°Want to lose that armpletely?¡±


    Zach froze, relief washing over him like a physical force. Jade stood in the doorway, her posture rxed but something subtly off about her stance.


    ¡°You¡¯re okay,¡± he breathed, the fight instantly draining from him. With the adrenaline subsiding, pain rushed back in -his arm throbbed mercilessly, and various other injuries made themselves known.


    ¡°Those Shadow operatives have been handled,¡± Jade said, stepping further into the room. ¡°And Max is fine, in case you were wondering.¡±


    Zach watched as she moved toward a chair, her hand subtly reaching out to find the edge before she sat. That¡¯s when <b>he </b>noticed¨Cher eyes didn¡¯t track his movements. They seemed to look through him rather than at him.


    ¡°What happened to you<b>?</b>¡± he asked, his voice low and urgent.


    Jade tilted her head slightly, her expression neutral. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m blind now. Not a big deal.¡±


    Zach stared at her, processing the casual way she¡¯d delivered such significant news. Before he could respond, the doctor began speaking rapidly in Spanish, gesturing at Zach¡¯s arm.


    ¡°He wants you back in bed,¡± Jade tranted. ¡°Says you¡¯ll tear your stitches.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Zach insisted, though he allowed himself to sit on the edge of the bed. ¡°We need to leave.¡±


    Jade nodded, standing again. ¡°I¡¯ve already signed your discharge papers. Against medical advice<b>, </b>obviously.¡±


    Twenty minutester<b>, </b>they walked out of the hospital¡¯s main entrance. Zach, despite the pain shooting through his arm with each step, insisted on walking without support. Instead, Jade¡¯s hand rested lightly on his forearm, using him as a guide.


    ¡°This is weird,¡± she murmured. ¡°Being led by someone else.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re handling it remarkably well,¡± Zach observed.


    ¡°It¡¯s temporary,¡± she said with characteristic confidence. ¡°Probably.¡±


    As they crossed the street, a glossy ck SUV careened around the corner, missing Zach by inches. The driver, a young man in designer sunsses, stuck his head out the window.


    ¡°Watch where you¡¯re going, American trash!¡± he shouted in ented English.


    Zach tensed, instinctively stepping forward. The young man¡¯s insults continued, bing increasingly vulgar until the sudden arrival of a convoy of ck luxury vehicles silenced him. The cars¨Cat least fifteen of them¨Cformed a perfect semicircle around Jade and Zach, their engines purring with restrained power.


    The center car¡¯s door opened, and a man emerged with the unhurried grace of someone who had never needed to rush for anything in his life. Tall and impably dressed in a tailored suit, he cradled a pristine white Maine Coon cat in his arms. The animal¡¯s fur contrasted starkly with his dark attire, like fresh snow against midnight.


    The young driver who had been shouting moments before suddenly paled. ¡°Duke Linden,¡± he whispered, scrambling to bow awkwardly from his car window. ¡°I apologize, sir. I didn¡¯t realize¨CI wouldn¡¯t have-¡±


    Lawrence Linden didn¡¯t acknowledge him. With a barely perceptible nod of his head, one of his security personnel approached the young man¡¯s vehicle. A few quiet words were exchanged, and the SUV reversed hastily, disappearing down a side street.


    Lawrence approached Jade and Zach, his expression curious as he studied Jade¡¯s face. ¡°You look different than I remember,¡± he said, his voice cultured and smooth.


    ¡°I was wearing a mask and hat,¡± Jade replied.


    ¡°Yes, but I remember your eyes.¡± Lawrence¡¯s gaze was prating. ¡°They were fox¨Clike. Exceptionally beautiful, with azy sort of allure.¡± His head tilted slightly. ¡°Not almond¨Cshaped and harmless¨Clooking like they are now.¡±


    His observation hung in the air for a moment before his expression shifted subtly. ¡°I notice you haven¡¯t looked at me


    once.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m blind,¡± Jade confirmed matter¨Cof¨Cfactly. ¡°Chemical agent. Temporary inconvenience.¡±


    Lawrence¡¯s eyebrows rose slightly. ¡°I see. Please, allow me to offer assistance. My home is at your disposal.¡±


    Once settled in the plush interior of Lawrence¡¯s car, Zach studied the man with barely concealed suspicion. Lawrence stroked his cat with long, elegant fingers, seemingly unbothered by Zach¡¯s scrutiny.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wait at the hospital for my people to collect you?¡± Lawrence asked Jade. ¡°Were you trying to slip away unnoticed?¡±


    Jade¡¯s lips quirked upward. ¡°If I wanted to slip away unnoticed, would you have found me at all<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°Fair point,¡± Lawrence conceded with a small smile. ¡°Now, may I know your name? Your real name, if you don¡¯t


    mind.¡±


    ¡°Jade Morgan.¡±


    Lawrence nodded thoughtfully. ¡°I can arrange for the best ophthalmologists in Europe to examine you.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Jade said confidently. ¡°I have my own methods.¡±


    The cat in Lawrence¡¯s arms suddenly perked up, its blue eyes fixed on Jade. To everyone¡¯s surprise, it leaped from Lawrence¡¯sp to Jade¡¯s, settlingfortably as if it had found its rightful ce.


    ¡°Well,¡± Lawrence said, genuine surprise coloring his voice. ¡°Duchess has never done that before. She¡¯s typically quite


    selective about her humanpanions.¡±


    Jade¡¯s hand found the cat¡¯s fur, stroking it gently.


    The car glided through the city streets, eventually turning onto a private road that wound through meticulouslyndscaped grounds. When they finally stopped, Lawrence helped Jade from the car while Zach exited on his own, taking in the massive estate before them.


    A well¨Ctrained Doberman approached, its movement disciplined and purposeful. Behind it walked several security personnel and a formally dressed butler.


    ¡°This is Zach,¡± Lawrence said, gesturing to the dog. ¡°He¡¯s the eldest son of my previous Doberman<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    The human Zach raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s a popr name,¡± hemented dryly.


    Lawrence¡¯s eyes crinkled with amusement. ¡°Indeed. And now it seems he likes you,¡± he added, nodding toward Jade as the dog sat obediently at her feet. ¡°Perhaps he can serve as your temporary guide dog. He seems quite taken with


    you.¡±


    Lawrence turned toward the mansion, his expression softening slightly. ¡°Would you like to see my other cats and dogs?¡± The usual detachment in his eyes gave way to a hint of genuine enthusiasm.


    ¡°See?¡± Jade replied with a raised eyebrow. ¡°How exactly?¡±


    Lawrence¡¯s lips quirked upward. ¡°Not see. Listen, touch. There are other ways to experience the world.¡±


    Jade shook her head slightly. ¡°Perhaps when my eyesight returns.¡±


    Lawrence nodded, epting her answer without protest, and led the way into his home¨Ca sanctuary of luxury.


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 Treatment 234

    <b>Chapter </b><b>234 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    The dinner tes had been cleared, leaving behind only the lingering scent of saffron and herb¨Croastedmb in Lawrence¡¯s opulent dining room. I traced my fingers along the edge of the crystal water ss<b>, </b>focusing on the cool, smooth texture to ground myself in this endless darkness.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I have some disappointing news,¡± Lawrence said, his voiceing from across <b>the </b>table. ¡°Those materials you requested proved remarkably difficult to source. I¡¯ve only managed to find two of the specialpounds and the injection solution in Spain. Would it be possible to wait? <b>I </b>can have people transport additional materials from


    overseas<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother with all that trouble,¡± I replied, reaching for the new phone I¡¯d been given. My old one had been damaged beyond repair during the fight, and I¡¯d only managed to salvage the SIM card. ¡°Help me make a <b>call</b>. I¡¯ve only got the SIM transferred, not my contacts.¡±


    Lawrence reached over¨CI could sense his movement through the subtle shift in air currents¨Cand took the phone.


    ¡°What¡¯s the number?¡±


    <b>I </b>recited Ethan¡¯s number from memory, feeling Lawrence¡¯s curious gaze as he dialed and handed the phone back to <ol><li>me. </li></ol>


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you some privacy,¡± he said, footsteps retreating across the hardwood floor.


    After two rings, Ethan picked up. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me. I need your help,¡± I said without preamble.


    ¡°Jade?¡± His voice sharpened with concern. ¡°Where are you? What happened?¡±


    I exined what I needed¨Cspecificpounds that Walter Morrison would have ess to. Ethan¡¯s voice grew serious as he took notes, promising to bring everything as quickly as possible.


    After hanging up, I stood carefully from the table, immediately feeling a warm presence against my leg. Zach, the Doberman serving as my guide dog, pressed gently against me, guiding me through the unfamiliar space.


    Despite having heightened senses, navigating blind through Lawrence¡¯s mansion remained challenging. The ce was a maze of expensive furniture, unexpected steps, and delicate objects that seemed perfectly positioned to trip the visually impaired. Frustration simmered beneath my calm exterior¨CI hated being vulnerable, even temporarily.


    ¡°Good boy,¡± I murmured to Zach, letting my fingertips brush over his sleek head. The dog responded with a soft sound, continuing to guide me through the vast living space.


    The following morning<b>, </b>I sat in the breakfast nook, the scent of fresh coffee and buttered toast filling the air. Zachy dutifully at my feet<b>, </b>asionally shifting when Lawrence moved around the kitchen.


    <b>¡®</b><b>You </b><b>know</b>,¡± Lawrence <b>began </b><b>conversationally</b>, <b>¡°</b><b>that </b><b>purple </b>amethyst you stored at Crystal Vault was quite remarkable. Did you gift it to someone?¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>Yes</b><b>, </b><b>I </b><b>answered </b>simply.


    <b>¡°</b><b>You </b>previously mentioned being too busy and returned <b>Crystal </b>Vault¡¯s management to me,¡± he continued, the subtle <b>clink </b>of his coffee cup against the saucer punctuating <b>his </b>words. ¡°Are you less busy now? Would you like Crystal Vault back?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡®I don¡¯t take back gifts. Besides, I hate managing those kinds <b>of </b>operations. Taking a percentage of shares and collecting dividends is much simpler.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Why do I sense thatst part was a hint?¡± Lawrence¡¯s voice carried a smile. ¡°It makes your first statement seem rather insincere.¡±


    Iughed softly. ¡°Does it?¡± No sense leaving money and power on the table.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy to continue managing Crystal Vault for you,¡± Lawrence offered. ¡°You can simply collect the profits.¡±


    ¡°That arrangement sounds perfect.¡±


    I heard the scrape of his chair as he stood. ¡°I need to step out for a while. I¡¯ll try to return before your friend


    arrives.¡±


    Before I could protest, something warm and heavynded in myp¨Chis cat. ¡°Would you mind watching over her while I¡¯m gone?¡±


    The cat weighed a ton, and I was already blind and struggling to navigate. ¡°She can follow us on her own,¡± I suggested, gently setting the cat on the floor.


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 Treatment 235

    <b>Chapter </b><b>235 </b>


    With the Doberman¡¯s guidance, I made my way to Zachie¡¯s room.¡± The dog proved invaluable, subtly nudging my leg whenever we approached obstacles<b>, </b>helping me adjust my path. I had Zach perform simple tricks to entertain Zachie, finding unexpected peace in the quietpanionship of the two animals.


    Late afternoon sunlight warmed my skin through the windows when I heard the front door open. The footsteps that followed were hurried¨Cnot the usual measured stride I associated with this person<b>, </b>but quick and urgent even against the plush carpeting. Still<b>, </b>I recognized them immediately.


    ¡°Ethan?¡± I called out.


    The footsteps slowed, then approached. I felt him crouch before me, his breathing controlled but quick. ¡°How did you know it was me?¡± he asked softly, his voice tight with concern.


    ¡°Where are the materials?¡± I asked instead of answering.


    Another set of footsteps approached¨CConnor¡¯s¨Cand I heard him set down a bag beside me.


    ¡°God, I hope this works,¡± Connor said anxiously. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what would happen if my idol lost her eyesight permanently. A top¨Ctier hacker going blind is like a soldier losing his gun or a chef losing his pots¨Cit¡¯s career- ending<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>I </b>reached for the bag<b>, </b>carefully opening it and inhaling deeply. The distinctive scents of thepounds confirmed they were exactly what I needed¨CWalter Morrison hade through.


    ¡°Is anything missing?¡± Ethan asked, his voice closer now.


    My lips curved into a slight smile. ¡°We¡¯ll need to test the form¡¯s effectiveness on a human subject.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Ethan volunteered immediately.


    Connor gasped. ¡°Wait, what? Human testing?¡±


    I turned toward Connor¡¯s voice. ¡°We need someone to verify these drugs work correctly. You seem like the perfect


    volunteer.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± His voice jumped an octave. ¡°I don¡¯t¨CI mean, I¡¯ve never¨Cwhat exactly will it do?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± I said reassuringly. ¡°It probably won¡¯t kill you. Probably.¡±


    I could practically hear Connor¡¯s face draining of color as his breathing quickened with panic. Ethan remained silent -he¡¯d caught on to my game.


    The moment was interrupted by the front door opening again. Lawrence¡¯s confident footsteps clicked against the marble entryway.


    ¡°<b>I </b>see your friends have arrived,¡± Lawrence observed as he entered the room.


    A tense silence followed¨Cthe weighted quiet of two men sizing each other up¨Cbefore I heard them exchange


    handshakes.


    ¡°Lawrence Linden.¡±


    ¡°Ethan Haxton.¡±


    Lawrence approached, and I sensed him reaching toward myp¨Cwhere the cat had apparently returned without my noticing.


    I handed the cat back to Lawrence. ¡°No boundaries,¡± I remarked dryly.


    I could hear the amusement in Lawrence¡¯s voice as he took the cat. ¡°Have the materials arrived? How long until we see those eyes working again? I¡¯m quite looking forward to it.¡±


    ¡°The poison isn¡¯t difficult to neutralize,¡± I answered. ¡°But it will take time.¡±


    ¡°Not difficult?¡± Connor¡¯s voice brightened with hope. ¡°You know how to fix it? Wait¨Cwhat happened to the human experiment you mentioned?¡±


    I smiled in his direction. ¡°You all sounded so stressed after your journey. Just a little joke to help you rx.¡±


    ¡°A¡­ joke?¡± Connor¡¯s voice cracked with disbelief. I heard him take several quick steps, followed by what sounded like hands pping against his face. ¡°To help us rx?!¡±


    There was a thud¨Cprobably Connor dramatically dropping into a chair.


    ¡°I was writing my will in my head!¡± he eximed. ¡°I was literally deciding who gets my gaming PC and who has to delete my browser history!¡±


    Ethan¡¯s low, rich chuckle filled the room, followed by Connor¡¯s reluctant snort that gradually evolved into genuineughter.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Connor conceded, his voice still carrying traces of indignation despite his amusement. ¡°I guess if I¡¯m going to die for someone¡¯s amusement, it might as well be the legendary X¡¯s.¡±


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 Treatment 236

    <b>Chapter </b><b>236 </b>


    I sat on the sofa in my temporary bedroom at Lawrence¡¯s mansion, surrounded by the chemicalpounds Ethan had brought. Despite my blindness, I could sense his presence as he carefully arranged everything on the coffee table before me.


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want Walter Morrison to help?¡± Ethan asked, his voice revealing his concern. ¡°He¡¯s just a call


    away<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I told you yesterday,¡± I replied, running my fingers over the various containers, ¡°I¡¯m extremely familiar with this particr toxin¡¯s antidote. I¡¯ve created it before.¡±


    I could hear Ethan¡¯s controlled breathing as he watched me identify each substance purely by touch and smell. My fingers traced the contours of each vial and container, mentally cataloging their contents.


    ¡°This one,¡± I said, picking up a small ss bottle, ¡°needs to be mixed with exactly three milliliters of the clear solution in the rectangr container.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s hand brushed against mine as he took the bottle. ¡°How can you tell which one is which?¡± he asked, the


    admiration evident in his voice.


    I allowed myself a small smile. ¡°The toxin affects my optic nerves, not my other senses. Eachpound has a distinct texture and smell.¡± I demonstrated by picking up another vial. ¡°This one has a slight grainy texture to the ss<b>¨C</b>manufacturing imperfection. And this one,¡± I held up a dropper bottle, ¡°has a faint scent of ethanol that the


    others don¡¯t.¡±


    Ethan worked silently beside me, following my instructions with precision. Every few moments, our hands would touch as he passed me items or I reached for the nextponent. His breathing changed subtly each time¨Cslightly quickening before he controlled it again.


    ¡°Nervous?¡± I asked, as I carefully measured drops of a particrly vtilepound.


    ¡°Just focused,¡± he replied, his voice low. ¡°I don¡¯t want to make any mistakes when it matters most.¡±


    The solution required careful mixing of several dangerouspounds. I guided Ethan through the process, exining each step.


    ¡®Now we need tobine these two substances,¡± I instructed. ¡°They¡¯ll create a reaction that needs to be stopped at exactly the right moment with the stabilizing agent.¡±


    ¡°How will you know when?¡± Ethan asked, his voice closer now.


    ¡°The smell changes from bitter to sweet for exactly three seconds before it bes dangerous. That¡¯s our window.¡±


    We worked in tandem¨Chis hands following my guidance, my other senses heightened in the absence of sight. When the final mixture wasplete, I held the ss containing the antidote, its warmth seeping into my palm.


    ¡°Bottom¡¯s up,¡± I said, and drank the bitter liquid in one swift motion. It burned down my throat, spreading warmth through my chest.


    ¡°How does it taste?¡± Ethan asked.


    I grimaced. ¡°Like licking a battery while chewing aspirin.¡±


    ¡°Sorry I couldn¡¯t share that experience with you,¡± he said, his tone lighter now.


    ¡°There¡¯s always next time,¡± I replied with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯ll find plenty of opportunities for you to prove your worth.¡±


    I could almost feel his gaze on me<b>, </b>studying, analyzing. The silence between us felt charged with unspoken


    thoughts.


    <b>¡°</b>What¡¯s your rtionship with Lawrence,¡± Ethan began, breaking the silence.


    I leaned back on the sofa. ¡°I came here once before, ran into him, made a bet. We¡¯re friends, loosely speaking.¡±


    ¡°And what did you win?¡± Ethan asked, curiosity evident in his voice.


    ¡°Crystal Vault¨Cthe jewelry store. There¡¯s one in New York too. Heard of it?¡±


    ¡°Vaguely,¡± Ethan responded, surprise coloring his voice. ¡°You won?¡±


    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.¡±


    ¡°We should make a bet sometime,¡± Ethan suggested, his voice taking on a yful edge. ¡°I have plenty to wager.¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡± I asked, intrigued.


    ¡°The Transcendent Military Alliance, Crimson Valley¡¯s weapons depot¨CI think you¡¯d appreciate both. And, well, what you mentionedst time.¡±


    ¡®Last time?¡± I raised an eyebrow, trying to recall.


    Instead of exining, Ethan added, ¡°But I have one request¨CConnor doesn¡¯t need to watch.¡±


    Understanding dawned on me, and I couldn¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°Are you trying to win or lose this bet?¡±


    ¡°Winning would be losing, losing would be winning,¡± he replied smoothly.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a way with words,¡± I observed, impressed by his wordy.


    Our conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Lawrence¡¯s distinctive footsteps approached.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Lawrence asked as he entered. His cat jumped onto the sofa beside me, its weight shifting the cushions. ¡°I came to check on your progress and invite you both to dinner.¡±


    ¡°Just finished the antidote,¡± I replied, absently stroking the cat. ¡°It¡¯ll take a while to work.¡±


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°Shall we dine, then? The chef has prepared something special.¡±


    Ethan stood and gently took my arm. ¡°Let me help you,¡± he offered, guiding me to my feet.


    His touch was firm yet gentle as he led me through the mansion to the dining room. The smell of exquisitely prepared food greeted us¨Croasted meats, fresh herbs, and rich sauces.


    ¡°Table at your two o¡¯clock,¡± Ethan murmured close to my ear, guiding me to my seat. ¡°Chair pulled out for you.¡±


    Throughout dinner, Ethan continued his attentive care¨Cdescribing the location of each dish on my te, even peeling the shell from a prawn before cing it within easy reach of my fingers.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite the caretaker, Mr. Haxton,¡± Lawrence observed, amusement in his voice. ¡°Are you her friend or her


    suitor?¡±


    I felt Ethan shift beside me but maintained my focus on the food before me.


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Ethan replied smoothly. ¡°Whatever the oue, I¡¯m here willingly.¡±


    Lawrence chuckled. ¡°I see.¡±


    After dinner, Ethan helped me back to the living room. ¡°Would you like me to check your social media? You


    mentioned you were expecting messages.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± I handed him my phone. ¡°Log in for me.¡±


    The moment he logged in, the phone began buzzing continuously with notifications.


    ¡°Highlight reel, please,¡± I requested, settling into the sofa.


    Ethan scrolled through the messages. ¡°Max says he wants to see Zach. I¡¯ve been meaning to check on him as well.¡±


    ¡®Let¡¯s go then,¡± I agreed.


    With Ethan¡¯s guidance and the Doberman leading the way, we made our way upstairs to Zach¡¯s room. When we entered, I immediately sensed another presence.


    <b>¡®</b>Connor?¡± I asked, recognizing his cologne.


    ¡°He¡¯s been keeping Zachpany,¡± Ethan exined.


    ¡°Max wants to video chat with you,¡± I told Zach.


    ¡°Not interested,¡± came Zach¡¯s muffled reply, followed by the sound of nkets rustling. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to see.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± <b>I </b>shrugged, then addressed the dog at my feet. ¡°Zach,e here boy. Max can see you instead.¡±


    As I bent to pet the dog, I heard a disgruntled noise from the human Zach, buried somewhere in his nkets.


    ¡°That dog gets more attention than me,¡± he muttered, his voice still muffled but clearly displeased.


    I smiled to myself as I continued petting the Doberman, waiting for the video call to connect.


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 Treatment 237

    <b>Chapter </b><b>237 </b>


    I sat in my temporary bedroom at Lawrence¡¯s mansion, feeling the medication slowly working its way through my system. My vision was still frustratingly blurry, but at least I could make out shapes and shadows now¨Can improvement from total darkness.


    ¡°You need to take your next dose,¡± Ethan said, appearing in the doorway.


    I turned toward his voice, making out his tall silhouette against the lighter background of the hallway. ¡°ying nurse now, Mr. Haxton?¡±


    ¡°Someone has to,¡± he replied, approaching with measured steps. ¡°Since Zach is still recovering from his injuries and you need daily treatment, Lawrence suggested you stay here for a while. He¡¯s given me the room next door.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°How convenient,¡± I remarked dryly, epting the ss he handed me. I downed the bitter medicine in one gulp, fighting the urge to grimace.


    Ethan settled into an armchair across from me. ¡°Do you need help with anything? Shower, maybe?¡±


    I raised an eyebrow, a smirk ying on my lips. ¡°Are you offering to help me shower?¡±


    I heard him shift in his seat, clearing his throat. ¡°I meant¡­ I could bring you clothes, prepare the bathroom. The usual caretaker stuff.¡±


    ¡°Rx,¡± I said, leaning back against the cushions. ¡°Lawrence has staff for that. The maid already helped me this morning.¡±


    Ethan stayed silent for a moment, and I could sense him watching me. The Doberman, Zach, rested his head on my foot, his warmth reassuring.


    ¡°Did you save my number in your new phone?¡± Ethan asked suddenly.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± I was half¨Cdozing, the medicine making me drowsy.


    ¡°Your new phone,¡± he repeated. ¡°Did you save my contact information?¡±


    I turned my head toward his voice. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°So when you called me yesterday¡­¡± There was something careful in his tone. ¡°You remembered my number?¡±


    I nodded slightly, ¡°I did.¡±


    He fell quiet, and I heard him pick up what sounded like myptop. ¡°Your school counselor emailed you,¡± he said, changing the subject. ¡°Something about missing assignments.¡±


    I groaned. ¡°Can¡¯t exactly do PowerPoint presentations when I¡¯m blind.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve missed several group projects already,¡± he continued. ¡°The email says you¡¯re at risk of failing if you don¡¯t submit something soon.¡±


    ¡°Tough shit,¡± I muttered. ¡°Not like I can see to do the work.¡±


    ¡°I could help,¡± Ethan offered. ¡°What are the assignments<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°You want to do my homework?¡± <b>I </b>asked incredulously.


    ¡°Why not?¡± His voice was casual. ¡°You already know the material, right? The assignments are <b>just </b>to prove you won¡¯t fail the ss. I can handle that.¡±


    I considered his offer. ¡°Freebor? I¡¯m not about to refuse.¡±


    ¡°What did you study in college?¡± I asked as he typed away on theptop.


    ¡°Economics, with a minor inw,¡± he replied. ¡°Though I was rarely on campus.¡±


    ¡°When did you graduate?¡±


    ¡°I got my degree at fifteen,¡± he said casually. ¡°Spent most of my time working remotely while traveling with my


    father.¡±


    I heard his phone buzz. He answered it briefly, his voice shifting into business mode. ¡°Not now, Connor. I¡¯m busy.¡±


    There was a pause as he listened.


    ¡°Tell them I¡¯m doing homework,¡± Ethan said firmly, then hung up. ¡°The first half of the board meeting will be handled by Alexander. Please prepare ordingly.¡±


    I dozed off to the sound of his typing, the medicine finally pulling me under. When I woke, the room was darker, and


    the typing had stopped.


    ¡°Ethan?¡± <b>I </b>called softly.


    ¡°Still here,¡± he replied from across the room. ¡°Finished two of your presentations, I¡¯m working on the third now<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I need to shower,¡± I announced, standing carefully. The dog immediately rose with me, pressing against my leg. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a bit.¡±


    I managed to navigate to the bathroom with the dog¡¯s help and the increasing rity of my vision. When I emerged twenty minutester<b>, </b><b>I </b>was wearing a cream¨Ccolored nightgown the maid hadid out for me¨Ca change from my usual practical clothing.


    I returned to the bedroom, my damp hair hanging loose around my shoulders.


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 Treatment 238

    <b>Chapter </b><b>238 </b>


    ¡°That was fast,¡± Ethanmented, looking up from his work.


    ¡°I¡¯m efficient,¡± I replied, settling back on the couch. The dog jumped up beside me, his head resting on myp.


    I could feel Ethan¡¯s gaze lingering. ¡°What?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± he said quickly. ¡°I¡¯ve just never seen you in a dress before.¡±


    I ran a hand self¨Cconsciously over the soft material. ¡°It¡¯s a nightgown, not a ballgown. Don¡¯t make it weird.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± he defended. ¡°You look nice, that¡¯s all.¡± He cleared his throat. ¡°I finished your assignments and sent them to your professors. Your academic standing should be safe for now.¡±


    ¡°You have water on your ear,¡± he said, his voice suddenly much nearer.


    Before I could respond, I felt his fingertips brush against my earlobe, gently wiping away a droplet. The touch was brief but sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I murmured, unsure why my heart rate had picked up.


