Chapter 22
“You–you’re just gonna admit to all those rumors?” Cressida looked shocked.
“I don’t think any of that counts as dirt. That’s just my past,” Narissa replied casually, waving her hand. “Unless you think your own past is something shameful?”
“But those things are all disgraceful. Totally embarrassing,” Cressida snapped.
“That’s your opinion. I’m actually proud of those experiences,” Narissa said.
People who lean on others would never understand what it felt like to reach the top on their own. Narissa had never once forgotten her past–not because it was scandalous, but because it was the path she walked to get here.
Some of what Narissa had told Cressida was true, some wasn’t. But the strength she had now–every bit of it had been earned with her own effort.
Narissa thought, ‘If someone can’t even accept their past, how could they ever face the future?‘
“If you’re ever curious about my past again, just ask me directly. No need to waste money hiring someone to dig it up. You might as well give that cash to me,” Narissa added suddenly.
Narissa winked at Cressida as she said it, nearly making her sister choke on her own rage.
The moment Narissa said it, Cressida realized something. She asked, “Wait! Why wasn’t there anything in there about you being a mistress?
“So you knew I was investigating you? That means someone helped cover up your identity. All that stuff you just said–none of it’s real, is it?”
The realization hit her hard. Cressida felt completely played.
Narissa just smiled. “Do you have any proof?”
Cressida: “You-!”
“It must be that rich guy, right? He’s gone to all this trouble to protect his little mistress.
“But it won’t work. I will dig up your real dirt. I’ll make sure the whole world spits on you.”
“Oh, good luck with that,” Narissa said with a yawn, then headed into the party hall.
Cressida stomped her foot furiously. “Damn it! Strongest hacker in the world? More like a scammer. She couldn’t even figure out an identity. Fraud! I want my money back.”
‘If that businessman has someone even stronger than Queen working for him… then maybe he isn’t just some ordinary guy,’ Cressida thought. ‘Maybe she’d messed with someone completely out of my league.
Still, when she glanced through the glass wall and saw Narissa being pampered by her parents, Cressida was filled with even more hate. She wanted to rip that perfect mask right off Narissa’s face.
Cressida clenched her fists. “No matter who’s behind her, I’ll find out the truth. I’ll expose every filthy part of her past. I’ll
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Chapter 22
make Mom, Dad, Jaylen, and everyone in Sinney City see who she really is.”
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After what felt like forever, the party finally ended. The Everton family left in separate cars and returned to the villa.
The moment Narissa got home, she went straight upstairs. Thinking back on the day made her heart race–there had been multiple times when she’d almost slipped up in front of Bastien.
Narissa thought, ‘If Bastien ever figured out who I was, the entire Sinney City would explode. Especially my parents.
‘From their point of view, after going through so much to finally find their long–lost daughter–only to learn she was the world’s most Phantom Thief, the agent known as Fox, currently hunted by the War God himself… How devastating would
that be?
‘For my family’s sake, I had to keep everything hidden.‘
Thankfully, things had gone smoothly. Narissa took off her soft pink evening gown and changed into some comfortable athletic wear.
Once Narissa lay down on her bed, her brain started automatically replaying every moment she’d crossed paths with Bastien at the banquet.
Narissa couldn’t afford to miss a single detail. If she’d slipped up even once, he’d notice. He wasn’t easy to fool.
The more Narissa went over everything, the more she realized just how risky it all had been. So many little things could’ve tipped him off if he looked closely enough.
Narissa thought, “This isn’t over. Even if Bastien isn’t suspicious yet, he’ll definitely keep looking for Fox within the Sinney City circle.
‘If I make even one wrong move, he’ll catch me. From now on, I have to be more careful than ever!
“Narissa, you grandpa wants you downstairs,” Amanda called as she came up the stairs.
Narissa opened her door, wondering, ‘Grandpa isn’t exactly fond of me? Why is he suddenly asking for me? Is he planning to give me a hard time?‘
Meanwhile, Cressida also opened her door, getting ready to follow. If Dario was about to lecture Narissa, she wouldn’t miss the show.
“Dad, Narissa is here,” Hector said with a big smile as soon as he saw Narissa.
Dario continued, “Look at you. Can’t even stand properly. You’re part of our family now–everything you do represents this family. You need to learn some manners.
“From now on, anyone you want to befriend has to be vetted by us. No more mixing with shady people from small households.
“And another thing-”
Dario started listing rule after rule like he was reciting an entire family handbook.
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Chapter 22
Narissa frowned and dropped her hand. “If someone else wants to follow these dumb rules, be my guest. I’m not doing it.”
Dario shot to his feet. “What did you just say?”
“That’s so rude! Apologize to Grandpa, now!” Cressida snapped.
“I’m sleepy,” Narissa said with a yawn and headed upstairs without a second glance,
“Look at that attitude. She’s going to be the death of me,” Dario shouted.
Hector and Amanda exchanged a helpless look. Neither of them knew who to side with.
Upstairs, Narissa shut her door and was just about to lie down when her phone rang.
She glanced at the caller ID–it was one of the guys from Jaylen’s racing team. The one who always came in last place.
“Narissa, we’re screwed. It’s bad.” The guy’s panicked voice exploded from the speaker. Whatever it was, it wasn’t small.
“What happened?” Narissa asked.
The guy rushed to explain, “It’s Jaylen. Something happened to him. We were just supposed to go watch a race, right? But he couldn’t help himself–he got on the track and raced…. and he ended up beating some guy.”
“Isn’t that a good thing? Why are you freaking out?” Narissa stuck a candy in her mouth, sounding totally calm.
“Yeah, winning’s great and all,” the guy said, “but the guy he beat has serious connections. Like real shady people.”
“Then call the cops,” Narissa replied, unfazed.
The guy replied, “We can’t! None of our families know we’re racing. If we call the cops, we’ll never be allowed near a car again.
“Narissa, I know you’re amazing. You even beat Jaylen last time. Can you help us? Please, save Jaylen.
“We really don’t know what to do. They said if he doesn’t win the next race against this insane pro driver… they’re gonna chop his hand off tonight.”
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