Chapter 4
Bastien was way faster than Narissa’d expected.
She leaned back, her mind spinning. Looked like she was about to crash right into Bastien, ready or not.
Here was the thing: that dude had no idea the woman he’d sworn to hunt down was on Rothialand’s payroll, same as him.
He was the big shot in the spotlight; she was the ghost in the shadows.
She wasn’t just Agent Fox, the slickest thief alive. She was also Codename 001, the Military Intelligence Office’s top dog, locked down at 5S–level secrecy.
Nobody outside her tight crew had ever seen her face–not even the higher–ups.
Her identity was a national secret, sealed tighter than a drum.
No surprise Bastien didn’t know who he was dealing with.
Narissa smirked, licking her lips like a fox sizing up its prey. If this was how it was gonna go, she’d play his little game.
She couldn’t wait to see the look on that cold–as–ice jerk’s face when he realized who she was.
Ping! Another message from Octopus popped up.
008: [Hey, Boss, heads–up. The Harlow family? Rothialand’s oldest, sketchiest clan. They’re way above the Evertons‘ league. Word is, they owe Dario a favor. I’m worried your “family reunion” might put you right in Bastien’s crosshairs.]
**
At night, dinnertime rolled around.
After chilling in her room all afternoon, Narissa was called downstairs by her parents.
The Evertons were old–school, high–society folks with strict rules. If they weren’t out of town, they parked their butt at the big dining table for meals.
Dario’s rule, no exceptions.
At the table, Amanda flashed Narissa a warm smile.
“Here, hon, I know you used to love steak as a kid. Hope you’re still into it. I made this myself–dig in!” She plopped a juicy chunk into Narissa’s plate, eyes sparkling.
“Your mom’s been busting her chops in the kitchen all day,” Hector said with a grin. “Craving anything else? Just say it, and I’ll have the chef hook it up.”
Thud!
Dario slammed his fork down, still pissed. But for some reason, he didn’t rip into Narissa this time.
She blinked, catching the vibe. Her parents must’ve talked him down.
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Sure enough, Hector cleared his throat. “So, Narissa, we hashed it out with your grandpa.
“Three days from now, we’re throwing you a big welcome–back party.”
Amanda grabbed Narissa’s hand, voice soft but excited. “You’re an Everton heiress, sweetie. All Sinney City’s big shots will be there.
“Great chance to mingle and make a name for yourself.”
“We’re gonna make it official,” Hector added. “Press, guests, the works. Everyone’s gonna know the Everton family’s second daughter is back.”
Narissa gave a quick nod. She wasn’t thrilled about some ritzy gala, but if it made her folks happy, she’d roll with it.
“She’s got no clue how to act at a thing like that. You sure she won’t make us look like fools?” Dario muttered.
Amanda jumped in. “Dario, chill. We’ve got this. Starting tomorrow, Narissa’s training at Regality Academy.
“They’ll get
her up to speed. No way she’s embarrassing the family.”
Regality Academy. The capital’s elite training ground, churning out polished socialites and badasses alike.
It wasn’t just etiquette and piano lessons–they taught real skills: fighting, shooting, even medical training.
Graduate from there, and you could probably escape a kidnapping with a hairpin.
Cressida was one of their star students, after all.
“Hmph. Good luck with that,” Dario scoffed, clearly not sold.
Cressida rolled her eyes, looking annoyed as hell.
Amanda and Hector shared a helpless glance.
性
Amanda turned to Narissa, her tone soft. “Don’t worry, hon. Regality’s teachers are great, and it’s a chill vibe. Never thrown a punch or shot a gun? No biggie–they’ll start you from scratch. You’ll pick it up in no time.”
***
Dinner went by without a hitch.
Afterward, Narissa dragged herself upstairs.
The trip back from Orsin City’s Waylen Auction House had been rough, and with Bastien possibly on her tail, she hadn’t slept a wink.
All she wanted was to crash hard.
But as she opened her door, she sensed someone behind her.
Narissa’s instincts flared. Her eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing.
Then she saw it was just Cressida who’d followed her up. Before Narissa could step inside, Cressida slapped a hand on the
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doorframe, blocking her.
“I saw it!” Cressida’s eyes burned with accusation. “Don’t play dumb with me!”
Narissa raised an eyebrow. “Saw what?”
“Some sketchy gossip site,” Cressida hissed. “You were all over some sleazy rich dude, waltzing into a hotel. The comments tore you apart–called you his side chick, a gold–digger who’ll do anything for cash!”
“You…” Cressida’s voice shook. “You’re out here selling yourself! Probably carrying who–knows–what. It’s gross!
“I’m not claiming you as my sister. So, what’s your excuse?”
Narissa’s edge softened as it clicked. ‘Rich dude? Gossip site? Oh, yeah.
It clicked. Last year, she’d had a rushed hit job. No time for a disguise, so she’d used her real face to lure that sleazy tycoon into a hotel.
Job done. Clean kill.
Someone must’ve snapped a pic. And, of course, Cressida saw it online.
So that was why her never–met–before sister had it out for her.
Narissa crossed her arms, smirking.
Cressida’s lips tightened, her glare fierce. “You’re not even gonna deny it?”
Narissa wasn’t about to spill her secrets. Her real job was too risky to reveal–one slip could put her family in danger.
So she just shrugged, her tone cool and unbothered. “Yeah, you got me. So what?”
Cressida’s face went red. ‘So what? Is this girl for real? No shame at all?‘
“What?!” Cressida snapped, fuming.
She’d never met anyone so brazen–acting like being a mistress or some shady sidepiece was no big deal.
Cressida was done. She couldn’t believe this was the sister their parents had spent years searching for.
She pointed at Narissa, her voice venomous. “Listen, Narissa. I’m digging up every dirty secret you’ve got–every job, every fake name, every shady move.
“I’ll