    We were interrupted by a knock at the door. Lawrence poked his head in, his eyes taking in the scene.


    <b>¡°</b>Am I interrupting?¡± he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.


    ¡°No,¡± I replied quickly.


    Lawrence¡¯s cat slipped into the room, leaping onto the couch beside me. The dog raised his head, eyeing the feline


    warily.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking the menagerie for their evening constitutional,¡± Lawrence exined. ¡°Thought I¡¯d check if you needed anything.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re fine,¡± Ethan answered.


    Lawrence¡¯s gaze flickered between us, a knowing smile on his lips. ¡°You know, one room would have been sufficient,¡± hemented before retreating, closing the door behind him.


    I felt my face warm slightly. ¡°He¡¯s impossible,¡± I muttered.


    After a moment of silence, I stood up decisively. ¡°I¡¯ve been cooped up in here for days. Let¡¯s go out.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s safe?¡± Ethan asked, concern evident in his voice.


    ¡°I need fresh air. Besides, Selene isn¡¯t in Spain anymore¨Cshe was hurt worse than she let on. Shadow Organization knows I¡¯m here with Lawrence; they¡¯re not going to waste resources watching me<b>. </b>They¡¯re regrouping, waiting for me


    back home.¡±


    Ethan considered this. ¡°Alright,¡± he agreed. ¡°Where do you want to go?¡±


    ¡°Just outside,¡± I said.


    I changed into casual clothes with the maid¡¯s help, and soon Ethan and I were walking down the grand staircase. The Doberman saw me heading for the door and bounded over, determined to join us.


    ¡°Looks like we have apanion,¡± Ethan observed as the dog jumped into Connor¡¯s car, settling in the passenger seat and refusing to budge.


    ¡°He¡¯s protective,¡± I exined, sliding into the backseat beside Ethan.


    Connor drove us into the city, to a bustling street lined with caf¨¦s and shops. When we stopped, Ethan got out first, then came around to open my door. His hand gripped my elbow gently as I stepped out, his other hand moving to shield my head from the car frame.


    ¡°Careful,¡± he murmured, close to my ear.


    We walked slowly down the street, Ethan describing the scenery. ¡°There¡¯s a fountain ahead, carved stone, probably eighteenth century. Street performers to the left¨Ca guitarist and a dancer. The buildings here are all old, traditional Spanish architecture with intricate ironwork on the balconies.¡±


    I could make out most of what he described, but his voice made the images clearer somehow. The dog walked ahead of <b>us</b>, asionally looking back to ensure we were following.


    ¨C


    ¡°The street was busy with people,¡± Ethanmented. ¡°There¡¯s a young couple just ahead of <b>us </b>the guy has his arm around her shoulders, and she¡¯s leaning into him as they walk.¡±


    As we passed by them, I could make out their blurred silhouettes and hear their soft murmurs of affection. Ethan¡¯s hand, which had been holding my elbow to guide me, slid down to catch my hand. His fingers intertwined with mine naturally, as if we¡¯d held hands a hundred times before.


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 Treatment 239

    <b>Chapter </b><b>239 </b>


    The next morning, I sat on the edge of my bed in Lawrence¡¯s mansion<b>, </b>staring at the medicine ss in my hand. The thick, brownish liquid inside looked as appetizing as sewage.


    ¡°Down it goes,¡± I muttered, tipping my head back and gulping the entire contents in one swift motion. The bitter, acrid taste assaulted my tongue, and I fought the urge to gag as the viscous liquid slid down my throat.


    ¡°Here.¡± Ethan¡¯s voice came from beside me as he pressed something small into my palm. ¡°<b>It¡¯s </b>candy. To kill the


    taste.¡±


    I popped the sweet into my mouth gratefully, the burst of cherry vor mercifully overpowering the medicinal bitterness. ¡°Thanks,¡± I said, my voice slightly muffled.


    Ethan nodded, collecting the empty ss<b>. </b>¡°How¡¯s the vision today?¡±


    ¡°Still blurry,¡± I replied. The medicine was working.


    By the fourth day, I could make out moving shapes and strong light. I watched fuzzy silhouettes drift past my


    window, the Spanish sunlight streaming in with enough intensity that I could distinguish day from night.


    Two dayster, I was sitting in the garden when Ethan approached. The shadowy outline of his tall frame was bing more distinct. He waved his hand in front of my face, testing my vision, and I reached out, catching his wrist with surprising uracy.


    ¡°Getting better?¡± he asked, a note of hope in his voice.


    ¡°I can see a blurry outline now,¡± I admitted, releasing his wrist. ¡°Still can¡¯t make out details, but it¡¯s something.¡±


    Ethan sat beside me, his hand finding mine. The warm pressure of his fingers around mine had be familiar over these past days. ¡°Don¡¯t rush it,¡± he said softly. ¡°We have time.¡±


    But we didn¡¯t<b>, </b>not really. Ethan had been away from hispany for too long. I could hear the strain in his voice during his daily calls with Connor, the mounting issues requiring his attention. If he hadn¡¯t been here with me, I would have stayed until my vision waspletely restored ¨C Lawrence¡¯s mansion was secure, and I wasn¡¯t concerned


    about Shadow operatives finding me here.


    ¡®I want to go back to America,¡± I announced the next morning over breakfast. ¡°Tomorrow, if possible.¡±


    Ethan paused, his coffee cup halfway to his lips. ¡°Are you sure? Your eyes-¡±


    ¡°Are improving,¡± I finished for him. ¡°I¡¯ll continue the treatment at home.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d also like to take Zach back with us,¡± I added. ¡°Human Zach, I mean.¡±


    ¡°I thought you might want him to recover more fully here.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°He insists oning with me.¡± I shrugged. ¡°And he¡¯s stubborn enough to find his own way back if we leave him


    behind.¡±


    Ethan nodded, understanding. ¡°I¡¯ll make the arrangements.¡±


    Later that day, I found Lawrence in his study, ssical music ying softly as he read a book with his cat curled in hisp. The Doberman, Zach,y at his feet but immediately bounded over when I entered<b>, </b>circling me excitedly.


    ¡°He¡¯s grown quite attached to you,¡± Lawrence observed, scratching his cat behind the ears. ¡°I think he¡¯d like you to be thedy of the house.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± I smiled down at the dog.


    Ethan appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame with crossed arms. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize Mr. Linden was fluent in caninemunication,¡± he remarked dryly.


    Lawrence smiled, unperturbed. ¡°Dogs have excellent instincts.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to take him with me,¡± I said, nodding toward the Doberman. ¡°When I return to America tomorrow.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Absolutely not.¡± Lawrence¡¯s tone remained pleasant, but his refusal was firm. ¡°Ten Crystal Vaults wouldn¡¯t be enough for him.¡±


    The next morning, as we prepared to leave, the Doberman refused to be separated from me. He followed me from room to room, whining pitifully whenever I moved toward the door. When our luggage was loaded into the car, he slipped past Lawrence¡¯s security and jumped into the vehicle, stubbornly refusing to budge.


    Lawrence stood on the driveway, arms crossed. ¡°It seems he¡¯s made his choice.¡±


    ¡®I thought you said he wasn¡¯t for sale at any price,¡± I reminded him.


    Lawrence sighed dramatically. ¡°He¡¯s not for sale. Consider him<b>¡­ </b>on loan. A guardian to watch over you until your eyes fully recover.¡± His expression softened slightly. ¡°Take good care of him.¡±


    I nodded, hiding my satisfaction. ¡°I will.¡±


    ¨C


    That evening, we boarded Lawrence¡¯s private jet. Zach the human one ¨C trailed behind us. The dog trotted happily alongside me, having won his battle to stay by my side.

 Treatment 240

    <b>Chapter </b><b>240 </b>


    <b>The </b>flight back was uneventful. When wended, a sleek ck Haxton vehicle was waiting for us at the airport. The drive to my apartment was quiet, with human Zach still brooding in the front seat while the Doberman sat contentedly beside me.


    My apartment felt smaller after Lawrence¡¯s sprawling mansion, but it was familiar and mine. Human Zach immediately moved to check each room, his security training evident in his methodical approach, while the dog explored his new surroundings with enthusiasm.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here for a few nights,¡± Ethan said, setting my bag down in the living room. It wasn¡¯t a question.


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary,¡± I replied. ¡°I can manage on my own.¡±


    ¡°Your vision-¡±


    ¡°Is improving every day,¡± I cut him off. ¡°Besides, I know you have meetings tomorrow. I wouldn¡¯t want to keep you from your work.¡±


    He studied my face for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. ¡°At least take your medicine before I go.¡±


    I did as he asked, grimacing at the bitter taste. He watched me drink it, then reluctantly headed for the door. ¡°I¡¯ll


    check on you tomorrow,¡± he promised.


    After he left, I stood in my living room, taking in the blurry outlines of my furniture. Better than yesterday, but still


    far from normal.


    Max came to visit that evening, his familiar awkward shuffle announcing his arrival before I opened the door.


    ¡°Jade!¡± He hugged me tightly, then pulled back to examine me with worried eyes. ¡°Are you really okay? Your eyes-¡±


    ¡°Will be fine in a few days,¡± I assured him. ¡°The treatment¡¯s working.¡±


    He nodded, then noticed Zach standing silently by the kitchen counter. ¡°Oh! Zach. I wanted to thank you for helping my sister. Are you alright?¡±


    Zach merely nodded, his expression unreadable. Max stood there awkwardly, clearly intimidated by Zach¡¯s stoic demeanor<b>. </b>


    I was ying with the Doberman¡¯s cor tag when the doorbell rang again. Through the security camera feed on my phone, I saw Chase Astor shifting from foot to foot.


    Before I could open the door, the dog bolted past me, somehow managing to turn the handle with his mouth. The door swung open.


    ¡°Hey, you got a dog!¡± Chase grinned, reaching down to pet him. The Doberman growled, baring his teeth.


    Chase jerked his hand back, but the dog was already moving, chasing him down the hallway. I heard Chase¡¯s panicked yell fade as he ran, the dog in hot pursuit.


    Over the next few days, Ethan came by each evening around seven. On the fifth night, I was in the bathroom attempting to wash my hair when he arrived. The shampoo bottle slipped from my hands, ttering to the floor.


    ¡°Need help?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice came from the doorway.


    I hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Yes, actually.¡±


    He picked up the fallen shampoo and moved behind me, taking the handheld shower head. His fingers were careful as they worked through my hair, adjusting the water temperature perfectly.


    ¡°Is this okay?¡± he asked, his voice close to my ear.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I murmured, closing my eyes as his fingers massaged my scalp. It felt unexpectedly intimate, his hands moving through my hair with gentle precision.


    When he finished washing, he wrapped my hair in a towel, his movements gradually slowing. I could feel his breath on my forehead, and when I opened my eyes, his face was much closer than I expected.


    Ethan leaned in slowly, his eyes focused on my forehead as if he meant to press his lips there<b>. </b>My gaze lifted to his face, and our eyes met.


    He froze. ¡°You can see me.¡±


    ¡°Better than before. Still not perfect.¡±


    Ethan straightened, putting distance between us again, but his hands remained on the towel around my hair. He continued drying it as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°How long have you been able to see?¡± he asked casually, his fingers working through the damp strands.


    ¡°Since this morning,¡± I admitted. ¡°Things are much clearer now.¡±


    He nodded, continuing his task withoutment. But I took the towel from his hands, breaking the contact between <ol><li><b>us</b><b>. </b></li></ol>


    ¡°I can handle it from here,¡± I said softly, stepping away.


    Ethan watched me walk out of the bathroom, his expression unreadable. ¡°I¡¯ll clean up,¡± he said simply.

 Treatment 241

    Treatment 265


    Chapter <b>241 </b>


    I was in the middle of analyzing some encrypted data on myptop when a solt thud caught my attention. Looking down, I saw a tennis ball at my feet and the Doberman¨Cformerly known as Zach¨Csitting expectantly in front of me, his tall wagging enthusiastically against


    the foot.


    ¡°Not now, Captain,¡± I said, nudging the ball away with my foot. ¡°I¡¯m working.¡±


    The dog tilted his head, <b>brown </b>eyes staring at me with unwavering determination. He nudged the ball closer with his nose.


    ¡°Captain?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice came from the kitchen doorway. He leaned against the frame, coffee mug in hand, eyebrows raised in amusement. ¡°You <b>renamed </b>the dog?¡±


    I kept my eyes on the screen. ¡°It¡¯s less confusing this way.¡±


    ¡°How thoughtful of you,¡± <b>Ethan </b>said, his tone somewhere between teasing and genuinely impressed. ¡°You¡¯re really looking out for Zach s feelings.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>It was getting annoying,¡± I exined, finally looking up. ¡°Whenever I called for Zach, both of them would respond. The human one wasn¡¯t too happy about sharing his name with a dog.¡±


    Ethan chuckled, taking a sip of <b>his </b>coffee. ¡°I can imagine.¡±


    Captain whined softly, still focused on the tennis <b>ball</b>. I sighed, closing myptop. My eyes had been staring at the screen for too long anyway, and though they were healing well, I didn¡¯t want to push it.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I conceded, picking up the ball. ¡°One throw, then I¡¯m getting back to work.¡±


    The afternoon air was crisp <b>as </b>Captain, <b>Zach</b>, and I walked through the residential area near Princeton University. My vision had improved significantly I could now make out details within about fifteen feet, though anything beyond <b>that </b>remained slightly blurred. It was good enough for walking without assistance, which was a relief.


    I noticed how Zach asionally nced at Captain, his expression no longer showing the disdain <b>he¡¯d </b>initially <b>had </b>for the dog. Progress, I supposed.


    As we neared the university grounds, something¨Cor rather, someone¨Ccaught my eye. <b>A </b>tall, thin figure with unusually pale <b>skin </b>stood near the entrance to the science building. There was something familiar about him, but with my vision still not at a hundred percent, I couldn¡¯t make out his features clearly.


    ¡°What is it?¡± <b>Zach </b>asked<b>, </b>instantly alert.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± I said calmly, continuing to walk.


    The ssroom buzzed with energy as I <b>walked </b>in the next morning, Conversations paused momentarily as heads turned in my direction, then resumed with increased vigor. I caught fragments of whispers as I made my way to my usual seat in the back row by the window.


    ¡°She¡¯s back¡­


    heard she was in Spain¡­¡±


    ¡­with Ethan Hasion¡­¡±


    I ignored them <b>all</b>, setting my bag down and taking out my notebook. The familiar routine felt strange after everything that had happened, but also grounding in its own way,


    Professor Smith entered, silencing the chatter with his presence. He scanned the room, his gazending on me.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± he <b>said</b>, a smile spreading across his face. ¡°Wee back<b>. </b>I hope you¡¯re feeling better?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Thank you, Professor.¡±


    He seemed satisfied with my response and began the ss, discussing the assignments that had been submitted during my absence. To my surprise, he pulled up a PowerPoint presentation on the projector.


    ¡°This is an exceptional piece of work,¡± he announced, gesturing to the title slide that hore my name. ¡°Miss Morgan¡¯s analysis of market fluctuations in emerging economies is graduate¨Clevel work. Jade, would you minding up to talk us through your approach?¡±


    The ss turned to look at me, excitement evident on their faces. I suppressed a sigh and <b>made </b>my way to the front. Standing beside the projector, I had to lean closer to see the details on the screen¨Cmy vision was still slightly blurred for distant objects.


    ¡°The analysis uses a multi¨Cvariable approach,¡± I began, keeping my exnation brief and technical. I walked through the key points quickly, not borating more than necessary. The bright light from the projector was ufortable for my eyes, which still felt sensitive after the <b>chemical </b>exposure.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I concluded after just a few minutes, ready to return to my seat.


    ¡°Is that all?¡± Professor Miller asked, looking disappointed. ¡°Your methodology is fascinating. Perhaps you could exin how you developed the predictive <b>model</b>?¡±


    ¡°Actually,¡± I said, looking at the expectant faces of my ssmates, ¡°I didn¡¯t make this.¡±


    A confused murmur spread through the room.


    ¡°Mr. Haxton did,¡± I rified, seeing no reason to lie. ¡°Hepleted the assignment while I was recovering


    The ssroom erupted into excited whispers. Professor Miller looked momentarily taken aback b


    but <b>quickly </b>regained hisposure.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­ unexpected,¡± he said. ¡°But still impressive. Please extend mypliments to Mr. Haxton.¡±


    I nodded and returned to my seat, aware of the heightened <b>interest </b>from my ssmates. A girl with curly blonde hair leaned over from


    the desk beside mine.


    ¡°Ethan Haxton did your homework?¡±


    she a


    asked, eyes wide. ¡°Are you two<b>, </b>like, together?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the ss,¡± I replied coldly.


    12:03 Sat, <b>Sep </b><b>27 </b>


    A


    ¡°Come on,¡± she persisted, undeterred by my tone. ¡°just a litle Info? it doesn¡¯t have to be about your rtionship. His life, his work, anything¡ªwe¡¯re all dying to know,¡±


    I sighed. ¡°His life is orderly, his work is detailed. There¡¯s nothing particrly Interesting to share,¡±


    Before she could press further, Professor Miller called for attention. ¡°For our next presentation, Fil like to hear from our newest student.¡± He gestured to the back corner of the room. ¡°Mr. Murphy, would you please share your group¡¯s findings?¡±


    A young man in thest row stood up but <b>didn¡¯t </b>move toward the front. One of his group members spoke up. ¡°Sir, Ss doesn¡¯t <b>have </b>aputer yet, and he¡¯s not familiar with PowerPoint.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Professor Miller nodded understandingly. ¡°Well, perhaps next time. You can observe today, Mr. Murphy.¡±


    The new student¨CSs¨Csat back down, reaching for his notebook. As he did, he seemed to sense my gaze on him. He looked up, meeting <b>my </b>eyes briefly with <b>a </b>puzzled expression before returning his attention to the front of the ss.


    Chapter Comments


    3

 Treatment 242

    As Professor Smith droned on about economic theories, my attention drified to a figure sitting in the far corner.


    Dark hair, pale skin, angr features. Something about him nagged at my memory. I studied him <b>more </b>closely, realizing that he was the same guy I¡¯d glimpsed at the traffic light¨Cand <b>again </b>near campus the night before.


    The guy behind me leaned forward, his <b>voice </b>dropping to a whisper. ¡°He¡¯s new.


    I didn¡¯t turn around, keeping my eyes fixed on the stranger.


    ¡°Transferred in the day after you took your leave,¡± the boy continued<b>, </b>apparently emboldened by my non¨Crejection. <b>Ever </b>since I¡¯d demolished Randview¡¯s basketball team, the male poption at Princeton had <b>developed </b>a weird reverence for me.


    ¡°His name¡¯s Ss Murphy, Computer science major. Already being called the new department heartthrob. The guy behind me sounded almost jealous.


    I remained silent, observing Ss¡¯s methodical note<b>¨C</b>taking, the precise way he organized his desk. Something in his movements seemed calcted, efficient.


    Before I could analyze further, Professor Smith¡¯s lecture was interrupted by a teaching assistant who handed him a note. Professor Smith nced at it, then looked up.


    ¡°Mr. Murphy? Student Services needs to see <b>you</b>.¡±


    efficiency, slipping out the back <b>door </b>


    Ss packed his things with the same methodical precision I¡¯d noticed earlier. He moved with quiet ef without drawing attention.


    I waited three minutes before raising my hand. Professor, may I be excused? I need to speak with Student Services assignments.¡±


    about my missed


    Five minutester, I was leaning against the <b>wall </b>outside the Student Advisor¡¯s <b>office</b><b>, </b>scrolling through my phone. The door opened, and Ss emerged, tucking what looked like a check into his wallet.


    He looked up, <b>his </b><b>dark </b>eyes meeting mine. For a split second, something flickered <b>across </b>his face¨Crecognition? Wariness? It was gone


    <b>past </b>without a word. before I could identify it. He gave me a <b>cold</b>, dismissive nce and walked


    I watched him disappear down the hallway before knocking on Philip Thornton¡¯s door.


    ¡°Well, well, well,¡± Philip eximed, looking up from his desk with a wide smile. ¡°The prodigal student returns! I was beginning to think you¡¯d forgotten about your old friend Philip<b>.</b>¡±


    The university president¡¯s office wasfortably cluttered, with books stacked on every surface <b>and </b>academic journals marked with colorful sticky notes.


    ¡°Just been busy,¡± I replied, taking the offered seat across from him.


    ¡°Busy breaking basketball records, from what I hear.¡± He chuckled, pouring coffee into a ceramic mug with Princeton¡± emzoned on it.


    ¡°Cream? Sugar?¡±


    ¡°ck is fine.¡±


    He pushed the mug toward me. So, what brings you to my humble office? Surely not just to check on an old man?¡±


    I took a sip of coffee. I want to see Ss M


    Murphy¡¯s file.¡±


    Philip¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Student records are confidential, Miss Morgan. You know that.¡±


    I met his gaze steadily. ¡°You owe me.¡±


    <b>He </b>sighed, the memory of my saving his life hanging unspoken between us. ¡°Fine. But this stays between us.¡±


    Philip retrieved a folder from his filing cab and spread it open on his <b>desk</b>.


    ¡°What¡¯s his story?¡± I asked, scanning the documents.


    Philip¡¯s expression softened. ¡°A tough one. Mother with a serious illness, father with a drinking problem. Been taking care of his mother since he <b>was </b>twelve, working odd jobs since middle school.¡±


    I flipped through the pages, noting Ss¡¯s impressive SAT scores and academic achievements despite his circumstances.


    ¡°Got epted to MIT two years ago, full ride, Philip continued, ¡°but had to decline. His mother¡¯s condition worsened, and he couldn¡¯t <b>leave </b>her. Took a job at <b>an </b>auto <b>repair </b>shop instead<b>. </b>I brought her to Walter for a consultation, but Walter <b>said </b>she only had a few years


    left.¡±


    ¡°So how did he end up


    here?¡±


    ¡°I pulled some strings, offered him ate admission and a special schrship. expenses.¡±


    He


    le works in the cafeteria and library to cover additional


    I studied Ss¡¯s photo more carefully. The resemnce was striking¨Cthe same hollow cheekbones, the same watchful <b>eyes </b>as someone I¡¯d known in my previous life. Someone called Dusk.


    ¡°Why the interest?¡± Philip asked, eyeing me curiously.


    ¡°He looks familiar,¡± I replied vaguely.


    Philip studied me for a moment. ¡°Perhaps you should introduce yourself. He doesn¡¯t <b>talk </b>much¨Creminds me a bit of your brother, actually You might get along.¡±


    I snorted. ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m in the business of making friends?¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Philip chuckled, ¡°you did save my life. I¡¯d call that a rather friendly act


    I didn¡¯t answer, closing the file and sliding it back across the desk,


    The cafeteria buzzed with lunchtime activity as I joined the line at Ss¡¯s service window. Whispers erupted around


    ¡°Is that Jade Morgan?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s she doing in the cafeteria?¡±


    ¡°She never eats here¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, she¡¯s totally here for the new guy¡­¡±


    I ignored them, moving forward in <b>line</b>.


    ¡°Jade!¡± C


    Chase Astor¡¯s <b>voice </b>boomed behind me as he squeezed past other students to stand directly behind me. ¡°Mind if I join you?¡±


    ¡°You re already here,¡± I observed dryly.


    He grinned, then winced as he shifted his weight. ¡°By the way, what kind of dog did you get? The one I saw at your apartment?¡±


    ¡°A Doberman.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You should get rid of it. Those things bite. <b>Mine¡¯s </b>got a nasty bump from where it lunged at me.¡± He gestured to his forehead, where impressive bruise was forming. ¡°I barely got away.¡±


    ¡°You ran from my dog?¡± I asked, <b>raising </b>an eyebrow


    ¡°And fell,¡± he <b>admitted </b>sheepishly. ¡°But still, dangerous animals shouldn¡¯t be pets, even with vines.¡±


    I reached the counter where Ss stood, his expression nk. ¡°Sweet and <b>sour </b>chicken, <b>please</b>,¡± I <b>said</b>.


    He served the food mechanically, not meeting my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have the same,¡± Chase said behind me.


    ¡°Last portion,¡± Ss replied tly, nodding toward my tray,


    ¡°Come on, man, make more, Chase insisted.


    ¡°Kitchen¡¯s out. Choose something else.¡± Ss¡¯s voice was cold, devoid of any emotion. Unlike Max, whose quietness came from shyness, Ss seemed emptied out by hardship. There was <b>a </b>deadness in his eyes.


    Chase made <b>an </b>annoyed sound, his expression darkening. ¡°Seriously? You can¡¯t just make more?¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>Take </b>mine,¡± I offered, turning to Chase.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine,¡± Chase backed down, pointing at another option. ¡°I¡¯ll <b>have </b>this.¡±


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 243

    The Princeton library was unusually crowded for a Thursday afternoon. I sat drifted to the thin, <b>dark </b>haired figure hunched over textbooks three falles away.


    AROD


    at at a corner table, pretending to read while my attention


    Ss Murphy.


    ¡°Is that Jade Morgan? In the library?¡± A whisper floated from a nearby table, followed by a chorus of hushed voices.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen her here before.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s here for the new guy.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s cute in <b>that </b>mysterious, brooding <b>way</b>.¡±


    I scrolled through messages on my phone. Ethan <b>had </b>texted again, asking about my eyes,


    Better. Stop asking.


    closed My vision had improved enough to read without strain, though distant objects still blurred around the edges. I nced up as Sis c his books, meticulously arranging them in his worn <b>backpack</b>. His movements were efficient, almost mechanical.


    He checked his watch¨Ca cheap <b>digital </b>model with a cracked face¨Cand frowned. Seven o¡¯clock. He gathered his things quickly and headed for the exit.


    I waited exactly thirty seconds before following.


    The public bus dropped Ss at the <b>edge </b>of Princeton¡¯s poorest neighborhood¨Cabyrinth of crumbling apartment buildings and narrow alleys. I trailed him silently through darkening streets.


    <b>Ss </b>turned down a narrow passage between two buildings. Even with mypromised vision, I could tell something was wrong when <b>he </b>suddenly stopped. Voices echoed between the <b>brick </b>walls.


    ¡°Well, well. <b>Look </b>who¡¯s here. A stocky figure stepped into Ss¡¯s path, followed by more shadows¨Cat least a dozen. ¡°Been looking for you, Murphy.


    what do you want?<b>¡± </b>


    <b>Ss¡¯s </b>shoulders tensed. ¡°What do you


    ¡°Your <b>piece </b>of shit father owes my cousin three grand. Plus interest.¡± The leader stepped closer, streetlight glinting off something metallic in his hand. ¡°Then there¡¯s the hospital bill for Joey¡¯s broken nose.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have money,¡± Ss said, voice <b>t</b>.


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad. <b>Guess </b>we¡¯ll have to take payment another way.¡± The guy tapped a metal pipe <b>against </b>his palm. ¡®How about we start with your legs?


