Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 925: Ruud Seeks Advice from Hugo In the damp, chilling basement, River lay on the ground, her body soaked in blood. Every inch of her flesh was torn apart, save for her face, which remained eerily untouched. Her grandfather, in a ruthless act of discipline, had personally carried out the punishment to appease the anger of two powerful families.

The custom-made whip, soaked in a special solution, tore through her skin with every strike, leaving her in excruciating pain as the solution seeped deep into her wounds, causing a maddening itch that reached her very bones. Her grandfather had issued a strict order: no one was to treat her injuries for seven days.

It was a test of endurance-survive and live, or succumb and perish.

Jon approached and helped her up, forcing a pill down her throat. Only then did River manage a ragged breath. "Jon, save me!" she gasped desperately.

Jon's voice was cold. "You know the authority Grandfather holds in the Swanson family. This time, you brought this upon yourself." River's heart sank. She realized she had dragged Jon into her mess, but if even Jon refused to help her, she had no way out. "I was wrong! Please, for the sake of-" "You should beg the person who can bring you back into the Swanson family, not me," Jon interrupted. The most he could do was ensure she survived the next seven days.

Hatred surged through River's battered body as she bit down on her cracked, bleeding lips. Apologizing to that woman? Impossible.

In the Reed family home, Hugo and Jennie stepped inside only to find a stranger sitting in the living room. The man, tall and imposing, exuded an air of authority as he sat on the couch, helping Zackary with his homework. The scene was so serene and natural that the couple momentarily wondered if they had walked into the wrong house. But no-Zackary was unmistakably their son.

Who was this man? Hearing the commotion, Zackary turned around, his face lighting up with excitement. "Dad! Mom! You're back! Uncle Pace has been waiting for you!" Uncle Pace? Hugo and Jennie exchanged baffled glances. Who was Uncle Pace, and where had he cfrom? The man rose to his feet, a polite smile on his face. "Hello, I'm Ruud Pace." Jennie's eyes lit up in recognition. "You're Tina's father? Alina's husband?" When they first heard that Alina had woken up, Hugo and Jennie were abroad negotiating a critical business project. Their perfcompany was preparing to enter the international market, and the deal was of utmost importance. But Alina had once saved Hugo's life. Her recovery was a significant event that couldn't be ignored. When they learned that Alina was also going to marry Tina's father, it beca matter far more important than the business deal. Hugo had immediately decided to return hto attend the wedding. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, they missed it. Only yesterday had they returned to the country.

They had planned to visit Alina today, but to their surprise, Ruud had cto them first.

Jennie quickly noticed Hugo's peculiar mood. She sighed inwardly, understanding the source of his discomfort.

She leaned closer and whispered, "Hugo, Mr. Pace may be Tina's biological father, but don't forget how close Tina is to you. Now that her real father is here, we shouldn't let her feel embarrassed." Though her voice was low, Ruud overheard her clearly. Instead of feeling jealous, he was filled with gratitude.

He had always appreciated how the Reeds had given Tina the family warmth she lacked. For that alone, he could never harbor any resentment toward them.

Hugo composed himself and met Ruud's gaze. "Mr. Pace, is there a reason for your visit this evening?" Ruud smiled warmly. "I've heard so much about you and your wife from Tina. As her father, I've been meaning to visit and thank you for all you've done for her. Unfortunately, I've been tied up with other matters and only managed to ctoday." His words were sincere, but inwardly, Ruud felt a pang of bitterness. His wife had insisted that he treat Hugo with respect because of his kindness to her and Tina.

Ruud had originally planned to meet Hugo outside, but he decided that a hvisit with gifts would be more appropriate.

Hugo's eyes shifted to the corner of the room, where several lavish gifts were neatly placed. The expensive packaging alone spoke volumes of their value.

He shook his head. "Mr. Pace, there's no need for this. To be frank, Tina may not be my biological daughter, but Alina entrusted her to us. My wife and I have long considered her our own. Please, take these gifts back." Ruud smiled, his confidence in Hugo's character reaffirmed. "I knew you were a generous man, Mr. Reed. However, I have another reason for coming here today. I need your advice." Hugo was taken aback. "Advice?" Jennie's expression turned serious. "Is something wrong with Tina?" Ruud quickly reassured them. "Tina is fine. I cto ask Mr. Reed for advice on how to win over a daughter's heart." Hugo blinked, confused. "Win her over?" Jennie was equally puzzled. "Did you and Tina have a disagreement?" Ruud sighed, deciding to be honest. "To tell you the truth, ever since Tina and I reunited, she's been distant. I don't know how to make her feel comfortable or build a good relationship with her. After much thought, I decided to cto you for guidance." Hugo and Jennie exchanged a look, their expressions saying the sthing: What is this man talking about? Tina? Hard to get along with? That didn't sound like her at all.

From the moment they met her, Tina had quietly supported them, using her own money to help their family and even investing in their company. She had saved Zackary's life multiple times and had gone out of her way to assist them. How could anyone describe her as difficult? Still, they couldn't dismiss Ruud's earnest request.

Hugo cleared his throat. "Mr. Pace, are you sure there isn't smisunderstanding? Tina may not be very talkative, but she's incredibly kind-hearted. She's been nothing but good to us." Ruud's eyes lit up with hope. "Do you think so? Maybe she's already acceptedin her heart but hasn't expressed it out loud?"

m He suddenly grabbed Hugo's hand, his grip firm and his expression sincere. "Thank youXMDReed. I knew coming here was the right decision. No one else understands my feelings, but you do." Hugo was speechless. "Tina, she-" "Wait!" Ruud interrupted, pulling a notebook and pen from his pocket. His posture was serious as he prepared to take notes. "Please, continue!" Hugo and Jennie stared at him in disbelief.

Was this really the legendary "General Praevion"?