Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 875: The Old Schemer's Plans Natalie sat before the vanity mirror, wearing a cream-colored long dress. Her flawless, fair skin carried a faint blush, and her lips, as delicate as flower petals, glowed with a vibrant allure.

Ruud stood behind her, gazing at her with deep affection. "Tracey, you're stunning. The most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Tina comes second. From now on, everyone will know that I, Ruud, have a wife!" Natalie chuckled softly, her laughter gentle and teasing. "You're such a sweet talker. Be careful, or Tina will overhear and never forgive you! Let's see how you'll handle your precious daughter ignoring you then!" Ruud leaned down and kissed her. "Then keep it a secret for me, and she'll never know. Besides, Tina isn't the petty type!" Just as he finished speaking, Jared walked in with Tina. Natalie's eyes lit up with admiration. "As expected of my daughter, you've perfectly inherited my excellent genes. But this style doesn't seem like something you'd pick for yourself." Tina's delicate brows furrowed slightly. "Mom, are you questioning my taste?" Natalie's face softened with a vibrant smile. "How's your arm? Does it still hurt?" Though her expression remained composed, Natalie couldn't help feeling a twinge of worry and guilt. She regretted the incident-after all, Tina was her daughter. How could she not feel heartache? Tina shook her head, her lips curving into a faint grin. "It's completely healed. Don't you trust your own handiwork?" "You little rascal, I shouldn't have even asked." Natalie tapped Tina's forehead lightly with a smile.

Leo approached, his face radiating warmth. "Con, let's head to the front. Everyone's here, and lan's been pesteringnonstop." At the banquet, lan was seated at the head of the first table. Leo had intentionally reserved this spot for the Brookes family.

Leo stepped onto the stage, his strong, weathered hands holding Tina's gently. In her moon-blue gown, Tina's cool, elegant beauty shone like carved jade. Her bright eyes shimmered, and her calm demeanor made her resemble a crescent moon.

"Thank you all for joining us at the Pace family's welcbanquet. Today, I am proud to formally introduce my granddaughter, Tina." Tina nodded gracefully to the audience below as applause erupted.

The guests responded enthusiastically, offering thunderous applause.

"Leo looks twenty years younger since reuniting with his granddaughter-absolutely glowing with vitality!" one guest remarked.

"Isn't this what they call the bond between generations? The love between a grandfather and granddaughter is truly something special!" "Congratulations to Leo! His granddaughter is even more beautiful than a celestial goddess. I wonder, is she married?" The crowd burst into playful laughter, the atmosphere light and cheerful.

Suddenly, the sound of a cane hitting the floor echoed-thump, thump, thump. Logan stood up abruptly, his mustache practically curling in excitement. Turning to the crowd, he shouted, "Come, come! Everyone, look at this! Here's a picture of Tina and my grandson's marriage certificate! They've been married for ages-what a perfect couple! Whoever asked about her being single, remember to bring a big gift when you cto the wedding banquet!" Marie gave Logan a thumbs-up right then and there, muttering under her breath, "Trying to steal my daughter-in- law? Dream on. My family would never agree!" To Marie, securing a daughter-in-law like Tina had taken a lifetof luck.

Jared chimed in with a sly tone, "Grandpa, it's not just the wedding. You'll have to invite them to the hundred-day celebrations for my and Tina's future children, too!" lan, seated at another table, laughed heartily but felt a sense of competition. "That won't do! Tina has to visit the Brookes family more often. You uncles better step up-I refuse to let Warren Pace hold a higher place in Tina's heart than me!" Warren, as if sensing the jab, picked up the microphone and looked down at the group of elderly men. "Tina is a treasure of the Pace family now. Certain old men better stop dreaming about stealing her away!" lan scoffed, muttering under his breath, "You think saying that will stop me? I'll steal her back if I have to!" Logan joined in, "Countin!" Tina pinched the bridge of her nose, exasperated by the scene.

Amid the lively chatter, Tina suddenly felt a probing gaze from the crowd. Her expression turned cold as her sharp eyes scanned the audience. Whoever it was had vanished.

River Swanson, seated nearby, lowered her gaze and murmured softly, "Why does Tina seem so unhappy? I only looked at her for a second, and her expression immediately turned icy." Luna Black, hearing this, frowned and spoke with mockery. "Look at Leo throwing her this grand welcbanquet, and she just sits there with a frosty face. Anyone would think the Pace family owed her something! Didn't her mother teach her any manners?" River sighed, linking arms with Luna. "I heard Boris mention once that Natalie didn't cfrom much of a background. A single woman wandering the world with a child-it can't have been easy." Luna's frown deepened as she clicked her tongue. "Tsk, tsk. She probably hasn't even had an education. How could someone like her be worthy of General Praevion? Dragging along a child while flirting with men everywhere-if you ask me, you should just take General Praevion back!" "I can't," River murmured, biting her lip. "His daughter's already grown, and Leo treasures Tina so much. I..." Her voice trailed off, but the struggle on her face was evident.

Luna immediately caught onto her concerns. Patting River's shoulder, she spoke meaningfully. "Leo is old. It's natural for him to want a granddaughter by his side, but she's just a girl. Once the Pace family has a grandson, you can imagine how quickly her status will fade. As for Natalie, with no family background, she's no threat." River's brows twitched, a glint of calculation flashing in her eyes. She smiled faintly and tightened her hold on Luna's arm. "This banquet isn't particularly interesting. Why don't we explore other parts of the Pace estate?" Luna's eyes gleamed knowingly. Teasing, she said, "I see-Ruud isn't here to catch your eye, so you want to go search for him elsewhere." "Are you leaving? Can I cwith you?" Five-year-old Poppy Swanson tugged at River's gown, her voice sweet and innocent.

River glanced down at the wrinkle now creasing her white skirt, her gaze darkening. Stroking Peppy's head with stewider fingers, she said, "Luna and I are just going to the restroom. Why don't you stay here and enjoy scake? I'll cback to play with you soon." Poppy's big, bright eyes blinked as she nodded obediently. "Okay, I'll eat my cake first, but you have to cback soon!" River hurriedly nodded and turned away, leaving with Luna.

The estate's gardens were meticulously designed, with massive wooden beams carefully arranged to create a picturesque viewing area. O The overhead structure was both solid and airy, adorned with small, brilliant lights. Beneath the lights were lounge sofas, perfect for resting, with additional smaller chairs tucked to the side.

Ruud reclined on one of the large sofas, his strong arm wrapped securely around Natalie's waist. His steady breaths fell against her neck, his lips curved in a contented smile as he held her close, eyes closed in blissful intimacy. Their closeness radiated a bond that seemed etched into their very souls. Natalie, slightly uncomfortable in the warmth of his embrace, turned over.

Ruud immediately pulled her back, holding her even tighter. "It's been so long since we've had a moment to relax like this." Natalie lightly punched his chest in protest. "It's too hot! Stop holdingso tight. If you're like this, we might as well go back to the banquet instead of sneaking away to slack off!"