Badass in Disguise Chapter 211

Author's POV:

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 calculating stare.

"So," he said, his voice casual yet probing, "between Jade Morgan and Eleanor, which one do you prefer?"

Chris folded his arms, his posture deliberately relaxed despite his bandaged wrists. "What?"

Maddox's lips curled into a 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 had to choose," Maddox continued, ignoring his son's protest, "I'd prefer the younger one. Jade." He took a 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-or-death situations together, but that's it."

Maddox nodded thoughtfully. "And what about Eleanor?"

"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. "Look, I appreciate what she did. It was brave and I owe her. But that doesn't mean I have to be responsible for her feelings for the rest of my life."

"I see." Maddox drained his glass, setting it down with a soft clink. "Well, consider your options carefully. Family connections matter in our world."

---

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?" she asked, 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 widened slightly. "Really? I thought—" She stopped herself, then lowered her voice. "He scares me a little. There's something about him that feels... dangerous."

Jade nodded but offered no comment.

"Can 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?"

Jade thought of Ethan, who'd been practically throwing himself at her since they met. "I think it's fine," she said 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 plate of bread in one hand. The security lights hummed overhead, casting a harsh fluorescent glow over 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-immaculate clothes were rumpled, her hair tangled, but her eyes still burned with defiance.

"Hungry?" Chris asked, holding up the bread temptingly. "It's been what—twelve hours since you last ate?"

Liana glared 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—I'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 were so kind to bring those women for me. I should return the favor."

Chris leaned down, his face inches from hers, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "Being the gentleman I am, I'll let you choose. What's your type? I'll find someone to your liking."

Liana suddenly jerked her head backward, then lunged forward, smashing her forehead against Chris's with a sickening thud.

"Damn!" Chris stumbled back, head ringing, momentarily seeing stars. When his vision cleared, he saw Liana fighting back tears, her forehead red and already swelling, but her eyes still defiant.

"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 said, regaining his composure. "See all those torture devices on the wall? They're all for you. Once I've used every single one, I'll feed you to the snakes."

At the word "snakes," Liana's body gave an involuntary shudder.

"You wouldn't dare," she hissed. "My father and my family will hunt you down."

Chris let out a humorless laugh. "Really? In Suriname, your uncle Kane was ready to kill you. If I hadn't saved you, you'd be dead already."

Liana fell silent, unable to counter this truth.

"Your family is rotten to the core," Chris continued. "No empathy, killing each other for personal gain. Only a psychopath like you could live in that delusion."

Chris noticed tears gathering in Liana's eyes. He bent closer, wary of another headbutt.

"Still playing the victim?" he sneered.

Liana glared up at him, her tears making tracks through the dirt on her face.

Chris picked up the bread and took Liana's whip from the table. "I'm in a good mood today, so you get a pass. Next time might be different."

He turned to leave, planning 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, a security guard approached Chris in the hallway.

"Sir," the man said, keeping 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 handle it."

Minutes later, he burst into the secure room to find one of his father's men pointing a gun at Liana's head. Her eyes were wide with terror, but she remained silent, her chin lifted in defiance.

"What the hell are you doing?" Chris demanded, striding forward and wrenching the gun from the man's hand.

"Following orders, sir," the guard replied stiffly. "

Chris checked the gun—loaded, safety off. "Get out," he ordered. "I'll handle this myself."

The guard hesitated. "Sir, your father specifically—"

"I said get out!" Chris's voice 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, calculating, 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 water touched her lips, Liana gathered it and spat directly into Chris's face. In the same motion, she lunged forward, sinking her teeth into his hand.

Chris cursed, jerking back. The door burst open as a guard rushed in, drawn by the commotion.

"Sir, do you need—"

"Get out!" Chris snapped, cradling his injured hand. When they were alone again, he looked at Liana with resigned exasperation. "You really are a little psycho."

He picked up the water bottle, wincing at the pain in his hand. "Fine. Don't drink. Your choice."

Without another word, Chris left, closing the door firmly behind him.