Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 152

Chapter 152

He shrugged. “It’s fine. I’m used to being stared at, just for different reasons usually.”

I glanced at his outfit again. “The clothes look good on you.”

🙂))

“Ethan picked them out,” Max said, his voice a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. “He has surprisingly good taste.”

“He does,” I agreed. “So, ready to meet your hero?”

Max’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“You’ll see.”

Edward Sheldon was already waiting at the campus coffee shop when we arrived. His tall frame was hunched over a laptop, fingers flying across the keyboard. He glanced up as we approached, his serious expression giving way to a

smile.

“Jade,” he said, standing. His eyes flicked to Max with curious interest.

“Edward, this is my brother, Max Morgan,” I said. “Max, Edward Sheldon.”

Max froze, his hands suddenly gripping the strap of his messenger bag so tightly his knuckles turned white. I could practically feel his nervous energy.

“You’re… you’re Edward Sheldon,” Max stammered, staring at Edward with undisguised awe. “The Edward Sheldon.”

I nudged him gently. “You’ve been talking about him for months. I figured you might want to meet him in person.”

Edward extended his hand, smiling warmly. “Hey, I’m Edward. Nice to meet you offline.”

Max shook his hand like it might shatter. “I’ve watched all your physics competition videos and your TED talk on quantum mechanics three times.”

“Oh God, those videos are embarrassing,” Edward laughed, gesturing for us to sit.

I sat back, watching as the two of them carefully navigated the conversation, occasionally glancing my way with a mixture of respect and apprehension. They seemed to be deliberately keeping their discussion surface–level, despite clearly wanting to dive deeper into complex theories.

“It’s okay,” I said, amused by their awkward dance around the topic. “You don’t have to water down your physics talk

on my account.”

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They exchanged a knowing look, and Edward laughed nervously. “It just feels a bit like… you know… showing off our toy cars to a Formula 1 driver.”

That was all it took to break the ice. For the next hour, I sipped my coffee and watched as Max came alive, debating and theorizing with someone who shared his passion. It was a side of my brother I rarely saw–confident, animated, his hands gesturing enthusiastically as he explained concepts that Edward eagerly challenged.

When it was time to leave, Edward added Max on Discord. “We should continue this conversation,” he said. “Your perspective on the Copenhagen interpretation is really thought–provoking.”

Max nodded eagerly, practically vibrating with excitement.

As we walked toward the campus gates where Max’s Uber would pick him up, my brother was still buzzing with

energy.

“Jade,” Max hesitated, then asked quietly, “Is he… is he like Ethan is with you?”

I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“You know…” Max looked at his shoes. “Interested.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m a fascinating person, Max. People tend to find me interesting.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know what you meant.” I nudged his shoulder playfully. “My physics knowledge actually surpasses Edward’s, so if you’re going to worship someone, it might as well be me.”

Max smiled. “Thanks for today, Jade. Really.”

As his Uber pulled up, I gave him a quick hug. “Text me when you get home.”

My phone buzzed with a message from Max. He’d sent me a screenshot of a conversation with Ethan Haxton. I frowned slightly, scanning the exchange.

Ethan had messaged him first: How was Princeton?

Max had responded with surprise: It was good. How did you know I was there?

Ethan’s reply made me raise an eyebrow; I’m a Princeton alum. I check the campus Reddit occasionally. Someone posted a photo of you and Edward Sheldon with Jade at the coffee shop.

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The screenshot showed Max’s embarrassed explanation: Jade took me to meet Edward. I’m a fan of him.

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And Ethan’s friendly response: I was pretty good at physics myself. If you ever want a different perspective, let me know.

I’d be happy to discuss it with you.

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