Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 226

Chapter 226

Jade’s POV:

:

06

The familiar blue light of my laptop illuminated my face as I scrolled through the dark web forum. I smirked at the frantic messages from users begging for my attention–people who’d spent years trying to track my digital footprint were now falling over themselves just to get a response.

A new post in the forum caught my eye. It was from Y–Ethan’s alias.

Y: I know it’s presumptuous, but I’ve admired your work for years, X. Any chance you’d consider taking me under your wing? I’d be honored to learn from the best.

Before I could respond, the forum exploded with reactions.

Syn: Look at this newbie trying to cozy up to the legend. Pathetic.

Null: Y thinks he can just waltz in and become X’s apprentice? Get in line, buddy.

Krypt: Fresh meat trying to skip the hierarchy. That’s not how this works.

I watched the messages flood in, amused by their territorial behavior. The elite hacker community had always been fiercely competitive.

With deliberate slowness, I typed a simple response:

X: Wing extended.

The chat went dead silent for three seconds–an eternity in digital conversation–before erupting into chaos.

Null: WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?

Krypt: Did X just… accept a newbie?

Syn: This has to be a joke.

Rkt: Is this really happening?

Flux: This seems suspicious. X hasn’t been active for years, then suddenly appears to welcome Y, and now is offering mentorship? They must know each other IRL.

Vex: X, if you’re taking students, I’ve been here for FIVE YEARS. What about me?

Phantom: X, I’ve contributed to three major security protocols. I’m clearly more qualified than Y.

1/4

8:01 Fri, Sep 26 T

Chapter 226

…

Hex: This is bullshit. Y hasn’t proven anything except solving one challenge.

I leaned back in my chair, enjoying the chaos I’d created.

My phone vibrated with a text from Ethan:

Good night, master.

86

I rolled my eyes at his playfulness but couldn’t help the small smile that formed. I turned off my phone and headed to bed.

The doorbell rang at exactly 2 PM this day. I’d been expecting Walter Morrison to return with Sergeant Ford for his follow–up treatment, but I wasn’t prepared for the additional guests.

Through the security camera, I spotted Walter’s silver hair, Sergeant Ford’s military posture, Colonel Edwards and an unfamiliar face–a young man who shared his features.

I opened the door, expressionless.

“Miss Morgan,” Walter greeted me warmly. “I hope we’re not imposing. Colonel Edwards was most impressed with your treatment of Sergeant Ford and insisted on accompanying us today. And he’s brought his son, Tristan.”

Colonel Edwards stepped forward, his posture impeccable. “Miss Morgan, a pleasure to see you again. Allow me to introduce my son, Tristan Edwards. He graduated from West Point last year, top of his class.”

The younger man, tall and athletic with his father’s strong jawline, extended his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Morgan. My father hasn’t stopped talking about you these days.”

I gave his hand a cursory glance but didn’t take it. Instead, I nodded slightly and stepped aside. “Come in.”

If Tristan was offended by my cold reception, he didn’t show it. The group followed me into the living room, where I had already prepared the equipment for Ford’s treatment.

‘Please sit, Sergeant,” I instructed, gesturing to the medical chair I’d set up. “We’ll need to continue with the neural regeneration today.”

As I prepared the treatment, Colonel Edwards cleared his throat. “My son has been stationed at Fort Bragg, Miss Morgan. He’s an excellent marksman–almost qualified for the Olympic team.”

I didn’t look up from my work. “Fascinating.”

“When I told him about your extraordinary shooting skills, he was quite impressed,” Edwards continued, undeterred by my lack of interest. “I thought you young people might have a lot in common.”

2/4

8:01 Fri, Sep 26 T

Chapter 226

…

༧

86

Tristan shifted uncomfortably. “Dad, please.”

“I was hoping we could all have dinner together tonight,” Colonel Edwards pressed on. “The Princeton Club has an excellent chef who-”

“I have plans,” I interrupted, finally looking up. “Someone’s bringing me dinner.”

Colonel Edwards looked disappointed but quickly recovered. “Another time, perhaps.”

As I began Ford’s treatment, focusing intently on the micro–electrical stimulation, Colonel Edwards continued his attempt at conversation.

“Miss Morgan, I’ve been meaning to ask–where did you learn to shoot with such precision? Your technique is

remarkable.”

I met his gaze, my expression neutral. “Carnival shooting gallery. Won a lot of stuffed animals.”

Sergeant Ford couldn’t suppress a smile despite the discomfort of his treatment.

Colonel Edwards chuckled. “Come now, that kind of skill doesn’t come from shooting at balloons.”

“You’d be surprised,” I replied flatly.

“Perhaps you and Tristan could practice together sometime? The military base has excellent facilities.” Colonel Edwards continued, undaunted.

Tristan winced. “Dad, she’s clearly busy.” He nodded toward my hands, which were steady as I administered Ford’s

treatment.

Colonel Edwards finally took the hint and fell silent, though the look in his eyes told me he hadn’t given up on his matchmaking scheme.

The doorbell rang again, breaking the awkward silence.

“Could someone get that?” I asked, not looking up from Ford’s shoulder.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify