Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 61

Author’s POV:

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“For a billionaire businessman, you make a surprisingly decent nurse,” Jade said, settling back as the

TENS unit eased her pain.

Ethan gave her that signature half–smile. “I’ll add it to my resume. Right after ‘expert negotiator‘ and

‘occasional explosives enthusiast.“”

Jade laughed despite herself. The reference to the “accidental” explosion at Ian’s compound was

ballsy, especially since they both knew exactly how accidental it wasn’t.

“I should get some sleep,” she said, eyelids growing heavy from the painkillers.

“You take the bed. I insist,” Ethan replied.

She didn’t argue, but made no move to get up from the sofa. The combination of medication, heat,

and electrical stimulation had made her drowsy. Within minutes, her head tilted to the side and her

breathing deepened as she drifted off to sleep right there on the couch.

Ethan watched her for a moment, then quietly set his laptop aside. He approached the sofa carefully,

weighing his options before deciding she’d be more comfortable in the bedroom. With practiced ease,

he slid one arm beneath her knees and the other around her shoulders.

As he lifted her from the sofa, Jade’s combat reflexes triggered instantly despite her unconscious state. Her muscles tensed, adrenaline flooding her system. Through barely–open eyes, she registered

being carried across the room.

For a split second, Shadow–the killer–surfaced. Her eyes snapped open, pupils dilating as she prepared to eliminate the threat. A flash of lethal intent must have shown on her face because Ethan froze mid–step.

He stood perfectly still, his expression shocked as he looked down at her. Something in his gaze changed–a recognition of the predator he was holding.

“You’re heavier than you look,” he murmured, voice deliberately light though his eyes remained watchful.

Jade forced her body to relax, pushing Shadow back into the depths. “Are you saying I’m fat, Haxton?” she mumbled, injecting sleepy indignation.

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He chuckled, but the sound didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m saying you’re surprisingly dense for someone so slim. Must be all that muscle.”

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In a wood–paneled conference room at Princeton University, admissions committee members

reviewed exceptional applicant profiles.

“I’d like everyone to look at these test scores,” said Philip Thornton, the university president, sliding

a folder across the table.

The admissions director whistled. “Perfect 800 on mathematics, 600 on reading and writing… but

they didn’t write the essay portion at all? Left it completely blank?”

“Exactly,” Philip nodded. “And look at the AP scores.”

“Five perfect scores, including Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry. But minimal effort on written

portions.”

The director frowned. “What kind of student aces the hardest parts but skips the sections most

people find easier?”

“A very interesting one,” Philip replied enthusiastically. “The kind that deserves our immediate

attention.”

“Who is this student?” asked a committee member.

“Her name is Jade Morgan from Cloud City. And I believe she may be exactly the brilliant mind

Princeton needs.”

“Every Ivy League school must be trying,” Philip said, checking his watch. “Which is why I’m going personally. Today.”

Jade woke up next morning. Squinting at the screen, she saw 137 missed calls from various university area codes, plus several from Max.

Her phone rang again. Max’s face appeared on screen,

“Jade!” His voice was breathless with excitement. “The house is packed with people from college

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admissions offices! They all want to talk to you about your test scores!”

She frowned. “The scores are out already?”

“Yes! They were released at midnight. You’re in the top fifty for the state!”

“I’ll call you back,” she said, then hung up.

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With practiced ease, Jade hacked into the testing service’s database and found her complete results: 800 in mathematics and 600 in reading and writing. The essay section was marked “incomplete.”

Just as she expected.

Max received a text from Jade–a screenshot of her complete results.

“Holy shit,” he whispered, almost dropping his phone.

He couldn’t believe it. She’d achieved these scores while deliberately skipping the essay portion.

What could she have scored if she’d actually completed everything?

Emily dragged Linda into the bedroom, her face pale with panic.

“We’re screwed,” she muttered, voice cracking. “The Princeton scholarship–I didn’t earn it.”

Linda crossed her arms. “What are you talking about?”

Emily explained everything she did.

Linda’s face went blank with shock. “You did what?”

In the living room, Philip Thornton made himself comfortable on the worn sofa.

“Mr. Morgan,” he said warmly, “I’m here about your daughter Jade’s remarkable test performances.”

Frank looked bewildered. “She never mentioned taking tests recently.”

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“Yet she scored in the top percentile statewide. Her mathematics score was perfect–something fewer than one percent of students achieve.”

“Princeton would be honored to have Jade join us,” Philip continued. “If she’s interested in our medical program, we’re prepared to offer a full scholarship, including research opportunities.”

“That’s very generous, but-”

“It’s not generosity,” Philip interrupted gently. “It’s investment in extraordinary talent. And between us… I owe your daughter my life.”

Frank stared in confusion.

“She’ll know what I mean,” Philip said cryptically. “A few weeks ago, in New York.”

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