Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Tina froze, startled.

Was Uncle so eager to marry her?

Ruud was adamant. "Absolutely not! Marriage is a serious matter. You say two months is enough, but how do I know this isn't just a trick to lure my daughter away?"

Jared stayed silent, his expression unreadable.

Tensions were high. Alina knew that siding with either of them would only make things worse. Warren had to step in, attempting to mediate. "Tina, it's up to you. If you agree, no one else's opinion matters."

Tina's response was calm and collected. "I don't care about the timing. As long as I can be with Uncle, that's enough."

Ruud nearly exploded with frustration.

Daughter, I'm doing this for you! We've only just been reunited as a family. How can you talk about marriage so casually?

But he knew if he pushed any further, the fragile bond he'd just rebuilt with his daughter could shatter in an instant. Still, the thought of handing his daughter over was unbearable.

"No. I'll think about it," he finally said.

Tina rolled her eyes, exasperated.

Her marriage was her decision-what did his objections have to do with it?

Jared smirked. "If you're still worried, Father, I can follow your example. I'll change my surname and move into the Pace family permanently."

The room fell silent. Everyone was stunned. Even Warren, seated at the head of the table, looked visibly uncomfortable.

It wasn't shock-it was embarrassment.

Ruud's infamous antics with the Brookes family had already spread far and wide. Everyone knew how the once-proud General Praevion had humiliated himself, trying to please his future father-in-law by offering to join their household, only to be kicked out in disgrace.

Ruud glared. How petty can you be? I just objected a little, and now you're throwing shade at me!

Jared looked sincere. "I'm genuinely inspired by you, Father."noveldrama

Ruud: "..."

Knowing he couldn't win this battle, Ruud finally fixed his gaze on Jared. The air grew heavy with the weight of his authority as a general. His tone was sharp and commanding. "I need to know how far you're willing to go for my daughter." My daughter deserves nothing less than absolute devotion.

Jared met his gaze head-on, his expression unwavering. "I will value her above my own life," he said firmly. "And I will give her everything I have. I know Tina doesn't lack anything, but I want to provide her with an extra layer of security." Tina interjected, her tone light. "I don't want anything-just my Uncle."

Ruud was mostly satisfied with Jared's answer. Over the years, he'd seen too many empty promises. Words were cheap; actions mattered.

Given Tina's unique status, Ruud needed tangible proof of Jared's commitment. He had already investigated Jared's assets and influence. While they paled in comparison to Tina's, they were impressive for his generation. Jared's willingness to put everything he'd built on the line proved his dedication.

It seemed his daughter hadn't chosen poorly.

Out of options, Ruud turned to Alina for help. His intimidating demeanor softened as he looked at her, replaced by a mix of frustration and helplessness.

Alina chuckled, gently squeezing his hand. "Even if our daughter gets married, she'll still be close to us. You can see her whenever you want. Besides, Jared is someone I trust. Don't you trust my judgment?" Ruud had no rebuttal.

Alina exchanged a knowing glance with Tina, then turned to Warren. "Dad, let's settle this. Pick a suitable day for both families to sit down and discuss everything."

Afterward, Tina walked Jared out. When she returned, she found Alina standing alone in the courtyard, gazing up at the moonlight.

Tina glanced around, noticing someone was missing. "Why are you out here by yourself? Where's... him?"

She couldn't bring herself to say the word aloud.

Alina smiled. "Your father's probably inside, crying because you're getting married."

Tina: "..."

She decided to drop the subject.

"By the way, your uncle called earlier. Tomorrow, your father and I will visit him. You should come too."

---

The next day, at the Ashbury Swanson family estate.

On the second floor, Mark sat at a mahogany desk, working through a stack of documents.

Poppy played with toys on the floor nearby. Every so often, he'd run over to check on Mark, who eventually scooped him up, letting him sit in his lap. The butler knocked and entered. "Sir, Young Master Jon has arrived."

Without looking up, Mark responded with a simple "Hmm."

The butler led Jon into the room.

Jon's gaze briefly landed on Poppy, who sat quietly in Mark's lap, before he quickly looked away.

Poppy paused, his small voice breaking the silence. "Brother."

Jon's lips twitched into a brief smile, but it quickly faded.

Mark's voice cut through the air, authoritative and cold. "What is it?"

Jon straightened. "Grandfather, River knows she was wrong. She's willing to personally visit the Pace family to apologize and beg for their forgiveness." Mark's expression didn't change. His tone was indifferent. "How many days remain in her seven-day punishment?"

Jon's eyes darkened. "Four days."

"Then let her wait until it's over."

Mark's words were final. He glanced at Jon, his tone carrying a warning. "The Pace family is still an important partner. Tell her this: if they don't forgive her, she doesn't need to come back." Jon hesitated, but Mark raised a hand, dismissing him. Jon had no choice but to leave.

Inside the room, Poppy fiddled with his blocks before speaking again. "Grandfather, are you mad at Sister?"

Mark looked at him, his tone softening. "She used you to achieve her goals and nearly got you killed. Don't you blame her?"

Poppy shook his head. "I saw Sister fall into the water, so I went to save her. I just wasn't strong enough to hold on to her."

Mark's eyes softened briefly before hardening again. "You're still young. You don't understand. Some people will stop at nothing to achieve their goals."

Poppy didn't fully grasp his grandfather's words. He only wanted to see Alina again. "I don't blame Sister. Can you let her go?"

Mark's expression darkened at the mention of River. "She brought this on herself. I didn't raise her for all these years just for her to behave like a fool." Poppy tilted his head, confused by Mark's harsh words.

Mark sighed, a faint smile crossing his face as he reached out to ruffle Poppy's hair. Before he could say more, the lowest drawer of his desk buzzed. Mark's expression turned serious. "Poppy, leave the room for now."

Poppy obediently climbed down, taking his toys with him.

Mark went to the window and answered the call, his voice respectful. "Claudia."

A woman's voice came from the other end, cold and commanding. "Take care of the corpse. And make sure the remaining items in the East District are secured. Don't let them find anything." "Understood."