Badass in Disguise Chapter 73

The commercial flight from Venezuela to New York felt like crossing between worlds. One minute I was commanding mercenaries in South America, the next I was heading back to my civilian life. Ethan had offered his private jet, but I'd declined—partly because I didn't want to owe him more than I already did, and partly because arriving home on a billionaire's plane would raise too many questions.

As the plane began its descent into JFK, I mentally switched gears from Shadow, the deadliest assassin alive, to Jade Morgan, Princeton-bound student.

The terminal was packed when I stepped off the jetway. I adjusted my dark sunglasses—Ethan's parting gift—and made my way toward the exits. I caught glimpses of my reflection in the glass dividers. The change was still startling sometimes. When I'd left Cloud City months ago, I'd been slightly overweight. Now, after rigorous training, I was lean and toned with cheekbones I didn't know I possessed.

The arrivals hall was a sea of expectant faces. I scanned the crowd and saw Max near the front, clutching a small bouquet of flowers, checking his watch nervously. He looked different—taller, his face less rounded. His left leg was still braced, but he was putting more weight on it than before.

I approached him directly. He didn't recognize me yet, his eyes scanning the faces behind me. When I reached for the flowers, his hand jerked back reflexively.

"Sorry," he said, pushing his glasses up. "These are for my sister."

I removed my sunglasses, watching his expression transform from polite caution to absolute shock.

"Jade...?" he whispered, staring at me like I was an apparition. "Is that really you?"

"Hey, genius," I said, a genuine smile breaking through. "Miss me?"

Max continued to gape. "Holy shit. What happened to you? You look... you look..."

"Different?" I offered.

"Amazing," he breathed. "Like, completely different. If you hadn't spoken, I wouldn't have recognized you at all."

I took the flowers from his still-stunned grip. "Thanks for these."

Max stepped forward for a hug, which I allowed, briefly wrapping one arm around his shoulders. "You're crushing the flowers," I said after a moment.

"Sorry," he said, stepping back with a sheepish grin. "It's just... wow, Jade. Did you have surgery or something?"

"Just diet and exercise," I replied. "Turns out European food agrees with me."

A deep voice cut through our reunion. "I believe these are yours, Miss Morgan."

Max's head whipped around as Ethan Haxton approached, carrying my small duffel bag. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, his blond hair immaculately styled. Security personnel maintained a discreet distance behind him.

"Who's that?" Max whispered, suddenly tense.

"Ethan Haxton," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "We met while I was traveling."

Max's eyes widened as Ethan extended his hand.

"You must be Max," Ethan said, his voice warm and confident. "Your sister has mentioned you."

Max hesitantly shook Ethan's hand. "Nice to meet you, sir."

"I hope you don't mind my accompanying Jade home," Ethan continued smoothly. "I had business in New York anyway."

"Ethan and I crossed paths in Europe," I explained to Max. "Cultural immersion trip."

"My flight to the city isn't for a few hours," Ethan said. "Perhaps I could join you? I'd love to see where you live."

"Our place isn't really set up for visitors," I said firmly. "Especially not of your... caliber. I can recommend the Grand Plaza Hotel downtown."

Disappointment flickered across Ethan's face before his composure returned. "Of course. Perhaps another time."

"I'll be in touch," he said quietly, before walking away.

"Holy shit," Max whispered once Ethan was out of earshot. "Who the hell was that? He looks way more important than the mayor. Those guys following him were definitely security. How do you know someone like that?"

"It's a long story," I replied. "Let's get a cab."

---

In the taxi, Max couldn't stop staring at me.

"Seriously, Jade, you need to tell me everything. You left looking like... well, you know... and you come back looking like a model, with literally one of the richest men in America carrying your bag."

Max reached into his pocket and pulled out a small gift box. "I got you something. It's not much, but..."

Inside was a vintage-looking wristwatch with a dark green face.

"I saved up from my summer tutoring jobs," Max explained. "But now that I see you... I mean, it probably doesn't match your new style."

"It's perfect," I said, slipping it onto my wrist. "Thank you."

"Really? You like it?"

"I love it." And I meant it. Coming from Max, this meant more than all of Ethan's expensive gifts combined.

The taxi hit a pothole, and I noticed Max wince slightly.

"How's the leg?" I asked.

"Better," he said, straightening proudly. "Physical therapy's been helping a lot. And I grew two inches!"

"That's great."

"Oh, Emily got into Princeton. Left for early orientation last week. Mom hasn't stopped bragging about it."

The taxi turned onto our street. Our house looked different—freshly painted, with a new fence and gate.

"Mom got the place fixed up with Emily's academic achievement money," Max explained.

As we pulled up, I spotted Linda chatting with a neighbor, gesturing animatedly. When she noticed the taxi, she paused mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing with curiosity.

Max paid the driver while I stepped out. Linda approached, her eyes widening appreciatively at my appearance. She immediately switched on her charm, smoothing her blouse and fixing a dazzling smile on her face.

"Well, hello there!" she said with exaggerated warmth, glancing between me and the taxi we'd arrived in. "I'm Linda Morgan, Max's mother. We're always delighted to meet Max's... friends."

She extended her hand eagerly, her eyes rapidly taking in my designer sunglasses, toned figure, and confident posture. I could practically see her calculating the potential social value I represented.