Badass in Disguise Chapter 112

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 flat.

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

I smiled slightly. "Perhaps someday I'll properly reintroduce Mr. Jensen and Mr. Haxton."

Something in Ethan's expression shifted – a flash 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 the last complication I needed.

---

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

"That's her—the one with Chris Jensen."

"They say she called and he came running from Toronto."

"Did you see those photos? No way they're just friends."

"She's lived in his apartment, apparently."

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

Even professors eyed me differently, like I'd suddenly become 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 is coming back for another lecture?" he asked, nervously shifting his weight.

"I wouldn't know his schedule," I replied coldly, walking past him.

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

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

---

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

"Well, if it isn't Princeton's newest celebrity," he drawled, sliding his sunglasses 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 flatly. "Money's more useful."

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

His face flushed crimson. "What? No! Jesus, Jade, I'm not—I wouldn't—" He straightened his posture defensively. "I'm not that kind of guy."

"Just checking."

Chase cleared his throat, eager to change the subject. "So, any plans for Halloween? It's October."

"Murder and arson," I replied, checking my phone.

Chase stared at me for a beat, then burst out laughing. "You're funny when you want to be, Jade."

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

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

"Eleanor," Chase groaned. "I'm busy."

"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 Toronto last night."

Eleanor's face fell slightly. "Oh, that's a shame. His constitutional law 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 class 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. "Is Chris seeing anyone? 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."

Eleanor laughed, her cheeks pinking slightly. "And... what's his type? If he has one?"

I considered the question. Eleanor was attractive, intelligent, and seemed genuine – 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."

Eleanor's blush deepened. "Do you think... I mean, would you be willing to give me his contact information? It's completely fine if you're not comfortable 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 a lawyer. His clients and connections are... complicated."

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."

Before she could respond, Chase's voice cut through our conversation. "Eleanor! What the hell are you doing?"

He stormed toward us, face flushed with anger. "Are you seriously trying to get Chris's number? Have you lost your mind?"

Eleanor jumped to her feet. "Chase Astor! Were you eavesdropping?"

"Damn right I was! Someone needs to save you from yourself!"

"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."

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? 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.

I pulled out my phone and texted Chris:

*Just gave your number to Eleanor Astor. Law professor at Princeton. Smart, pretty, and apparently a big fan. You're welcome.*

Less than a minute later, my phone buzzed:

*I just landed.* He ignored the matchmaking part completely.