Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 105

Chapter 105

I stood next to Ethan in the hotel elevator, watching the floor numbers tick upward. The enclosed space amplified his cologne–subtle notes of sandalwood that somehow made the air feel thinner.

“About Max’s security arrangements, Ethan said, breaking the silence. “Would you prefer I have people from Cloud City transferred to protect him, or assign new personnel?”

I considered for a moment. “New personnel would be better.” I didn’t care about Linda or Emily’s safety, but Max would worry if anything happen to them.

Ethan nodded, pulling out his phone to send a quick text. “Consider it done.”

I stared at the polished elevator doors, wondering if Shadow Organization had already picked up Max’s trail. If they discovered I was still alive, they’d investigate every connection I had. Max could become a target. Maybe I should pull a few operatives from Titan Defense Group–at least their loyalty was guaranteed.

“You seem deeply concerned about security,” Ethan observed, sliding his phone back into his pocket. “Who exactly are you worried about?”

I offered a tight smile but said nothing. The elevator doors opened with perfect timing, sparing me from answering his dangerous question.

In the hotel restaurant, Max sat at a corner table, his fingers nervously fiddling with Ethan’s business card. When he spotted me approaching, his eyes darted down to the card, then back to me–a silent question.

“Keep it,” I said, sliding into the seat across from him. “Might come in handy someday.”

Max nodded, carefully tucking the card into his wallet.

“Want to spend a couple days exploring Princeton before you start school?” I offered. “We could check out the town,

maybe do some sightseeing.”

Max shook his head. “I’d rather go straight to school tomorrow.”

“You sure?” I studied his face. “New environment, new school–it’s a lot to take in all at once.”

“I’m sure.” His voice was quiet but determined. “The sooner I start, the sooner it becomes normal.”

I couldn’t argue with that logic. Max had always faced challenges head–on.

1/4

12.24 Mon, Sep 22

Chapter 105

:.

Princeton High School’s entrance was lined with welcoming faces–the principal and about a dozen faculty members stood at attention as our car pulled up. Their expressions brightened instantly when they recognized Ethan stepping

out first.

“Mr. Haxton, Miss Morgan, the principal rushed forward, eagerly shaking Ethan’s hand, then mine. “Welcome, such an honor. We’ve reviewed Max’s academic record–truly exceptional scores.”

Ethan handled the social niceties with practiced ease, navigating the conversation effortlessly while I observed from the sidelines. He fielded questions, deflected overly personal inquiries, and consistently redirected attention to Max’s academic achievements. I was grateful for his intervention–these superficial social rituals had never been my

strong suit.

Watching Max enter the school, I felt a rare moment of peace. Ethan had already spoken with the administration; I wasn’t worried about Max facing bullying over his limp. Money talked, and Ethan’s money practically shouted.

Back in the car heading toward Princeton University, my eyes drifted to Ethan’s hands on the steering wheel–long, elegant fingers with perfectly manicured nails. Hands that controlled empires. I remembered the watch I planned to give him, wondering how it would look wrapped around his wrist.

“What are you staring at? Ethan asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

I met his eyes directly. “Your hands. They’re nice. The words escaped before I could filter them. I quickly looked away, focusing intently on the passing scenery outside my window.

From the corner of my eye, I caught the slight upturn of Ethan’s lips, a ripple of something unreadable passing.

across his features.

Near Princeton University’s south entrance, Megan Hayes and her two roommates spotted me climbing out of Ethan’s Maybach.

“Isn’t that Jade Morgan?” one of them whispered, pointing in my direction.

“Yeah, Megan narrowed her eyes. “Look at that car. That’s a Maybach, right? And the license plate–NY001. That kind of plate only goes to government officials or serious money.”

“Seems she’s hooked a rich one,” the other roommate observed. ‘Got to admit, she’s actually pretty stunning.”

Megan scoffed. “Don’t be stupid. Girls like her from the bottom rung? They’re just playthings for rich men. No way she’s getting a ring from America’s elite.”

Back in my dorm room, I immediately called Night. ‘I need help picking out a high–end men’s watch,” I said as soon

2/4

12:24 Mon, Sep 22

Chapter 105

as he answered.

:

:

62

“Brand? Price range?” His voice was characteristically steady.

“Don’t know. That’s why I need help.”

After a brief silence, he offered, “I could send you a case of top–tier watches. Take your pick.”

“That’s excessive,” I laughed. “Just one will do. It’s a gift.”

“Who merits such an expensive present from you?” His tone sharpened with suspicion.

“A new friend. Around thirty.” I paused, considering the style. “Something sophisticated but not flashy. Understated elegance–something with substance that makes an impression when noticed.”

“A thirty–year–old new friend,” Night repeated, his voice cooling noticeably. “I don’t think I’d care to meet this new friend of yours.”

“Trust me, you wouldn’t,” I replied. “You two probably wouldn’t get along anyway.”

“Jealous?” I teased when he didn’t respond.

“Send me the delivery address.” Night’s tone remained professional, but I could hear the edge beneath.

“Will do. Thanks.” With that, I hung up.

After Emily Morgan’s expulsion became public knowledge, my campus profile skyrocketed. The university issued a formal statement confirming Emily’s identity fraud and indirectly acknowledging my physics abilities. Walking across campus, I felt the weight of stares and whispers following me everywhere.

That afternoon, I was summoned to Philip Thornton’s office.

“Miss Morgan, Thornton greeted me with a practiced smile, gesturing toward a chair. “Regarding the house previously assigned to Emily, I’ve had it transferred to your name.”

ס

“When we initially reached out, you never responded,” the president said, studying me curiously. “Did you feel our offer was insufficient?”

“Thank you,” I replied evenly.

I shook my head. “Just solved a problem.”

“I see,” Thornton nodded, comprehension dawning. “We made much ado about nothing, then. You solved that problem so effortlessly, you didn’t even consider it significant.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify