Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26

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“Well, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule. I appreciate your support, Mr. Mayor.”

“Felix, please,” he insisted, reaching into his jacket pocket. He produced a business card, holding it between two manicured fingers. “If you ever need anything–anything at all–please don’t hesitate to

contact me directly. Day or night.”

I accepted the card, noting the gold embossing and premium cardstock. Clearly, Mayor Huxley spared no expense on his personal branding.

“You know,” he continued, lowering his voice conspiratorially, “my wife and I would love to have you

over for dinner sometime. Perhaps this weekend? We have a lovely home in the Heights district.”

The invitation was unexpected. I tilted my head slightly, analyzing his motives. “That’s very kind of

you, but I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense! It would be our pleasure.” His eyes glinted with something I couldn’t quite place- ambition, perhaps, or calculation. “I have a son about your age. Sterling. He attends Westlake Prep.

Smart boy, though between us, not quite as… exceptional as you appear to be.”

Ah, there it was. He wanted to play matchmaker, likely hoping to connect his son with someone he

perceived as valuable to the Haxton family.

“I’ll consider it,” I replied noncommittally, slipping his card into my pocket.

As Felix opened his mouth to press further, his attention shifted to something over my shoulder. His expression brightened.

“Ah, Orion! Good afternoon.”

I turned slightly to see Orion Miller approaching, his backpack slung casually over one shoulder.

“Mayor Huxley,” Orion nodded politely. “Good afternoon, sir.”

Felix beamed, clapping a hand on Orion’s shoulder. “One of Cloud City High’s star students! Your father speaks highly of your academic achievements.”

Orion looked uncomfortable with the attention but maintained his composure. “Thank you, sir.”

Felix glanced between us, and I could practically see the wheels turning in his head. “You two know

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Chapter 26

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each other, I presume? Ms. Morgan here has quite an extraordinary mind. Perhaps you could- He stopped himself mid–sentence, his eyes widening slightly as if he’d nearly said something he

shouldn’t.

“Actually,” Felix recovered smoothly, “I should be going. City business, you know how it is.” He gave me one last meaningful look. “Remember, Ms. Morgan. My offer stands. Anytime.”

As he walked away, I noticed him pull out his phone, his fingers moving rapidly across the screen. Something told me he was texting his son about me.

Before I could dwell on it further, the school’s PA system crackled to life. Dr. Thompson’s voice echoed through the hallways.

“Attention students and faculty. This is Principal Thompson speaking. I’d like to address a matter concerning one of our students, Jade Morgan.”

The hallway fell silent as everyone stopped to listen.

“Following a thorough investigation and additional testing, we have confirmed that Ms. Morgan did

not cheat on her recent AP Calculus exam. In fact, her original score of 100 percent has been verified

and reinstated. The mathematics department and I would like to extend our sincere apologies to Ms.

Morgan for any distress this misunderstanding may have caused.”

I could feel eyes turning toward me as Dr. Thompson continued.

“Additionally, Mr. Peterson would like to personally apologize for the accusation and commend Ms. Morgan on her exceptional mathematical abilities.”

I doubted that last part was voluntary, but it was satisfying nonetheless.

As the announcement ended, whispers erupted throughout the hallway. I made my way to class, ignoring the stares that followed me.

In eighth period, I slipped into my seat just as the bell rang. The classroom was buzzing with conversation, all of it centered around the principal’s announcement.

“Did you hear that? They actually made Peterson apologize!”

“How the hell did she get a perfect score in under thirty minutes?”

“I heard the police were involved.”

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Chapter 26

“Maybe she’s one of those savants or something.”

“Or maybe she’s an alien,” someone joked, prompting nervous laughter.

🙂))

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Their theories were more amusing than annoying. Let them speculate; it made no difference to me.

Suddenly, Emily’s voice cut through the chatter. “Jade’s a fucking idiot! There’s no way she could score a hundred on anything!”

The classroom fell silent. Every head turned toward Emily, whose face reddened as she realized she’d

spoken much louder than intended. Her eyes met mine across the room, and I saw a flash of fear

beneath her anger.

I simply stared back, expression neutral, until she looked away first.

After school, as I walked down the main staircase, I noticed Orion standing on the landing, watching

1. me. I was speaking with Chris Jensen, finalizing our business.

“I appreciate your handling of this matter,” I told Chris as we reached the bottom of the stairs.

“It was straightforward enough,” he replied with a slight smile. “I hope we meet again under more

pleasant circumstances.”

“Of course,” I nodded. “Soon.”

Chris glanced up, noticing Orion’s gaze. “You seem to have an audience.”

I followed his look. “Just a classmate.”

“Well,” Chris said, “I should be going. Take care, Ms. Morgan.”

As he walked away, I turned to find Orion approaching me.

“Jade,” he began, his tone cautious. “That was some announcement today.”

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