Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Tina's brow twitched slightly, but she said nothing.

Mia's face darkened with anger, her eyes glaring viciously at Ruud. "I'm your aunt. How dare you curse me?"

Ruud, still irritated from his earlier dealings with Jared, directed all his frustration at Mia. "At your age, it's normal for something to go wrong with your body. If one day you don't wake up, none of us would be surprised."

Mia, standing for a long time, suddenly swayed. She pointed a trembling finger at Ruud but directed her words at Warren. "Brother, this is the son you raised? He has no respect for his elders, no decorum at all. He's cursing me to die right in front of you!"

Ruud stood his ground, calm and unrepentant, his expression clearly saying, Yes, you heard me right. That's exactly what I mean.

Mia's breathing quickened with rage. She wailed and slumped to the ground, her voice shrill with indignation. "Brother, I'm your own sister! Your nephew dares treat me like this in your presence. He doesn't respect you, the family, or anyone. You have to stand up for me!"

Ruud watched Mia's hysterics coldly.

Having spent years on the frontlines, he never cared for these so-called family rules. He had his own principles: anyone who dared to harm his wife or daughter would pay with their life. No exceptions. "Enough!"

Warren's voice cut through like a whip, silencing the room. His cold gaze landed on Mia, his expression complicated.

"I don't want to talk about what happened two days ago anymore. Since you've said you want to apologize to Alina and Tina, then show some sincerity. You're too old to be making a spectacle of yourself in front of the younger generation. You're an embarrassment, and I'm ashamed for you."

Mia's breath caught in her throat, her face turning an ashen gray.

She had just returned to the family and hadn't even had a sip of water before her brother demanded she apologize to the grandchildren in front of everyone.

But now, all she could do was endure.

If she wanted to achieve her goals, this humiliation was nothing.

Mia stood up slowly, brushed off nonexistent dust from her clothes, and reluctantly spoke. "Alina, I apologize. It was my fault."

Alina raised her eyes, her lips curving into a cold, mocking smile. "I'll accept your words, but I think you're apologizing to the wrong person."

Mia bit her lip, her face twisting with resentment as she turned to Tina, who was sitting beside Warren.

"Tina, I only want what's best for you. Now that you've returned to the Pace family, things aren't like before when you stayed in those small, insignificant households. You're not even married yet, but you've already spent the night outside with someone. Ultimately, it's our family's reputation that suffers."

"As a member of the Pace family, you must always remain conscious of your actions and conduct yourself with dignity."

Tina's cold laughter rang out. Her gaze, sharp as a blade, sliced through Mia's constant air of superiority. "Grand Aunt, the injury on your face was also for your own good. But now, looking at it, I think I went too easy." "What did you say?"

"Bang!"

Warren slammed his teacup down on the table, his tone full of anger. "I told you to apologize to Tina. Why are you lecturing her? If it weren't for Tina's sake, do you think you'd still have a place in the Pace family?" "I called you here today to make one thing clear. Starting tomorrow, you'll move to the building in the backyard. Don't come to the main house for a while."

Mia protested, "Brother, I've already apologized-"

"If you're not happy about it, you can choose any of the family's properties outside. But you'll move out tonight."

"And remember, if there's a next time, I won't tolerate it!"

Mia dared not argue further, but her gaze at Tina was filled with hatred.

Tina remained calm, watching everything unfold with cold detachment.

Under the table, Jared tightly held her hand and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Tina, you can do whatever you want. I've got your back." Tina's brows arched slightly, and her sparkling eyes softened as they met his.

Her Uncle really was the best.

The family dinner resumed, but Mia soon excused herself, claiming she felt unwell.

Warren, well aware of her scheming, immediately instructed, "Boris, escort your aunt to the building in the backyard to rest."

Mia froze but gritted her teeth and complied.

Her temporary tolerance didn't mean she'd endure forever.

One day, she'd make that mother and daughter pay.

Once Mia left, the table felt much lighter.

Except for Warren at the head, the only ones left were Ruud, Alina, and Tina.

The four of them enjoyed their meal with delight, completely unconcerned about Mia's departure.

Ruud, in particular, focused intently on the food. Anything he thought was good, he piled into Alina's bowl, all the while discussing, "Alina, this dish is great. Maybe I'll make it for our daughter's breakfast tomorrow..." Tina was speechless. "Thank you, but who eats pork belly for breakfast?"

Jared gently placed a peeled shrimp into her bowl and smiled. "If you don't like it, come to my place. I'll cook for you."

Tina grinned as she bit into the shrimp. "Sure, I want strawberry cake."

Jared chuckled. "Cake is for after meals."

Warren finally shifted his attention to Jared, his deep gaze scrutinizing the younger man.

Since arriving, Jared had maintained his composure.

Sensing the scrutiny, Jared met Warren's gaze head-on, nodding slightly with calm confidence.

Warren sipped his tea, his tone neutral. "Jared, there's been a lot of family drama lately. I hope you haven't been too bothered."

Jared smiled politely, though his words carried weight. "Not at all, Grandfather. Tina and I are family. If she's ever bullied, I'll be there for her, no matter where or when. I won't let her suffer even the slightest grievance." His Tina could do whatever she wanted. He would handle everything else.

Warren's lips curled faintly, his gaze softening.

Ruud snorted from across the table. Pretty words were easy to say.

But he had to admit, this was the first time Jared had said something that sounded like it came from the heart.

At least it justified his daughter's unwavering preference for him.

Tina thought to herself, Of course, the man I chose is the best.

Jared set down his chopsticks and spoke formally. "Grandfather, I came today because I have something important to discuss with you, Father, and my mentor."noveldrama

Warren nodded, clearly anticipating what Jared was about to say.

"I know your intentions. Having you here today is for that reason too."

"Your grandfather has been calling non-stop, hoping to move your wedding with Tina forward. Since Tina is Ruud and Alina's daughter, I can't decide this matter alone. We'll discuss it together."

He turned to Ruud and Alina.

Alina immediately expressed her support. She had already approved of this son-in-law long ago. "They're already married on paper. The wedding should happen without delay." "No way! I don't agree-"

Ruud's objection was cut short by Tina's sharp glare.

Think carefully before you speak.

Ruud swallowed nervously. He wasn't afraid of anything-except his daughter.

After a moment's thought, he softened his stance. "The wedding can happen, but not so soon! My daughter's wedding can't be rushed. At least a few months are needed to prepare." Whether or not it actually happened in a few months was another story.

She was still so young. Why rush into marriage?

Jared had anticipated this. "Don't worry, Father-in-law. I started preparing for the wedding two months ago. I promise Tina will have a grand celebration."