Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 241

Treatment 265

Chapter 241

I was in the middle of analyzing some encrypted data on my laptop when a solt thud caught my attention. Looking down, I saw a tennis ball at my feet and the Doberman–formerly known as Zach–sitting expectantly in front of me, his tall wagging enthusiastically against

the foot.

“Not now, Captain,” I said, nudging the ball away with my foot. “I’m working.”

The dog tilted his head, brown eyes staring at me with unwavering determination. He nudged the ball closer with his nose.

“Captain?” Ethan’s voice came from the kitchen doorway. He leaned against the frame, coffee mug in hand, eyebrows raised in amusement. “You renamed the dog?”

I kept my eyes on the screen. “It’s less confusing this way.”

“How thoughtful of you,” Ethan said, his tone somewhere between teasing and genuinely impressed. “You’re really looking out for Zach s feelings.”

“It was getting annoying,” I explained, finally looking up. “Whenever I called for Zach, both of them would respond. The human one wasn’t too happy about sharing his name with a dog.”

Ethan chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee. “I can imagine.”

Captain whined softly, still focused on the tennis ball. I sighed, closing my laptop. My eyes had been staring at the screen for too long anyway, and though they were healing well, I didn’t want to push it.

“Fine,” I conceded, picking up the ball. “One throw, then I’m getting back to work.”

The afternoon air was crisp as Captain, Zach, and I walked through the residential area near Princeton University. My vision had improved significantly I could now make out details within about fifteen feet, though anything beyond that remained slightly blurred. It was good enough for walking without assistance, which was a relief.

I noticed how Zach occasionally glanced at Captain, his expression no longer showing the disdain he’d initially had for the dog. Progress, I supposed.

As we neared the university grounds, something–or rather, someone–caught my eye. A tall, thin figure with unusually pale skin stood near the entrance to the science building. There was something familiar about him, but with my vision still not at a hundred percent, I couldn’t make out his features clearly.

“What is it?” Zach asked, instantly alert.

“Nothing,” I said calmly, continuing to walk.

The classroom buzzed with energy as I walked in the next morning, Conversations paused momentarily as heads turned in my direction, then resumed with increased vigor. I caught fragments of whispers as I made my way to my usual seat in the back row by the window.

12:03 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 241

“She’s back…

heard she was in Spain…”

…with Ethan Hasion…”

I ignored them all, setting my bag down and taking out my notebook. The familiar routine felt strange after everything that had happened, but also grounding in its own way,

Professor Smith entered, silencing the chatter with his presence. He scanned the room, his gaze landing on me.

“Miss Morgan,” he said, a smile spreading across his face. “Welcome back. I hope you’re feeling better?”

I nodded. “Thank you, Professor.”

He seemed satisfied with my response and began the class, discussing the assignments that had been submitted during my absence. To my surprise, he pulled up a PowerPoint presentation on the projector.

“This is an exceptional piece of work,” he announced, gesturing to the title slide that hore my name. “Miss Morgan’s analysis of market fluctuations in emerging economies is graduate–level work. Jade, would you mind coming up to talk us through your approach?”

The class turned to look at me, excitement evident on their faces. I suppressed a sigh and made my way to the front. Standing beside the projector, I had to lean closer to see the details on the screen–my vision was still slightly blurred for distant objects.

“The analysis uses a multi–variable approach,” I began, keeping my explanation brief and technical. I walked through the key points quickly, not elaborating more than necessary. The bright light from the projector was uncomfortable for my eyes, which still felt sensitive after the chemical exposure.

“Thank you,” I concluded after just a few minutes, ready to return to my seat.

“Is that all?” Professor Miller asked, looking disappointed. “Your methodology is fascinating. Perhaps you could explain how you developed the predictive model?”

“Actually,” I said, looking at the expectant faces of my classmates, “I didn’t make this.”

A confused murmur spread through the room.

“Mr. Haxton did,” I clarified, seeing no reason to lie. “He completed the assignment while I was recovering

The classroom erupted into excited whispers. Professor Miller looked momentarily taken aback b

but quickly regained his composure.

“Well, that’s… unexpected,” he said. “But still impressive. Please extend my compliments to Mr. Haxton.”

I nodded and returned to my seat, aware of the heightened interest from my classmates. A girl with curly blonde hair leaned over from

the desk beside mine.

“Ethan Haxton did your homework?”

she a

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