Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Tina finished packing her luggage and looked back at Whispering Pines. From this point on, the Reed family had nothing to do with her. Just as Tina was about to leave, Muff couldn’t hold back and called out to her, “Tina… what kind of punishment will he face?”

Tina stopped in her tracks, her peach blossom eyes shimmering with a smile as she glanced back at the now aged face. “The law will punish him for his deeds. As for the severity, it depends on the gravity of his crimes.” After speaking, Tina looked at Muff, her lips slightly curving up. “No wonder the Reed family has stood strong for a century. Muff, your ability to feign ignorance has indeed captured its essence.”

Muff narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

Tina lifted her delicate, fair finger, tucking a stray hair behind her ear, her smile bewitching. “I’m not Jasper’s biological daughter, you’ve known that for a long time, haven’t you?”

Muff’s pupils shook slightly, then slowly revealed his true self, mixed with a unique cunning. “You are frighteningly clever. It’s a pity you’re not my biological granddaughter. If you were, I would have handed over the headship of the Reed family to you.”

He believed that with Tina, the Reed family could continue to thrive for another century. Tina’s smile became even more enchanting. “It’s a pity, your Reed family, I’m not interested in it.”

After a pause, she added, “Muff, sometimes it’s better to be a bit confused in life; otherwise, it’s exhausting, don’t you think?”

It must be said that Muff had a broad range in his roles. He could play the formidable patriarch who intimidated the entire family, the deeply affectionate father, and even the carefree hermit. Even just now, all his deep affection for Jasper was an act.

When was he not performing? Perhaps only when he mentioned Sydney would he show a moment of truth.

Muff stared at Tina’s face for a long time, then suddenly laughed. “You’re right, it’s better to be confused.”

He had never truly loved his so-called eldest son, including his current children. They were all children born through various means Annabelle employed, like drugging or intoxicating him.

How could he possibly have deep feelings? It was more about the guilt of not fulfilling his duties as a father.

Years ago, when he was forced to send Jasper away and later realized that the person who returned was no longer the same child, he knew. Jasper held everyone’s life in his hands, along with the foundation of the Reed family. If he hadn’t agreed to hand over the leadership to him, he might have been killed by him already.

There was no choice but to leave the leadership to him while retaining control of the Reed family’s business network to safeguard its future.

Over the years, he never questioned what Jasper did, just staying in the sanatorium. But he was aware of Jasper’s actions, including his plan to use Liliosa to kill Natalie. At that time, he could do nothing but buy Natalie some time at the engagement party.

It was his way of fulfilling his duty as a father.

The performance he gave today in front of Tina was also meant to ensure that she would not strike against the Reed family in the future.

If he hadn’t sold Jasper to that organization back then, perhaps Jasper and Natalie could have become the legendary couple people talked about.

But he never expected that Tina was not related to Jasper by blood. Indeed, he had known it for a long time. In the second month after Tina returned, someone had delivered a paternity test between her and Jasper.

This document was entirely different from the one Jasper held in his hands. Jasper’s confirmed a biological parent-child relationship. However, the one he held showed no genetic relation. He didn’t know who had sent him this paternity test, but being as astute as he was, he realized it was directed at Jasper and was secretly aiding Tina.

Thus, when Tina faced troubles from the Reed family, he would step in to support her, even though she didn’t need his backing. His actions were not only due to his appreciation of Tina’s capabilities but also for Natalie, a woman graced with both beauty and talent, who had come to investigate Jasper but was still willing to help the Reed family in times of trouble.

His support for Tina was largely to repay a favor. But what no one knew was that he had long been aware that Jasper was not his biological son. How long had he known? He couldn’t remember.

Tina glanced at Garrett and Esther’s family and said, “If there’s ever anything you need help with, just ask.” Out of respect for her mother, she would also protect the Reed family. After speaking, Tina linked arms with Jared and turned to leave.

Upon leaving the Reed family, Tina received a text from Elsa. “Tina, are you free? How about a shopping trip?” A smile played on Tina’s lips as her fingers swiftly moved across the screen.

Jared watched the faint smile on her lips and unconsciously rubbed the corner of her mouth, “What’s making you smile?” Tina put away her phone, her bright eyes reflecting Jared’s handsome face, “Elsa asked me out shopping.” Jared nodded in understanding, “Let’s go, I’ll take you there.”

Outside the mall, Elsa, wearing dark sunglasses and a forest-green trench coat, looked tall and charming, inheriting all of Jennie’s beauty. Seeing Tina approach, Elsa removed her sunglasses and greeted her with a smile, “Sorry for the sudden invite. Did I interrupt a date?”

Tina glanced at Jared following her and responded, “It’s fine, he’s just carrying the bags.” Jared nodded in greeting and agreed.

Elsa affectionately linked arms with Tina, and they entered the mall together. Tina wasn’t looking to buy anything, and Elsa was primarily shopping for clothes for Jennie and Hugo. After a while, they decided to sit down at a buffet restaurant.

“I’m hardly ever home and always feel like I’m letting my parents down. Sometimes, it makes me feel guilty,” Elsa shared as she ate. Tina looked up, a ripple of emotion in her eyes, “Why didn’t you invite mom out today?”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Elsa paused, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face before she regained composure and smiled, “They’re both busy with the company, either with perfume formulas or studying business models. They hardly have time to go out with us.”

“Yeah, they are quite busy,” Tina replied softly, spooning some cream soup.

Jared glanced at them, then stood up, “I’ll go get some more dishes.” After he left, Elsa put down her spoon, “Tina, there’s something I’d like to discuss, if it’s okay?”

“Go ahead,” Tina said, putting down her utensils and sitting up to face Elsa.

Elsa sighed, “I know it might be too much, but I mean no harm. I think you could join mom and dad’s company. That way, even if you marry into the Farrell family, you’d have a strong standing. What do you think?”