    The <b>others </bughed, moving to form a circle around Silus.


    I expected him to run. Instead, he swung his backpack, ratching the leader squarely in the face. The man stumbled back, cursing


    ¡°Get him!¡±


    Two thugs rushed forward. Ss dodged the fast swing,nding a sollid punch to one guy¡¯s throat, but the second caught him across the back with a pipe. He staggered but stayed on his feet, ducking another swing


    For someone who looked half¨Cstarved, he moved well. Street lighting. not trainedbat, but effective enough. Still, the odds were impossible¨Cone against twelve.


    ging with him.


    A second blow caught his shoulder. A third nced off his forearm as he blocked. They were toying


    The leader stepped forward, pipe raised for <b>a </b><b>blow </b>that would shatter bone.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    y!¡± I <b>called </b>from the alley entrance. ¡°Twelve against one? Pathetic.


    Heads turned. I picked up a discarded pipe and twirled it experimentally.


    ¡°The fuck are you?¡± the leader spat.


    I didn¡¯t answer, just walked forward. Two moved to intercept me. <b>The </b>first swing was telegraphed so obviously I could have dodged it blindfolded. I sidestepped, brought the pipe down on his wrist¨Cfelt bone give way¨Cthen drove <b>my </b>knee into his groin<b>. </b>He dropped, screaming.


    The second barely had time to register what happened before my pipe connected with his temple. Down.


    The others rushed me together. A <b>mistake</b>. In tight quarters, they blocked each other, got in their own way. I moved through them knife through butter¨Cprecise, efficient. No wasted movement,


    Seven seconds. Seven bodies on the ground.


    The leader backed away, eyes wide. ¡°What the <b>fuck </b>


    like a


    1 <b>closed </b>the distance before he could finish, drove the pipe into his stomach, <b>then </b>brought it down on the back of his neck as he doubled over. Not hard enough to kill, just enough to make sure he wouldn¡¯t get <b>up </b>anytime soon.


    The remaining thugs scattered, leaving their unconscious friends behind.


    Ss stood frozen, blood trickling from a cut on his forehead.


    I <b>walked </b>toward him, pipe still in hand. His eyes widened as I <b>raised </b>it and swung.


    The metal stopped <b>an </b>inch from his face.


    ¡°Just kidding,¡± I said, dropping the pipe


    with a tter. ¡°You looked like <b>you </b>needed help.¡±


    He stared at me, chest heaving. ¡°Why were you following me?¡±


    ??


    I <b>wasn¡¯t</b>. I <b>was </b>getting tacos.¡± I shrugged. ¡°There¡¯s a Mexican ce around the corner, right?¡±


    <b>12:27 </b>Sat, Sep 27


    Ss clutched his <b>arm</b>, wincing. ¡°Right,¡±


    He looked at me for <b>a </b>long moment, then turned and headed for a rusted door set in the brick wall.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I called after <b>him</b>. ¡°I just saved


    ass. A thank you¡®


    would be nice. Or at least show me where to get tacos.


    Ss nced back, eyes unreadable. Without a word, he jerked his head, Inilleating I should follow.


    Am


    lly in a notebook<b>. </b>I set my


    The <b>next </b>day, I spotted Ss in the student dining hall. He sat alone, food untouched as he scribbled frantically tray down across <b>from </b>him.


    *<b>Late </b>for ss?¡± I asked.


    He looked <b>up</b><b>, </b>startled. ¡°What?¡±


    1 gestured to his notebook. ¡°You¡¯re writing like the world¡¯s ending¡±


    Ss went back


    k to his notes


    s without answering. The dark circles under his eyes had deepened overnight.


    I ced a <b>small </b>tube on the table between us. ¡°Sports medicine. For bruises <b>and </b>muscle strain. Better than whatever over¨Cthe¨Ccounter crap you¡¯re using.¡±


    His pen stopped moving. He stared at the tube but didn¡¯t reach for it.


    dering if <b>I¡¯d </b>miscalcted. Then he returned with a


    After a moment, Ss closed his notebook and stood. I watched him walk away, wondering tray of food, setting it in front of me.


    ¡°How much?¡± I asked as he <b>sat </b>down.


    I


    He ignored the question, reopening his notebook.


    ¡°Do you have notes fromst semester?¡± he <b>asked </b>suddenly, <ol><li>v. not looking up. </li></ol>


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I lied, ¡°Want to borrow them?¡±


    is <b>gaze </b>nicked up briefly. The question was obvious in his eyes.


    His


    ¡°What¡¯s in it for me?¡± 1 asked.


    <b>Ss </b><b>looked </b><b>back </b>down at his notes, Jaw tightening.


    1 finished my <b>food </b>and left the medicine tube on the table.


    When Ss entered the ssroom that afternoon, the whispers started immediately<b>. </b>


    ¡°Did you see him with Jade?¡±


    ¡°In the <b>dining </b>hall-


    He slid into his seat, Ignoring the stares. I watched from <b>across </b>the rooms as he opened his <b>backpack </b>and froze.


    Three spiral notebooks <by </b>on his desk, eachbeled with a course number. Inside the top one, a note was stuck to the first page:


    Study hard. ¨C


    200


    The notebooks weren¡¯t mine. I¡¯d borrowed them from Amelia Chen, our ss¡¯s resident overachiever. I hadn¡¯t even needed to exin- she¡¯d been so excited about Jade Morgan acknowledging her existence that she¡¯d thrust the notebooks into my hands immediately.


    <b>Ss </b>looked up, scanning the room <b>until </b>his eyes met mine. For a split second, I thought I saw something¨Cgratitude, maybe. But then his expression shuttered closed, and he turned back to the notebooks.


    I smiled to myself. The whispers grew louder around us, but neither of us <b>paid </b>them any attention


    Chapter Comments


    3

 Treatment 244

    adass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b>244


    Saturday morning sunlight filtered through the grimy windones of a sundown apartment building in Princeton¡¯s poorest neighborhood. I stood behind Walter Morrison and Philip Thornton as we climbed the creaking stairs to the fifth floor. The stairwell reeked of urine and <b>cheap </b>disinfectant.


    Walter knocked on apartment 507. No answer. He knocked again, louder <b>this </b>time,


    ¡°Maybe no one¡¯s home, Philip suggested, straightening his expensive suit jacket.


    I reached past them and turned the doorknob. It wasn¡¯t locked. The door swung open, revealing Ss kneeling beside a <b>frail </b>woman in a narrow bed, cleaning what appeared to be vomit from her nightgown.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Ss said without looking up, his voice t. ¡°I¡¯ll be at work in twenty minutes.¡±


    He froze when he turned and <b>saw </b>us standing in the doorway. His eyes widened with recognition, then narrowed with something between anger and shame.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Philip said <b>quickly</b>. ¡°The door v


    wasn¡¯t <b>properly </b>closed. We should have knocked harder.¡±


    The apartment was a single bedroom with a tiny living room and what looked <b>like </b><b>a </b>kitchte <b>and </b>bathroom so small you¡¯d struggle to turn around in them. The walls were painted a dingy yellow that had <b>faded </b>and peeled in ces. The sparse furniture was clearly secondhand, but meticulously clean. Deep knife marks scarred the front door from the Inside.


    Despite the poverty, someone had tried to make the ce habitable. The floor was swept, the few dishes stacked neatly in a drying rack. <b>A </b>nket and pillow on the living room couch suggested that¡¯s where Ss slept, giving the bedroom to his mother.


    <b>¡°</b>Dr. Morrison?¡± Ss¡¯s mother asked <b>weakly </b>from the bed, her voice a thread of sound,


    Walter


    stepped forward, medical bag in hand. ¡°Mrs. Murphy.¡±


    Ss¡¯s jaw tightened as he took the soiled cloth to the tiny bathroom


    sional efficiency. I watched from the doorway as he examined Mrs. Murphy, his


    Walter moved to the <b>bedside</b>, his manner shifting to professional expression growing more troubled with <b>each </b>passing minute.


    ¡°She worked two jobs when <b>she </b><b>was </b>younger, Ss said from <b>behind </b>me, his voice low. ¡°Factory during the day, cleaning offices at night. Her body started breaking down years ago.¡±


    Walter nodded grimly. ¡°And the kidney disease?¡±


    ¡°Two years


    years ago. Medicare covers the dialysis<b>, </b>but¡­¡± Ss shrugged,


    ed, the gesture conveying everything words couldn¡¯t.


    I studied Mrs. Murphy <b>more </b>carefully. Early¨Cfifties, probably, though she looked much older. Her body had been broken by hardbor and what looked like abuse¨Cold scars visible on her arms, a badly healed fracture in her left <b>wrist</b>.


    ¡°Your father?¡± I asked <b>quietly</b>.


    Ss ignored that question.


    Walter finished his examination and turned to me. ¡°Jade<b>, </b>can you think of anything that might help? Something to ease her pain, perhaps extend her time?¡±


    I nced at Ss, then back to Walter. ¡°Everyone out,¡± I said. ¡°I need a few minutes.¡±


    Walter nodded and ushered everyone from the bedroom.


    When we were alone, I pulled my small medical kit from my bag and selected a vial containing an experimental pain <b>management </bpound I¡¯d developed. It wasn¡¯t FDA approved, but it worked better than anything on the market.


    1 gently moved the nket <b>aside and </b>carefully unbuttoned part of Mrs. Murphy¡¯s nightgown, exposing a small area of her abdomen. After cleaning the spot, I injected thepound. ¡°This will help with the pain,¡± I exined. ¡°It targets nerve receptors without suppressing respiratory function.¡±


    Within minutes, her breathing eased<b>, </b>and the tight lines around <b>her </b>eyes rxed.


    ¡°Better?¡± I <b>asked</b><b>. </b>


    She nodded, looking at me with new interest. ¡°Thank you. Are <b>you </b>a doctor too?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>In a way,¡± I repacked my kit. Til leave more medicine with your son.¡±


    ¡°Ss is a good boy,¡± she said, her voice stronger now that the pain had receded. ¡°Always <b>has </b>been. Takes care of me, works so hard.¡± Her eyes filled with tears. ¡°He deserves better than this life. Dealing with his father¡¯s beatings, taking on so much responsibility at such a young age.¡±


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 245

    Chapter <b>245 </b>


    I sat on the <b>edge </b>of the <b>bed</b><b>. </b>¡°How many children do you


    The question seemed to surprise het. ¡°Two boys, Ss and¡­ She swallowed hard. ¡°And Joh. He was taken when he was just a baby. We never found him.<b>¡± </b>


    My pulse quickened. ¡°How old would Job he now?¡±


    ¡°Twenty<b>¨C</b><b>five</b>, if he¡¯s <b>alive </b>


    Two years


    older than me. Same as Dusk.


    ¡°Does he have any distinguishing marks? A birthmark, maybe?¡± I asked. ¡°Something that might help identify him.¡±


    ¡°A mole behind his left ear,¡± she replied. ¡°Like a tiny dark star.¡±


    1 nodded, processing this information. Dusk didn¡¯t have a mole there, but Shadow Organization often removed identifying marks from their operatives. I¡¯d never specifically checked for a removal <b>scar</b>.


    ¡°I hope he¡¯s alive,¡± she whispered, ¡°I hope someone <b>was </b>kind to him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they were.¡±


    I <b>stared </b>at the wall for a long <b>moment </b>before answering.¡±


    As I stood to leave, she caught my sleeve. ¡°Are y


    <b>you </b>Ss¡¯s friend? From school?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s had it rough,¡± she <b>said</b>, her voice dropping to ensure Ss couldn¡¯t <b>hear </b>from the other room. ¡°His <b>father </b>used to beat him. The kids at his old school bullied him. He stopped talking much, never had friends. He¡¯s new at your school. Could you <b>talk </b>to him sometimes? Please<b>? </b>


    I <b>nced </b>toward the door where Ss stood, clearly having heard every word.


    ¡°I can,¡± I said simply.


    That night, I sat in my study, Captain curled at my feet as I hacked into Shadow Organization¡¯s DNA database. It wasn¡¯t easy¨Cthey d upgraded their security since myst intrusion¨Cbut nothing <b>was </b>imprable to me.


    <b>I </b>found it within an hour: Job Murphy¡¯s DNA profile and the gicparison to Tamara Murphy. 99.7% match¨Cbiological mother


    confirmed.


    I stared at the screen<b>, </b>memories flooding back. Dusk¨Cor Job, as he¡¯d been born¨Chad been my only friend in that hellhole. We¡¯d trained together since childhood, <b>promised </b>to escape together <b>someday</b><b>, </b>live normal <b>lives </b>under new identities.


    Instead, I¡¯d buried him.


    <b>1/2 </b>


    If Dusk had lived, <b>Ss </b>and his mother might have had a very different life. Perhaps with money for proper medical care, a decent ce to


    live.


    I deleted the files and purged all traces of my search. Then I sat in the darkness, letting the weight of this knowledge settle over me.


    <b>Captain </b>sensed my mood, whining softly as heid his head on myp,


    Sunday afternoon, I found Ss at an auto repair shop, <b>wearing </b>oil¨Cstained coveralls as he worked under the hood of a Chevrolet.


    A well¨Cdressed man stood nearby, gesturing angrily. ¡°<b>You </b>haven¡¯t <b>fixed </b>shit! I¡¯m not paying for this!¡±


    Ss wiped his hands <b>on </b>a rag. ¡°I fixed the problem with your transmission. Test


    drive it yourself.¡±


    ¡°Get out of my way,¡± the man snarled, reaching for the door.


    Ss stepped in front of the car. ¡°You need to <b>pay </b>first. The car¡¯s fixed. I just <b>tested </b>it myself.¡±


    ¡°Move<b>, </b>or I¡¯ll run you <b>over</b>,¡± the man


    threatened, climbing into <b>the </b><b>driver¡¯s </b>seat.


    I pulled my car alongside<b>, </b>put it in reverse, and mmed into the Chevrolet¡¯s front quarter panel.


    The impact was satisfying¨Cprecision damage to the body without risking deployment of the <b>airbag</b>. I shifted gears and hit it again. And again. Each impact deformed the <b>car </b>further.


    By the fourth hit, the owner was trapped inside, the door frame now too warped to open easily. His face had gone white with shock as he frantically yanked at the jammed door handle. Through the cracked window, I could see him desperately looking toward Ss, his mouth forming pleas for help. His hand reached out in a pathetic gesture, as if the same person he¡¯d just threatened could somehow <b>save </b>him from this situation.


    his expression a mixture of disbelief and something else¨Csomething I couldn¡¯t quite identify.


    Ss stared at me, h


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 Treatment 246

    <b>Chapter </b>246


    I put my car in park and got out, Ignoring the terrified man trapped inside the Chevrolet. The front of my car was dented, the headlight on one sidepletely shattered. I approached Ss, who stood frozen, his eyes darting between me and the now¨Csobbing customer.


    ¡°I was just nning to get my car washed,¡± 1 sahl casual


    casually, gesturing to my damaged vehicle. ¡°Looks like it needs more than that now.¡±


    I nced over at the Chevrolet owner, who had finally managed to squeeze himself out through the passenger door. His face was <b>pale </b>with fear as he backed away, not even bothering to grab his wallet or phone from the console.


    ¡°Look at him run,¡± Imented as the man stumbled away from his mangled car. ¡°He won¡¯t daree back to cause you trouble. People like <b>that </b>are all bullies¨Ctough when they think they have power, cowards when confronted.¡±


    I leaned against the garage wall and watched <b>as </b>Ss returned to work. For the next several hours, I observed him moving methodically from one vehicle to another. He worked with impressive efficiency¨Cdiagnosing problems, recing parts, testing systems. Not once did <b>he </b><b>take </b>a <b>break</b>, not even to eat or drink.


    Customers came and went, some polite, others demanding. Ss treated them all with the same detached professionalism, speaking only when necessary. By nine o¡¯clock, thest customer had left with their <b>keys</b>, and Ss began cleaning up <b>the </b>shop.


    ¡°Need a ride?¡± <b>I </b>asked as he locked the garage door.


    Ss nced at my damaged car. ¡°Ill walk.¡±


    ¡°Afraid I might intentionally <b>crash </b>again? Smart choice,¡± I joked, but still followed him as he <b>headed </b>down the street.


    After <b>a </b>few minutes of silent walking. Ss sighed heavily ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered, and reluctantly climbed into my passenger <b>seat</b>.


    As I pulled away from the curb, I noticed him staring out the windows, deliberately avoiding eye contact.


    ¡°Your brother who was taken,¡± I said, breaking the silence. ¡°If you had the resources, would you try to find him?¡±


    is jaw tightened. ¡°We barely <b>know </b><b>each </b>other.¡±


    His


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I asked<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my answer,¡± Ss said, frustration evident in his <b>voice</b>.


    The next day, Ss wasn¡¯t in ss. I approached one of his ssmates during the break.


    ¡°Where¡¯s <b>Ss </b>Murphy?¡± I asked<b>. </b>


    by with <b>thick </b>sses, looked surprised that I was speaking to him. ¡°No idea<b>.</b>¡±


    The student, a skinny boy


    I found the school counselor, who confirmed Ss hadn¡¯t checked in that morning. After asking a few more questions, I sent a text to Chase.


    Need your car. Mine¡¯s in the shop.


    His reply came quickly: Anything for you, gorgeous. Meet you in the parking lot do 10.


    ¹ú


    I signed out of school early, citing a medical appointment. Chase was waiting by his car, dangling the keys with a smirk.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± he asked as I slid into the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°To check on someone,¡± I answered, already pulling out of the parking lot.


    Ss¡¯s apartment building looked even more depressing in daylight. Graffiti covered the lower <b>walls</b>, and <b>several </b>windows were patched with cardboard or duct tape. Chase wrinkled his nose as we climbed the <b>stairs</b>.


    ives in <b>a </b><b>ce </b>like this?¡±


    ¡°Jesus, <b>who </b>lives in <b>a </b>


    I <b>didn¡¯t </b>answer, focusing instead on the door to apartment 507, which was slightly ajar. Pushing it open, I found Ss unconscious on the floor, blood pooling <b>around </b>his head from a gash above his temple. <b>Shards </b>of a broken whiskey bottley scattered nearby.


    ¡°Holy shit<b>,</b>¡± Chase breathed.


    I <b>quickly </b>checked Ss¡¯s pulse<b>¨C</b>steady but weak. Moving to the bedroom, I found <b>Mrs. </b>Murphy copsed halfway to the door, her position indicating she <b>had </b><b>tried </b>to reach her son


    ¡°Chase, help me get him downstairs,¡± I ordered<b>, </b>already lifting Ss¡¯s shoulders.


    Oh Chase looked at the blood <b>smeared </b>across Ss¡¯s face and hesitated for only a moment before carefully taking his legs<b>. </b>


    ¡°This <b>isn¡¯t </b>exactly <b>how </b>I nned to spend my <b>day</b>,¡± Chase muttered as we maneuvered Ss down four flights of stairs. By the time we reached the bottom, Chase¡¯s designer shirt was stained with blood. ¡°I thought we were just skipping ss for fun.¡±


    You


    gol


    the adrenaline rush you wanted,¡± I <b>said</b>, opening the car¡¯s <b>back </b>door. ¡°And you¡¯ll get to drive like hell to the hospital. That should <b>make </b>your day.¡±


    Chase¡¯s face lit up at the prospect. ¡°Now you¡¯re talking.¡±


    At the hospital, Ss was quickly taken for treatment while <b>Mrs. </b>Murphy was settled in a separate room. I waited outside Ss¡¯s room until a nurse indicated I could enter.


    searching t


    the room frantically until theynded on me.


    Ss was awake, his <b>head </b>bandaged, his eyes


    ¡°My mom?¡± he asked immediately, his voice hoarse.


    ¡°Next


    door,¡± I answered.


    Without waiting for permission, Ss swung <b>his </b>legs over <b>the </b>side of the bed and staggered to his feet. I didn¡¯t try to stop him as he <b>made </b>his way to his mother¡¯s room.


    Mrs. Murphy was sleeping peacefully, the medication having taken effect. Ss <b>visibly </b>rxed at the sight of her unharmed face.


    <b>12:27 </b>Sat, Sep <b>27 </b>


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked quietly.


    Ss stared at his mother¡¯s frail form, his expression intendable. After a long moment, he spoke, his nice dry and cracked,


    sur business


    None of youT


    Chase, who h


    had followed us, stepped forward angilly. ¡°She just saved your ass and your mom¡¯s, and that¡¯s how you thank her?¡±


    living room, the whiskey bottle¨Cit all pointed to a drunken rage,


    ¡°It was your father,¡± I stated with certainty. The smashed items in the <b>living </b>not a break in or attack.


    Ss didn¡¯t confirm or deny it, but his silence was answer enough.


    ¡°Your mother needs to stay here, I continued. ¡°I¡¯ve covered her medical expenses for a year. A caregiver will arriveter today.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t pay you back,¡± <b>Ss </b>said stiffly.


    ¡°You will,¡± I assured him.


    This seemed to ease some of his <b>tension</b>, knowing there was a way to maintain his pride.


    As we left the hospital, Chase fell into step beside me in the parking lot.


    ¡°So, did you dump Haxton for good this time?¡± he asked, twirling his car keys. ¡°Not that I¡¯mining, but Murphy? Really? Even for a charity case, that¡¯s a stretch.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± <b>I </b>asked.


    ¡°I mean, I get wanting to rebel, but at least pick someone hot. Chase grinned. ¡°Like me,


    ¡°You¡¯re right about one thing.¡± I interrupted. ¡°You are <b>avable</b>.¡±


    ¡°So¡­?¡± he prompted hopefully.


    ¡°So nothing. You¡¯re great, Chase. But I¡¯m too far out of your league. You couldn¡¯t keep up.¡±


    <b>Chase </bughed, not at all <b>offended</b>, ¡°Brutal honesty. <b>That¡¯s </b>why I like you, Morgan.¡±


    I smiled despite myself. ¡°<b>Give </b>me your <b>keys</b><b>. </b>I¡¯m driving back.¡±


    , for instance. I¡¯m avable, rich, good¨Clooking-


    As Chase handed over his keys, he nced back at the hospital ¡°His dad did that to him, huh? What a piece of shit.¡±


    For once, Chase and 1 were


    were in perfect agreement.


    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 247

    <b>Chapter </b>247


    Author¡¯s POV<b>: </b>


    <b>Jade </b>stood in the hospital parking lot, staring up at the fourth floor where Ss¡¯s mother was recovering.


    Chase leaned against his <b>car</b>, keys dangling from his fingers, ¡°Jade, where to now? I¡¯m starving¡±


    She nced at her watch. <b>Ss </b>had been unconscious for nearly a day. His mother¡¯s condition had stabilized. Initially, Jade hadn¡¯t nned to get involved in Ss¡¯s family drama¨CIt wasn¡¯t her business. <b>But </b>knowing his mother <b>was </b>also Dusk¡¯s mother changed things.


    ¡°Chase, do <b>you </b>know where we might find someone who gambles too much and drinks <b>even </b>more?¡± she asked, her voice deliberately casual.


    p with understanding. ¡°You want to find his father.¡± It wasn¡¯t a question ¡°Hell yes


    yes, I know exactly where to look.¡±


    Chase¡¯s eyes lit up


    She turned to him. ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡±


    The underground gambling


    bling den was located beneath aundromat in one of Princetons seedier neighborhoods. They arrived just as amotion erupted at the back entrance. A middle¨Caged man with thinning hair and <b>a </b>beer <b>gut </b>was being forcibly removed by two burly security guards.


    by out, Murphy!¡± one of the guards shouted. ¡°Don¡¯te back until you can <b>pay </b>what you owe!¡±


    ¡°And stay


    Ss¡¯s father brushed off his dirty jacket <b>and </b>spat on the ground. ¡°Fuck you! I was winning! You rigged those machines!¡±


    They sat in the car, watching as he staggered down the alley, muttering curses. Chase¡¯s knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. Jade said nothing, merely nodding when he turned on the headlights, illuminating Murphy in their harsh re.


    The man turned, squinting <b>into </b>the light, <b>and </b>had the audacity to spit toward their car. ¡°The fuck you looking at?¡± he slurred,


    Chase was out of the car before jade could stop him¨Cnot that she would <b>have</b>. ¡°Hey! You!¡± be called out, his voice sharp in the night air.


    Murphy turned, swaying slightly, ¡°What do you want,


    rich boy?¡±


    <b>Chase¡¯s </b>first punch <bnded </b>squarely on Murphy¡¯s jaw, sending him sprawling. Without hesitation, Chase grabbed the front of Murphy¡¯s shirt and dragged him deeper into the alley<b>, </b><b>away </b>from prying eyes. Jade followed <b>at </b>a leisurely pace, watching as Chase mmed the older man against a brick wall.


    ¡°Look at me<b>, </b>you piece of shit,¡± <b>Chase </b>growled,nding another punch to Murphy¡¯s stomach. ¡°Take a <b>good </b>look at who¡¯s beating the crap out of <b>you</b>. I¡¯m Ss¡¯s ssmate.¡±


    Murphy¡¯s eyes widened in recognition before another blow made him double <b>over</b>.


    ¡°Your son is in the hospital, Chase continued<b>, </b>punctuating each word with a blow, ¡°Your wife is dying. And what are you doing? Cambling away what little money you have left.¡±


    ¡°Please,¡± Murphy whimpered, blood trickling from his split lip. ¡°I won¡¯t do it again, I swear.¡°


    ¡°You¡¯re damn right you won¡¯t.¡± Chase grabbed Murphy by the cor, forcing him to look up. ¡°If I ever hear you fald a hand on either of them again, I¡¯lle <b>back </b>and finish what I started. You understand me?


    Murphy nodded frantically, tears mixing with the blond on his face.


    ¡°You¡¯re garbage,¡± Chase spat. ¡°No, you¡¯re worse than garbage. You¡¯re a monster who beats his wife and son. What kind of man does that?¡±


    Jade watched the scene with detached interest, making no move to Intervene. Some lessons needed to be learned the hard way.


    Back in the <b>car</b>, Chase flexed his bruised knuckles, a satisfied expression on his <b>face</b>. ¡°What a waste of human life,¡± that¡­ that animal <b>have </b>a son like Ss? It must be some gic mutation.¡±


    Jade smiled slightly. ¡°My brother Max is kind of a gic mutation too<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Your brother?¡± Chase¡¯s interest was immediately piqued. ¡°When do I get to meet this mysterious sibling of yours?¡±


    ¡°When he gets into Princeton, she replied. ¡°You¡¯ll see him then.¡±


    he muttered. ¡°How <b>can </b>


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 Treatment 248

    <b>Chapter </b><b>248 </b>


    For several <b>days</b><b>, </b>Ethan Haxton had been unusually attentive to his phone, The Princeton social media tform had been buzzing with posts about Jade and the new student, Ss Murphy. One post imed she¡¯d loaned Silus her notes. Another mentioned seeing her in line for his cafeteria window. The most recent one reported seeing Ss getting into Jade¡¯s car.


