Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Brandon nodded furiously.

The others exchanged glances, speechless.

Tina sighed. "How does Brandon have the audacity to cling to Aunt Angela like that?"

Ruud chimed in, equally disdainful. "Exactly. A grown man hiding behind his wife-what a disgrace."

Tina shot him a sharp look. "You're one to talk."

Ruud fell silent.

The three Brookes brothers stared at Brandon with a mix of complexity and disgust.

Isaac put down his fork, visibly annoyed. "Angela, you don't need someone like him. I'll find you a better man-at least someone with enough brains who won't drag you down."

From across the table, Gavin flicked a piece of fruit with precision, hitting Brandon right in the face. "Stop clinging to Angela. It's irritating just to watch."

Juice dripped down Brandon's face as he turned to Angela, looking pitiful. "Angela, Gavin is bullying me!"

Gavin rolled his eyes. "I can't stand people who tattle in front of everyone."

Ian shot Brandon a sharp glare. "Enough of your tricks. Don't hurt Angela."

The more they observed Brandon's lack of backbone, the more they pitied Angela.

They thought, Even a random guy off the street would be better than this.

Angela, however, felt a warm glow in her chest. She knew her family's concern came from love. Her background wasn't a secret in the Brookes family, but they never treated her differently. Instead, they cherished her as if she were their own sister.

For years, after Alina's departure, Angela had locked herself away in childhood memories, unable to move on. But when Alina returned, Angela realized she could start living for herself.

Since she was young, she'd reminded herself that the Brookes family gave her a new life, and she would always prioritize their interests. But this time, she wanted to make a decision for herself.

Alina, ever perceptive, noticed the change in Angela's mood. Their eyes met across the table, and Alina's gaze was warm, like sunlight piercing through clouds. It seemed to say, Angela, do what you want to do. Angela spoke up for the first time, her voice steady. "Dad, brothers, I chose to be with Brandon. Please don't blame him."

Brandon nodded fervently beside her.

He was deeply moved-Angela was speaking up for him in front of everyone.

Ian's stern expression softened, and he let out a relieved laugh. "Angela, as long as you're happy. But if this boy ever makes you unhappy, tell me-I'll break his legs!" Angela smiled. "There's no need. If he ever dares to treat me badly, I'll handle it myself."

Brandon froze. "..."

Tina smirked. "That's my Aunt Angela, always so capable."

Once the topic of Brandon and Angela was settled, Alina suddenly turned to Ian. "Dad, I have some good news. The Farrell family is coming to propose marriage." Ruud was stunned. "Wife..."

Ian gave him a sharp look before smiling at his daughter. "That's wonderful. Jared is a good man. I approve."

Ruud muttered under his breath, "Father, you're leaving me no options here."

Having just processed Angela and Brandon's decade-long love story, Ruud now had to face the fact that Tina was getting married.

The uncles and aunts at the table immediately perked up. Even Angela, whose hand Brandon was secretly holding under the table, smiled warmly at Tina. Tina returned the smile. Emily beamed with joy. "Tina's getting married? When's the date? Will it be a traditional wedding? Where will it be held?"noveldrama

Melanie waved her hand dismissively. "The groom's family should handle all that. Tina just needs to be a beautiful bride and collect her gifts."

Scarlett nodded in agreement. "Tina's wedding is a big deal. As her family, we need to give her the best gifts. Your uncle has been preparing for this for a while."

Brandon, feeling left out, muttered, "Weren't you just saying you had nothing to give?"

The blatant favoritism stung.

Tina laughed lightly. "I appreciate your kindness, but Uncle and I agreed to keep the wedding simple."

Isaac frowned. "That's not acceptable. Your mother's wedding may have been rushed, but we still aimed for perfection. For you, it has to be even better."

Ruud slammed his hand on the table, finding an ally. "Exactly! Alina and I only have one daughter. Her wedding must be grand and dignified. Anything less, and we won't accept it." Tina raised an eyebrow. "Did I ever say simple means careless?"

The family's collective decision was that the wedding wouldn't just be dignified-it had to be lavish. If the Farrell family couldn't afford it, the Brookes family would step in. Tina's uncles refused to let her settle for anything less. Ruud looked smug. Hard work always pays off.

After all, having Tina back in their lives was a blessing, and every extra day with her felt like a gift.

But his confidence wavered when he saw Tina's icy gaze. His heart sank. He quickly squeezed Alina's hand under the table for help.

Alina sighed, giving Tina a comforting look as she stepped in to mediate.

"Tina, your father means well. He and your uncles just don't want you to have any regrets on such an important day. Take your time to prepare-there's no rush."

Tina's expression didn't change, but her silence spoke volumes.

Ruud felt guilty and whispered, "Alina..."

Alina, ever soft-hearted, tried to defuse the tension.

But Tina remained indifferent. You really are my biological mom-always siding with Dad.

Suddenly, Tina's phone rang.

Hayden's voice came through urgently. "Serena, we've been ambushed in the East District. Mr. Farrell's car was bombed."

Tina's eyes narrowed. "I'll be right there."

Alina overheard and immediately ordered the driver to stop. She and Ruud switched to the car carrying gifts, letting Tina take the main car.

Tina didn't hesitate, driving straight to the East District.

At the outskirts of the village, near a deserted road, Hayden waved her down.

"Serena, you're finally here. You have no idea-if I hadn't reacted quickly..."

But Tina ignored him and went straight to Jared.

"Uncle, are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Jared steadied her, his lips curving into a faint smile. "I'm fine. See for yourself if you don't believe me."

Tina immediately checked for injuries.

Hayden stood to the side, exasperated. "Can you let me finish before you two start flirting?"

Once Tina confirmed it was only minor scratches, she sighed in relief. Then she turned to Hayden. "What happened?"

Hayden, finally regaining his composure, explained, "We received intelligence that someone was approaching this area. On the way, we were ambushed. They used a small explosive device. We're still trying to figure out where they got it." His expression darkened slightly.

This type of explosive was Paula's creation. If it was connected to these attackers, it could complicate things with the higher-ups.

Tina understood his concern. She glanced at the scene and spoke calmly, "It doesn't have to be a micro-bomb. It could also be a remote-controlled device deliberately placed here."