Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 876: You're Not Worthy of Ruud Neither of them felt comfortable in formal settings. So, Ruud brought her to this quiet spot to catch her breath before heading back. "You've just cback, and I can't even get a hug? Are you already tired of me?" Ruud, a grown man, spoke with a hint of grievance.

Natalie quickly comforted him. This was her man, after all, someone she adored from the bottom of her heart. "What can I say? I love you. I'll endure it." She reached out and gently patted Ruud's head, as if soothing a large dog.

Ruud immediately perked up at her words. His tone softened. "If it's too hot, we can go swimming. There's a new pool I had built behind my room. Want to give it a try?" Natalie blinked. She felt there was something mischievous in his suggestion, her lips parting slightly to respond- "Ruud!" A poised, elegant voice interrupted. River Swanson approached gracefully, Luna Black, dressed in purple, trailing behind her. Before Natalie could speak, River had already cut her off.

A faint awkwardness flickered across River's fair face. She lowered her head slightly, turning to the side, her earlobes tinged pink. "Ruud, I just stepped out of the banquet hall for sair. I happened to see you around the corner and couldn't contain my excitement. Given our... history, it's terribly rude ofnot to have greeted you earlier. Running into you like this... I'm so sorry." Her hands, hanging at her sides, clenched the hem of her white dress.

There's no such thing as a pure "chance encounter." In reality, she and Luna Black had scoured nearly the entire Pace family estate before finally locating Ruud here. Sweat clung to her back.

Luna Black, seeing River's bashfulness, also turned her head. "Meeting like this in broad daylight really is... quite awkward." Two apologies in a row. Natalie tilted her chin, a faint smile gracing her lips. "I thought syoung girl had wandered in by mistake. But now that I take a closer look, you're about my age. There's nothing to feel sorry about. Since you know my husband, why don't you take a seat? There are two chairs over there, one for each of you." She gestured with a casual flick of her finger, exuding the confidence and grace of a true hostess.

Ruud frowned slightly. The beautiful scenery, the rare moment of solitude with his wife-it was all ruined. His displeasure was evident in his tone. "What's there to apologize for? You're both grown women. What haven't you seen? Is it just because we're showing a bit of affection? Why the fuss?" River Swanson froze for a moment, her nails digging into her palms. She hadn't expected Ruud to call her old. She'd invested heavily in luxury skincare and regular visits to cosmetic clinics. Anyone who saw her wouldn't guess her age. And now, with just a few words, Natalie had driven a wedge between her and Ruud. That woman! Ruud: Years of feelings? In your dreams? I've been on the battlefield all these years. How could we possibly have any "history"? Luna Black, too, was fuming, but there wasn't much she could say. Even if she was younger than Natalie, it wasn't by much. From the moment she entered, she had scrutinized Natalie closely. To her dismay, she realized Natalie was not only more stunning than either of them but also radiantly youthful, despite having lived a wandering life and bearing a daughter. The realization made their jealousy burn hotter.

Reluctantly, the two women sat on the single chairs by the side.

River Swanson took a deep breath, steadying herself. She gave a soft smile and spoke delicately, "Ruud, it's been such a long time. You've only grown more handsome. I often hear news of your victories at home." Her voice carried a hint of shyness, her gaze brimming with admiration for him.

Ruud responded with a dismissive grunt, wrapping his arm around Natalie's waist. He was ready to nap. He'd heard such compliments countless times before.

River's smile faltered, the awkwardness evident. Luna Black quickly stepped in. "Miss Swanson has never forgotten the bond you share. She's been waiting for you all these years. You were childhood sweethearts, after all. As soon as she heard you returned victorious, she rushed to see you." Ruud didn't even bother to respond, his eyelids drooping.

Ah, age. It does make one prone to drowsiness.

Natalie, on the other hand, seemed entertained. Nestled in Ruud's arms, her eyes sparkled with amusement as she listened.

Luna Black couldn't hold back any longer. She turned her gaze toward Natalie, her tone arrogant. "You must be Natalie. Sure, you're somewhat attractive, but the woman besideis the daughter of the Ashbury Swanson family." River Swanson smiled gracefully, adopting the demeanor of a proper lady. Yet, her arched brows betrayed her sense of superiority. "Natalie, my apologies. I was so caught up talking to Ruud that I forgot to greet you. I'm River Swanson. My family may not be as powerful as the Pace family, but we're not far behind." Though her words were polite, her smile carried a provocative edge.

Natalie's lips curved slightly. "I must be quite ignorant, then. I've never heard of them." Luna Black shot her a disdainful glance, sneering. "You've never heard of the Ashbury Swanson family? I suppose all you know is the Pace family? Marriages in prestigious families are about compatibility. You were lucky enough to have a daughter, but-" Ruud's expression darkened, a cold glint in his eyes. He was ready to explode.

Natalie pressed his hand lightly, signaling in their private language: I'll handle this. It's been a while since someone dared to stir trouble with me. This could be fun! Her smile blossomed, sweet and radiant, but her voice carried a sharp edge. "Why don't you just spell it out for me? I'm a straightforward person-I don't understand all these riddles." River Swanson carefully observed Ruud's reaction. Seeing no change in his expression, she smirked inwardly.

Just as Boris said. She's only holding onto him because of the child. Ruud doesn't care about her that much.

She decided to stop hiding her intentions. Without needing Luna Black to continue, River's gaze softened, and she spoke gently.m "What Luna means is that someone like you isn't worthy of General Praevion. Marriages in wealthy families require equality in status. I know you've given him a daughter and sacrificed a lot, but no one can say for sure how long this will last. Besides, I only cto attend your daughter's welcparty." Natalie, of course, understood her insinuations. Her smile widened. "If I'm not worthy of General Praevion, then who is?" Pride gleamed in River Swanson's eyes. She threw Natalie a triumphant look, thinking her opponent had admitted defeat.

River spoke boldly, "Naturally, it's me.

I'm River Swanson. I'm the only one worthy of him! He's General Praevion of Sinoria-not just any woman can match him. I've been waiting for him all this time. I'm more qualified to be his wife than you are. I excel in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. In terms of talent, family background, and devotion, how could you possibly compare?" Luna Black's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Did you hear that? How can you possibly compete with Miss Swanson? If she were General Praevion's wife, she'd provide him with the greatest support-beautiful and intelligent! Do you dare to challenge Miss Swanson in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting?" A cold aura emanated from Ruud. He was furious. Worthy? You're not worthy of anything! Who I marry is none of your business! My Tracey is the best in the world!

Ruud clenched his fists, ready to put these women in their place. But Natalie beat him to it. She smiled brightly, though her eyes remained cold. "We can compete, sure. But whether you marry him or not is not for you to decide-it's up to me. He's mine to marry. Even if you win today, I still make the call!"