MORGAN
In the early hours of the following morning, James, my grandfather's trusted secretary, personally accompanied me to Wyatt University, one of the most prestigious universities in the country. Jessica, who's supposedly the one who will accompany me to school, suddenly had an urgent appointment.
Principal Morris, a prominent figure who held dual roles as the school's head and the director of the New York Education Bureau, maintained a busy schedule, making it challenging for just anyone to secure an audience with him. Given Henry's reputation in New York, they were granted access to the principal's office.
However, it wasn't until after eleven o'clock that Principal Morris arrived at his office, further emphasizing his busy schedule. He found us in his office, waiting for him.
James started explaining to him my situation. James hasn't finished explaining that when Principal Morris found himself in a predicament, my academic record from my previous school wasn't exactly the type of record they would accept in their school, to the extent that even a vocational school might have reservations about accepting her.
I wouldn't be surprised since I'm not really attending my class properly. Why would I when I attended a high school that was way below my intellectual capacity?
"Mr. Brown has never asked for favors, but he's requesting your assistance this time," James implored.
Principal Morris, understanding the complexity of their request, sighed and responded, "James, it's not that I don't want to help. You're aware that Wyatt University is highly selective. The students here are among the best, and Morgan's academic performance puts me in an awkward position. I think you should consider enrolling her in a vocational school. Other schools may not be inclined to accept her."
I'm sure that he was acting like this towards us because of my reputation. I was branded a troublemaker because of the rumor that my stepsister spread throughout the media.
"That's fine, Principal Morris. We're leaving. But I assume you'll be expecting a call from Mr. Brown."
We immediately leave the office. But it only took us a few more steps before we heard Principal Morris calling for us. He quickly followed James out of the office upon receiving a call from Henry. Somehow, Principal Morris had a change of heart after that call. I'm not sure what my grandfather told him, but his attitude completely changed.
"James, I'm on board. I'll arrange everything for Morgan," the principal declared, performing a 180-degree turnaround in his attitude.
"Principal Morris, am I hearing you correctly?" James inquired for confirmation.
"Yes, James, you heard me correctly. I will handle Morgan's placement now," Principal Morris affirmed, making a call to the head of academic affairs to address my enrollment.
I didn't object to the offer, but I understood that it wasn't as straightforward as it appeared. The dean of academic affairs assigned me to the class with the lowest academic performance, provided me with a school uniform, and handed me over to my homeroom teacher, Teacher Collins.
"Teacher Collins, we'd like to trouble you with Morgan."
"No trouble at all, James. You may leave, and I'll take Morgan to her class shortly." Teacher Collins responded courteously, recognizing the influential parents' status at Wyatt University.
My introduction to my new class occurred during Teacher Collins' physics lesson. She called upon me to present myself, and my name instantly triggered a series of murmurs among my classmates. It wasn't surprising, given my recent reputation. Some recognized me from the past, recalling my expulsion from school five years ago and the accompanying rumors.
"Class, we have a new addition to our class today. Let's give a warm welcome and introduce yourselves. Morgan, please come to the front and write your name on the blackboard."
Standing before my new classmates, I could feel the weight of skepticism in the room. Nevertheless, I introduced myself in a calm, self-assured manner.
I approached the blackboard and wrote "Morgan" as I introduced myself, "Hi everyone, I'm Morgan."
My name seemed to stir some whispers among my classmates.
"Is it the Morgan who was expelled from school five years ago?" "It looks like her! We were in the same class back then." "I heard she had an abortion in junior high school, is that true?" "Yeah, I remember that time..." Murmurs continues.
Teacher Collins intervened, "Alright, let's keep it calm, everyone. Morgan, there's an available seat in the last row. You can take it."
I took my place in the back, disregarding the disapproving looks.
Class 8 was considered an ordinary class in this school, but it had its share of influential students. They were not afraid of trouble.
After the third period, Amanda, a former follower of Emma who used to bully me, approached.
"Morgan. It's really you! I never expected you to have the nerve to return to New York. If I were you..."
I didn't tolerate Amanda's condescending tone. Swiftly, I grabbed her hand, expertly twisting it and causing her pain.
"Amanda, shut up," I commanded, feeling a headache from a restless night.
"Amanda, this isn't Hudson. Who do you think you are in New York?" Amanda was undaunted, thinking I was still the same timid girl who allowed others to bully me.
I narrowed my eyes dangerously and, with a swift move, folded Amanda's hand back.
"Ah—!" Amanda cried out in pain.
My fierce demeanor deterred others from intervening.
"I said I don't want trouble, but I'm not afraid of it either. Amanda, remember, I'm not the Morgan from five years ago, and no one can trample on me. Also, don't forget what you did five years ago. I remember it all, and I'll make you pay for it, bit by bit, slowly."
I felt that returning was the right decision. After this declaration, I pushed Amanda aside, leaving her stunned.
The last two classes of the day passed with me napping at my desk. Once classes ended, I grabbed my backpack and headed out. Waiting for me outside the school gates was James.
I quickly put on my hooded jacket and bowed my head so he wouldn't see me. I have no plans to come home for now. After departing the scene, my phone rang repeatedly, displaying a familiar number. I finally answered the call but made it clear that I was in no mood for pleasantries.
"Speak direct. I'm in no mood for a chitchat."
"Shadow, you have quite the temper. When will you return?" the caller inquired. My reputation for being the youngest and most skilled hacker within the Wings of Light made me the talk of the cyber community.
Shadow, the most potent hacker in history, remained shrouded in mystery. Nobody knew if Shadow was a man or a woman. Shadow was a legendary figure sought after by all international consortiums, as I held the key to the entire network security. If you have me, you can have the world in your hands.
"Get to the point," I responded.
The woman on the line who goes by the name of "butterfly", unfazed by my terse manner, continued, "I have a job for you. Are you interested?"
My acceptance or rejection of such jobs was determined solely by my mood. However, the caller acknowledged that if I chose to accept it, the task would be executed flawlessly.
My simple response was "no." As the most powerful hacker within the group, my choice was contingent on my personal preferences.
Butterfly made a final appeal, revealing the nature of the task. It was related to cybersecurity, which piqued my interest.
"Fine, send me the details," I conceded before ending the call.
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