Chapter 169 I'll Cover for You
The dining room of the Haxton mansion gleamed with tasteful opulence on Christmas Eve. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the mahogany table adorned with fine china and sterling silver cutlery. The scent of roasted turkey and fresh pine from the twelve-foot Christmas tree mingled in the air.
William Haxton sat at the head of the table, his face gaunt but his eyes sharp as ever. Despite his illness, he maintained the commanding presence that had built the Haxton empire.
"Another year," the family's eldest son raised his glass. "Father, you've outlasted the doctors' predictions again."
William's lips curved into a slight smile. "Stubborn as ever, I suppose."
"Stubborn?" The son chuckled. "Your constitution is made of steel, old man."
Conversations flowed around the table, voices rising and falling in the rhythm of family politics and business talk.
As servants began bringing in the first course, Ethan Haxton suddenly stood, pulling out his phone. Without explanation, he aimed it at the feast spread across the table and took several photos.
"What are you doing?" his mom asked, eyebrow raised.
"Taking pictures," Ethan replied, his fingers moving rapidly over the screen.
"We can see that," his aunt said dryly. "The question is why?"
Ethan glanced up, his expression neutral. "I'm sending them to Jade Morgan."
The effect was immediate. Forks paused midway to mouths. Eyes flickered to William, then back to Ethan.
"Oh," his mom said, setting down her silverware. "Well, take a few more then. Did you get the ham? The glazing turned out beautiful this year."
"Get some with us in it too," his father suggested, straightening his tie.
Ethan shook his head. "No family portraits. Just the food."
He finished selecting the best photo and typed a simple message: Merry Christmas. Wish you were here.
---
Jade's phone vibrated with Ethan's message. She glanced at the photo of the elaborate Haxton Christmas dinner, her lips quirking slightly. Without hesitation, she angled her phone to capture her own table.
Her phone buzzed again almost immediately. Who's that with you?
Jade looked across the table at Ryan and Zach, both watching her with quiet interest. Zach and Ryan. Just arrived.
Another message appeared seconds later. Good. You shouldn't be alone on Christmas Eve. Don't worry about Titan, I've got people looking after things there.
She put her phone away, feeling Chase's curious gaze.
"Haxton checking in?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
"Just exchanging Christmas greetings," Jade replied.
Chase's phone chimed with a notification. He checked it and sighed dramatically. "My father demands my presence for the annual Astor Christmas Eve gala." He stood and adjusted his designer jacket. "Sorry to eat and run, but family obligations wait for no man."
"It's fine," Jade said. "Thanks for picking these two up."
"Anytime." Chase flashed a smile at Ryan and Zach, who remained impassive. "The bill's been taken care of. Merry Christmas!"
As Chase departed, leaving the three of them alone, Ryan leaned forward.
"Titan Defense Group is running smoothly," he reported, his voice low despite their private dining room. "Xavier's handling all operations as instructed. John has rejoined us too. With Transcendent Military Alliance's protection, we're expanding nicely. Recruited some promising new blood as well."
Ryan paused, studying Jade's face. "Boss, you called us all the way from Venezuela. What do you need us to do?"
Jade took a sip of her wine before answering. "I killed two Shadow Organization executives. They'll come for revenge eventually." She paused. "I have a brother here. He's in school."
Though she didn't elaborate, both men understood immediately. While Ethan's people had been helping protect Max, it wasn't enough. Jade preferred her own people for missions that truly mattered.
Zach, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke. "Shadow Organization..." His eyes narrowed. "Was Nobody killed by them too?"
Jade met his gaze. "If he was, would you go after them?"
Zach sat up straighter, his shoulders squaring. "Of course."
A small, approving smile flickered across Jade's face. She'd always had a soft spot for the kid.
"Then help me watch over Max," she said. "You'll get your chance with Shadow Organization soon enough."
Ryan nodded, understanding her implicit confirmation. "It's been years since I've celebrated Christmas," he mused, changing the subject.
"I got you both presents," Jade said, surprising them.
Zach's eyes widened slightly, the most emotion he'd shown all evening.
---
Later, as they descended in the elevator to the lobby, a well-dressed older man in an expensive suit bumped into Zach. The man apologized profusely, his eyes lingering on Zach's youthful features.
"So sorry, young man," he said, reaching toward Zach's arm. "Let me make sure you're alright."
Zach sidestepped the man's outstretched hand, his expression hardening as he shot the man a cold look before following Jade.
"Hey!" Another man—clearly a friend of the first—stepped into Zach's path. "My buddy apologized to you. The least you could do is acknowledge it."
Zach stared at him blankly. "What do you want?"
The first man approached, smiling placatingly. "My friend's had a bit to drink. No harm done, right?" He moved closer to Zach. "But you did bump into me pretty hard. Are you hurt? Why don't you come upstairs with me? If you're injured, I'd be happy to compensate you."
Jade recognized the predatory look in the man's eyes. In Venezuela, isolated men like Zach—young, attractive, and vulnerable—were frequent targets. During Titan's darkest days, Zach had faced such advances more than once.
"You're in luck, young man," the second man said with a knowing smirk. "Mr. Richards here doesn't take interest in just anyone. Those who catch his eye tend to find themselves in very... favorable positions. Understand? If not, come upstairs, and Mr. Richards can explain personally."
Zach's fists clenched, knuckles cracking audibly. "Get lost."
Ryan stepped between them, placing a protective hand on Zach's shoulder. "We're leaving," he said quietly, trying to guide Zach away.
Mr. Richards, clearly not used to rejection, followed them, his security personnel flanking him. His friendly demeanor remained, but his eyes had hardened with determination.
Zach rejoined Jade, his jaw tight with anger. She looked at his flushed face and the men following them.
"Why'd you come back?" she asked calmly.
"They won't leave me alone," Zach muttered.
Jade shrugged. "So handle it. Just don't kill them."
Zach blinked in surprise. "You mean—"
"I'll cover for you," she confirmed.
Mr. Richards approached, misinterpreting Zach's return as acceptance. "Good boy," he said, reaching for Zach. "Let us—"