    Ethan scrolled through thements, his expression unreadable. Connor watched him from the corner of his eye, trying to gauge his boss¡¯s reaction to these developments.


    ¡°Connor,¡± Ethan said suddenly, setting down his phone. ¡°What¡¯s my schedule for this evening?¡±


    ¡°You have the monthly physical at the medical center at 6:30, Connor replied promptly.


    Ethan nodded and typed out a text to Jade: Free after yourst ss. Coming to see you


    Her reply came a few minutester: Have something to do. I¡¯ll see youter.


    al center. I¡¯ll go to Jade¡¯s afterward,¡± Ethan said, his voice <b>controlled</b>.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the medical


    During the drive, Connor kept stealing nces at Ethan, trying to read his mood. Ethan caught him looking and raised an eyebrow


    ¡°What is it?¡± Ethan asked, his voice edged with <b>ice</b>.


    Connor swallowed hard. ¡°Nothing, sir.¡±


    The hospital was crowded when Ethan arrived for his monthly check¨Cup. As he and Connor <b>stepped </b>into the elevator<b>, </b>Ethan noticed a familiar figure at the <b>end </b>of the hallwayde, walking alongside a tall, thin young man. Even from a distance, Ethan recognized Ss from the social <b>media </b>posts


    ¡°Sir?¡± Connor asked, noticing Ethan¡¯s sudden stillness.


    Connor followed Ethan¡¯s gaze and spotted Jade disappearing into an elevator with Ss. Understanding dawned on his face.


    By the time they reached the fourth floor, the elevator doors were just opening


    Ethan stepped out, his expression surprised as he spotted Jade standing there alone.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± she said, her voice revealing nothing. ¡°What are you doing <b>here</b>?¡±


    ¡°Monthly check¨Cup,¡± he replied smoothly, though his eyes searched behind her for Ss. ¡°And you? Are you feeling unwell?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°Just visiting


    e someone.¡±


    The young man with you?¡± Ethan asked, his tone carefully <b>casual</b>,


    12:28 Sat, Sep <b>27 </b>


    ¡°His mother,¡± Jade rified. ¡°She <b>has </b>kidney failure. She¡¯s been admitted.¡±


    ¡°And the young man? A friend of yours?¡±


    Jade tilted her <b>head</b>, a hint of amusement in her eyes. ¡°Are you having an age crisis, Ethan? He¡¯s just a ssmate.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not concerned about a teenager, Ethan said with a dismissive smile. ¡°Where is he now?¡±


    ¡°He left,¡± she replied simply.


    re me?¡± Ethan¡¯s mouth curved into a satisfied smile.


    ¡°You asked him to leave before me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    They stood in the crowded hospital lobby, people rushing past them on all sides. Ethan studied her face, searching for something- perhaps a hint of what she was hiding.


    ¡°This new ssmate,¡± Ethan said. ¡°You seem to be taking a special interest in him.¡±


    Jade met his gaze steadily. ¡°Maybe I am.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes


    narrowed slightly, but before he could respond, a group of visitors pushed between them, forcing them apart. When the crowd cleared, Ethan reached out and took her <b>hand</b>, guiding her through the throng <b>toward </b>a quieter section of the corridor.


    She didn¡¯t pull away, letting him lead her through the crowd, her face betraying nothing. ¡°Did you need something?¡± she asked once they were in a less congested <b>area</b>.


    ¡°No,¡± Ethan admitted, still holding her hand. ¡°I just haven¡¯t seen you in a few days.¡±


    ¡°How are


    your eyes?¡± he asked, leaning closer to examine her face. ¡°<b>Can </b>you see clearly now?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, meeting his intense gaze.


    For a moment, they stood there in silence, surrounded by the chaos of the hospital yet somehow separate from it.


    Connor approached them hesitantly. Til go get the car.¡±


    Chapter Comments

 Treatment 249

    Badass in Disguise


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    1 was in a taxi, taking the long way back to my ce, when I spotted the sign for Mike¡¯s Auto Service.


    I asked the driver to pull ovTI.


    As I approached the garage after paying the taxi, I noticed a sleek red Porsche parked near the entrance, looking wildly out of ce among the beat¨Cup sedans and trucks. Through the open bay dour, I could hear raised voices.


    Tve reced the timing belt and checked the transmission as requested, Ss was saying, his voice tight but professional. ¡°Here¡¯s your bill, Mr. Coleman<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    1 paused near the entrance, observing the scene inside<b>. </b><b>Ss </b>stood by the Mercedes in blue overalls, a clipboard in hand. Across from him was a well¨Cdressed man in his mid¨Cforties¨Cexpensive suit, designer <b>wutch</b>, artificially tanned skin. He was standing too close to Ss, his bodynguage <b>invasive</b>.


    ¡°You have quite the talent with your hands,¡± the man said, ignoring the clipboard Ss was offering. His voice dripped with suggestion. ¡°A smart, good¨Clooking young man like you could do better than this ce.¡±


    Ss took a small step back. ¡°I¡¯m happy with my job, sir.¡±


    I slipped inside, pretending to examine a service price list on the wall. The bell above the door jangled, but neither of them paid me any attention.


    Coleman¨C<b>that </b>was what Ss had called him¨C<b>moved </b>closer again, closing <b>the </b>distance Ss had created. ¡°Come now, Princeton isn¡¯t cheap. I hear you¡¯re on schrship? I bet you could use some extra cash. His hand brushed against Ss¡¯s arm. ¡°I could help with that.


    Ss¡¯s jaw tightened visibly. ¡°My car servicees with the <b>bill</b>, nothing more. If you¡¯re satisfied with the <b>repairs</b>, I¡¯d appreciate payment.¡±


    Colemanughed, the sound ally and grating. ¡°I¡¯m on the alumni advisory board at Princeton,¡± he said, lowering his voice. ¡°I have friends on the schrshipmittee. It would be a shame if anything happened to your funding.¡±


    I¡¯d heard enough. I stepped forward, smiling brightly. ¡°Excuse


    e me, I¡¯m here about my car? The Honda with the brake issue?¡±


    Both men turned. <b>Ss¡¯s </b>expression remained neutral, but I caught the brief sh of relief in his eyes. Coleman looked annoyed at the interruption.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any Hondas scheduled today,¡± Ss <b>said </b>evenly.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s strange, I frowned, pulling out my phone. ¡°Let me check my


    confirmation¡±


    Coleman turned back to Ss with an impatient hull ¡°As I was saying,¡± he continued, voice lower now, ¡°I understand your mother is in the hospital. Medical bills can be crushing for someone in your¡­ situation.¡±


    Ss stiffened. ¡°That¡¯s not your concern.


    ¡°All I¡¯m asking is for you to join me for a drink,¡± Coleman persisted. ¡°We could <b>discuss </b>your


    future. I know p


    people who could make your


    <b>12:28 </b>Sat, Sep 27


    academic <b>career </b>very smooth.¡±


    I prefer to earn <b>my </b>grades, Ss replied coldly.


    :


    Coleman¡¯s friendly fa?ade slipped, ¡°Don¡¯t be <b>naive</b>. You think a kid from your background gets into Princeton without someone pulling strings?


    nly here to fix cars, Mr. Coleman. Please respect that.¡±


    ¡°I earned my ce,¡± Ss said quietly, intensity burning in his eyes. ¡°And I¡¯m only here to


    Coleman leaned in, dropping all pretense. ¡°Listen, you ungrateful little shit. Do you know how many kids would kill for the opportunity I¡¯m offering? One call from me, and that schrship disappears.¡±


    ed around Ss¡¯s wrist, I stepped forward. ¡°Is there a problem here?¡± I asked, my voice carrying across the


    When Coleman¡¯s hand mped around


    garage.


    Coleman barely nced at me. ¡°This is a private conversation. Mind your own business.¡±


    ¡°Actually,¡± I said, holding up my phone, ¡°I¡¯ve been recording the <bst </b>few minutes. Including that lovely threat about his schrship.¡±


    Coleman released Ss¡¯s wrist and spun toward me.


    ¡°You¡¯re b bluffing.


    I turned my


    y screen toward him, showing the active recording app. ¡°Princeton has a strict policy <b>against </b>alumni using their influence to solicit¡­ favors¡­ from students. I wonder what the board would think about this recording?¡±


    Chapter Comments


    ¡Ì 3

 Treatment 250

    Coleman¡¯s face flushed <b>an </b>ugly red. ¡°Give me that phonel¡±


    the lunged toward me, but I sidestepped easily. Ils momentum carried him forward, and he stumbled. When he regained his bnce, his expression had turned truly ugly.


    ¡°My drivers outside,¡± he snailed. ¡°Carlos! Get in herei


    A stocky man in a ck suit appeared at the deat, his stance immediately alerting me to his training. Not military, but some kind of security background.


    ¡°This bitch is threatening me,¡± Coleman said. ¡°Get her phone.¡±


    The driver moved toward me with practiced efficiency. I maintained my casual stance, waiting until he was close enough before I moved. His first grab for my phone was predictable¨C1 pivoted away and used his momentum to throw him off bnce. When he came at me again, I caught his wrist in a joint lock that brought him to his knees with a surprised grunt.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t.¡± I said calmly, applying just enough pressure to make him _____outmatched<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    him wince. ¡°You seem like a professional. You should know when you¡¯re


    Coleman stared in disbelief. ¡°What the <b>fuck</b>?¡±


    I released the driver, who scrambled back, rubbing his wrist and eyeing me with new wariness.


    A door at the back of the shop opened, and a burly older man emerged. ¡°What the hell is going on out here?¡±


    ¡°Mike,¡± Ss acknowledged him with obvious relief. This is Mr. <b>Coleman</b>. He was just leaving.¡±


    Coleman straightened his jacket, attempting to regain hisposure. ¡°Your employee has been extremely rude. And this woman my driver¡±


    assaulted


    ¡°That¡¯s not what happened,¡± I said, holding up my phone. ¡°I have a recording of Mr. <b>Coleman </b>sexually harassing Ss and threatening his schrship if he didn¡¯tply.¡±


    Mike¡¯s expression <b>hardened </b><b>as </b>he looked between us. ¡°Is that true,


    <b>Ss </b>hesitated, clearly


    declined.¡±


    Ss?¡±


    y ufortable with the attention. ¡°Mr. Coleman suggested we have drinks to discuss my future,¡± he finally said. ¡°I


    I hit y on my recording, and Coleman¡¯s voice filled the garage: ¡°One call from me, and that schrship disappears.¡±


    Mike¡¯s <b>face </b>darkened with anger. ¡°We don¡¯t tolerate that kind of behavior here, Mr. Coleman. I¡¯m going to have <b>to </b>ask you to leave.¡±


    *This is ridiculous, Coleman sputtered, ¡°She edited that-¡±


    ¡°In the <bst </b>thirty seconds? Mike asked skeptically. ¡°<b>Pay </b>your bill and go, or I¡¯m calling the police.¡±


    Coleman red at each of us in turn, then snatched the bill from the counter, scrawling his signature violently across the bottom. He pped down <b>a </b>credit <b>card</b>,


    …^


    While Ss processed the payment, Coleman leaned toward me. ¡°I don¡¯t know who you are,¡± he said quietly, but you¡¯ve made a powerful enemy today.<b>¡± </b>


    I smiled coldly. ¡°So have you.¡±


    After Coleman stormed out, his driver following <b>with </b>ast wary nce at me, Mike turned to me with a grateful expression.


    ¡°Thank you for stepping in,¡± he said. ¡°Ss is one of my best mechanics. Doesn¡¯t deserve that kind of treatment.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t like bullies.¡±


    Mike nodded appreciatively. ¡°Next time you


    need you


    your car serviced<b>, </be here. I¡¯ll give you a discount.¡±


    When Mike returned to his office, Ss approached me, wiping his hands on a shop rag. His expression was a mix of <b>gratitude </b>and wariness.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do that,¡± he said quietly.


    ¡°I know,¡± I replied.


    He studied me, those intense eyes searching my face. ¡°Why did you?¡±


    I considered my answer carefully. ¡°Some people think money can buy anything. Even dignity. I disagree.¡±


    Ss nodded slowly, then <b>turned </b>away, <b>clearly </b>expecting me to leave. He wanted us to go back to being strangers who asionally crossed paths at school.


    I was about to go


    when I decided to <b>y </b>my card. ¡°I¡¯ve seen your brother,¡± I said casually.


    Ss froze, then slowly turned <b>back </b>to face me,


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 251

    Chapter <b>251 </b>


    ASO


    ¡°I sent my car back to the factory for maintenance,¡± I said, abruptly changing the subject. ¡°Need to buy a new one for getting around. You seem like you¡¯d know about this stuffe with me.¡±


    Ss¡¯s intense eyes narrowed. ¡°Finish what you were saying flist.¡±


    ¡°Cars first,¡± I insisted, already pulling <b>out </b>my phone to order an Uber. ¡°We can <b>talk </b>after,¡°


    He looked like he wanted to argue,


    but finally


    gave a curt nod. The Uber arrived within minutes, and we rode in silence to <b>the </b>luxury car dealership <b>across </b>town. I could feel Ss¡¯s curiosity and impatience building with <b>each </b>passing block, but I kept my expression neutral, staring out the window..


    The dealership was <b>a </b>massive ss structure showcasing dozens of high¨Cend <b>vehicles </b>under perfect lighting. As we walked in, <b>a </b>salesman with an eagerly predatory smile approached us.


    ¡°<b>Good </b>afternoon,¡± he said, eyeing my <b>casual </b>outfit with barely <b>concealed </b>skepticism before his gaze shifted to Ss in his worn jeans and faded t¨Cshirt. ¡°Are you¡­ looking for something in particr today?¡±


    ¡°I <b>need </b>a four¨Cseat car,¡± I said, ignoring his tone. ¡°Most of my cars in Russia are two¨Cseaters. Not always <b>practical</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You have multiple cars? In Russia? Ss asked quietly.


    I shrugged. ¡°Shipping them here is a hassle. Easier to buy new ones.¡±


    The salesman¡¯s younger clients.¡±


    demeanor


    instantly


    transformed. ¡°We have several excellent options. Perhaps a Porsche Panamera? Very popr with our


    <b>¡°</b>Toomon,¡± I dismissed with a wave of my


    hand.


    ¡°A Bentley Continental GT, then? Elegant and powerful.¡±


    I wrinkled my nose. ¡°Too stuffy.¡±


    ¡°Ferrari Roma? It¡¯s technically a 2+2,


    hut-


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it,¡± I cut him off.


    1


    wandered through the showroom, <b>trailing </b>my fingers over hoods and doors until I stopped beside a sleek ck Maybach. ¡°This one.¡±


    The salesman practically salivated. ¡°Excellent choice. The $650 is our gship luxury sedan. Would <b>you </b>like to test drive


    ¡°No <b>need</b>, I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    While the salesman scrambled to process the paperwork, Ss leaned against a nearby pir, arms crossed. ¡°Do you always make major purchases this casually?¡±


    ¡°Only when I know what I want,¡± I replied,


    Forty minutester, we sat in my new Maybach, the engine purring almost silently,


    ¡°Now <b>can </b>you tell me what you were going to say earlier? Ss asked, his patience visibly wearing thin


    I adjusted the <b>rearview </b>mirror, taking my time. ¡°You look like your brother. Same build, simr mannerisms,¡±


    His entire body tensed. ¡°Where is <b>he</b><b>? </b>You k


    You know where my


    brother is?¡±


    I <b>kept </b><b>my </b>eyes on the road as I pulled out of the dealership. ¡°He¡¯s dead, Ss.¡±


    The silence that followed was heavy and brittle. When I nced over, his face had drained of color.


    ¡°Are you <b>fucking </b>with me?¡± His voice was low, dangerous.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Where did you see him? When?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t <b>see </b>him personally,¡± I exined. A friend showed me his picture once.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s the picture? I want to see it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t <b>have </b>it anymore. My friend is dead too.¡±


    ¡°This is bullshit. You don¡¯t just tell someone their missing brother is dead without proof¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you what I know.¡±


    ¡°How did he die? When<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the details.¡±


    …^


    ¡°Did he know?¡± Ss¡¯s voice cracked slightly. ¡°Did he know he had <b>a </b>brother?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m <b>not </b>sure,¡± I admitted. ¡°That¡¯s why I can¡¯t be absolutely certain he was your brother, I <b>didn¡¯t </b>know him well. My friend mentioned him a few times, but I never got to meet him.¡±


    Ss <b>stared </b>at me, eyes burning with suspicion. ¡°So you¡¯ve been weirdly nice to me, helping <b>me </b>out, <b>because </b>of him? Because of your friend?¡±


    ¡°Would I bother with your problems if it wasn¡¯t for my friend? Not likely.¡±


    ¡°What if I¡¯m not his brother? What if I just look like him?¡±


    dead

 Treatment 252

    1 <b>gripped </b>the steering wheel, eyes forward, ¡°Looking like him is enough.¡±


    Ss was d


    quiet for a moment. ¡°Was your friend a wonsan or a man?¡±


    ¡°A woman.¡±


    ¡°You must have been close for you to care this much about her friend¡¯s possible brother.¡±


    I shot <b>him </b><b>a </b>sidelong nce. ¡°You seems more interested in my friend than your brother.¡±


    He didn¡¯t respond.


    you fishing for some other reason why I might be helping you?¡± I smirked. Like maybe I¡¯m interested in you?¡±


    ¡°Or are you fishing


    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous,¡± he snapped, his pale skin flushing, I wasn¡¯t implying anything.¡±


    I <b>changed </b>the subject. ¡°How are those notes working out for you? Do you need help with any of the material? I could tutor you.¡±


    ¡°I can manage on my y own,¡± he muttered, turning to look out the window,


    Two dayster, exam results were posted. Ss had scored at the very bottom of the ss.


    I was leaving the lecture hall when he approached me, shoulders tight with tension but chin raised <b>defiantly</b>.


    ¡°You <b>said </b>you could help me with the material,¡± he said without preamble.


    I smiled, not unkindly. ¡°Come by my ce after school.¡±


    He hesitated, then nodded once.


    When we arrived at my ce, he stood awkwardly by the door, taking in the minimalist luxury of the space.


    Captain padded over to investigate him, sniffing curiously at his shoes..


    ¡°He won¡¯t bite,¡± I assured him. ¡°Unless I tell him to.¡±


    Ss didn¡¯t seem to find that amusing.


    1 disappeared <b>into </b>my room and returned with <b>a </b>sleek MacBook Pro, ¡°Here,¡± I said, holding it out to him. ¡°Take it.¡±


    He started to refuse, but I cut him off. ¡°How do you expect to studyputer science without aputer?¡±


    That silenced his objection. He took theptop, his expression a mix of reluctance and necessity.


    I sat at the dining table and gestured for him to join me. ¡°Let¡¯s start withst semester¡¯s material. You need to understand those concepts before you can make sense of the current lectures.¡±


    For the next several hours, I walked him through the fundamentals, exining concepts clearly and concisely. <b>Ss </b>was a quick learner, absorbing information rapidly once it was presented logically,


    Around six, my personal chef arrived to prepare dinner, fed Captain, and then departed. Ss and I ate at the table while continuing to work.


    By ten o¡¯clock, I could see fatigue setting in behind his eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for today,¡± I said, closing my notebook. ¡°You¡¯ve <b>made </b>good progress.¡±


    He stood, gathering his things, theptop tucked carefully under his arm. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back for this,¡± he <b>said</b>, gesturing to theputer.


    After he left, I went upstairs to my room and opened my ownptop. A fewmandster, the screen disyed: <b>[</b>SYSTEM CONNECTION SUCCESSFUL).


    Over the next <b>few </b><b>days</b><b>, </b><b>a </b>routine developed. Ss and I would leave campus together and head to my apartment for tutoring sessions. The change wasn¡¯t lost on our ssmates, who whispered and spected whenever we passed.


    ¡°Are they dating?¡±


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s helping him because she feels sorry for him.¡±


    On <b>Thursday </b>afternoon, we were deep into aplex algorithm problem when Captain <b>suddenly </b>lifted his head, ears perked toward the door. A momentter, the doorbell rang.


    Captain trotted to the door, standing on <b>his </b>hind legs to press the door handle down with his paws. The door swung open to reveal Ethan Haxton in an impable charcoal suit.


    Captain¡¯s reaction was immediate and unequivocal. He mmed the door shut with his front paws, nearly catching Ethan¡¯s perfectly polished shoes.


    ¡°<b>Captain</b>!¡± I called. ¡°Open the door properly.¡±


    Captain whined but obeyed, reopening the <b>door </b>and stepping aside to let Ethan enter.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 253

    Chapter <b>253 </b>


    Captain grudgingly stepped aside, letting Elhan enter my apartment. I was sitting on the couch next to Ss, pointing at something on hisptop screen,pletely focused on exining aplex algoritism.


    ¡°So this recursive function needs to terminate properly,¡± I was saying. ¡°Otherwise you¡¯ll end up with stack overflow. See the base case here? That¡¯s your exit condition.¡±


    <b>Ss </b>nodded, his <b>dark </b>brows furrowed in concentration. ¡°Got it. And this parameter passes by reference, not value.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± I tapped the screen. ¡°That¡¯s why changes persist outside the function scope.¡±


    I was vaguely <b>aware </b>of Ethan standing awkwardly by the door, but I didn¡¯t acknowledge him. He moved to an <b>armchair </b>across from us and sat down, his expression unreadable. For fifteen minutes, he sat there silently while I continued exining advanced data structures to Ss<b>. </b>


    ¡°That covers the first three topics,¡± I finally <b>said </b>to Ss ¡°Take some time to digest those. Try implementing <b>a </b>binary search tree with the methods we discussed.¡±


    Only then did I look up at Ethan. ¡°Hey,¡± I said casually. ¡°You¡¯re just in time for dinner.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s jaw tightened slightly, but his voice remained neutral. ¡°Seems I am.¡±


    ¡°This is Ss,¡± I said, gesturing to my student. ¡°He¡¯s catching up


    Ethan gave Ss a once¨Cover, his green eyes revealing nothing. ¡°Hmm,¡±


    <b>was </b>his only response.


    The living room fell into silence. The only sounds were <b>Captain </b>batting his yarn ball around <b>and </b>Ss¡¯s fingers typing rapidly on the keyboard.


    I could feel Ethan expecting me to chat with him after the introduction, but I turned my attention back to Ss instead. I couldn¡¯t help but stare at his face, which bore an uncanny resemnce to Dusk. Lost in thought, I studied his features, memories flooding back.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand this part, Ss said, pointing at something <b>on </b>the screen.


    1 immediately snapped back to attention, leaning closer to exin the concept in detail.


    The temperature had warmed up enough that I¡¯d switched to <b>a </b>short¨Csleeved t¨Cshirt, revealing my arms. As I reached for my water ss, I noticed Ethan¡¯s gaze fixed on my right forearm, where a jagged scar ran for about six inches along my skin.


    ¡°It scarred,¡± he said quietly.


    I nced down at my arm, following his gaze to the knife wound I¡¯d received weeks ago. ¡°<b>Yeah</b>,¡± I replied, unbothered. Then I looked pointedly at his arm. ¡°What about yours?¡±


    Ethan rolled up his sleeve<b>, </b>revealing an identical scor in almost the same location. I studied it for a moment, then returned to helping Ss without furtherment.


    ¡°I just bought a new car,¡± I mentioned during a lull in the tutoring. ¡°Still using <b>temporary </b>tes for now.


    Ethan perked up. ¡°<b>What </b>kind of tes would <b>you </b>prefer? I could help expedite the process.¡±


    ¡°Whatever <b>works</b>,¡± I shrugged.


    ¡°What car did you get? Ethan asked.


    ¡°ck Maybach.¡± I replied.


    Ethan¡¯s fingers paused mid¨Cmotion as he was adjusting his sleeve cuff. He looked at me with newfound interest, a smile forming on his lips. Whether coincidence or not, Ethan seemed pleased.


    At dinner, Ethan was the perfect gentleman,dling soup into my bowl and offering the best cuts of meat. Ss remained silent, focusing only on his food, He ate efficiently, not looking up or participating in any conversation.


    After dinner, as Ss excused himself to use the bathroom, Ethan leaned across the table toward me.


    ¡°Is this going to be <b>a </b>regr thing?¡± he asked, nodding toward <b>Ss¡¯s </b>empty chair.


    ¡°What?¡± I <b>raised </b><b>an </b>eyebrow.


    The tutoring.¡± Ethan¡¯s <b>eyes </b>narrowed slightly. ¡°He¡¯s going to fall for you, you know. They always <b>do</b>.¡±


    ¡°You. Him. The tutoring.¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. He needs help with his coursework, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Ethan said, unconvinced. ¡°Because men spend hours alone with beautiful women for purely <b>a </b>


    academic reasons.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Jealousy doesn¡¯t suit you,


    Ethan


    Before he could respond, Ss returned, and I led him back to the living room to continue our lesson. Ethan, recognizing his presence was superfluous, <b>made </b><b>a </b>graceful exit.


    A few <b>days </bter, I had just finished my morning coffee when my phone started buzzing non¨Cstop. Opening it, I found dozens of notifications from social media tforms and messaging apps. Someone had posted <b>a </b>video of me at Mike¡¯s Auto Service, deliberately ramming my Koenigsegg One:1 into a beat¨Cup Chevy Cruze. The footage was <b>grainy </b>and shot from an awkward angle, but there was no mistaking the distinctive silhouette of my hypercar or <b>me </b>behind <b>the </b>wheel.


    Walking across campus that morning felt like being in a fishbowl. Students would look at their phones, then up at me, whispering to each other as I passed. Some <b>quickly </b>stepped out of my <b>way</b><b>, </b>as if worried I might suddenly plow them down too.


    ¡°Have you seen the video?¡±


    ¡°Why would she do something like that?¡±


    ¡°There must


    the m


    more to the story.¡±


    My phone continued vibrating in my pocket. The video had gone <b>viral</b>, first on Princeton¡¯s student forum, then spreading to neighboring schools¡® social media ounts. The hashtag deMorganCarCrash was apparently trending,


    Local news outlets had picked up the story, though the major New <b>York </b>media houses were treading carefully. They were well aware of my connections to <b>Ethan </b>Haxton and Chris Jensen, making them hesitant to run potentially defamatory stories without solid confirmation.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± Philip Thornton said gravely, swiveling his mentor toward me as I sat across from his desk. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve seen this by


    now<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    I watched the video impassively, then met his gaze. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m aware of it.¡±


    ¡°And?¡± Philip prompted.


    ¡°It was me,¡± I said <b>simply</b>..


    Philip¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You know what kind of publicity


    is creating, don¡¯t you? The Impact this could have on your future?¡±


    1 shrugged, unmoved by his concern.


