Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 100

12:23 Mon, Sep 22

Badass in Disguise

Chapter 100

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Emily’s silence was damning. The room erupted in angry murmurs as realization dawned on everyone present.

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“You lied to all of us? A female graduate student stepped forward, her expression furious. “We’ve been working our asses off while you’ve been taking credit for someone else’s genius?”

I can’t believe this,” another added. “We voted to give you lab access! Special privileges!”

Edward remained silent, though his expression had hardened into something dangerous. When he finally spoke, his

voice was controlled but ice–cold. “How dare you?”

Emily didn’t answer, her shoulders shaking with sobs.

“The scholarship,” Philip said quietly. “The early admission. All of it was based on fraudulent work.”

He turned to me. “Miss Jade Morgan, what would you like us to do about this situation?”

I met his gaze steadily. “Whatever your academic code of conduct dictates for fraud of this magnitude. I want a full investigation and campus–wide disclosure of the findings.”

Emily finally looked up, her mascara streaking down her cheeks. “Please, Jade,” she begged, crawling forward on her knees. “Please don’t do this. They’ll expel me. They’ll revoke my acceptance. Please… I’m your sister.”

“Sister?” I laughed, the sound devoid of humor. “You weren’t my sister when you were stealing my work. You weren’t my sister when you were parading around campus pretending to be a genius.”

“I’m sorry!” she wailed, grabbing at the hem of my jeans. “I’ll do anything. Please help me!”

I stepped back, out of her reach. “Like you helped me when I was bullied in high school?”

“Why are you doing this to me?” Emily screamed, her face contorted with desperation. “Why do you have to destroy everything I’ve worked for?”

“Worked for?” I repeated, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, “You didn’t work for this scholarship. You didn’t work for your acceptance here. You took my solutions, stole my ideas, and cheated your way into Princeton.”

I leaned down, my face inches from hers. “And you know what? I don’t actually care what happens to you. But if Linda has touched one hair on Max’s head because of this, I’ll make sure you never set foot in Cloud City again.”

I straightened up and turned to Philip. “I’m going back to Cloud City. My brother needs me.”

Without another glance at Emily, I walked out of the lab, pulling out my phone as I went. I dialed Ethan’s number.

“Mr. Haxton,” he answered on the second ring.

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12:23 Mon, Sep 22

Chapter 100

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“I need to borrow a car,” I said without preamble. “I’m heading back to Cloud City. Family emergency.”

There was a brief pause. “Where are you now?”

“Princeton. South entrance in twenty minutes.”

“I’ll have something waiting for you.”

I hung up and made my way across campus, ignoring the curious looks from students enjoying the afternoon sun. When I reached the south gate, a sleek black Maybach was idling by the curb, Connor Haxton at the wheel.

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He stepped out when he saw me approach. “Miss Morgan,” he greeted me with a slight nod. “Mr. Haxton asked me to drive you.”

Before I could respond, the rear door opened and Ethan himself stepped out, his tailored suit immaculate as always.

“You came yourself,” I observed, unable to hide my surprise.

“Family emergency,” he replied, his eyes studying my face. “Sounded important.”

“It’s just Cloud City,” I said. “Not exactly a crisis that requires your personal attention.”

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