Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 257

< SHARE

12:29 Sat, Sep 27

Badass in Disguise

Chapter 257

The younger agent stepped forward, his face fight with controlled anger. “If you didn’t do this, then it must be your friend Mr. Haxton. Either way, we need you to contact him immediately and tell him to stop the attack and restore network functionality.”

Jade leaned against the wall, enjoying this little dance. “Would you like his contact information? I’d be happy to provide it.”

Grant shifted uncomfortably beside the agents, avoiding eye contact with her. He knew exactly what way to prove it.

at she was capable of, but there was no

The older agent–Blackwood–studied Jade with new interest. Ilis demeanor shifted subtly, the aggressive Interrogation tactics giving way to something more calculated.

“Miss Morgan, we understand your desire to clear your name,” he said, his voice softening. “But there are legal channels for that. This attack violated dozens of federal laws and compromised national security protocols.”

She raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

“However,” Blackwood continued, his expression transforming into an unexpected smile, “that’s not the only reason we’re here. The government values talent and puts it to good use. We’d like to formally invite you to join our cybercrime division at the FBI.”

“You haven’t even confirmed I was behind the attack, and you’re already offering me a job?” Jade laughed. “Bring some evidence, then we

can talk

“We can discuss the details later,” Blackwood pressed. “The position comes with significant benefits, including immediate expungement of any pending investigations.”

“I told you, I’m not interested in your department,” she replied coldly. “Where’s your evidence that I did anything?

“Would you like to cooperate in our investigation?” Blackwood’s smile faded. “We’ll need your computers and phone.”

Jade remained silent for a moment, then spoke with deliberate precision. “FBI Cybercrime Division, correct? Your department head is Nathan Westfield, isn’t that right?”

Both agents froze, their expressions betraying their shock.

“The systems will be restored at 6 PM tonight,” she announced.

“That’s not acceptable,” the younger agent snapped. “You’ll need to come with us now.”

Jade shrugged, “Fine. I’ll go with you

you. If you can produce evidence that I was responsible within 15 days, I’m all yours. But if you can’t- and we both know you can’t–then the networks stay down indefinitely. Your choice,”

Blackwood pulled out his phone and stepped away to make a call. His hushed conversation lasted nearly five minutes before he returned, visibly frustrated.

“It seems Mr. Haxton has already contacted the NSA director,” he said tightly. “We’ll be in touch, Miss Morgan.”

As they

hey walked away, Grant exhaled loudly. “Jesus Christ, Jade.”

1/4

12:29 Sat, Sep 27 →..

Chapter 257

For twenty–four hours, America could only watch one thing on their screens–the unedited footage showing exactly what had happened at Mike’s Auto Service. Every social media platform, news site, and video service displayed the some footage on an endless loop. No amount of refreshing, restarting, or rebooting would change what appeared.

The complete context that had been deliberately omitted from the vital clips was now impossible to ignore.

The incident became headline news internationally. Tech fonims and hacker communities buzzed with theories about how such a comprehensive takeover was possible. Most speculated it was the work of the Haxton family, given Ethan’s connections to cutting–edge security firms. The Princeton student body certainly belleved t–Jade overheard whispers about how “Haxton doesn’t let people mess with his girlfriend” as she walked through campus.

At exactly 6:00 PM, all networks simultaneously returned to normal operation. Every social media platform, messaging app, and communication service resumed functioning as if nothing had happened.

But something had changed. Every news story, social media post, and comment about the incident had vanished completely. The video that had gone viral showing Jade deliberately crashing her car? Gone. The follow–up stories about the Mercedes owner’s death? Erased. Every single mention across the internet had been wiped clean.

The major platforms had also temporarily disabled their comment sections, cutting off the trolls and hate–mangers at the source. There would be no more public lynching of Jade Morgan

The next day, Jade walked into class as if nothing had happened. Several students approached her with awkward expressions of concern and support.

“That

was so messed up what they did to you,” a girl said. “I’m glad the truth came out.”

She nodded politely but kept moving. Silas wasn’t in class that day.

ed with an incoming call. Ethan had been away on business for over a week.

After her last lecture, Jade’s phone buzzed

“I just landed,” he said when she answered, “Can I come over tonight? Have a dinner together.”

“I’m not home,” she replied. “I have some things to take care of,”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. “I see. Tomorrow, then?”

“Maybe. I’ll let you know.”

She hung up before he could respond.

Ethan stepped into his waiting car, his expression tightening as he pocketed his phone.

2/4

12:29 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 257

estate.”

“Change of plans, Connor. We’re heading to the est

Connor looked confused. “We’re not going to Miss Mergory’s place?”

“No,” Ethan replied curtly, Inosening his tic. He hadn’t slept properly in days, working around the clock to compress two weeks of business into fist over one week, All to get back to her sooner,

And now this.

In the days that followed, Ethan remained buried in work, unable–or perhaps unwilling–to make time to see Jade. She was preoccupied with Silas’s situation anyway.

Occasionally, they exchanged brief text messages:

Still busy? he’d ask.

Yes, she’d reply. You?

Always.

And that would be it.

A week after “The Override,” Jade was leaving campus when she spotted two familiar figures waiting by the gates. Agent Blackwood and his younger partner stood beside an unmarked sedan, scanning the crowd of departing students.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify