Badass in Disguise Chapter 46

The tension in the air froze as Felix Huxley broke away from his entourage and approached our group. Robert Williams, dressed in an impeccable navy golf outfit, looked puzzled at the sudden halt in their progression through the club. His tanned face crinkled slightly in confusion, 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 particular tone politicians reserve for important constituents. "What a pleasant coincidence to find you here." His eyes shifted to Max, who stood uncomfortably 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 glanced between Felix and me, her heavily mascaraed eyes widening slightly. The realization that these weren't just 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 eyes landed on me, clearly trying to place 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 me.

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 uncomfortably, 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-honed. "Miss Morgan doesn't particularly enjoy physical contact with people she's just met," he explained with a diplomatic smile. "Nothing personal, Robert."

Robert awkwardly withdrew his hand, wiping it briefly against his pants as if to erase the rejection. "Of course, of course. I completely 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, replaced by an eager-to-please grin that stretched his face unnaturally. "Mr. Williams! We've actually met before. Patrick Morgan, Morgan Stone Supply. My company provided materials for your Riverside development project last month."

Robert's face remained blank 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.

"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-sweet, all previous venom evaporated. "What an honor to meet you both."

Joe stepped forward, practically shoving his wife aside in his eagerness. "Joe Morgan, sir. If you ever need—"

"Actually," I cut in coldly, enjoying the ripple of shock that passed through the gathered relatives, "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 relatives I can hardly claim to know."

Bill's mouth hung open in indignation, while Patrick's eager smile froze uncomfortably.

"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."

Nancy's face flushed crimson, the color clashing 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!"

I raised an eyebrow but didn't dignify her sudden change of heart with a response. Max shifted uncomfortably beside me, but I could see the slight curl at the corner of his mouth—he was enjoying this comeuppance 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 briefly landed on Orion with obvious distaste before he offered a curt nod of acknowledgment.

"We've been waiting at the course for fifteen minutes," Sterling complained, stopping beside his father. His designer golf shoes squeaked slightly on the polished floor. "What's the hold-up?"

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, 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?"

"Holy shit, 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—thinner. 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!"