Chapter 32
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.
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.
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Chapter 32
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.”
