Badass in Disguise Chapter 40

Jade's POV:

I spotted the black Maybach with the license plate "NY001" parked outside the hospital entrance as I stepped through the sliding doors. The sleek vehicle stood out even among the other luxury cars in the drop-off area, commanding attention without trying. It was unmistakably Ethan Haxton's car.

My mind instantly flashed 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 contemplated my next move. I recognized him as Connor Haxton, Ethan's right-hand 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 accepted 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-grade medications?"

I 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 explanation, but that 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-taught, just experimenting," I responded with deliberate vagueness. "I read a lot."

"And your interest in computer science?" he probed. "Is that also self-taught?"

I turned to face him directly, deciding to shift the dynamic. "Mr. Haxton seems very interested in me. Is there a reason for that?"

My tone carried a hint of flirtation, deliberately inappropriate, while my posture remained relaxed and casual. It was a calculated move—people often become uncomfortable 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 uncomfortably 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 blasted from expensive speakers. The driver—a young man with designer sunglasses and carefully styled hair—spotted me through the window and did a double-take.

"Holy shit!" he shouted over his music, waving excitedly.

Ethan glanced at the newcomer, then back at me. "Your friend?"

"Never seen him before," I replied flatly, though I recognized him immediately as Chase Astor.

Chase leaned out his window. "Hey! It's me, Chase! Remember? You won two hundred grand from me that time!"

I stared blankly 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 dollars?" he muttered.

Chase was still trying to get my attention, mouthing words through the glass and motioning for me to lower the window again. The light turned green, and our driver accelerated smoothly, leaving Chase and his blaring music behind.

"Interesting acquaintance," Ethan commented. "Chase is quite well-known in certain circles."

I didn't respond, letting the silence hang between us.

"That was the Astor kid, right?" Connor asked, glancing 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 minutes later, we pulled up outside The Pinnacle Luxe.

"After you collect your luggage, allow me to have someone accompany 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," I said, the excuse flimsy but convenient.

Ethan reached into his jacket pocket and produced a sleek black card with gold lettering. "A token of appreciation for your help with President Thornton. This gives you premium access to all Haxton Group properties worldwide."

I hesitated before accepting the card, examining the black and gold surface. It wasn't just any membership card—it was the legendary Haxton Black, 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 calculated interest.

I walked toward the hotel entrance without looking back.