Chapter 390: Clearwater Brookes Family
Tina went to the ward while Jared waited outside, sitting opposite Ian Brookes and Jack. Ian Brookes and Jack only offered a simple thank you and then ignored Jared. Jared appeared to be fiddling with his phone, but in reality, he was gathering detailed information about the two men across from him.
Ian Brookes was the head of the Clearwater Brookes family and chairman of Brooks Industries. Jack was the fourth son of the Clearwater Brookes family and the finance minister of Brooks Industries. Brooks Industries held a status in Clearwater similar to that of the Farrell family. With a history spanning over a century, Brooks Industries was immensely wealthy. However, the Brookes family kept a low profile and rarely appeared in public. Family members did not attend any events.
This was the public information available, but there was another piece of information that was harder to find: the Brookes family was a hidden family. Hidden families lived secluded lives in the mountains, and their identities were difficult to trace unless national information networks were used. Jared had used the X Bureau’s information network to discover that the Brookes family was a hidden family.
Hidden families generally did not appear in public. Their income sources included founding companies or providing rare security services at exorbitant prices. The Brookes family was the second hidden family to come into public view after the Ashbury White family. However, the Brookes family had surfaced earlier and operated more openly, making it difficult for people to trace their hidden identity.
There was another piece of information that particularly interested Jared. Thirty-five years ago, Ian Brookes’ ten-year-old daughter Alina had gone missing and never returned. Even though her photo was blurry, it was clear she was very beautiful.
Ian Brookes lowered his gaze and asked softly, “What have you found?”
“Dr. Reed’s mother Rebecca committed suicide ten years ago for unknown reasons, and there is no video evidence. Dr. Reed has stayed on Serenity Ridge Mountain since she was ten years old,” Jack replied, glancing at Tina who was busy in the incubator room. “What’s worth investigating is Dr. Reed’s identity.”
“What identity?” Ian asked.
“She is a renowned designer, perfumer, and piano master among other things, but we can’t find more about her,” Jack said confidently about their information network on the Brookes family but admitted they could only find superficial details about Tina.This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.
Ian Brookes looked at Jared and said softly, “Is that boy worthy of such an impressive girl?”
Jack paused before replying, “He is the heir to the Farrell family and engaged to Dr. Reed.”
Ian clicked his tongue in disapproval, “Who made such an unwise decision?”
Jack sighed lightly, “Dr. Reed is the long-lost daughter of the Reed family. Her mother, who went by Natalie before she left for unknown reasons before their engagement, later took on the name Rebecca and arranged this engagement with Mr. Farrell.”
“What a waste,” Ian sighed heavily. Though he acknowledged Jared’s exceptional qualities among his peers, even surpassing his own sons in courage, he still felt Jared was not worthy of Tina despite having only met her twice.
Jack rubbed his temples in frustration. “Dad! Whether they are a good match isn’t up to us; they seem very compatible.”
At this moment, Tina walked out of the incubator room with Scarlett, Jack’s wife. Tina removed her mask and told Jack, “Mr. Brookes, the children’s condition has improved; their heart functions are slowly recovering but they need to stay hospitalized until fully healed.”
Jack breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Dr. Reed, rest assured we will take good care of them.”
Jared stood up and asked Tina if they should leave now.
Before Tina could respond, Scarlett held her back and said warmly, “Dr. Reed, you’ve done so much for our family; even though we’ve paid you, I insist on thanking you properly with a meal.”
Ian also stepped forward and added, “Yes, young lady, you’ve worked so hard; let us show our gratitude.”
Feeling it would be impolite to refuse again and actually liking this family quite a bit, Tina agreed to their invitation.
The meal took place at Ashbury’s most luxurious restaurant where an entire floor was reserved just for them.
Scarlett affectionately linked arms with Tina as they walked around the dining area together.
Tina glanced at Scarlett thoughtfully. She had investigated the Brookes family’s background thoroughly.
Scarlett herself came from an equally prestigious background as an heir to Clearwater Campbell family; she had been childhood sweethearts with Jack but had struggled with infertility due to an injury in her youth before finally having two children after extensive treatment.
“Tina,” Scarlett said as she placed a piece of freshly grilled wagyu beef on Tina’s plate.
Tina paused momentarily at hearing her first name used so familiarly.
Seeing Tina’s surprised expression, Scarlett quickly apologized saying she got carried away calling her by her first name out of excitement.
Tina smiled reassuringly saying it was fine as she liked being called by her first name by those she liked.
Relieved yet emotional with tears welling up slightly in her eyes Scarlett whispered how seeing Tina reminded her so much of her missing sister Alina who would have grown up just as beautiful.
Tina smiled without responding further while continuing to eat; Scarlett then shifted topics engaging Tina in lively conversation about various subjects.