Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 106

Badass in Disguise

Chapter 106

I didn’t stop to hear the rest of their speculation. The president’s heart condition demanded more immediate attention than their petty rumors.

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I mixed several compounds together in a glass of warm water, creating a specialized cardiac stabilizing cocktail for President Thornton. The solution turned a pale amber as I stirred it with practiced precision, mentally calculating the exact proportions each ingredient needed. He sat with his eyes closed on the leather couch in his office, his breathing shallow and his complexion pale, showing signs of the cardiac episode that had struck him earlier.

“The first wave of relief should hit in about thirty seconds,” I explained, handing him the glass. “The full effect takes

about three minutes.”

Thornton accepted the mixture gratefully and took a cautious sip. His expression shifted from skepticism to surprise as the concoction began working almost immediately.

“This is remarkable, Miss Morgan,” he said, his breathing already becoming more regular. “Your remedy works faster than the prescription Walter Morrison gave me. And it doesn’t have that metallic aftertaste.”

I nodded, watching him clinically. “Your heart condition is hereditary,” I stated matter–of–factly. “While it can’t be completely cured, the right combination of medications can minimize both intensity and frequency of episodes. The key is targeting the specific cardiac pathways affected in your case.”

Thornton straightened in his seat, eyebrows rising as he took another sip. “How did you know it’s hereditary? Even Walter Morrison–a titan in cardiac research–couldn’t pinpoint the exact cause. I’ve been to specialists across the

country.”

“Certain physiological markers and symptom patterns are obvious if you know what to look for,” I replied, deliberately vague. “The slight bluish tint to your fingernails during an episode, combined with the specific rhythm disruption suggests a genetic component.”

Thornton stared at me with newfound respect and a hint of wariness. “Miss Morgan, your breadth of knowledge continues to astonish me.” He shook his head. “I originally wanted to encourage you to apply to Harvard Medical or even our Physics Department, but now you tell me neither is actually your strong suit?”

“That’s correct, I confirmed, maintaining my neutral expression.

“I’m eager to see what you accomplish in Computer Science, then.” Thornton smiled, the color returning to his face and his breathing now completely normal.

The corner of my mouth twitched upward. “People with those skills don’t typically use them for anything good.”

Thornton laughed as though I’d made a clever joke, but his eyes revealed uncertainty about whether I was actually joking. “Well, I’m grateful for your help today. This is the first time in years I’ve felt relief so quickly.”

“This combination will stabilize your heart rate and blood pressure for about six hours,” I explained. “But this is only

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Chapter 106

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temporary symptom relief, not a treatment plan. You should still follow Dr. Morrison’s long–term protocol. My formula is just an auxiliary measure for emergencies.”

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As I walked across the quad after leaving Thornton’s office, I immediately noticed the sidelong glances and whispers. following me like a shadow. The sunny afternoon did nothing to warm the chill of scrutiny that trailed behind me.

“That’s her,” a blonde girl whispered, not quietly enough. “Someone saw her getting out of a black Maybach yesterday. The license plate was custom–definitely belongs to someone important.”

“I heard she’s being kept by some rich guy,” another student added, deliberately raising her voice so I could hear. “Can’t believe she’d stoop so low… especially after that whole physics genius revelation.”

“Why would she do that to herself?” a third voice chimed in. “The guy’s probably some greasy old pervert. Is money really that tempting? I mean, she seems smart enough to get by without selling herself.”

I kept walking, face expressionless.

‘Don’t you all have better shit to do?” a voice cut through the murmurs.

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