    ¡°This has gotten serious, he continued. ¡°The p


    police department contacted me this morning. They¡¯re sending officers to campus.¡±


    The door to Philip¡¯s office burst open, and Ss rushed in, <b>clutching </b>aptop. ¡°It¡¯s not what it looks like,¡± he said breathlessly.


    Philip frowned at the interruption. ¡°Mr. Murphy, this is a private-


    ¡°The video¡¯s been maliciously edited. I was there,¡± Ss cut in, cing hisptop on the desk. ¡°They cut out what happened before <b>and </b>after. They cut me out of itpletely,¡±


    Philip¡¯s expression shifted from concern to understanding. ¡°I see. This does change <b>things </b>significantly.¡± He sighed deeply, ¡°Still, we¡¯ll need to follow proper procedures. The police are already on their way.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve spoken to them,¡± Philip added. ¡°Just cooperate, and this should be resolved quickly.¡±


    As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. One inclothes officer stood in the doorway.


    Chapter Comments


    ? 3

 Treatment 254

    Badass In Disguise.


    Chapter <b>254 </b>


    Author¡¯s POV:


    Jade stared at the inclothes officer standing in the doorway of Philip¡¯s office and couldn¡¯t help the smirk that formed on her lips.


    ¡°Just you?¡± she <b>asked</b>, raising an eyebrow at Sergeant Ford.


    <b>e </b>met her gaze with a slight nod. ¡°Just me.¡±


    He


    Philip looked between them, his brow furrowing in confusion. ¡°You two know each other?¡±


    ¹ú


    Sergeant Ford stepped fully <b>into </b>the office, extending his <b>hand </b>to Philip. ¡°President Thornton, good to see you again.¡±


    hilip turned to Jade with a mixture of surprise <b>and </b>amusement. ¡°Is there any connection in America you don¡¯t have, Miss Morgan? I actually called the policemissioner this morning to make sure you were treated fairly, Seems I wasted my time worrying.¡±


    Jade shrugged<b>, </b>her face neutral.


    it Ford cleared his throat. ¡°Well, shall we head down to the station now?¡±


    Sergeant


    ¡°Not yet,¡± <b>she </b>replied, motioning for Ss toe closer. He approached, still clutching hisptop. ¡°Let me see what we¡¯re <b>dealing </b>with


    first.¡±


    Ss ced hisputer on Philip¡¯s desk, and fade quickly began typing. Her fingers flew <b>across </b>the keyboard as she attempted to hack into Mike¡¯s Auto Service¡¯s security system. After a few minutes of intense focus, <b>she </b>frowned.


    ¡°The footage from that <b>day </b>is missing from their server,¡± she said, her voice tight with irritation, ¡°<b>Someone¡¯s </b>deleted it. But¡­¡± She kept typing, navigating throughyers of security, ¡°Let¡¯s see what the <b>media </b>outlets have.¡±


    She managed to breach the security of several news websites <b>that </b><b>had </b>posted <b>the </b>viral video.


    ¡°These videos have all <b>been </b>edited,¡± she said.


    Sergeant Ford scratched his chin. ¡°Well, thisplicates things. We¡¯ll need to <b>find </b>


    find the original footage.¡±


    <b>Jade </b>closed theptop and stood up. ¡°I think we should pay Mike¡¯s Auto Service a <b>visit</b>.


    ¡°I¡¯ming too,¡± Ss said firmly. ¡°I was there. I¡¯m a witness.¡±


    Jade followed Sergeant Ford out of the office, with <b>Ss </b>close behind. As they walked through the campus, students stopped and stared, phones out, undoubtedly <b>spreading </b>the news that she was leaving with the police.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the <b>car</b>¨Ccrash girl?¡°.


    ¡°She¡¯s getting arrested!¡±


    Jade kept her eyes forward as they reached Sergeant Ford¡¯s unmarked car.


    12:28 Sat, <b>Sep </b><b>27 </b>


    Once they were all inside, Sergeant Food turned to her, ¡°So, Jade, want to tell me what actually happened?¡±


    ¹ú


    n me over with his car.


    Sitas jumped in before she could answer. This guy at the garage refused to pay for his repairs and threatened to run me Miss Morgan stopped him by¡­ well, by using her car,¡±


    Sergeant Ford raised <b>an </b>eyebrow at Jade. ¡°By ramming your million¨Cdor hypercar into his Chevrolet?¡±


    She shrugged. It worked, didn¡¯t it?


    Sergeant Ford sighed and started the engine.


    While they drove, Jade¡¯s phone buzzed constantly. She finally checked it to find that the online storm had intensified. Some inte detective had dug up information about her Princeton eptance and posted it online,


    ¡°Princeton¡¯s standards have really fallen. epting violent criminals now<b>?</b>¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Where does a teenager get <b>a </b><b>$</b>6 million <b>car </b>anyway? Drug money?¡±


    Jade scrolled through thements with mild amusement.


    <b>Jade </b>put her phone away as they pulled into Mike¡¯s Auto Service.


    Half a world away, Chase Astor sat in his penthouse suite, watching the <b>viral </b>video for the tenth time. Each time he saw the Koenigsegg One:1 m into the Chevrolet, he winced as if feeling physical pain.


    it was my dream car. Not even mine, and I¡¯m heartbroken.¡±


    ¡°Jesus Christ, <b>Jade</b>,¡± he muttered, watching the car¡¯s hood crumple. That was


    He picked up his phone and dialed his media contact.


    ¡°I need every version of this video taken down immediately,¡± he demanded.


    ¡°Mr. Astor, we¡¯ve <b>tried</b>, but it¡¯s gone viral. It¡¯s on every tform now. Even if we remove it from <b>the </b><b>major </b>sites, there <b>are </b>thousands of copies floating around.¡±


    d him?¡±


    Chase <b>ran </b>a hand through his <b>hair </b>in frustration. ¡°Where the hell is Ethan Haxton <b>when </b>you need


    He tried calling Jade again, but the <b>call </b>went straight to voicemail.


    In the meanwhile<b>, </b>Chris Jensen nced at his phone, reading the screenshots Eleanor Astor had sent him of the viral video and public outrage


    He chuckled softly <b>and </b>texted <b>back</b>: Thanks for letting me know. Jade can handle it


    Setting his phone down, he rolled his stiff neck, grimacing at the pain. His designer suit was wrinkled, and <b>a </b>small bloodstain marked the cuff of his sleeve. After three days of running from assassins in Barcelona, he was exhausted and irritable.


    12:28 Sat, <b>Sep </b><b>27 </b>


    ¡°These fucking people, he muttered,


    At <b>Mike¡¯s </b>Auto Service, Grant Ford shed his badge at the front desk clerk.


    I need to see your security footage fromst Sunday,¡± <b>he </b>said authoritatively.


    The clerk, a young man with grease¨Cstained hands, looked nervous. I¡¯ll get Mike for you.¡±


    A few minutester, a burly.


    rly man


    in overalls approached them, wiping his hands on a rag. Tm Mike. What can I do for <b>you</b><b>, </b>officer?¡±


    ¡°We need to see your security footage fromst Sunday,¡± Grant <b>repeated</b>.


    Mike shook his head. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Grant looked surprised. ¡°You have no idea? No one from the media contacted you for the video that¡¯s all over the inte?¡±


    ¡°No sir,¡± <b>Mike </b>said firmly. ¡°First I¡¯m hearing <b>about </b>it.¡±


    Grant¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Let¡¯s take <b>a </b><b>look </b>at your security system.¡±


    Mike led them to a small back office where a dusty monitor disyed feeds from several security cameras. He fumbled with the controls for a moment before pulling up the archive.


    ¡°Here¡¯s Sunday,¡± he <b>said</b><b>, </b>clicking through the timeline. ¡°But¡­ that¡¯s weird<b>.</b>¡±


    The screen showed nothing but static for the entire day.


    ¡°The footage is gone, Mike said, genuinely confused. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. We¡¯ve never had problems with the system before.¡±


    Grant turned to Mike. ¡°<b>Did </b>the owner of the white Chevrolet evere back after the incident?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Mike replied confidently. ¡°Never saw him again.¡±


    Grant frowned. ¡°Those videos online, did you release them?¡±


    ¡°What videos<b>? </b>I don¡¯t know anything about any videos,¡± Mike insisted. ¡°I¡¯m not much for social media,¡±


    Grant was about to press further, but fade put her hand on his arm. ¡°Let¡¯s <b>go</b>,¡± she said quietly.


    Outside the garage, Grant turned to Jade. ¡°Someone¡¯s covering their tracks. The Chevrolet owner needs toe forward and give <b>a </b>statement to clear this up.¡±


    Ss looked worried. ¡°But theplete video is gone. How are we going to prove what really happened?¡±


    Jade smiled slightly. ¡°Who said the video is <b>gone</b><b>? </b>If it existed on <b>a </b>digital system, it <b>can </b>be recovered.¡± She took Ss¡¯sptop and began typing again. ¡°I just need to dig a little deeper into their backup systems.¡±


    nt for that.


    <b>Grant </b>watched her with a mixture of concern and admiration. ¡°You know, most people would need a warrant


    She didn¡¯t look up <b>from </b>the screen. ¡°Good thing I¡¯m not most people.¡±


    Her fingers continued to fly across the keyboard as she worked to uncover the truth buried in digital space.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 255

    ACD


    The old apartment building loomed before them, its crumbling facade a testament to years of neglect. ording to Mike at the auto shop, this was where the Chevrolet owner lived the same man who¡¯d refused to pay his repair bill and threatened to run over Ss.


    They were about to enter the building whende spotted a figure approaching from the corner of the street. Even in the fading evening light, she recognized the man from the garage¨Cmedium height, receding hairline, clutching a brown paper bag that undoubtedly contained a bottle of cheap liquor.


    He noticed them at the same moment, and his eyes widened in recognition. The blood drained from his face when he saw Jade, and he froze mid¨Cstep like a deer caught in headlights.


    ¡°That¡¯s him,¡± Ss confirmed unnecessarily.


    The man¡¯s expression morphed from fear to panic. He dropped his paper bag, the sound of ss shattering on the pavement <b>as </b><b>the </b>bottle broke inside. Without warning, he turned <b>and </b>bolted in the opposite direction.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Jade called out, but he was already running.


    ¡°Stand still!¡± Ss shouted, suddenly sprinting after him.


    What happened next seemed to unfold in slow motion


    The screech of tires. The dull thud of impact. A body flying through the air.


    The Chevrolet owner had darted across the street without looking, desperately trying to escape. A red van appeared out of nowhere, brakes squealing as the driver tried to stop. But it was toote. The man¡¯s body hit the pavement with a sickening sound, blood <b>pooling </b>beneath his still form.


    Ss froze in the middle of the street, his face ashen. <b>The </b>van¡¯s driver stumbled out, horror etched on his features.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see him! He <b>just </b>ran out in front of me!¡± the driver cried, his hands <b>shaking </b>violently.


    Within hours, <b>the </b>footage was everywhere.


    Hashtags like #justiceForChevroletGuy and #RichKidsGetAwayWithMurder were trending nationally.


    Jade sat in the police station, scrolling through her phone as <b>Grant </b>interviewed <b>Ss </b>in another room. Thements section under every news article was filled with vitriol directed at het.


    Her phone rang, and Ethan¡¯s name shed on the screen. She stepped into a quiet corner to answer.


    ¡°I saw the news,¡± he said without preamble, his voice tight with concern. ¡°Max sent me the video. <b>Are </b>you <b>okay</b>?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fi


    fine, she replied, keeping her <b>voice </b>low. ¡°It¡¯s a mess, but nothing I <b>can¡¯t </b>handle.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve watched the edited version <b>that¡¯s </b>going viral. <b>Based </b><b>on </b>what it cuts off, I¡¯m guessing the man was clearly <b>the </b>aggressor first, right?¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    <b>¹ú </b>


    Ethan was silent for a moment, processing. Do you need me toe back<b>? </b>I can be on the next flight.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t bother. Keep doing whatever you¡¯re doing in Europe. I might need you to <b>make </b>a call to the policemissioner, though.¡±


    ¡°Consider it done.¡± He paused, <b>¡°</b><b>Any </b>idea who¡¯s behind the edited <b>video</b>?¡±


    jade nced around to ensure no one was listening. ¡°My guess? Shadow Organization.¡±


    ¡°They did <b>this</b>?¡± His voice dropped <b>even </b>lower.


    ¡°<b>Shadow </b>doesn¡¯t just kill people, Ethan. Sometimes they prefer <b>more</b>¡­ subtle approaches. Character assassination works just as well <b>as </b>actual assassination in certain circumstances.¡±


    By morning, theplete surveince video <b>had </b>been released by the police department¡¯s official social media ounts¨Ca Ethan¡¯s call to themissioner<b>. </b>


    result of


    The full video was six minutes long, clearly showing that jade had only hit the passenger side of the cheap Chevrolet, and the owner had <b>walked </b>awaypletely unharmed. It also included that it was the man who threatened Ss first. The police also released information about his criminal record¨Cmultiple DUIs, a domestic <b>violence </b>charge, and several counts of assault.


    <b>The </b>police issued <b>a </b>statement: ¡°An officer was attempting to locate the individual for questioning rted to an ongoing investigation when <b>the </b>subject fled <b>and </b>was struck by a vehicle in <b>an </b>unfortunate traffic ident.¡±


    But the narrative had already been <b>set</b>, and people were <b>selective </b>about what they believed. Thements sections were still flooded with


    hate:


    ¡°Of course the police <b>are </b>covering for the rich girl. The system is rigged.¡±


    The situation escted beyond online outrage. A small group of protesters gathered outside the police station, holding signs with slogans like ¡°Justice Cannot Be Bought¡± and ¡°Princeton Protects Predators.¡± Another group formed <b>outside </b>the university gates, demanding Jade¡¯s expulsion.


    Most disturbing was the handful of people who showed up outside her apartment building, <b>forcing </b>her to enter through the parking garage to avoid them.


    The fallout didn¡¯t stop there. Felix Huxley, the mayor of Cloud City, was facing questions about why the ¡°daughter of a city employee¡± (Frank Morgan worked in the municipal office) was receiving ¡®<b>special </b>treatment. The university administration was fielding calls from parents <b>concerned </b>about <b>having </b>their children attend school with a ¡°dangerous individual,¡±


    A few Princeton students tried to organize counter¨C<b>protests </b>in Jade¡¯s support, but they were quickly shouted down andbeled as ¡°privileged elitists defending their own


    Jade was sitting in Philip Thornton¡¯s office, discussing the situation, when his <b>assistant </b>rushed in.


    ¡°Sir, Archer Sullivan <b>is </b><b>at </b>the front gate. Hes¡­ well, <b>he¡¯s </b>causing a scene,


    Philip raised an eyebrow. ¡°What kind of scene?¡±


    12:29 Sat, Sep <b>27 </b>


    ¡°<b>He¡¯s </b>confronting the protesters. Rather aggressively.¡±


    Jade couldn¡¯t help but sm


    smile s


    slightly.


    Philip sighed and moved to the window, where they could see Archer standing toe¨Cto¨Ctoe with a group of protesters, his expression


    thunderous.


    ¡°I suppose I should go down there before he makes things worse, Philip sald, reaching for his jacket.


    He paused at the door. ¡°Miss Morgan, I want you to know that the university stands behind you. Whatever these people are saying, we know the truth.¡±


    Thank you, President Thornton.¡±


    After he left, <b>Jade </b>checked her phone again. The Princeton campus forum had been shut down by Julian Sheldon after it had devolved into a cesspool of rumors and spection about her. People were iming she had mysterious ¡°connections that kept her out of trouble, that she had a history of violence, that she was part of some shadowy elite <b>that </b>operated above <b>the </bw.


    If they only knew how close to the truth thatst part was, just not in the way they imagined.


    In just twenty¨Cfour hours, Jade had be the inte¡¯s public enemy number one.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 256

    Badass In Disguise


    Chapter <b>256 </b>


    At 2:17 PM Eastern Time, every major social media tform across America went dark simultaneously, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook¨Call disyed the same blue error screen. Users frantically refreshed their apps, restarted their phones, and reset their <b>routers</b>, but nothing worked.


    <b>By </b>3:30 PM, the panic had evolved. Users who managed to ess backup systems discovered something far more disturbing¨Cspecific data had been selectively erased. <b>Not </b>just any <b>data</b>, but every viden, screenshot, and post rted to Jade Morgan and the Mercedes incident. Comments, shares, <b>saved </b>coples¨Call gone. Even personal backup drives and cloud storage weren¡¯t spared.


    At 4:12 PM, the situation took an even more bizame turn. Every screen connected to the inte¨Cphones, tablets,puters, even digital billboards¨Csuddenly disyed the same content: theplete, unedited surveince video <b>from </b>Mike¡¯s Auto Service showing the cheap Chevrolet owner threatening Ss and Jade¡¯s intervention.


    No amount of refreshing, restarting, or rebooting could change what was <b>disyed</b>. The nation¡¯s entire digital infrastructure had beenmandeered to show a single piece of evidence.


    In Silicon <b>Valley</b>, the headquarters of every major techpany zed with light despite thete hour. Emergency response teams huddled around monitors, desperately trying to regain control of their systems. The Pentagon had assembled its top cybersecurity experts, but they were equally powerless against the mysterious intrusion.


    ¡°We¡¯ve never seen anything like this,¡± a senior <b>security </b>analyst at Google admitted in an emergency briefing. ¡°It¡¯s as if someone rewrd the fundamental protocols of the inte itself. We can¡¯t even identify the <b>attack </b>vector.¡±


    Meanwhile, at the FBI¡¯s Cyber Division<b>, </b>analysts were running facial recognition software on the surveince video disyed on billions of screens.


    being forcibly


    At Princeton the next morning, the atmosphere was electric. Groups of students huddled together, whispering theories and reactions to ¡°The Override


    an, that family


    ¡°Has to be Haxton,¡± a business major <b>said </b>as Jade walked <b>past</b>. ¡°Nobody else <b>has </b><b>that </b>kind of tech capability and motive. Man, doesn¡¯t <b>fuck </b>around,¡±


    ¡°<b>Did </b>you see how they


    they made everyone watch the full video?¡± his friend replied. ¡°Power move. Bet nobody¡¯s going to try <b>spreading </b><b>fake </b>news about Morgan again.¡± <ol><li>by. Some looked away nervously, while others stared with a new mixture of fear </li></ol>


    Several students fell <b>silent </b><b>as </b>they noticed <b>Jade </b>passing by. S and respect.


    Jade¡¯s phone buzzed with a text from Ethan.


    If you didn¡¯t step in, I was about to take action myself.


    She typed <b>back</b>: Mind your own business.


    His reply came immediately: Got it.


    She didn¡¯t respond. By mid<b>¨C</b>afternoon, Jade had grown bored with campus and returned to her apartment. <b>She </b>methodically worked through some academic readings, fed <b>Captain</b>, <b>and </b>went to bed early<b>, </bpletely undisturbed by the chaos,


    In the early hours of the morning, around 3:17 AM, Captain¡¯s ears perked up. He trotted to the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows and released two sharp barks.


    Jade stirred, opening one eye to <b>nce </b>at the security feed on her nightstand. Three men stood outside her apartment building. Even in the dim lighting, she recognized Grant¡¯s stocky build among them. The other two wore the unmistakable dark suits of federal agents.


    Captain looked back at her questioningly.


    ¡°Let them <b>wait</b>,¡± she murmured, turning over in bed. They cane back at <b>a </b>decent hour.¡±


    Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. <b>She </b>nced at the screen, <b>saw </b>Grant¡¯s name, and declined the <b>call</b>. When it rang again, she went into her settings <b>and </b>added him to her blocked list.


    The older of the two agents spoke, his voice carrying through Jade¡¯s security system. ¡°Quite the attitude on this one.¡±


    The younger agent reached


    ed for the dear.


    door, but Grant <b>stopped </b>him. ¡°Trust me, you don¡¯t want


    want to force ent


    entry. Let¡¯s <b>wait </b>till morning¡±


    By sunrise<b>, </b>the <b>three </b><b>men </b>were still there, now sitting in an unmarked ck sedan. Jade watched from her kitchen <b>window </b>as she sipped her morning <b>coffee</b><b>. </b>When they finally approached her door again, she noticed their confusion <b>as </b>they discovered the Inte and doorbell systems were non<b>¨C</b><b>responsive</b>.


    ¡°Security system seems to be malfunctioning,¡± the younger agent said, pressing the button repeatedly.


    ¡°Coincidence, I¡¯m sure,¡± the older agent replied <b>dryly</b>.


    After several minutes of knocking with no answer, the younger agent suggested forcing entry. Grant quickly dissuaded him.


    ¡°We <b>wait</b>,¡± he said firmly<b>. </b>¡°Trust me.


    Two hourster, Ss arrived carrying a bag of groceries.


    The agents quickly positioned themselves to follow him in.


    <b>Captain </b>greeted Ss with enthusiasm but growled deeply at the three men trailing behind him.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± the


    e older agent said, stepping forward <b>and </b>producing <b>his </b>credentials. ¡°I¡¯m Agent ckwood with the FBI. We need to speak with you regarding yesterday¡¯s nationwide cybersecurity incident.¡±


    <b>Jade </b>leaned against the doorframe, Starbucks cup in hand<b>, </b>studying them with calm indifference. ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°May wee in?¡± he <b>asked</b>, already attempting to step past her.


    Captain¡¯s growl <b>deepened</b><b>, </b>stopping the agent in his tracks. The dog¡¯s hackles raised<b>, </b><b>and </b>his teeth gleamed in the morning light.


    The younger agent introduced himself as Agent Harrington as they settled <b>awkwardly </b><b>in </bdes living room. <b>Ss </b>busied himself in the kitchen while Jade lounged in an armchair,pletely at ease despite the tension filling the room.


    ¡°Miss Morgan,¡± ckwood began, his tone formal but strained, ¡°yesterday¡¯s cyberattack was the most significant breach of national security in American history. Every major social media tform, news outlet, and even government systems werepromised.¡±


    Jade took a slow sip of her coffee. ¡°<b>And </b>this concerns me how?¡±


    ¡°The attack specifically targeted content <b>rted </b>to you,¡± Reynolds interjected, ¡°forcing the entire nation to view a video that exonerates you from recent usations.¡±


    She raised an eyebrow. ¡°Sounds like someone was fighting fake news. Isn¡¯t that a good thing?¡±


    Grant shifted ufortably<b>, </b>avoiding eye contact. He clearly knew what Jade was capable of, but was equally aware of how impossible it would be to prove.


    ¡°This was a direct attack on American infrastructure, Miss Morgan,¡± Reynolds continued, leaning forward with intensity. ¡°Billions in damages, potential threats to critical systems, mass panic-


    ¡°Where¡¯s your evidence?¡± Jade interrupted, her voice cool <b>and </b>untroubled.


    Chapter Comments


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    < SHARE


    Badass in Disguise


    <b>Chapter </b><b>257 </b>


    The younger agent stepped forward, his face fight with controlled anger. ¡°If you didn¡¯t do this, then it must be your friend Mr. Haxton. Either way, we <b>need </b>you to contact him immediately and tell him to stop the attack and restorework functionality.¡±


    Jade leaned against the wall, enjoying this little dance. ¡°Would you like his contact information? I¡¯d be happy to provide <b>it</b>.¡±


    <b>Grant </b><b>shifted </b>ufortably beside the agents, avoiding eye contact with her. He knew exactly what <b>way </b>to prove it.


    at she <b>was </b>capable of, but there was no


    The older agent¨Cckwood¨Cstudied Jade with new interest. Ilis demeanor shifted subtly, the aggressive Interrogation tactics giving way to something more calcted.


    ¡°Miss Morgan, we understand your desire to clear your name,¡± he said, his <b>voice </b>softening. ¡°But there are legal channels for that. This attack vited dozens of federalws andpromised national security protocols.¡±


    She raised an eyebrow but said nothing.


    ¡°However,¡± ckwood continued, his expression transforming into an unexpected smile, ¡°that¡¯s not <b>the </b>only reason we¡¯re here. The government <b>values </b>talent and puts it to good use. We¡¯d like to formally invite you to join our cybercrime division at the FBI.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t even confirmed I was behind the attack, <b>and </b><b>you¡¯re </b>already offering me a job?¡± Jadeughed. ¡°Bring some evidence<b>, </b>then we


    can talk


    ¡°We can discuss the detailster,¡± ckwood pressed. ¡°The positiones with significant benefits, including immediate expungement of <b>any </b>pending investigations<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°I told you, I¡¯m not interested in your department,¡± she replied coldly. ¡°Where¡¯s your evidence that I did anything?


    ¡°Would you like to cooperate in our investigation?¡± ckwood¡¯s smile faded. ¡°We¡¯ll need yourputers and phone.¡±


    Jade remained silent for a moment, then spoke with deliberate precision. ¡°FBI Cybercrime Division, correct? Your department head is Nathan <b>Westfield</b>, isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    Both agents froze, their expressions betraying their shock.


    ¡°The systems will be restored at 6 PM tonight,¡± she announced.


    ¡°That¡¯s not eptable,¡± the younger agent snapped. ¡°You¡¯ll need to <be </b>with us now.¡±


    <b>Jade </b>shrugged, ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go with you


    you. If you can produce evidence that I <b>was </b>responsible within 15 days, I¡¯m all yours. But if <b>you </b>can¡¯t- <b>and </b>we both know you can¡¯t¨Cthen theworks stay down indefinitely. Your choice<b>,</b>¡±


    ckwood pulled out his phone and stepped away to make a <b>call</b>. His hushed conversationsted nearly five <b>minutes </b>before he returned, visibly frustrated<b>. </b>


    ¡°It seems Mr. Haxton <b>has </b>already contacted the NSA director,¡± he said tightly. ¡°We¡¯ll be in <b>touch</b>, Miss Morgan.¡±


    As they


    hey walked away, Grant exhaled loudly. ¡°Jesus Christ, Jade<b>.</b>¡±


    12:29 Sat, Sep 27 ¡ú..


    For twenty¨Cfour hours, America could only watch one thing on their screens¨Cthe unedited footage showing exactly what had happened at Mike¡¯s Auto Service. Every social media tform, news site<b>, </b>and video service disyed the some footage on an endless loop. <b>No </b>amount of refreshing, restarting, or rebooting would change what appeared.


    Theplete context that had been deliberately omitted from the vital clips was now impossible to ignore.


    <b>The </b>incident became headline news internationally. Tech fonims and hackermunities buzzed with theories about how such aprehensive takeover was possible. Most spected it was the work of the Haxton family, given Ethan¡¯s connections to cutting¨Cedge security firms. The Princeton student body certainly belleved t¨C<b>Jade </b>overheard whispers about how ¡°Haxton doesn¡¯t let people mess with his girlfriend¡± as she walked through campus.


    At exactly 6:00 PM, allworks simultaneously returned to normal operation. Every social media tform, messaging app, <b>and </b></divmunication <b>service </b>resumed functioning as if nothing had happened.


