Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

In the living room, Jared was seated on the sofa, waiting for her arrival, while Beatrice and Mrs. Fanning kept him company. As Tina descended the stairs, Jared stood up to greet her, “Everything alright?”

“Yes,” Tina nodded, addressing Beatrice and Mrs. Fanning while coming down, “Today will be the last acupuncture session for Shonna. I’ve just informed her about the medications and treatment plan.”

Beatrice, overwhelmed with gratitude, escorted Tina and Jared to the door, adding, “The Reed family has just declared bankruptcy.”

Tina had already seen the news. The events of the day had completely tarnished the Reed family’s reputation. The tide of public opinion had turned. People who had once sided with Amber in attacking her and Jared were now viciously turning against Amber and Elizabeth. The news reported that Elizabeth’s hospital room had, in just one afternoon, received over five hundred wreaths, with inscriptions wishing ‘early rest in peace to the child tormentor’ a clear testament to the public’s fury.

Major banks, suppliers of raw materials cooperating with the Reed family, and downstream dealers who had paid deposits for new perfume products, fearing they would not get their money, were all crowding the hospital, pressing the Reed family to repay their debts.

This time, Elizabeth couldn’t hold on and genuinely fainted.

The bankruptcy of the Reed family was announced – not unexpectedly, as it was the ending Tina had set for them. And this time, only two families had taken action against the Reed family; had everyone involved moved against them, the Reed family would have been left with nothing.

Despite everything, Tina had shown restraint for the sake of Hugo and Orchid.

Beatrice spoke again, “I was careless this time, tricked by Amber and even dragged you into this. Don’t worry, our Fanning family will make sure she ends up behind bars.”

The Fanning family’s troubles had been caused by them, but it was Tina who had to clean up the mess, leaving Beatrice feeling ashamed.

Tina didn’t say much, just politely bid farewell and left with Jared. Nathan hadn’t come today; Jared had driven himself.

On the way, Logan called. As soon as Jared connected the call via the car’s Bluetooth, Logan’s powerful voice erupted, “You little rascal, I’m returning to the capital in a few days, and you’re not here to keep me company. Where on earth have you been?”

Jared replied helplessly, “I’m with Tina.”

“Oh, Tina’s with you?” Logan’s tone softened immensely, “You should indeed spend more time with Tina. It’s alright not to come back tonight. You young people must be a little impulsive, I can understand.”

Tina raised an eyebrow, teasingly looking at Jared. He immediately gestured his innocence with his eyes – he certainly didn’t have that in mind.

“Tina gril,” Logan called out.

“Mr. Farrell, I’m here.”

“I’ll be returning to the capital soon, and the day after tomorrow, I’d like to invite your whole family to dinner. I haven’t seen you in days and I miss you.”

“Sure, I’ll let them know,” Tina replied.

Logan was satisfied and hung up without another word to Jared. The difference in treatment was quite apparent.

“I’m sure I’ll have tough days ahead,” Jared sighed theatrically, “because if we argue, grandpa will definitely take your side.”

“Mr. Farrell,” Tina turned, her captivating eyes fixed on him, lips pursed, “I remember telling you that our engagement would eventually end.”

Jared’s fingers froze on the steering wheel, his voice choked, “I know.”

He was well aware that Tina never intended to marry him. Her identity, her actions, and her agreement to the engagement were all purposeful. Yet Jared, who had never been interested in women, found himself harboring different feelings for this girl ten years his junior. These feelings, he couldn’t tell when they had started, perhaps it was last night amidst the fireworks when she leaned close and he saw his own reflection in her eyes.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

He knew one thing for certain.

He liked Tina.

But every time Tina reminded him of their eventual separation, an inexplicable pain struck his heart. He never felt weak, but in front of Tina, he felt not strong enough.

He hoped to become so formidable that Tina’s gaze would never leave him, just as his couldn’t leave her now.

Jared turned to her, his dark pupils reflecting a faint light, his voice gentle, “At least for now, you’re not leaving, which means I have a chance to make you marry me!”

Tina was silent, then suddenly smiled, a smile that captivated all, “Mr. Farrell, do your best.”

Jared smiled back, “I will.”

Three days later, at Whispering Pines Retreat.

The private cuisine at Whispering Pines Retreat was the pride of Ensford, with the owner’s ancestors rumored to have been imperial chefs, possessing countless secret recipes that drew many by reputation alone.

Mr. Farrell’s farewell banquet was set here. Besides him and Jared, Sophia and Marie came along, and Hayden Cohen, who shamelessly insisted on joining for a free meal.

On the way there, Hayden didn’t drive his own car but hitched a ride with Jared, bombarding him with questions about the hospital incident, “Jared, do you think your fiancee might be prone to violence? The way she kicked Amber that day, I worry about your future married life.”

Jared gave him a cold glance, not biting, and instead asked, “Why did the Cohen family get involved in the Reed family’s affairs? I didn’t approach you for it.”

Hayden’s eyes darted around, avoiding Jared’s gaze, “I saw you were in on it, and as a good brother, I had to join the fray. When there’s a fight, I’m there; when there’s excitement, I’m in. Of course, I had to lend a hand.”

The Cohen family had acted because they received the Shadow Lotus Seal, always issued by the Mountain Veil Order’s young master. Hayden didn’t know why the Order suddenly wanted the Reed family’s business to collapse, but once the Seal was received, the Cohen family would go through everything for their cause. Even if the young master had asked him to run naked around Ensford, he would have complied without hesitation.

However, affairs of the Mountain Veil Order were strictly confidential, not to be disclosed to outsiders, not even to a life-and-death friend like Jared.

“Really?” Jared scrutinized Hayden for a moment, “Should I thank you for your profound brotherly love?”

Hayden immediately clutched his chest and dodged to the side, feigning a dramatic cry, “My brotherly love for you is pure; don’t lust after my body, I’m straight! If you force yourself on me, I’ll have to scream!”

They arrived at Whispering Pines Retreat and stopped the car. Hayden’s back accidentally pressed the window button.

As the window rolled down, Tina and her family, passing by, stared at them with odd expressions.

A vein twitched on Jared’s forehead as he gave Hayden a kick, “Get out!”