Badass in Disguise Chapter 132

Author's POV:

Jade Morgan was reviewing Max's calculus homework at her dining table when her phone buzzed with an incoming 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 did last year."

That pulled a small smile from her. "Congratulations on reaching sixty, sir."

"Don't congratulate me for getting old, Morgan," he grumbled, but she could hear the smile in his voice. "Look, other students can come 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 circular driveway, she could see valets scrambling to park Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and the occasional Ferrari – the standard uniform of America's elite.

The house was already packed, with waitstaff in crisp black 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.

Before he could respond, a commotion near the doorway drew their attention. Archer, CEO of Sullivan Industries, was entering with his daughter Aurelia. They both impeccably 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-kissed Aurelia on both cheeks.

"Aurelia, lovely to see you," he said, his voice carrying through the hall. "Remember what we discussed – 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 glass of whiskey in hand.

"Grandpa," Edward said, clapping Philip on the shoulder. "Did you invite Jade Morgan? I heard she might be coming."

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 a commotion 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.

"For God's sake, Chase," she heard the man – presumably Astor senior – 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 at automobiles. Now come 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 glances back at the car. Jade smiled to herself.

She decided it was time to circulate. As Jade moved through the rooms, she could feel eyes following her. Unlike every other woman at the party, she'd opted for simple black slacks and a fitted cashmere sweater rather than an evening gown. The contrast was deliberate – she had no interest in playing 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 play 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 claimed 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 glass.

"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 glass. "Oops," she said with mock innocence as she tilted the flute toward Jade's sweater.

Jade moved with practiced ease, sidestepping the champagne while simultaneously catching Catherine's wrist. The momentum caused the golden liquid to arc backward, splashing across Catherine's expensive silk dress instead.

She shrieked, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. The champagne had created a large stain down her front, making it look like she'd had an unfortunate accident.

"You bitch!" Catherine screamed. "You did that on purpose!"

Guests turned to stare, and whispers immediately circulated through the room.

"Did you see that?"

"That girl just dumped champagne all over Catherine Sullivan!"

"That girl's in trouble now..."

Catherine raised her hand, clearly intending to slap Jade. Jade stood perfectly still, calculating how best to respond without causing more of a scene.

Before Catherine's hand could connect with Jade's face, a commanding voice cut through the tension.

"That's enough!"

Henry Astor had entered the room, his presence immediately commanding attention. Catherine's hand froze mid-air.

"Young lady," 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.