Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 242

Chapter 242

As Professor Smith droned on about economic theories, my attention drified to a figure sitting in the far corner.

Dark hair, pale skin, angular features. Something about him nagged at my memory. I studied him more closely, realizing that he was the same guy I’d glimpsed at the traffic light–and again near campus the night before.

The guy behind me leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. “He’s new.

I didn’t turn around, keeping my eyes fixed on the stranger.

“Transferred in the day after you took your leave,” the boy continued, apparently emboldened by my non–rejection. Ever since I’d demolished Randview’s basketball team, the male population at Princeton had developed a weird reverence for me.

“His name’s Silas Murphy, Computer science major. Already being called the new department heartthrob. The guy behind me sounded almost jealous.

I remained silent, observing Silas’s methodical note–taking, the precise way he organized his desk. Something in his movements seemed calculated, efficient.

Before I could analyze further, Professor Smith’s lecture was interrupted by a teaching assistant who handed him a note. Professor Smith glanced at it, then looked up.

“Mr. Murphy? Student Services needs to see you.”

efficiency, slipping out the back door

Silas packed his things with the same methodical precision I’d noticed earlier. He moved with quiet ef without drawing attention.

I waited three minutes before raising my hand. Professor, may I be excused? I need to speak with Student Services assignments.”

about my missed

Five minutes later, I was leaning against the wall outside the Student Advisor’s office, scrolling through my phone. The door opened, and Silas emerged, tucking what looked like a check into his wallet.

He looked up, his dark eyes meeting mine. For a split second, something flickered across his face–recognition? Wariness? It was gone

past without a word. before I could identify it. He gave me a cold, dismissive glance and walked

I watched him disappear down the hallway before knocking on Philip Thornton’s door.

“Well, well, well,” Philip exclaimed, looking up from his desk with a wide smile. “The prodigal student returns! I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about your old friend Philip.”

The university president’s office was comfortably cluttered, with books stacked on every surface and academic journals marked with colorful sticky notes.

“Just been busy,” I replied, taking the offered seat across from him.

“Busy breaking basketball records, from what I hear.” He chuckled, pouring coffee into a ceramic mug with Princeton” emblazoned on it.

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12:27 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 242

“Cream? Sugar?”

“Black is fine.”

He pushed the mug toward me. So, what brings you to my humble office? Surely not just to check on an old man?”

I took a sip of coffee. I want to see Silas M

Murphy’s file.”

Philip’s eyebrows shot up. “Student records are confidential, Miss Morgan. You know that.”

I met his gaze steadily. “You owe me.”

He sighed, the memory of my saving his life hanging unspoken between us. “Fine. But this stays between us.”

Philip retrieved a folder from his filing cabinet and spread it open on his desk.

“What’s his story?” I asked, scanning the documents.

Philip’s expression softened. “A tough one. Mother with a serious illness, father with a drinking problem. Been taking care of his mother since he was twelve, working odd jobs since middle school.”

I flipped through the pages, noting Silas’s impressive SAT scores and academic achievements despite his circumstances.

“Got accepted to MIT two years ago, full ride, Philip continued, “but had to decline. His mother’s condition worsened, and he couldn’t leave her. Took a job at an auto repair shop instead. I brought her to Walter for a consultation, but Walter said she only had a few years

left.”

“So how did he end up

here?”

“I pulled some strings, offered him a late admission and a special scholarship. expenses.”

He

le works in the cafeteria and library to cover additional

I studied Silas’s photo more carefully. The resemblance was striking–the same hollow cheekbones, the same watchful eyes as someone I’d known in my previous life. Someone called Dusk.

“Why the interest?” Philip asked, eyeing me curiously.

“He looks familiar,” I replied vaguely.

Philip studied me for a moment. “Perhaps you should introduce yourself. He doesn’t talk much–reminds me a bit of your brother, actually You might get along.”

I snorted. “Do I look like I’m in the business of making friends?”

“Well,” Philip chuckled, “you did save my life. I’d call that a rather friendly act

I didn’t answer, closing the file and sliding it back across the desk,

12:27 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 242

The cafeteria buzzed with lunchtime activity as I joined the line at Silas’s service window. Whispers erupted around

“Is that Jade Morgan?”

“What’s she doing in the cafeteria?”

“She never eats here…”

“Oh my god, she’s totally here for the new guy…”

I ignored them, moving forward in line.

“Jade!” C

Chase Astor’s voice boomed behind me as he squeezed past other students to stand directly behind me. “Mind if I join you?”

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