Chapter 15
‘Can’t go out?‘ In the darkness, Narissa’s cunning eyes gleamed with a cold, dim light, as if silently mocking.
No way. Not only was she going out, but she was also about to pull off something big.
If she couldn’t leave through the front door, she had countless other ways.
Whoosh.
After eavesdropping on Dario and the Everton couple, Narissa nimbly climbed to the second floor. Then, she leaped over the high wall with effortless grace.
Her movements were so smooth, leaving no sound in the air, as she landed cleanly outside and headed straight for the bustling streets.
If anyone had seen Narissa’s stunt, their jaws would’ve dropped.
To think someone could actually ghost in and out like an invisible thief.
Little did they know, for Narissa, this was just another day in the life.
Sinney might look glamorous, but it was just as shady underneath.
After sneaking out, Narissa first stopped by a backpacker gear shop. On the surface, it sold travel essentials for adventurers.
But in reality, it also dealt in some… edgier merchandise.
Like military–grade daggers and low–quality, illegal weapons.
Back when she was dodging Bastien’s pursuit, she’d changed outfits and left all her weapons behind. For a spy, that felt worse than stepping out naked–it left her uneasy all over.
With the underground black market under 24/7 surveillance by Bastien’s men, she had no choice but to hit up these shady spots for some subpar self–defense tools.
A short while later, she walked out of the shop.
She’d managed to snag a few weapons, but they were rough and low–quality. Oh well, better than nothing.
Narissa took it in stride.
Once she got what she needed, she hurried back to the villa, biding her time until the welcoming party.
***
Time flew, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day of the welcoming party.
Early in the morning, Narissa was dragged out of bed by Amanda to get all dolled up.
Even though the party was scheduled for the evening, Amanda couldn’t wait to start prepping.
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Chapter 15
She hired the best stylist in the country for Narissa and had dozens of the latest designer evening gowns delivered from high–end boutiques.
“My sweet girl, come look at all these–they’re all for you. Pick one you like and try it on,” Amanda urged excitedly.
Narissa wasn’t particularly into fancy dresses.
Maybe it was her upbringing that shaped her no–nonsense personality.
But seeing the hopeful look in Amanda’s eyes, she still grabbed a simple one and went to change.
The moment she stepped out, Amanda shook her head. “Nope, too plain. Doesn’t do my precious girl justice. Try another one, sweetie.”
Predictably, Narissa was pushed to try on several more gowns, back and forth, but none met Amanda’s standards.
Finally, Narissa gave up. “Mom, why don’t you just pick one for me?” She could handle gunshot wounds, but this endless fashion show was draining her.
Amanda’s eyes lit up. Clearly, she already had a favorite in mind. “Quick, bring out that custom gown by Mr. Atwood!”
Soon, a maid arrived with a fancy box.
Amanda eagerly opened it and pulled out a frilly, pink princess dress.
“Narissa, I pulled some strings to get Mr. Atwood to make this overnight, just for you. One of a kind in the whole world! Try it on.”
Shoved into this cotton–candy nightmare, Narissa nearly suffocated.
As “Fox,” she’d blazed through life, holding her own among the toughest agents in Military Intelligence–ranked 001, no less. When had she ever worn something so… pink?
If her old squad saw her like this, they’d never let her live it down.
And the worst part? She’d have to wear it to the party. If photos leaked…
Narissa facepalmed, fighting the urge to set the dress on fire right then and there.
But when she met Amanda’s loving gaze, that thought vanished.
This wasn’t just a dress. It was a mother’s love for her daughter.
She couldn’t let Amanda down.
‘Fine, I’ll wear it. I’ve never been afraid of anything in my life.
‘Worst case, if word gets back to the Military Intelligence, I’ll just get every one of those guys a frilly pink dress like this–see what they have to say then, she thought to herself.
Right then, every undercover agent in Military Intelligence, including Octopus, suddenly shivered in unison.
They thought to themselves, ‘Huh? It’s not even cold. Why do I get goosebumps all over?‘
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After the designer finished doing Narissa’s makeup, it was already afternoon.
With the welcoming party about to start soon, Amanda personally escorted Narissa to the hotel.
The rest of the Everton family had already gone ahead to the party venue. As hosts, they had to arrive early to prepare.
Guests were also filing into the venue in an orderly fashion, presenting their invitations.
As the guest of honor, Narissa was kept well–protected by Amanda. Even at the hotel, she took the VIP route, completely avoiding the other attendees.
“Sweetie, you ready?” Amanda stepped out briefly and soon returned.
At the moment, Narissa was sitting in the lounge, idly playing a mobile game–her usual cover to appear like a normal, unremarkable girl.
Narissa snapped her phone dark at Amanda’s call, pushing up from the couch with a bored stretch, like a lazy cat summoned for duty.
“Ready, Mom.”
“Then let’s go. The party’s about to start.”
Amanda walked over, affectionately took Narissa’s hand, and stepped out of the lounge with a big smile.
The reporters and media, who’d already gotten the scoop, quickly swarmed in, snapping away at Narissa and Amanda.
With grace and politeness, Amanda addressed the crowd, “Everyone, please step aside. Once we reach the party hall, you’ll have plenty of time to take photos.
“For now, please give us some private space.”
Given enough face, the reporters didn’t linger or cause a scene, parting like the Red Sea for Amanda to escort Narissa inside.
By then, all the guests attending the party were eagerly waiting.
When Amanda entered the venue with Narissa, everyone spontaneously burst into applause.
The atmosphere was electric.
Clearly, the guests were showing the Everton family all the respect they deserved.
The media followed in an orderly fashion behind Amanda and Narissa until they reached the main stage.
Hector immediately joined his wife and daughter, with the couple flanking Narissa as she linked arms with them to step onto the stage.
“Dear guests, friends from the media, thank you all for coming to our welcoming party. Today, I’m proud to announce that our long–lost daughter, Narissa, has finally come home after over a decade apart.”
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