    But something had changed. Every news story, social media post, andment about the incident had vanishedpletely. The video that had gone viral showing Jade deliberately crashing her car? Gone. The follow¨Cup stories about the Mercedes owner¡¯s death? Erased. Every single mention across the inte had been wiped clean.


    The major tforms had also temporarily disabled theirment sections, cutting off the trolls and hate¨Cmangers at the source. There would be no more public lynching of Jade Morgan


    The next <b>day</b>, <b>Jade </b>walked into ss as if nothing had happened. <b>Several </b>students approached her with awkward expressions of concern and support.


    ¡°That


    was so messed up what they did to you,¡± a girl said. ¡°I¡¯m d the truth came out.¡±


    <b>She </b><b>nodded </b>politely but kept moving. Ss wasn¡¯t in ss <b>that </b>day.


    ed with <b>an </b>iing call. Ethan had been away on business for <b>over </b><b>a </b>week.


    After herst lecture<b>, </b>Jade¡¯s phone buzzed


    ¡°I justnded,¡± he said when she answered, ¡°Can Ie over tonight? Have a dinner together.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not home,¡± she replied. ¡°I have some things to take care of,¡±


    There was a pause <b>on </b>the other end of the line. ¡°I see. Tomorrow, then?¡±


    ¡°Maybe. I¡¯ll let <b>you </b>know.¡±


    She hung up before he could respond.


    Ethan stepped into his <b>waiting </b><b>car</b>, his expression tightening as he pocketed his <b>phone</b>.


    12:29 Sat, Sep <b>27 </b>


    estate.¡±


    ¡°Change of ns, Connor. We¡¯re heading to the est


    Connor looked confused. ¡°We¡¯re not going to Miss Mergory¡¯s ce?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Ethan replied curtly, Inosening his tic. He hadn¡¯t slept properly in days, working around the clock topress two weeks of business into fist over one week, All to get back to her sooner,


    And now this.


    In the days that followed, Ethan remained buried in <b>work</b>, unable¨Cor perhaps unwilling¨Cto make time to see Jade. She was preupied with Ss¡¯s situation anyway.


    asionally, they exchanged brief text messages:


    Still busy? he¡¯d ask.


    Yes, she¡¯d reply. You?


    Always.


    And that would be it.


    A week after ¡°The Override,¡± Jade was leaving campus when she spotted two familiar figures waiting by the gates. Agent ckwood and his younger partner stood beside an unmarked sedan, scanning <b>the </b>crowd of departing students.


    ckwood¡¯s demeanor had transformedpletely. Gone was the stern federal <b>agent</b>. Now he approached with a friendly smile and rxed posture.


    ¡°Miss Morgan, do you have a moment?¡± he asked politely.


    ¡°Depends what it¡¯s for,¡± she replied, continuing to walk.


    ¡°<b>We¡¯d </b>like to revisit our earlier conversation,¡± he said, falling into step beside her. ¡°About joining our cybercrime division. Any terms you want, we can amodate.¡±


    <b>Jade </b>stopped and faced him directly. ¡°I told you I¡¯m not interested in your department.¡±


    ¡°You have extraordinary talents,¡± he persisted. ¡°Talents that could benefit <b>national </b>security. Name your price.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just a regr student,¡± she said with a shrug. ¡°Not nearly <b>as </b>capable as you think.¡±


    ¡°Miss Morgan¡ª¡®


    ¡°You want someone with those kinds of skills?¡± she cut him off. ¡°Try Ethan Haxton. Recruit him, use his talents. I¡¯m <b>sure </b>he¡¯d be ttered by the offer.


    12:29 Sat, Sep <b>27 </b>


    She walked away, leaving ckwood staring after her in confusion.


    As Jade slid into her car, she caught a glimpse of the young


    ounger agent leaning toward ckwood


    ¡°Sir, do you think Haxton was actually behind it?¡±


    ckwood shook his head slowly.


    Chapter Comments


    3

 Treatment 258

    After watching those FBI agents retreat with their talls between their legs, Jade decided to head to the hospital. The cybersecurity drama had wasted enough of her time, and she was curious about how Ss¡¯s mother was doing. Thest time she¡¯d seen her, the doctors hadn¡¯t been optimistic.


    The hospital corridors were quiet in the evening hours, the fluorescent lights casting everyone in that sickly greenish tint that made even healthy people look half¨Cdead. As she approached Mrs. Murphy¡¯s room, Jade noticed Ss walking in with a paper bag that smelled like chicken soup. She hung back, not wanting to intrude on their family time, but the dour remained slightly ajar.


    ¡°I saw on <b>the </b>news what happened, Ss,¡± his mother¡¯s weak voice filtered through the gap. The nurses were talking about it too. That social media ckout and the video of you at the garage.¡±


    <b>Jade </b>leaned against the wall beside the door, her enhanced hearing picking up their conversation <b>easily</b>.


    nothing. Mom. Ss reassured her. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine now. Jade is fine too.¡±


    There <b>was </b>a pause, followed by rustling sounds¨Cprobably Ss arranging the food.


    *Your father hasn¡¯te looking g for you, has he?¡± Mrs. Murphy asked, her <b>voice </b>tight with worry.


    ¡°No.¡± Ss replied curtly.


    Jade <b>heard </b><b>a </b>shaky sigh. ¡°If he can¡¯t find me, he¡¯ll take it out on you. He always does.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not <b>afraid </b>of him,¡± Ss said firmly.


    Mrs. Murphy¡¯s voice cracked with emotion. ¡°You were only seven <b>when </b>he threatened to kill me because I wouldn¡¯t give him money for gambling. You were <b>so </b>small, but you stood in front of me<b>, </b>saying you¡¯d fight him. You didn¡¯t even flinch when he threw that bottle at


    you.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not <b>talk </b>about the past, Mom,¡± Ss cut her off. And let¡¯s not talk about him either.¡±


    His mother quickly changed the subject. ¡°How are things with that Jade girl? Is she still tutoring you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ss replied, his <b>voice </b>softening slightly. ¡°She¡¯s helped me a lot.¡±


    ¡°She seems like such a good person,¡± his mother said. ¡°When we¡¯re back on our feet, we need to find a way to repay her kindness.¡±


    Jade backed away from the door. As she turned to leave, she caught sight of a nurse heading toward Mrs. Murphy¡¯s room with medication. <b>She </b>slipped around the corner, but her curiosity got the better of her. After the nurse left, she circled back, staying out of sight.


    ¡°Ss, I think we should stop the treatment,¡± Mrs. Murphy was saying, her voice barely above a whisper. I want to go home.¡±


    ¡°Mom, no,¡± Ss protested.


    <b>¡°</b>We <b>don¡¯t </b><b>have </b>insurance. The daily costs are <b>too </b>high,¡± she continued. ¡°I <b>can¡¯t </b>watch you work yourself to death trying to pay for this.¡±


    ¡°Till figure something out,¡± <b>Ss </b>insisted, his <b>voice </b>tight with determination.


    AO


    By the timede got back to her apartment building, the sky had darkenedpletely. She spotted a familiar ck Maybach parked outside, its sleek silhouette unmistakable even in the dim street lighting. Ethan was sitting in the back seat, <b>his </b>head tilted back against the headrest, eyes closed. Connor sat alert in the driver¡¯s seat, scrolling through his phone.


    Connor noticed her first and nudged than, who straightened immediately and stepped out of the car. The strong smell of cigarettes clung to him¨Ca lot of cigarettes, like he¡¯d been chain¨Csmoking for hours. His usually impable appearance was slightly disheveled, with dark circles under his eyes <b>and </b>his the loosened.


    ¡°Just got here,¡± he said, his casual tone contradicting the rumpled state of his suit.


    ¡°Right,¡± Jade replied, eyeing the cigarette butts in the nearby trash can. The volume suggested he¡¯d been waiting for quite some time. ¡°0721.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s brow furrowed, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The building code. For the main entrance,¡± she rified<b>, </b>gesturing toward the door.


    A small <b>smile </b>yed on his lips as he handed her a thermos. The warmth seeped through her fingers immediately.


    ¡°It¡¯ste,¡± he said<b>. </b>¡°Did you resolve everything?¡±


    jade decided to be honest. ¡°Ss¡¯s mother suddenly got worse.


    Ethan¡¯s expression softened slightly as she epted the thermos. ¡°My chef made soup. I thought you might be hungry.¡±


    <b>She </b><b>looked </b>at <b>the </b><b>e </b>thermos, then back at him. ¡°Want toe up?¡±


    He hesitated, a conflicted look crossing his face. ¡°No, it¡¯ste. <b>You </b>should eat <b>and </b>get some rest.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± she said, but neither of them moved.


    They


    stood there in awkward silence, the cool night air swirling around them. It had been over two weeks since they¡¯d properly other, and it felt like they both had things to say but couldn¡¯t find the right words.


    ly seen each


    ¡°I should go, Ethan finally <b>said</b>, turning back toward his car.


    Something tugged inside Jade¨Can unfamiliar impulse she couldn¡¯t quite identify. <b>Maybe </b>it was the genuine concern in his eyes, or the fact <b>that </b>he¡¯d clearly been waiting for hours just to bring her soup.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± she called out.


    When he turned, she grabbed his <b>silk </b>tie and pulled him down to her level. His eyes widened in surprise <b>as </b>she pressed her lips against his in a brief, soft kiss. His lips were warm, slightly chapped from the cold air, and he smelled like expensive cologne mixed with cigarette


    smoke.


    She felt him freeze for a split second before he began to respond, but she pulled away before it could deepen. From theer of her eye, <b>she </b>caught Connor¡¯s shocked expression from the driver¡¯s seat, followed by the idental honk of <b>the </b>horn as he fumbled with his phone.


    12:29 Sat, Sep 27<b>¡­ </b>


    Without another word, Jade tumed and walked into her building, the thermos clutched tightly in her hand, feeling Ethan¡¯s eyes boring into her back the entire time.


    <b>Ethan </b>remained rooted to the spot long after Jade disappeared through the building doors. He touched his lips with his fingertips, his expression unreadable in the dim light.


    When he finally slid back into the car, Connor was practically vibrating with excitement, his grip on the steering wheel tight enough to whiten his <b>knuckles</b>.


    ¡°Sir, 1- Connor began, his


    is voice pitched higher than normal.


    ¡°Drive,¡± Ethanmanded, his <b>voice </b>deceptively calm as he stared straight ahead.


    Connor obediently started the engine, stealing nces at his boss through the rearview mirror. Ethan sat perfectly still, his face a mask ofposure, but his hands were clenched into tight fists on his knees, betraying the storm raging within.


    They drove inplete silence <b>back </b>to the Haxton estate. Without a word to his assistant, Ethan disappeared into his study, the heavy door closing firmly behind him.


    The next morning, when Ethan emerged for his 5 AM meeting, the dark circles under his eyes had deepened significantly, his expression distant. The night¡¯s sleeplessness was evident in his slightly reddened eyes, though he carried himself with the samemanding presence as always,


    Connor, who had been waiting with Ethan¡¯s morning coffee, couldn¡¯t help but notice that his boss seemed both exhausted and somehow more energized than he¡¯d been in weeks.


    Chapter Comments


    Elizabeth Szar


    7 days ago


    I can¡¯t wait for their rtionship to get deeper


    5

 Treatment 259

    Badass in Disguise


    Chapter <b>259 </b>


    ¡°B plus. Professor Smith announced, handing back the economies test papers. ¡°Mr. Murphy, significant improvement.¡±


    Jade watched Ss take his test paper, his facepletely devoid of emotion desplie the 82% written in red at the top. Three weeks of intensive tutoring had brought his grade up from a D minus, but there wasn¡¯t even a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.


    ¦°


    When ss ended, Jade caught up with <b>him </b>in the hallway. ¡°Hey, I plus. Not bad for someone who couldn¡¯t exin a basic recursion algorithm a few weeks ago.¡±


    Ss shrugged, dark circles prominent under his eyes. Thanks for the help.¡±


    ¡°You look like shit,¡± <b>she </b><b>said </b>bluntly. ¡°When¡¯s thest time you slept?¡±


    He ran <b>a </b>hand through his disheveled hair. ¡°I¡¯m fine<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°I could get you some prescription sleep aids if¡ª¡±


    ¡°No,¡± <b>he </b>cut her off sharply. ¡°No drugs. I¡¯m


    fine


    Tade studied him carefully. Since his mother¡¯s sudden deterioration that night at the <b>hospital</b><b>, </b>Ss had been spiraling. Thebination of hospital <b>visits</b>, his night shifts at the garage, and their tutoring sessions was taking its obvious <b>toll</b>.


    Before she could <b>say </b>anything else, Ss¡¯s phone vibrated. He nced <b>at </b>the screen, and his face went pale. Without another word, he bolted down the hallway, nearly knocking over a group of freshmen,


    Jade followed.


    ¡°I need to see Ethan Haxton,¡± Jade told Connor over the phone as she drove. ¡°Now.¡±


    Twenty minutester, <b>Jade </b>parked her ck Mercedes Maybach outside the Haxton Investment <b>Group </b>headquarters. Ethan <b>was </b>already walking out the front doors, his expression concerned. Several executives peered out the ss doors behind him, their faces a mixture <b>of </b>confusion and annoyance at the abrupt end to their meeting.


    ¡°That was fast,¡± she <b>said </b>as he slid into the passenger seat.


    Ethan studied her face. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t call if it wasn¡¯t important.¡± His gaze lingered on her lips for a fraction of a second, no doubt remembering their kiss from a few nights ago. The memory tugged at the corner of his mouth.


    Jade pulled <b>away </b>from the curb without another word.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± he <b>finally </b>asked.


    Jade didn¡¯t answer.


    12:29 Sat, Sep <b>27 </b>


    The beach was deserted this time of year, the sharp ocean breeze carrying the scent of salt and seaweed, jade <b>parked </b>near the boardwalk and got out, walking toward the water without checking if than was following. The sound of his footsteps in the sand behind her <b>was </b><b>all </b>the confirmation she needed.


    ur water matched the overcast sky, creating a seamless


    They stood side by side, watching the waves crash against the shore. The gray¨Cblur horizon where ocean met clouds.


    ¡°Ss¡¯s mother died this morning,¡± she said, her voice <b>even</b>.


    Ethan turned to look at her, his expression difficult to read. ¡°Sorry to hear that.¡±


    She kicked at the sand. ¡°She¡¯d been hiding her medications, not taking them. The nurses found a stockpile <b>in </b>her nightstand. She didn¡¯t want to be <b>a </b>financial burden on Ss anymore.¡±


    Ethan was quiet for a long moment, ¡°How¡¯s <b>Ss </b>taking it?¡±


    ¡°Not well.¡±


    The wind picked up, sending <b>Jade¡¯s </b>hair across her face. Ethan reached out hesitantly, then brushed the strands away with gentle fingers. His touch lingered on her cheek.


    ¡°And how <b>are </b>you taking it?¡± he asked softly.


    She met his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve seen death before. This isn¡¯t about me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s affecting you, though.¡± It wasn¡¯t a question.


    <b>Jade </b>didn¡¯t answer. Instead, she turned back to face the ocean. After a moment, she felt Ethan¡¯s arm wrap around her shoulders, pulling her against his <b>side</b>. The warmth of his body contrasted with the cool air, and she found herself leaning into him slightly.


    They stood like that for several minutes, until her phone <b>rang</b>. The <b>caller </b>ID read ¡°Night.¡±


    ¡°I need to take this,¡± she said, stepping away from Ethan¡¯s embrace.

 Treatment 260

    Night¡¯s voice was tense. ¡°We have a situation. Chris Jensen has been taken by the Scorpio familly.¡±


    Jade¡¯s blood <b>ran </b>cold. ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°<b>Guyana</b>. He


    He went d


    dark about two weeks ago. I <b>can¡¯t </b>extract him myself¡ªI¡¯m handling something in Russia.¡±


    ¡°When do I <b>leave</b><b>?</b>¡±


    Tonight if possible. <b>I¡¯ve </b>already arranged transportation.¡±


    ¡°Tll be ready.¡±


    She hung up and turned to find Ethan watching her, his brow furrowed with concern.


    ¡°Chris is in trouble,¡± she <b>said</b>. ¡°I need to go out of the country for <b>a </b>while<b>.¡± </b>


    ¡°How long?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. <b>Could </b>be a few days, could be longer.¡±


    Ethan nodded slowly.


    do you need from me?¡±


    ¡°I need you to look after Max while I¡¯m gone. His SAT is tomorrow, <b>and </b>I was supposed to be there. She hesitated<b>. </b>¡°And Ss too, if you can. He doesn¡¯t <b>have </b>anyone else now.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly at the mention of Ss, but he nodded. I¡¯ll take care of them both.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She


    meant it.


    night before Max¡¯s SAT, Ethan booked a suite at the Grand Princeton Hotel, just five minutes from the testing center.


    The ni


    Zach and Ryan had rooms <b>on </b>


    in the same fo


    floor¨CRyan across the <b>hall </b>and Zach next door.


    *Nervous?¡± Ethan asked, noticing Max fidgeting with his admission ticket on the edge of the king¨Csized bed


    ¡°A little.¡± Max admitted. ¡°But I¡¯ve <b>been </b><b>preparing </b>for this all year with Jade. She¡¯s pretty much drilled every possible question type into my head by now.¡±


    Ethan smiled<b>, </b>loosening his tie. ¡°She mentioned you¡¯ve been scoring really well on the practice tests.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Max <b>nodded </b>with growing confidence. ¡°I know she <b>had </b>to <b>leave </b>for something important. It¡¯s fine¨Cshe¡¯s already taught me everything I need to know.¡± He straightened his shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ve got <b>this</b>.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the attitude,¡± Ethan <b>said</b>. ¡°Get some rest. Tomorrow¡¯s your day to shine<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    :


    The next morning, Ethan drove Max to the test center in his Maybach, drawing stares from other students being dropped off in more modest vehicles.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right here when you finish,¡± Ethan said as Max got u


    out of the cat.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to <b>wait </b>the whole time,¡± Max p


    protested. ¡°It¡¯s like four hours.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got emails to catch up on, Ethan replied, holding up his phone. ¡°Go ace that test.¡±


    Max nodded and headed toward the building, his limp more pronounced than usual <b>due </b>to his nervousness.


    Four hourster, Ethan was still in the car, having dealt with over a hundred emails and three conference calls. He watched as students began pouring out of the building, many looking relieved that the ordeal was over.


    Max emerged, looking tired but not defeated.


    ¡°How was the test? Ethan asked.


    ¡°Fine, I think. The math section felt easy, actually. Max looked surprised to see they weren¡¯t heading back toward the hotel. <b>¡°</b>Aren¡¯t we going back to get my stuff?¡±


    ¡°Already taken care of. Your bag is in the trunk.¡±


    ¡°So¡­where <b>are </b><b>we </b><b>going</b>?¡±


    ¡°My ce,¡± Ethan replied.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be staying with me until Jade gets <b>back</b>.¡±


    When they turned onto a private road lined with ancient oak trees, <b>Max </b>pressed his face against the window. ¡°Where are we?¡±


    The trees parted to reveal a sprawling estate with manicured gardens <b>and </b>a mansion that looked like it belonged in a period drama. Max¡¯s <b>jaw </b>dropped as they pulled up to the front entrance, where a uniformed staff member was already waiting to <b>open </b>their doors.


    ¡°Wee to the Haxton family estate,¡± Ethan said, enjoying the look of shock on Max¡¯s <b>face</b>. ¡°I think you¡¯ll find it <b>has </b>everything you need for an interesting summer vacation.¡±


    Max stepped out of the <b>car</b>, his eyes wide as he took in the grandeur of the ce. ¡°Holy shit,¡± he whispered.

 Treatment 261

    Moonlight streamed through the broken rafters of the dpidated building somewhere in Suriname, casting silver beams across Chris Jensen¡¯s blood¨Cstreaked body. He was bound to a wooden chair, his once¨Cpristine white shirt now torn and crimson¨Cstained. His breathing came in controlled, measured intervals despite the obvious pain.


    Liana circled him slowly, a leather whip dangling from her small hand. Her youthful face and petite frame created <b>a </b>disturbing contrast with the cruelty in her eyes. She flicked her wrist with practiced precision, sending the whip cracking across Chris¡¯s chest. A fresh line of blood appeared, joining the constetion of wounds already marking his torso,


    Despite the fresh wave of pain, Chriss lips curled <b>into </b>a low chuckle. Ils eyes reflected a dangerous calm that seemed to unnerve his


    captor.


    ¡°Something funny, Mr. Lawyer?¡± Liana asked, her voice childlike yet chilling<b>. </b>


    Chris tilted his head, blood trickling down his temple. ¡°Just admiring your technique. Amateur, but enthusiastic.<b>¡± </b>


    Liana¡¯s face contorted with rage. ¡°You killed Marcus! You should be begging for mercy, not mocking me!¡±


    ¡°Your Scorpio family burns viges, traffics people, and murders Innocents,¡± Chris replied, his voice impossibly gentle despite his condition. ¡°I was merely bncing the <b>scales</b>. Ironic though¨Ca criminal like you ying God¡¯s judgment on someone serving justice.


    The whip cracked <b>again</b>, catching him across the shoulder. Chris barely flinched


    ¡°You dareugh at me!¡± <b>Liana¡¯s </b>eyes shed dangerously. ¡°I¡¯ll y you alive and feed you to the snakes piece by piece!¡±


    She <b>raised </b>the whip again, but a knock at the door interrupted her. A <b>nervous</b>¨Clooking man entered, keeping his distance from Liana.


    ¡°What?¡± <b>she </b>snapped.


    ¡°The family head wants the American <bwyer </b>released,¡± the man said, avoiding her gaze.


    Liana¡¯s grip on the whip tightened.


    ame in. ¡°Kane demands the prisoner be handed to him. For his son¡¯s deat


    TheAnother man came


    ¡°Tell Kane I¡¯ve already moved the prisoner,¡± Liana decided. ¡°And tell my father 111 handle this my way.¡±


    The next morning, Chris awoke to find his wounds had scabbed over, his shirt sticking to the dried blood. Every slight movement sent waves of pain through his body. He hadn¡¯t been given <b>food </b>or water <b>since </b>his capture, and his throat felt like sandpaper.


    The room <b>was </b>stifling <b>hot</b>, the tropical humidity making his wounds feel as if they <b>were </b>on fire. Flies buzzed around him, attracted to the smell of blood and <b>sweat</b>. Chris tested his restraints again¨Ctoo tight to slip <b>out </b>of, professionally done despite Liana¡¯s apparent youth.


    Hourster, Liana kicked the <b>door </b>open, carrying a small cup of water. The sudden noise jolted Chris from his half¨Cconscious state.


    ¡°Entertain me,¡± she demanded. ¡°<b>Make </b>meugh*


    Chris <b>stared </b>at her silently, his blue eyes cold as winter. His silence was deliberate¨Cgiving her nothing was its own form of resistance.


    Liana¡¯s childish face darkened. ¡°No food or water for him today,¡± she ordered the guard outside. ¡°Let¡¯s see how funny he is tomorrow.¡±


    The <b>door </b>mmed shut, leaving Chris alone with the buzzing Illes and the relentless heat. He closed his eyes, conserving his energy.


    By the following day, Chris¡¯s condition had deteriorated significantly. His wounds were showing signs of infection, his breathing shallow, and consciousness fleeting. Fever burned through his body as he drifted in and out of awareness.


    The door crashed open, and Liana entered with another <b>cup</b>. This time, she held it to his cracked lips herself. Chris took a cautious sip, only to immediately spit it out¨Cthe water was saturated with salt.


    Lianaughed, her eyes gleaming with malice. She dipped her whip in the salt water and brought it down across his infected wounds.


    Chapter Comments


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 Treatment 262

    Chris let out a muffled groan, nearly biting through his lip to avoid screaming. The salt burned into his open flesh <b>like </b><b>acid</b>, his <b>body </b>trembling with the effort to contain his pain.


    She left him hanging on the edge of consciousness, the <b>salt </b>still searing his wounds. That night, after three <b>days </b>of torture, Chris¡¯s body finally gave out, and he copsed into darkness.


    When Chris regained consciousness, he was surprised to find himself in a different room. The ceiling above him was intact, and sunlight filtered through gauzy curtains. His wounds had been cleaned and bandaged, and he was wearing a fresh shirt, though his hands and feet remained bound with coarse rope.


    Liana sat nearby, sipping water from a ss. Her hair was neatly braided, and she wore a floral dress that <b>made </b><b>her </b>look like an ordinary schoolgirl rather than a torturer.


    She approached and <b>roughly </b>poured water into his mouth. Most of it spilled down his chest, soaking the shirt and making it cling ufortably to his treated wounds.


    ¡°Why the change of scenery?¡± Chris asked, his voice hoarse from disuse.


    Before Liana <b>could </b>answer, heavy footsteps thundered through the building, Chris heard doors being flung open in the hallway, followed by angry shouts. Liana stiffened, quickly moving to lock the door to Chris¡¯s room.


    The footsteps stopped outside, and a fist pounded on the door.


    ¡°Liana! Open up!¡± a man¡¯s <b>voice </b>bellowed.


    Liana put her finger to her lips, warning Chris to stay silent. <b>She </b>slipped out the door, closing it behind her. From inside, Chris could hear their conversation clearly.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Kane demanded, his voice contorted with fury. ¡°Where¡¯s the man who killed my son?¡±


    ¡°I released him,¡± <b>Liana </b>replied, her voice suddenly cool <b>and </b>collected.


    Kane¡¯s tone transformed instantly. ¡°Released?


    ? <b>Who </b><b>gave </b>you permission? He killed your brother, and you let him go?¡±


    ¡°My father did,¡± Liana stated firmly. ¡°If you have a problem with that, take it up with him.¡±


    The tension in their voices was palpable. After a tense moment, Chris heard Kane and his men depart, their footsteps echoing corridor.


    Minutester, Liana returned, her expression grim. ¡°Your uncle seems upset, Chris remarked dryly


    Liana turned to him with a scowl. ¡°Shut up. We¡¯re leaving.¡±


    down <b>the </b>


    Two dayster, Chris found himself in a border town, a chaotic maze of markets and smugglers. The air was <b>thick </b>with the scent of spices,


    12:30 Sat<b>, </b>Sep 27


    fuel, and unwashed bodies,na b


    had transported him there under cover of darkness, and he had cooperated¨CKane would have killed him immediately, while Liana¡¯s intentions, though brutal, at least kept him breathing.


    They settled in a small room above a noisy tavern. As soon as they arrived, Liana, In a sudden hurst of anger, whipped him several more times before calling for a doctor to treat his wounds. The doctor, a weathered local man, asked no questions as he applied ointments and bandages.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you turn me over to Kane? Chris asked as the doctor left.


    Why should


    Liana s <b>childlike </b>face hardened. ¡°You¡¯re <b>my </b>captive. Why should I give you to him?¡±


    your Scorpio family would have to answer to my father if I died<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>Chris suggested, testing her.


