Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 294

Chapter 294

Jade’s POV:

199

I woke up with a dull ache in my neck. My cheek was pressed against something firm but warm–Ethan’s thigh. I blinked slowly, the events of last night rushing back in fragmented pieces. The confrontation with Silas. The poison. The rage.

I lifted my head, finding Ethan’s emerald eyes already fixed on me. He’d been watching me sleep, his back against the headboard, one hand resting on the mattress beside me.

“What are you staring at?” I snapped, my voice coming out harsher than I intended.

A hint of amusement flickered across his face. “Finally awake? It’s past three already.” He glanced toward the window where afternoon light filtered through the curtains.

I didn’t bother responding, just pushed myself up and slid off the bed. My muscles protested after hours in that awkward position, but I ignored the discomfort and headed straight for the bathroom.

Cold water splashed against my face, washing away the last traces of sleep. I didn’t bother with a proper face wash, just cupped my hands under the faucet and splashed water haphazardly. As I straightened, I caught sight of Ethan in the mirror, leaning against the doorframe, watching me.

“What?”

He stepped forward, reaching out to wipe a droplet of water clinging to my chin. “Nothing. Just glad you’re feeling better.”

I rolled my eyes and pushed past him, heading downstairs. Captain came bounding toward me the moment my feet hit the bottom step. his tail wagging furiously as he circled my legs.

“Hey, buddy,” I murmured, crouching to scratch behind his ears. “Miss me?”

Captain whined, pressing his head into my palm.

“Murphy locked him in one of the bedrooms,” Ethan explained, coming down behind me. “Turned off Maxi too.”

I nodded, giving Captain one final pat before straightening. Ethan moved past me to the kitchen, filling a glass with water. I followed, suddenly aware of how parched I was. Instead of waiting for him to pour me my own glass, I leaned in and drank directly from the one in his hand.

Connor stood awkwardly in the doorway, watching our interaction with obvious relief. After a moment’s hesitation, he cleared his throat.

“Mr. Haxton, you and Ms. Morgan… you didn’t really fight, right?”

Ethan drained what was left in the glass, then shot Connor a sidelong glance,

“I’m not insane, Connor.”

Connor’s face broke into a relieved grin. “I knew it! I told you Mr. Haxton couldn’t possibly be stupid enough to—”

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8:19 Tue, Sep 30

Chapter 294

The sudden shift in Ethan’s expression cut him short.

:

“I mean,” Connor backpedaled frantically, “my idol would never be so irresponsible, right?”

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Ethan’s eyes found mine, a playful gleam replacing his mock severity. “Of course. Your idol has always been very responsible. The way he emphasized the word made it sound like an inside joke–or a promise.

For the next two days, I holed up in my villa, skipping school to focus on more important things. My dining table disappeared under a collection of wires, circuit boards, and tiny metal components as I assembled a series of explosive devices.

Maxi wandered in around noon, moving with that peculiar robot gait that screamed “artificial intelligence.”

“Jade, I brought you tea,” it announced, setting a steaming cup beside my elbow.

I looked up from my work, studying the robot’s movements. Max had been so proud when he showed me his creation, but the programming was rudimentary at best.

“Get my laptop,” I instructed.

Maxi whirred. “Right away.”

It returned moments later, extending the computer toward me. “Jade, your laptop. Do you need to search for something? Maxi can help search. Faster than computer.”

I smirked, fingers already flying over the keyboard. “Good idea.”

Within seconds, I’d bypassed Maxi’s security protocols. The robot’s eyes flickered, random code replacing the usual display. I texted Max: Borrowing your robot for upgrades. Will return improved.

With his enthusiastic permission secured, I dove into Maxi’s operating system. Hours later, I rebooted the system, eager to test my modifications. But as soon as it activated, that same ridiculous voice piped up.

“Jade.”

God, that voice was annoying. After a moment’s consideration, I pulled out my phone and texted Ethan: Send me a voice message.

He replied almost instantly, a fifteen–second audio clip of his smooth baritone saying, “Whatever you’re planning, I’m both intrigued and slightly concerned.”

Perfect.

Just as I finished uploading the new voice parameters, my phone rang. The caller ID showed Princeton Police Department.

“Ms. Morgan?” The officer’s voice was professionally neutral. “We need you to come in regarding a missing person report. A Silas Murphy? His father claims he was last seen at your residence.”

Forty minutes later, I was sitting in the waiting area of the police station, legs crossed, expression bored.

“He’s arriving now,” the officer informed me.

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8:19 Tue, Sep 30

Chapter 294

Hank Murphy stumbled through the door, reeking of alcohol at two in the afternoon. His bloodshot eyes landed on me, and he jabbed a finger in my direction.

That’s her! That’s the girl my boy’s been hanging around with. She knows where he is!”

He turned to the officer, slurring his words. “My only son, officer. My retirement plan. She better tell us where he is.”

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