In less than three minutes, I had created an entire security system on my laptop, complete with GPS trackers embedded in both my phone and computer, plus a multi-layered firewall that would make most government agencies envious.

Max watched in stunned silence as I finalized the system with a few quick keystrokes.

“That’s… impossible,” he finally stammered, adjusting his glasses. “You just built an entire security framework in minutes. It would take professional teams days to create something like this.”

I shrugged, running a final diagnostic. “It’s not that complicated once you understand the architecture.”

“Not complicated?” Max’s voice cracked with disbelief. “You just coded location trackers, encrypted authentication protocols, and what looks like military-grade firewall protection faster than most people can type their name!”

I allowed myself a small smile. In my previous life as Shadow, and as the hacker known only as X, I’d created systems that could withstand the most sophisticated government intrusions. This was child’s play by comparison.

“I could teach you, if you’re interested,” I offered, noticing his intense focus.

His head snapped up, eyes lighting with excitement. “Seriously? You’d teach me how to do this?”

“You have the mind for it,” I said, closing the laptop. “But first, let’s eat. I’m starving.”

The hotel restaurant gleamed with polished marble and crystal chandeliers. A waiter in a perfectly pressed uniform approached our table, presenting a bottle of red wine with reverence.

“Château Margaux, 2009, as requested, madam,” he announced.

I took a perfunctory sip, then set it aside. In my previous life, I’d developed a sophisticated palate for fine wines – a necessary skill for infiltrating high-society events. But this body was seventeen, and alcohol would only slow my reflexes.

Throughout the meal, I noticed Max watching me – not just what I was eating, but how I was eating it. The way I held my knife, the angle of my wrist as I lifted my water glass. All the refined mannerisms I’d absorbed during years of high-profile assassinations were on full display.

“You seem different here,” he finally said between courses. “Like you… belong in a place like this.”

I arched an eyebrow. “And that surprises you?”

“Well, yeah. We grew up eating microwave dinners off paper plates.”

Max struggled with the multiple utensils, picking up the wrong fork before quickly setting it down when he saw me use a different one. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“I’ve never eaten anywhere that has more than one fork before,” he whispered.

“You’ll get used to it,” I assured him.

The waiter approached with our bill, discreetly placing the leather folder beside my plate. I opened it without hesitation, but Max leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of him. His jaw dropped.

“Eight thousand two hundred dollars?” he hissed, voice cracking. “That’s—that’s insane!”

The waiter cleared his throat. “The Château Margaux alone is five thousand, sir. It’s a limited edition.”

Max looked like he might pass out. “You barely even drank it!”

I handed my credit card to the waiter without comment.

In the taxi heading home, Max remained quiet, staring out the window at the passing city lights. His fingers kept touching the collar of his new designer shirt, as if still not believing it was his.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that before,” he finally said, voice filled with wonder. “The way they treated us, how they pulled out chairs and folded napkins when we got up… and that food! I didn’t even recognize half the ingredients.”

“It’s just dinner, Max,” I replied casually.

“Just dinner?” He laughed softly, shaking his head. “Jade, we’ve been eating microwaved mac and cheese our whole lives. Dad celebrates his birthday at the diner that gives free pie slices.”

His eyes were bright with excitement. “The marble bathrooms with actual cloth towels, the view of the entire city from our table… it felt like being in a movie.”

I smiled faintly. “Get used to it early, Max. This is just the beginning.”

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