    ¡°A life for a life!¡± Liana snapped. ¡°Why would the Scorpio family fear your father?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t k


    kill anyone,¡± Chris <b>stated </b>firmly, ¡°I only burned <b>a </b>few of your <b>family¡¯s </b>auction houses. Ask Loki if you don¡¯t believe me.¡±


    Liana¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Why should I believe you? Even if you didn¡¯t kill him <b>yourself</b>, your friends probably did. You burned <b>our </b>auction houses¨Cthat¡¯s reason enough for me to punish you.¡±


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 Treatment 263

    Chapter <b>263 </b>


    Chris <b>Jensen </b>sat bound to a <b>wonden </b>chair in the middle of na¡¯s bedroom, his wrists raw from the coarse rope that hit into his flesh. Blood had dried in rivulets down his forearms, staining the form remnants of the expensive dress shirt.


    The bathroom door opened with a creak, releasing <b>a </b>cloud of fragrant steam that momentarily obscured his vision. Liana emerged, casually toweling her long brown hair, dressed in nothing but a silk <b>nightgown</b>.


    She didn¡¯t even nce at him as she <b>moved </b>around the room, her <b>bare </b>feet silent on the wooden <b>floor</b>. After meticulously drying her hair, she simply turned off the light <b>and </b>slipped under the covers of her bed, the silk sheets rustling softly.


    Within minutes her breathing became deep and rhythmic. Chris watched her sleeping form<b>, </b>calcting his chances. The guards were just outside, but if he could move quietly enough..


    He began <b>working </b>on his restraints. He ignored the <b>pain </b><b>as </b><b>the </b>rope bit deeper into his already wounded <b>skin</b>, feeling warm blood trickle down his <b>palms </b>as he twisted <b>and </b>pulled. After what <b>felt </b><b>like </b><b>an </b>eternity, the fibers began to give way. He managed to free one hand, then the other, biting his lip to <b>keep </b>from <b>making </b>any sound <b>as </b>cirction painfully returned to his fingers.


    He rose from the chair, his muscles screaming in protest after being bound for so long. Moving silently across the room, he <b>found </b>a small knife on the dresser. In the moonlight filtering through the curtains, he approached the bed. In one swift motion, he pressed the de <b>against </b>Liana¡¯s slender throat, his other hand covering her mouth


    ¡°Make <b>a </b>sound,¡± he whispered harshly into her <b>ear</b>, <b>¡°</b>and I¡¯ll slice your <b>throat </b>open and feed your body to the snakes plece by piece.¡±


    Liana¡¯s eyes flew open, anger shing in them rather than fear. She remained perfectly still, but there was something unsettling about her


    calmness


    ¡°You won¡¯t get far,¡± she said, her <b>voice </b>steady despite <b>the </b>knife at her throat. ¡°Kane has men all over <b>this </b>region looking for you.¡±


    Chris leaned closer, his breath warm against her face. ¡°I only


    ly need to g get far enough. One hostage is all I need to clear a path¡±


    Liana¡¯s eyes suddenly welled with tears, her lower lip trembling. ¡°Please,¡± she whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t kill me.¡±


    decided not to


    to waste any more time with


    Seeing her apparent fear<b>, </b>Chris hesitated. Still, he couldn¡¯t affordpassion¨Cnot now. <b>He </b>conversation. He reached to pull her from the bed, Intending to use her <b>as </b>a shield to escape.


    But <b>as </b>his hand touched her arm, Liana¡¯s demeanor changedpletely. With surprising strength, she grabbed his wrist and twisted, using his momentum against him. <b>Pain </b>shot through Chris¡¯s <b>injured </b>body as she flipped him onto the <b>bed</b><b>, </b>straddling his <b>back </b>and pinning his arms with practiced efficiency.


    ¡°Did you really think I¡¯d be that easy to overpower?¡± she hissed triumphantly, her knee digging into his spine.


    The door burst open, and guards rushed in <b>with </b>weapons drawn. The room suddenly <b>flooded </b>with light as someone hit the switch. They hauled Chris off the bed and bound him again, this time with metal handcuffs that bit into his flesh. One guard punched him hard in the stomach, doubling him over.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Lianamanded, walking to a cab and pulling out a leather whip. ¡°He¡¯s mine to punish. She ran the leather through her fingers lovingly. ¡°You¡¯re smart, but I prefer you helpless.¡±


    With a practiced flick of her wrist, she brought the whip down across his chest, opening a fresh wound that immediately began to bleed. Chris bit his tongue, refusing to cry out even <b>as </b>fire spread across his skin.


    12:30 Sat, Sep <b>27 </b>


    <b>Liana </b>frowned at his stoicism. Looking at hisposed face, she suddenly similed. ¡°Let¡¯s see how well you maintain that control when we try something different.¡±


    She turned to one of her men. ¡°Bring some girls from the nightclub down the street, Let¡¯s give our distinguishedwyer some special entertainment.¡±


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 Treatment 264

    <b>Chapter </b>264


    ¹ú


    Twenty minutester, four <b>heavily </b>made up women in revealing outfits entered the room, looking uncertain. Liana pressed some cash into their hands. ¡°Make him happy,¡± she instructed with a malicious gleam in her eye. The creative,¡±


    The women surrounded Chris, who sat rigid in the chair. One begais unbuttoning his shirt while another ran her fingers through his hair, whispering suggestive phrases in his ear. The third traced the outline of his jaw, while the fourth positioned herself behind him, massaging his shoulders.


    ¡°Please, Chris said quietly, his dignified facade finally cracking. ¡°I¡¯m asking you to let them leave.¡±


    ¡°Begging won¡¯t help you,¡± Liana replied, leaning against the wall to watch. ¡°Consider it entertainment for us both,¡±


    The women, noticing Chris¡¯s disgusted expression, became more aggressive in their advances. They touched him everywhere, whispering obscenities in his ear. When one began unfastening his pants, Chris finally lost hisposure.


    ¡°Get off me!¡± he snarled, his <b>face </b>dark with fury and humiliation, body radiating cold anger.


    Liana burst intoughter and waved her hand dismissively. ¡°All of you, get out!¡± The women looked confused but quickly filed out of the room, pocketing their money as they left.


    Chris sat there, shirt open and pants partially undone, his dignity in tatters. ¡°Could someone at least pull my pants up?¡± he asked stiffly.


    ¡°<b>Say </b>another word and I¡¯ll cut it off,¡± Liana threatened<b>, </b>twirling <b>a </b>small knife between her fingers. Chris fell silent, jaw clenched tightly.


    Over the next several <b>days</b>, Chris endured <b>a </b><b>cycle </b>of torture <b>and </b><b>medical </b>treatment. Daytime brought new pain as Liana experimented with different methods of torture. Nighttime brought doctors who ensured he wouldn¡¯t die from his wounds.


    They constantly changed locations<b>, </b>staying one step ahead of Kane¡¯s men who were hunting them across the countryside.


    Finally, they were found in an abandoned warehouse with peeling paint <b>and </b>rusted metal beams. Kane and his armed men surrounded the building, guns drawn and faces grim with determination


    ¡°Hand him over,¡± Kane demanded, pointing at Chris who stood on wobbly legs, barely able to remain upright. ¡°Do that, and I¡¯ll forget what¡¯s happened these past days.¡±


    ¡°<b>My </b>father wants him alive,¡± Liana replied, her whip ready in her hand.


    Kane¡¯s face contorted with rage. ¡°Even if your father were standing here himself, I¡¯d still kill this man to avenge my son!¡±


    Liana cracked her whip, knocking Kane¡¯s gun from his hand with surprising <b>uracy</b>, then dragged Chris toward the <b>back </b>exit. Gunfire erupted instantly.


    <b>Liano </b>pulled Chris behind a concrete wall, firing back at <b>Kane¡¯s </b>men with a small pistol she produced from her boot. Suddenly, a gunman appeared from behind, <b>alming </b>at Chris¡¯s head. Liana yanked him aside and shot the attacker between the eyes without hesitation.


    Backed against the end of the street with nowhere to go, another volley of bullets rained down, chipping away at their concrete shelter. Chris, seeing a gunman taking aim at Liana, shoved her out of the way, both of them tumbling to the ground as bullets whizzed overhead.


    As a gunman took aim again, a ck SUV screeched between them and the shooters, bullets pinging off its armored exterior like metallic


    12:30 Sat, <b>Sep </b><b>27 </b>


    rain. Eleanor Astor was behind the wheel, and Jade leaned out the window, tossing a grenade with practiced precision. The explosion


    O rocked the street, sending Kane¡¯s men diving for cover as smoke billowed upward.


    Jade Nang <b>open </b>the door and pulled bath Chris and Liana Inside with surprising strength. When Liana tried to resist, Jade subdued her with a single precise strike to the neck that left her gasping for air.


    ¡°Drive!¡± Jademanded, and Eleanor hit the gas. The SUV roared away, engine growling as it elerated through the chaos. Through the rear window, Chris could see Kane emerging from the smoke, his face twisted with fury as he watched his prey escape.


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    Badass in Disguise

 Treatment 265

    <b>Chapter </b><b>265 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV:


    The armored SUV roared through the narrow streets of Suriname, Ures squealing against the cracked asphalt. Eleanor¡¯s <b>knuckles </b>were white as she gripped the steering wheel, her eyes constantly darting to the rearview mirror.


    ¡°Are you sure we¡¯re not being followed? Eleanor asked, her voice light with anxiety.


    I nced back through the rear window. ¡°For now, but it won¡¯t take one long to regroup.¡± I turned my attention to Chris Jensen, who was slumped in the passenger seat beside Eleanor. His wrists were still bound by metal handcuffs, the skin around them raw and inmed.


    ¡°Let me see those,¡± I said, pulling a small toolkit from my pocket. I selected a thin metal pick and began working on the lock. Within seconds, the handcuffs clicked open.


    Chris winced as the metal pulled away from his broken skin. The wounds were ugly¨Cdeep red with yellowish discharge seeping from the edges. ssic signs of infection.


    ¡°These need to be cleaned and treated,¡± I said, carefully examining the damage. The infection¡¯s spreading.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Chris muttered, though his pallor and the sweat beading on his forehead told a different story.


    My eyes drifted to the <b>back </b>seat where Liann sat huddled against the door, her eyes <b>wild </b>and darting. The surge of hatred that rose in my <b>chest </b>surprised even me. For a moment, I imagined wrapping my hands around her slender throat and watching the life drain from <b>her </b>eyes. I suppressed the urge¨Cbarely.


    Liana must <b>have </b>sensed my thoughts. She scrambled upright, her chest heaving <b>with </b>panicked breaths. The whip she¡¯d used on Chris was still clutched in her hand.


    ¡°Stop the <b>car</b>!¡± she screamed, brandishing the leather whip. ¡°Let me out right now or I swear I


    I drew my gun in one fluid motion and pressed it against her temple, the cold metal silencing her mid¨Csentence.


    ¡°You¡¯ll <b>what</b>?¡± <b>I </b>asked quietly. The <b>sudden </b>stillness of my voice was more terrifying than any shout could <b>have </b>been. ¡°Finish that sentence. and I promise it will be yourst.¡±


    Liana¡¯s eyes widened, her pupils <b>dting </b>with fear. She slowly lowered the whip.


    ¡°That¡¯s better,¡± I said, keeping the gun trained on her. ¡°Now sit down and shut up, or the next bump in the road might <b>make </b>my finger slip.¡±


    I grabbed the leather whip from her hand and, with practiced efficiency, bound her wrists together tightly.


    Eleanor drove frantically, taking random turns through unfamiliar streets. ¡°I don¡¯t know where I¡¯m going,¡± <b>she </b>admitted, panic edging into her <b>voice</b><b>. </b>¡°This ce is a maze.¡±


    A ck sedan appeared in the side mirror, gaining speed.


    ¡°Switch,¡± Imanded, holstering my gun. ¡°I¡¯ll drive.¡±


    Eleanor pulled over just long enough for us to change ces. The moment my hands touched the wheel, I felt a familiar calm wash over me. This was my element.


    I stomped on the elerator, feeling the SUV surge forward. Then, without warning, I yanked the wheel hard, executing a perfect 180- degree turn. We were now facing directly toward our pursuers.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Eleanor screamed.


    I didn¡¯t answer. Instead, I floored it, driving straight at the approaching sedan. The other driver, caughtpletely off guard by my <b>maneuver</b><b>, </b>swerved instinctively. The sedan skidded sideways, and I clipped its rear quarter panel at precisely the right angle. The impact sent their vehicle spinning out of control, flipping twice beforending on its roof.


    ¡°Take the wheel,¡± I told Eleanor, already reaching for the door handle. ¡°Drive straight for about five miles, then take the first right, Wait for me there.¡±


    ¡°But-


    <b>¡°</b><b>Go</b>!¡± I ordered, jumping out.


    <b>I </b>approached the overturned vehicle with my gun drawn. The driver was dead, his neck broken by the impact. The passenger was alive but <b>dazed</b>. He fumbled for <b>his </b>weapon, but I <b>was </b>faster. One shot<b>, </b><b>and </b>the problem was solved.


    When I rejoined the others fifteen minutester, Eleanor was sitting behind the wheel, <b>her </b>face ashen, Chris <b>had </b>managed to move to the <b>back </b>seat and was leaning against the window, <b>his </b>eyes closed.


    ¡°Is he unconscious?¡± I asked, sliding into the passenger <b>seat</b>.


    ¡°Just resting.¡± Eleanor replied. ¡°I think the fever¡¯s getting worse.¡±


    I got in the car when a piercing scream shattered the silence. I whipped around to see Liana standing rigid, her eyes fixed on something outside the window.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± I muttered, following her gaze.


    About fifty yards from the road, a massive python was colled around what appeared to be a human corpse, slowly consuming its meal. The <b>snake¡¯s </bws <b>were </b>distended around the dead man¡¯s head.


    Liana¡¯s screams intensified, bing unhinged and hysterical. Her eyes bulged, unseeing, as she wed at the <b>car </b>door.


    She shrieked, her body convulsing violently.


    ¡°Restrain her,¡± I told Eleanor, who had pulled over at themotion.


    As Eleanor tried to calm Liana, I observed her symptoms with clinical detachment. The dted pupils, the disconnection from reality, the extreme reaction to a specific trigger¡­.


    ¡°She¡¯s having a severe psychotic episode,¡± I said. ¡°Probably has an underlying condition¨Cschizophrenia or bipr with psychotic features The trauma of the <b>past </b>likely triggered it.¡±


    ¡°How <b>do </b>you know that? Eleanor usked, struggling to hold Liana¡¯s thrashing body.


    12:30 Sat, Sep 27¡­


    Chris suddenlyughed, a weak sound from his Injured state. <b>¡°</b>Turns out she¡¯s the one terrified of the snakes.


    Three dayster, I sat in the spacious living room of Chris Jensen¡¯s private vi near the Thai border. The modern structure with its clean lines and ss walls offered spectacr views of the surrounding Jungle.


    Chris entered the room, moving slowly but steadily. The color had returned to his face, and the Infection in his wrists was finally responding to the antibiotics,


    ¡°How <b>are </b>you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Better, thanks to you two. He smiled weakly. ¡°Eleanor¡¯s been an excellent nurse. Though she threatens to suffocate me with don¡¯t take my medicine.¡±


    a pillow if 1


    I nodded. ¡°She can be persuasive.


    ¡°So,¡± Chris leaned forward slightly,


    lightly, ¡°want to tell me how you found me? Last I knew, I was in Guyana with nomunication out.¡±


    ¡°When you went dark in Guyana, your father called Night, Night called me.¡± I shrugged. ¡°I ran into Eleanor at the airport. She insisted oning along.¡±


    The sliding door opened, and Maddox Jensen strode in. Tall and <b>broad</b>¨Cshouldered, with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, he radiated authority without saying a <b>word</b>. He nodded to me before taking a seat <b>at </b>the <b>head </b>of the table.


    <b>Eleanor </b><b>entered </b>carrying a tray of breakfast, her movements <b>nervous </b>and jerky. Sitting across from the most powerful crime lord in Southeast Asia would make anyone anxious.


    ¡°50<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>said </b>under his breath as his <b>father </b>engaged Eleanor in polite conversation, ¡°how are things with Ethan Haxton?¡±


    Chris said


    ¡°What?¡± I <b>asked </b><b>quietly</b>.


    ¡°He clearly <b>has </b>designs on you, and you¡¯re not exactly fighting him off. I refuse to believe there¡¯s nothing happening.¡±


    ¡°That <b>car </b>crash incident had the whole country in an uproar, and your ssmates problems. Your rtionship ismon knowledge.¡±


    are convinced Ethan found a hacker to solve your


    ¡°Getting kidnapped <b>and </b>still finding time for gossip,¡± I muttered. ¡°No wonder you got caught.¡±


    Chris chuckled, then winced as the movement pulled at his healing wounds. After breakfast, Maddox called him away to the upstairs study, leaving Eleanor and me alone at the living room.


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 Treatment 266

    Author¡¯s POV<b>: </b>


    Maddox Jensen leaned back in his leather chair, swirling amber liquid in a crystal tumbler. The study¡¯s warm lighting cast deep shadows across his weathered face as he fixed his son with a calcting state.


    ¡°So,¡± he said, his voice <b>casual </b>yet <b>probing</b>, ¡°between Jade Morgan and Eleanor, which one do you prefer?¡±


    Chris folded his arms, his posture deliberately rxed despite his bandaged wrists. ¡°What?¡±


    Maddox¡¯s <b>lips </b>curled into <b>a </b>knowing smile. ¡°I¡¯ve seen how Eleanor looks at you. And this Morgan girl¡­ there¡¯s something about her.¡±


    ¡°Don t start,¡± Chris warned.


    ¡°If I <b>had </b>to choose,¡± Maddox continued, ignoring his son¡¯s protest, ¡°I¡¯d prefer the younger one. Jade.¡± He took <b>a </b>slow sip of his drink. ¡°She has decisiveness. Doesn¡¯t shy away from pressure. More suitable for our family.¡±


    Chris snorted. ¡°Jade and I are friends. We¡¯ve been through life¨Cor¨Cdeath situations together, but that¡¯s it.¡±


    <b>Maddox </b>nodded thoughtfully. ¡°And what about <b>Eleanor</b>?¡±


    ¡°I barely know her, Chris admitted. ¡°We¡¯ve only met a few times through mutual connections.¡±


    ¡°Yet she flew across the world to save you.¡± Maddox¡¯s tone sharpened. ¡°That¡¯s quite a gesture for someone you barely know.¡±


    Chris sighed, rubbing his temples<b>. </b><b>¡°</b>Look, I appreciate what she did. It was brave and I owe her. But that doesn¡¯t mean I have to be responsible for <b>her </b>feelings for the rest of my life.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Maddox drained his ss, setting it down with a soft clink. ¡°Well, consider your options carefully. Family connections matter in our world<i>.</i>¡±


    In the sunlit living room, Eleanor sat beside Jade on the plush sofa, her fingers nervously pleating the hem of her blouse.


    ¡°Have you been to the Jensen house before?¡± <b>she </b><b>asked</b>, her voice casual but her eyes


    watchful.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jade replied.


    ¡°What do you think of Chris¡¯s father? He seems¡­¡± she hesitated, searching for the right word.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know. Today was the first time I¡¯ve met him.¡±


    Eleanor¡¯s eyes <b>widened </b>slightly. ¡°Really? I thought¨CShe stopped herself, then lowered her voice. ¡°He scares about him that feels¡­ dangerous.¡±


    Jade nodded hut offered noment.


    me a little. There¡¯s something


    ¡°<b>Can </b>I ask you something? Eleanor leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s inappropriate for a woman to pursue a man? Would Chris find it¡­ unattractive if I¡¯m too forward?¡±


    said </b>honestly. ¡°Some men appreciate directness.


    Eleanor¡¯s expression brightened instantly. ¡°Right? Being proactive creates opportunities! Her confidence seemed restored.


    Chris descended the stairs to the basement, a small te of bread in one <b>hand</b>. The security lights hummed overhead, casting a harsh §±uorescent glow <b>over </b>the reinforced door at the end of the corridor.


    Punching in the code, he entered the secure room where Liana sat handcuffed to a metal chair. Her once immacte clothes were rumpled, her <b>hair </b>tangled, but her <b>eyes </b>still burned with defiance.


    ¡°Hungry?¡± Chris asked, holding up


    the bread temptingly. ¡°It¡¯s been what¨Ctwelve hours since youst ate?¡±


    Liana red but couldn¡¯t hide the way her eyes fixed on the food.


    Chris smiled coldly. ¡°Only if you beg me,¡± he said, mimicking her earlier words. ¡°Make me feel satisfied, and maybe I¡¯ll give you something to eat.¡±


    Liana¡¯s jaw clenched, hatred radiating from her in waves.


    ¡°How does it feel? Chris circled her chair slowly, ¡°Being on the receiving end? I¡¯m thinking about getting a whip. Soaking it in salt water, just like you did. Don¡¯t worry¨CI¡¯ll have a doctor treat your wounds afterward. Wouldn¡¯t want you dying too quickly,¡±


    He paced behind her, tapping his chin thoughtfully. ¡°What else? Oh right, you the favor.¡±


    were


    <b>so </b>kind to bring those women for me. I should return


    Chris leaned down, his face inches from hers, a wicked smile ying on his lips. ¡°Being the gentleman I am, I¡¯ll let you choose. What¡¯s your type? I¡¯ll find someone to your liking.¡±


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 Treatment 267

    Liana suddenly jerked her head backward, thennged forward, smashing her forehead against Chris¡¯s with a sickening thud.


    ¡°Damn!¡± Chris stumbled back, head tinging, momentarily seeing stars, Wisen his vision cleared, he <b>saw </b>Liana fighting back tears, her forehead red <b>and </b>already swelling, but her eyes still dent.


    ¡°You little psycho,¡± he muttered, touching his own throbbing forehead.


    ¡°Threaten me all you want,¡± Liana spat, her voice trembling despite her bravado. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you!¡±


    ¡°No rush,¡± Chris <b>said</b>, regaining hisposure. ¡°See all those torture devices on the wall? They¡¯re one, I¡¯ll feed you to the snakes.¡±


    At the word ¡°snakes,¡± Liana¡¯s body gave an involuntary shudder.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t <b>dare</b>,¡± she hissed. ¡°My father and my family will hunt you down.¡±


    all


    for you.


    Once I¡¯ve used every single


    Chris let out a humorlessugh. ¡°Really? In Suriname, your uncle Kane was ready to <b>kill </b>you. If I <b>hadn¡¯t </b>saved you, you¡¯d be dead already.<b>¡± </b>


    Liana fell silent, unable to


    ble to counter this truth.


    ¡°Your family is rotten


    -10


    the core,¡± Chris continued. ¡°No empathy, killing each other for personal gain. Only a psychopath


    like you could


    live in <b>that </b>delusion.<b>¡± </b>


    Chris noticed tears gathering in Liana¡¯s eyes. He bent closer, wary of another headbutt.


    still


    ying the victim?¡± b


    he sneered.


    Liana red up at him<b>, </b>her tears making tracks through the dirt on her face.


    <b>Chris </b>picked up the bread and took Liana¡¯s <b>whip </b>different.¡±


    from the <b>table</b>. ¡°I¡¯m in a good mood today, so you get <b>a </b>pass. Next time might be


    He turned to leave, nning to find Jade. Looking through the small window, he saw Jade and Eleanor talking animatedly in the living room. Without a word, he turned and walked away.


    Later that evening, <b>a </b>security guard approached Chris in the hallway,


    ¡°Sir,¡± the man said, <b>keeping </b>his voice low, ¡°your father left instructions before going out. He wants you to dispose of the Scorpio girl.¡±


    Chris¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°I¡¯ll <b>handle </b>it.¡±


    Minutester, he burst into the secure room to find one of his father¡¯s men pointing a gun at <b>Liana¡¯s </b>head. Her eyes were wide with terror, but <b>she </b>remained <b>silent</b>, her chin lifted in defiance.


    ¡°What the hell are <b>you </b>doing? Chris demanded, striding forward <b>and </b>wrenching the <b>gun </b><b>from </b>the man¡¯s hand.


    <b>1/2 </b>


    ¡°Following orders, sir, the guard replied stiffly.


    :


    Chris checked the gun¨Cloaded<b>, </b>safety off. ¡°Get out,¡± he ordered. Til handle this myself.¡±


    The guard hesitated. ¡°Sir, your father specifically-


    ¡°I said get out!¡± Chris¡¯s <b>voice </b>echoed off the concrete walls. This is my responsibility. Tell my father I¡¯m taking care of it.¡±


    After the guard left, Chris exhaled slowly, turning to face Liana. Her eyes followed his every movement, calcting, wary


    ¡°Looks like your time¡¯s running out, Chris said, setting a water bottle on the table. ¡°No salt.¡±


    Liana turned her face away.


    Chris grabbed her jaw, forcing her mouth open. ¡°Drink it. You need to stay alive a little longer.¡±


    As soon as the <b>water </b>touched her lips, Liana gathered it and <b>spat </b>directly into Chris¡¯s <b>face</b>. In the same motion, <b>she </b><b>lunged </b>forward, sinking her teeth into his hand<b>. </b>


    Chris cursed, <b>jerking </b><b>back</b>. The door burst open as a guard rushed in, drawn by themotion.


    ¡°Sir, do you need-


    ¡°Get out!¡± Chris snapped, cradling his injured hand. When they were <b>alone </b>again, he looked at <b>Liana </b>with resigned exasperation. really are a little psycho.¡±


    He picked up the water bottle, wincing at the pain in his <b>hand</b>. ¡°Fine. Don¡¯t drink, Your choice.¡±


    ¡°You


    Without another word,


    Chris left, closing the door firmly behind him.


    Chapter Comments


    3

 Treatment 268

    Chris emerged from the basement door. Ilis normally pristine appearance was notably disheveled¨Cshirt partially soaked, sleeves rolled up revealing bandaged wrists with fresh blood seeping through. His face was taut with frustration.


    <b>Eleanor </b>stood frozen near the kitchen entrance, her eyes fixed on Chris with concern.


    ¡°Chris, you¡¯re bleeding <b>again</b>,¡± she said, stepping toward him.


    Chris nced down at his wrists with mild surprise, as though he¡¯d forgotten about his Injuries. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°Why is your shirt wet?¡± <b>Eleanor </b>asked, reaching out but stopping short of actually touching him.


    ¡°Water situation,¡± Chris replied vaguely, smoothing <b>back </b>his hair. ¡°Our guest downstairs wasn¡¯t cooperating.¡±


    ¡°Do you need help with anything?¡± Eleanor¡¯s voice was s


    soft.


    ¡°I appreciate the concern, Ms. Astor, but I¡¯ve got it under control.¡± Chris gave her <b>a </b><b>practiced </b>smile. ¡°I should clean up. I¡¯ll see you in the morning.¡±


    With a slight bow of his head, <b>he </b>started toward the stairs. ¡°I¡¯m heading to my room now, Ms. Astor. Have a good night.¡±


    The next morning, <b>Jade </b>found herself sitting on a plush sofa in Chris¡¯s bedroom, watching as a private doctor carefully unwrapped the bandages from his wrists. Eleanor sat beside her, her cheeks flushing every time Chris winced.


    ¡°These are healing well, considering.¡± the doctormented<b>, </b>examining the raw, inmed skin where rope and metal handcuffs had cut into Chris¡¯s nesh. ¡°No signs of systemic infection, but we¡¯ll need to keep an eye on this area.¡± He pointed to a particrly angry¨Clooking wound.


    ¡°How much longer for full healing?¡± Chris asked, his voice casual.


    ¡°Three weeks minimum before the skin fully closes. You¡¯ll have stars, though.¡±


    Chris shrugged. ¡°What¡¯s a few more?¡±


    Jade noticed Eleanor¡¯s quick intake of breath at his words. She waspletely captivated by him¨Cthis strange mix of polished attorney <b>and </b><b>damaged </b>man.


    wasn¡¯t aware I¡¯d be having an audience for my medical examination, Chris said, ncing in their direction with a raised eyebrow


    ¡°If we¡¯re b


    bothering you- Eleanor began.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Chris interrupted with a calcted smile. ¡°Though I am curious why Jade brought you to watch me get bandaged up. Is this some form of entertainment I wasn¡¯t aware of?¡±


    Jade met his <b>gaze </b>evenly. ¡°Eleanor insisted. She was worried about you.¡±


    <b>12:31 </b>Sat, Sep <b>27 </b>


    ¡°I just wanted to <b>make </b>sure you were healing properly,¡± Eleanor exined, her cheeks reddening further.


    Chris¡¯s expression softened slightly. ¡°That¡¯s very thoughtful.¡±


    ¡°I could help with the bandages, Eleanor offered. ¡°I took a first aid coursest year.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s kind, but unnecessary.¡± Chris replied smoothly. ¡°The doctor here is quite capable, and these wounds are¡­ rather personal reminders.¡±


    Eleanor nodded, disappointment flickering across her face.


    The doctor finished applying the fresh bandages and packed his supplies. Same time tomorrow, Mr.


    Jensen?¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you,¡± Chris confirmed, already rolling down his sleeves to cover the evidence of his ordeal.


    After the doctor left, Chris excused himself to take a call, leaving Eleanor and Jade alone in his bedroom.


    ¡°Jade,¡± Eleanor <b>began </b>hesitantly once they were alone, ¡°can I ask you something personal?¡±


    Jade gave <b>her </b>a nomittal shrug.


    ¡°How do you <b>and </b>Mr. Haxton¡­ interact?¡± Her fingers nervously pleated the fabric of her skirt. ¡°I mean, he seems even more reserved than Chris. Is Mr. Haxton the one who initiates things between you two?¡±


    Jade suppressed a smile, thinking about Ethan¡¯s persistent <b>pursuit</b>. ¡°Very much so.¡±


    ¡°And¡­ has it worked?¡± Eleanor leaned forward eagerly. ¡°His approach?


    ¡°You could <b>say </b>that.¡± Jade thought about Ethan¡¯s fierce protectiveness, his quiet support, the way her. ¡°Effort usually gets rewarded<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I won¡¯t give up,¡± Eleanor dered with surprising firmness.


    y he¡¯d moved mountains just to be near


    Liana¡¯s been refusing food <b>and </b>water for two days now. Passed out this morning.


    The basement had been converted into a secure holding area,plete with reinforced doors and surveince equipment. Lianay strapped to a hospital bed, an IV inserted into her arm. Her <b>face </b>was pale, cheekbones more prominent than he remembered.

 Treatment 269

    <b>Chapter </b>269


    After half an hour, Liana¡¯s eyes fluttered open. When she spotted Chris, her expression hardened into pure hatred.


    ¡°Good morning, sunshine,¡± Chris said pleasantly. ¡°Feeling better?¡±


    Liana turned her face away, jaw clenched.


    ¡°Not talking? That¡¯s fine.¡± Chris circled the bed slowly. ¡°I was just wondering something¨Caren¡¯t would they think if you died here?<b>¡± </b>


    Liana¡¯s body tensed, but she remained silent.


    you worried about your parents<b>? </b>What


    ¡°Not afraid of dying? Or just don¡¯t care <b>about </b>breaking your parents¡® hearts?¡± Chris continued, his tone <b>casual </b>but his eyes watchful.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about them,¡± Liana snapped, her voice hoarse from disuse.


    <b>¡°</b>Why not?¡± Chris leaned against the


    I the <b>wall</b>, studying her. ¡°I <b>love </b>poking at people¡¯s sore spots. It¡¯s <b>a </b>hobby of mine.¡±


    his attention like that.¡±


    ¡°I heard your father <b>has </b>quite the collection of women,¡± Chris continued. ¡°Must be hard for your mother, sharing


    Liana¡¯s breathing quickened. ¡°Shut up.¡±


    ¡°What? Did I hit a nerve?¡± Chris smirked. ¡°Was your mother one of the favorites, or did she have topete? Maybe she was eliminated by one of his other women? Or perhaps he paused dramatically, ¡°your father got rid of her himself?¡±


    At his <bst </b>suggestion, Liana¡¯s entire body flinched. Chris noticed it immediately, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, isn¡¯t it?¡± Chris <b>pressed</b>. ¡®Daddy dearest got <b>tired </b>of mommy and <b>had </b>her disposed of?¡±


    ¡°SHUT UP!¡± Liana <b>screamed</b>.


    se guess¨Cfed her to the snakes?¡±


    ¡°Let me


    The word ¡®snakes <b>acted </b>like an electric became erratic, shallow,


    <b>c </b>current through Liana¡¯s body. Her eyes widened, pupils dting to near¨Cck. Her breathing


    ¡°S¨Csnakes¡­¡± she whispered, her gaze suddenly unfocused, seeing something none of them could.


    Chris stepped closer, intrigued by her reaction. ¡°Yes, snakes. Big ones. The kind that can swallow <b>a </b><b>person </b>whole.¡±


    Liana¡¯s face wentpletely nk. Then, without warning, she began to scream¨Cnot words, just a continuous, piercing howl that echoed against the concrete walls. Her body <b>convulsed </b><b>against </b>the restraints, foam gathering at theers of her mouth.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Chris muttered, backing away. He hit <b>an </b>inte button on the wall. ¡°Security, I need someone to get Jade down here now!¡±


    Liana¡¯s screaming continued, her eyes rolling <b>back </b>in her head. She waspletely dissociated, trapped in whatever horror her mind had conjured.


    <b>12:31 </b>Sat, Sep 27


    Jade checked Liana¡¯s restraints to ensure she wouldn¡¯t harm herself. Her screams had degenerated Into Incoherent muttering, punctuated be asional shrieks.


    She quickly prepared a syringe with a professional¨Cgrade sedative, finding a vein in na¡¯s arm and administering the dose with practiced efficiency.


    Within seconds, her struggles began to subside. Her eyes rolled forward, focusing briefly on Jade before the sedative pulled her into unconsciousness.


    ¡°What did you <b>give </b>her?¡± Chris asked, watching Liana¡¯s now peaceful form.


    ¡°Something to help her sleep,¡± Jade replied, disposing of <b>the </b>syringe. ¡°She¡¯ll be out for <b>a </b>while.¡±


    Chris ran a hand through his hair, looking genuinely disturbed. ¡°What the hell <b>happened </b>to her?¡±


    Jade studied Liana¡¯s face. Despite the sedation, her features remained tense, haunted. ¡°You mentioned snakes, and she broke. ssic


    trauma response.¡±


    Chris¡¯s expression was unreadable. ¡°I didn¡¯t know,¡±


    ¡°Now you do.¡± Jade packed up her medical supplies.


    Chris nodded slowly. ¡°I won¡¯t see her for a few <b>days</b>. Let her stabilize.¡±


    True to <b>his </b>word, Chris avoided the basement for


    nt for the next two days, <b>giving </b><b>Liana </b>time to recover from her psychological break. Jade asionally checked on <b>the </b>girl¡¯s condition.


    On the morning of the third day, as they headed upstairs from one such check¨Cup, Chris¡¯s phone rang. He answered, listening briefly before his expression darkened.


    ¡°When?¡± he asked the caller. ¡°<b>How </b><b>many</b>? Another pause. ¡°Hold them in the front hall. I¡¯ll be right there.¡±


    He hung up, turning to Jade with a grim smile. ¡°Looks like the Scorpio family has finally sent representatives to collect their precious Liana.¡±


    Jade raised an eyebrow, ¡°Perfect timing<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Chris agreed<b>. </b>

 Treatment 270

    Badass in Disguise


    Chapter <b>270 </b>


    ARGD


    Jade stood silently near the hack of Jensen¡¯s living room, watching the confrontation unfold with detached Interest. The tension in the air. <b>was </b>palpable as Loki¨Ctall, lean, and unnervinglyposed¨Cfaced Chris Jensen with four Scorpio family members nking him like stone sentinels.


    ¡°Only give my sister back, and we¡¯ll consider our grievances settled,¡± Loki sald, his voice smooth as silk despite the dangerous undertones. ¡°You burned our auction house, killed many of our people¨Cbut I won¡¯t dwell on who lost more. Just let me take my sister home.¡±


    Chris leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, <b>looking </b>almost bored. if the injuries were trivial inconveniences.


    lover


    His wrists were s


    still bandaged, but he carried himself <b>as </b>


    *<b>Your </b>sister tortured me for days,¡± he replied with a cold smile. ¡°The <b>fact </b>that she¡¯s still breathing shows remarkable restraint on my part. You think you can just walk in and take her? Life doesn¡¯t work that way.¡±


    Jade studied <b>Loki¡¯s </b><b>face </b>for <b>any </b>


    ty reaction. His expression remained unchanged, but she caught the brief tightening <b>of </b>his jaw¨Cthe only sign that Chris¡¯s words had any effect.


    ¡°Then take me instead,¡± Loki offered, spreading his <b>hands</b>. ¡°Keep me as your prisoner. Just spare my sister¡¯s life and let her go. If I return without her, I¡¯m dead anyway<b>.</b>¡±


    Chris raised <b>an </b>eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the offer. ¡°And why would I want you?¡±


    ¡°<b>Liana </b>didn¡¯t <b>intend </b>to harm you,¡± Loki exined, his voice softening. ¡°She¡¯s young, impulsive. When <b>she </b>captured you, her father immediately ordered her to release <b>you</b>. He never wanted conflict with the Jensen family. The pursuit afterward¨Cthat <b>was </b>Kane¡¯s doing, Liana¡¯s uncle. She never handed you over to him, which suggests <b>she </b>didn¡¯t want <b>you </b>dead.¡±


    The conversation paused as heavy footsteps approached from the hallway. Chris straightened slightly, his eyes moving past Loki to the doorway.


    ¡°Sir, Mr. <b>Maddox </b>Jensen has returned,¡± a security


    y <b>guard </b>d announced.


    ¡°Bring Liana,¡± Chris ordered, not taking his eyes <b>off </b>Loki,


    The atmosphere shifted as Maddox Jensen entered the room¨Ctall, silver¨Chaired, with the cold authority thates from decades of wielding power. Eleanor <b>slipped </b>in behind <b>Jade</b>, her eyes wide as she took in the scene.


    Two guards brought Liana in. Her <b>face </b>was pale, with <b>dark </b>circles under her eyes, but her posture remained defiant. When she <b>saw </b>Chris, her eyes shed with hatred. Strangely, she showed no excitement or gratitude at Loki¡¯s presence, despite himing to rescue her.


    ¡°Father,¡± Chris began, ¡°the Scorpio family hase to-


    ¡°I heard,¡± Maddox cut him off, his gaze sweeping over the visitors. ¡°Since they¡¯vee all this way, it would be rude to let them leave empty¨Chanded.¡± His smile didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°In fact, why not ensure they all stay?¡±


    Loki tensed visibly<b>. </b>


    ¡°Mr. Jensen,¡± he started, voice still controlled, ¡°we came in peace-¡®


    ¡°<b>Loki</b>,¡± <b>Jade </b>interrupted, stepping forward. All eyes turned to her. ¡°Nice to see you <b>again</b>.¡±


    A flicker of recognition crossed his face, followed by a carefully crafted smile. ¡°Miss Morgan. <b>What </b>a pleasant <b>surprise</b>.¡±


    ¡°You killed Marcus, didn¡¯t you?¡± she sold casually.


    The room went utterly silent. Every person present stared at takl, whose expression remained puzzlingly calm.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you mean, he replied, looking g


    genuinely confused. ¡°Marcus was my cousin.¡±


    1800


    ¡°What are you afraid of?¡± Jade pressed, enjoying the spectacle. ¡°Kill Liana, and no one in the Scorpio family would ever know, right?¡±


    Eleanor¡¯s heart rate spiked beside her.


    Loki¡¯s face hardened. ¡°Miss Morgan, we may have our differences, but I helped you in Spain. Is this how you repay me? By trying to get me killed?¡±


    Before Jade could respond, Maddox spoke up. ¡®Enough chatter. Since you¡¯re here, none of you are leaving.¡±


    Chris nced at


    father. ¡°<b>Dad</b>, let me handle this.¡±


    Maddox studied his son for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. With the entire room watching, he stepped back, deferring to judgment¨Cbut his presence remained a looming threat.


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    Chris¡¯s


    Badass In Disguise

 Treatment 271

    ¡°If you want to take her back, Chris sald, turning to Loki, ¡°there¡¯s a price, She starred me; its only fair


    cuts, six sides.


    fair the hears a mark as well. Three


    Eleanor whispered urgently in Jade¡¯s ear, ¡°What does that mean?¡°


    Jade didn¡¯t answer, watching as understanding dawned on Loki¡¯s face,


    ¡°Let me <b>take </b>the punishment instead, Laki requested, stepping forward.


    ¡°No need.¡± Liana¡¯s voice cut through the tension. She snatched a knife from one of the guards belts with surprising speed. Before anyone could <b>react</b>, she pressed the <b>de </b>beneath her left eye and carved a hexagon into her own flesh.


    Blood streamed down her cheek as she worked methodically, her hand steady despite the pain. Eleanor gasped beside fade<b>, </b>her face turing ashen.


    When she finished, Liana tossed the bloody knife onto the polished floor. ¡°Satisfied?¡± she asked, blood dripping <b>from </b>her chin.


    Chris nodded once. ¡°Get out.¡±


    Liana walked toward the door without looking at anyone, her bloodied face held high. Loki and his men followed <b>quickly</b>, eager to <b>escape </b>before Maddox changed his mind.


    As the front door closed behind them, Jade turned to Chris. ¡®I need to go to Russia tomorrow.¡±


    Chris was still staring at the blood droplets on his floor. ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°To pick up some things.¡±


    In the sleek ck SUV driving away from the Jensen estate, Liana pressed a cloth to her bleeding cheek. The moment the gates disappeared from view, she whipped around and held a knife to Loki¡¯s throat,


    ¡°Who really killed Marcus?¡± she demanded, her voice trembling with rage despite her <b>steady </b>hand.


    Loki remained perfectly still, the <b>de </b>pressing against his skin. ¡°I was sent away by Marcus himself when it happened. His men told me that before he died, Chris Jensen visited with his friends. That¡¯s <b>all </b>I know.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You better not be lying.¡± Liana hissed. ¡°If I find out you killed him, I¡¯ll end you myself.¡±


    ¡°He was my cousin,¡± Loki repeated calmly. ¡°Why would I kill him?¡±


    just because you¡¯re cousins doesn¡¯t mean anything!¡± she spat.


    ¡°Liana,¡± Loki said gently, ¡°your face is still bleeding. We need to get you to a hospital before you lose too much blood.¡±


    Liana looked at him with pure disgust. ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to care.¡±


    12:31 Sat, <b>Sep </b><b>27 </b>


    The car continued toward the nearest hospital in tense silence<b>. </b>


    After a long moment, Liana spoke again, her voice for cold. ¡°My father only sent you to get


    ¡°Yes,¡± Loki answered simply.


    Liana fell silent, turning g to stare out the window.


    The next day, Liana walked into the Scorpio Mansion, a fresh bandage covering her left cheek. She found her father in the grand living room, lounging on a plush sofa with two scantily dressed women draped over him.


    ¡°Ah, Liana¡¯s back,¡± he announcedzily, barely ncing up from his entertainment.


    Liana stood before him, waiting for some acknowledgment of her injury, but he merely poured himself another drink, seemingly uninterested in her condition.


    ¡°You should have dealt with Jensen immediately, her <b>father </b><b>finally </b><b>said</b><b>, </b>setting down his them quickly and leave no trace,¡±


    ¡°Marcus wasn¡¯t killed by him,¡± Liana stated tly.


    s ss. ¡°When you capture someone, you <b>kill </b>


    Her father waved dismissively. ¡°I don¡¯t care who killed Marcus. What matters is whether you¡¯ve <b>caused </b>problems for our family.¡± He took another sip. ¡°<b>Have </b>you?¡±


    ¡°Uncle <b>Kane </b>almost killed me,¡± <b>Liane </b><b>said</b>, her voice tight with controlled emotion.


    her father replied indifferently. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll speak with <b>him</b>. You should <b>rest</b><b>, </b>Liana.¡±


    ¡°I <b>see</b>,¡± her


    As her father returned his attention to the giggling women beside him, Liana clenched her fists. From a nearby enclosure, she heard the soft hissing of the family¡¯s prized Python retictus. The sound made her shudder involuntarily.


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 Treatment 272

    Chapter <b>272 </b>


    A


    <b>170 </b>


    Jade¡¯s POV<b>: </b>


    The <b>private </b>jet touched down at <b>Moscow </b>International Aliport with barely a whisper. Through the window, I <b>could </b><b>see </b>an impressive line of ck SUVs waiting on the tarmac, nked by at least twenty men in suits and tactical gear. Typical Night.


    As I descended the stairs, the cold Russian air hit at my face. Night stood at the bottom, arms wide open, his curly hair dancing in the wind. The moment he spotted me, his face lit up with an almost childish excitement.


    ¡°Wee, sweetie!¡± he called out.


    I ignored his theatrics, tossing my backpack at him as I walked past. He caught it effortlessly, unbothered by my coldness.


    ¡°Baby¡± Night¡¯s voice was warm honey, trailing <b>after </b>me. ¡°Did you miss me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡± I replied tly, continuing toward the lead SUV without breaking stride.


    Night immediately perked up, hurrying to catch up. ¡°Home it is! Everything¡¯s ready¨Call your favorites,¡±


    Night¡¯s private estate sat on the outskirts of Moscow, <b>a </b>sprawling property that would make oligarchs jealous. The meticulous Russian gardens to the left, with their symmetrical pathways <b>and </b>carefully pruned trees. To the right, a private poolplex gleamed under the afternoon sun.


    The SUV pulled up to the main house<b>, </b>where a line of staff stood at attention¨Cthe housekeeper, chef, and various <b>assistants</b><b>, </b><b>all </b>looking nervous except for the oldest man, <b>Mikhail</b>, who had served Night¡¯s family <b>for </b>decades.


    I stepped out of the vehicle and walked straight past them toward the dining room, familiar with theyout from previous visits.


    I took the seat at the head of the table without hesitation. Night smiled and sat to my right rather than challenging my <b>im </b>to <b>his </b>usual ce.


    ¡°<b>Wine</b>?¡± he <b>offered</b>, already uncorking a bottle of what looked like obscenely expensive red.


    ¡°<b>Vodka </b>first,¡± I <b>said</b>, ¡°then wine.¡±


    e room. ¡°Some things never change. He produced a frosted bottle of premium Russian vodka and poured


    Night¡¯sugh echoed through the two shots.


    The first course arrived¨Ccaviar on blini with cr¨¨me fraiche. I took a bite <b>and </b>nodded in approval.


    ¡°<b>Good</b>?¡± Night asked, watching me intensely.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I admitted.


    Night beamed. ¡°Then don¡¯t go <b>back</b>. I¡¯ll keep this chef here just for <b>you</b>. Every day, whatever you <b>want</b>.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>How¡¯s your


    <b>father</b>?¡± I asked between bites of perfectly cooked venison.


    ¡°Better, <b>thanks </b>to you.¡± Night¡¯s voice grew serious. He asks about you. We¡¯ll visit him some day?¡±


    ¡°Like a pretty daughter¨Cinw meeting the inws,¡± he teased.


    ¡°<b>Fuck </b>off,¡± I replied without heat.


    Night chuckled. ¡°Remember that surgery you performed? Three years ago? When every doctor in <b>Russia </b>said his brain aneurysm was inoperable?¡± He shook his head in wonder. ¡°They still talk about it in medical circles¨Cthe mysterious Dr. ckwell who appeared, saved the great man¡¯s life, then vanished.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of injuries,¡± I said, ¡°shouldn¡¯t you be worried about Chris?¡±


    Night¡¯s <b>face </b>darkened. ¡°Jensen? What happened to him?¡±


    ¡°Kidnapped, Tortured<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Hell live.¡±


    1 finished my wine <b>and </b>set down the ss. ¡°Myputer¨Cyou still have it?¡±


    ¡°Of course, in my room, in the safe. I charge it regrly, check it monthly. No one¡¯s touched it but me.¡±


    Later that evening, I sat cross¨Clegged on <b>Night¡¯s </b>bed, my oldptop open before me. The screen glowed with familiar code <b>as </b>1 essed the iris recognition program I¡¯d created years ago.


    ¡°I need to imnt


    iris lenses,¡± I said without looking <b>up</b>,


    ¡°My original pattern needs to be essible.¡±


    Night, leaning <b>against </b>the doorframe, nodded. ¡°<b>Give </b>me a timeline, and III arrange it.¡±


    A weekter, I stood in front of <b>a </b>mirror in Night¡¯s guest bathroom, carefully examining my eyes. The surgery had been wless¨Cthe imnted lenses containing my original iris pattern were undetectable, even to me. I blinked a few times, testing the feel.


    My visit to Night¡¯s parents had gone <b>as </b>expected. I¡¯d checked his recovery, confirmed the aneurysm repair was holding, and updated my medical credentials while I <b>was </b>there.


    The new Russian medical license in <b>my </b>bag read ¡°Dr. Jade Morgan¡± now.


    <b>12:31 </b>Sat, Sep 27


    Badass in Disguise.

 Treatment 273

    My cliff¨Cside vi overlooked the ck Sea, its modernist architecture Jutting dramatically from the rocky coastline. Floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows wrapped around the structure, and the setting sun painted everything in deep orange and gold.


    1 rose on tiptoes for the iris scan. The system hummed <b>as </b>it processed my


    ¡°Wee home, master,¡± the Al house system announced, its voice echoing through the empty space.


    The lights came on sequentially, and I heard the soft whir of cleaning robots activating throughout the house. The air filtration system kicked in, clearing out the staleness.


    ¡°Home sweet home,¡± I murmured, stepping inside.


    The vi was exactly as I¡¯d left it¨Cminimalist furnishings and state¨Cof¨Cthe¨Cart technology.


    I moved directly to the <b>elevator </b>at the center of the <b>house</b>, leaning in for another iris scan. ¡®Basement level one, Imanded.


    The


    elevator descended smoothly. When the doors opened, I stepped into my personal vault. The walls were lined with safety deposit boxes of various sizes, each requiring iris authentication.


    I went to thergest box and opened it, retrieving my ck card¨Cuntraceable, unlimited, and epted anywhere in the world. Next to ity my old medical license with the name ¡°Dr. ckwell¡± and my photo, I tossed it into my bag.


    ¡°Basement <b>level </b>two,¡± I said, returning to the <b>elevator</b>.


    The second basement level housed my vehicle collection-


    -a gleaming array of supercars and limited¨Cedition models that would <b>make </b>Chase <b>Astor </b>weep with joy. Lamborghinis, Bugattis, Koenigseggs, McLarens¨Ceach more rare and valuable than thest.


    I pulled out my phone <b>and </b>snapped photos of the collection, sending them to Chase with a simple message: ¡°Pick one for your <b>birthday</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    The response was immediate¨Ca video <b>call </b>I answered to see Chase¡¯s face, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    ¡°Holy fucking <b>shit</b>, Jade!¡± he practically screamed. ¡°Where the bell is this?¡±


    I watched as he jumped off his bed and ran to his closet, frantically searching for clothes.


    overseas,¡± I said simply.


    Chase froze. ¡°Which country? I¡¯ming!¡±


    ¡°The cars,¡± I redirected him. ¡°Want one or not?¡±


    ¡°Of course! Are you going to buy me <b>one </b>or¡­¡± he trailed off, uncertain.


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°<b>Give </b>you one. This is my garage.¡±


    ¡°YOUR GARAGE?¡± His voice hit a pitch I didn¡¯t think possible for <b>a </b>male. ¡°Jade, will you marry me? I¡¯m serious. We <b>can </b><b>do </b>it right now. I¡¯ll


    get on a ne


    ¡°If you don¡¯t shut up and pick a car, I¡¯ll <b>hang </b>up,¡± 1 threatened mildly.


    Chaseposed himself


    ed himself with visible effort. The gunmetal gray Koenigsegg. <b>No</b><b>, </b>wait¨Cthe matte ck McLaren. No! The-


    ¡°You have ten seconds.¡±


    ¡°The blue Bur


    Bugatti! <b>Final </b>answer!¡±


    I <b>nodded</b>. ¡®It¡¯ll <b>be </b>delivered next week.¡±


    I ended the call and selected a sleek gray Lamborghini for myself. ¡°Have this brought up, I instructed the robotic attendant.


    ¡°Yes, master,¡± it replied, rolling toward


    ¡°Basement level three.¡±


    the vehicle.


    el three,¡± Imanded, returning to the elevator once more.


    The lowest level was my personal armory¨Cwalls lined with weapons <b>of </b><b>every </b>variety, from traditional firearms <b>to </b>custom¨Cdesigned explosives of my own creation. In my previous life, I¡¯d spent countless hours here, drinking <b>vodka </b>and findingfort in the deadly precision of my <b>arsenal</b>.


    I picked up a handgun, feeling its familiar weight. Without hesitation, I aimed at a target across the room and fired several shots in rapid. session. The bullets <b>clustered </b>in the center.


    As I surveyed the weapons, a thought crossed my mind: Ethan was an arms dealer and weapons designer. He¡¯d probably appreciate this collection. Perhaps I should bring him here someday.


    The gray Lamborghini was waiting when I returned to the main floor. The Al house system had prepared a light lunch, exactly to my specifications. I sat at the kitchen counter, enjoying the perfect silence broken only by the gentle hum of the house systems.


    By noon, I was ready to hang out.


    I slid into the Lamborghini, feeling the engine purr to life beneath me.


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