Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Kaleigh swallowed hard, not daring to say more.

Kevin poured a glass of water and handed it to her, his expression returning to its usual calm. "How many times do I have to remind you? Stay composed. What's the point of making a fuss?" Kaleigh took a sip of water, finally steadying her breath. "Brother, I was just about to tell you something. Do you know who I ran into on my way back?"

Kevin's eyes darkened slightly. "Who?"

Kaleigh's eyes widened. "Grandfather. I was coming out of the garage when I saw him dressed in black, returning from outside. At first, I thought he was a thief and nearly passed out from fright. Who would've guessed it was him?" Recalling the incident, Kaleigh felt as if Mark's presence still lingered, sending chills down her spine.

Kevin's pale face tightened slightly. "Are you sure it was Grandfather?"

"Of course. I'd recognize his voice anywhere, not to mention that mask. Who in the family wouldn't know him?"

Kaleigh pursed her lips, frowning in confusion. "I just don't understand what he was doing. It felt like he was deliberately trying to avoid being seen."

Kevin remained indifferent. "Are you curious?"

Kaleigh flinched and quickly shook her head. "Who's curious? I don't want to end up like River-vanishing without a trace."

"You have no idea," Kaleigh continued, lowering her voice, "lately, the staff have been hearing strange noises coming from the back of the old castle at night. Creepy, raspy sounds, like something clawing its way out from underground." Her curiosity was evident, though her tone carried a hint of fear.

"What's strange is that I checked the lowest level of the castle before, hoping to find River, but she wasn't there. So who's making those sounds?"

Kevin returned to his seat, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the chair's backrest. "Don't rush. There are only three days left until Grandfather's deadline."

Kaleigh squinted. "So, in three days, River will finally be released?"

"I thought for sure she wouldn't survive this time-or at least that she'd be left half-dead."

Kevin glanced at her coolly. "She's not that easy to kill. She still has her uses."

Her uses?

Kaleigh suddenly remembered Mark saying something similar earlier, and a wave of discontent surged within her. "Isn't it just because she's the eldest daughter of the Swanson family? What's the big deal? Look at her-she's not even young anymore. Who knows if she'll ever get married?"

Kevin saw through her thoughts. "If you want to replace her, wait until she's released."

Kaleigh's eyes lit up. "Brother, what are you planning now?"

He smirked. "Grandfather has ordered that River must personally apologize to the Pace family and earn their forgiveness before she's allowed back into the Swanson family." Kaleigh sneered, her eyes brimming with mockery. "After what she did to the Pace family? Ruud hasn't killed her outright-that's already a miracle. Forgiveness? Impossible." It seemed inconceivable.

"That's why she needs your help-to disappear from the Swanson family completely."

"Only if something happens to River will our eldest brother's attention be diverted. That's the only way we'll have a chance to win."noveldrama

Kevin laid out the stakes clearly.

Kaleigh hesitated, but her resolve grew. She wasn't particularly interested in competing for the Swanson family's power, but she absolutely couldn't stand being overshadowed by River forever. "Brother, you have to promise me-once you secure that position, you'll help me deal with Tina, that vile woman."

Kevin didn't hesitate. "I promise."

As Kaleigh stepped out, she suddenly paused and leaned back into the room. "Oh, I almost forgot-Grandfather's injured. Maybe you can use this opportunity to win his favor." Kevin nodded gently, his expression soft. But as soon as Kaleigh left, his face grew cold and dark.

He was one of them after all.

In the old castle, second-floor study.

Mark took a pill from the drawer and swallowed it. Just then, his phone rang.

A young woman's voice, seductive and ethereal, came from the other end. "Forgot to tell you-the person you ran into today is one of mine. No need to panic." Mark frowned. "One of ours?"

"Who is it?"

The woman didn't reveal much. "I can't tell you yet. When the time is right, perhaps you'll meet them. Have you retrieved everything?"

Mark glanced at his injured right arm. He hadn't expected the leader of the Mountain Veil Order to be so skilled. "Most of it has been evacuated. Only a batch of unfinished goods was intercepted."

The woman hummed lightly before giving further instructions. "Those are inconsequential. Put your current tasks on hold-I have a more important mission for you."

Tina drove Jared back to his place.

When they arrived, Hayden wisely left on his own, hailing a cab. He had no interest in being a third wheel for their lovefest.

Tina entered Jared's home, heading straight for the medicine cabinet. She gestured for him to sit down and take off his jacket. Though the injury was minor, untreated wounds were prone to infection, especially when exposed to water.

Jared watched her serious expression and couldn't help but smile indulgently. "Tina, it's just a small wound. It's nothing."

"Nothing?" Tina narrowed her eyes, a radiant smile playing on her lips. Holding a cotton swab, she traced it slowly from Jared's collar down to his abs.

Half teasing, half commanding, she asked, "Uncle, are you going to take it off yourself, or do you want me to help you... take it off?"

Jared's eyes darkened instantly. Before she could finish speaking, he wrapped an arm around her waist and leaned in for a deep kiss, swallowing the last word from her lips. Moments later, Jared pulled back, desire smoldering in his gaze. "Whatever Tina wants, I'm game."

A faint blush crept across Tina's fair cheeks.

It happened every time-no matter how many times they kissed, she couldn't stop herself from blushing. It was infuriating.

She was always the one to initiate, yet somehow, she always ended up melting in his arms. This time, she was determined to take control.

"You said it yourself. Don't blame me when I don't hold back."

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Tina shoved Jared onto the sofa. In less than ten seconds, his jacket and white shirt were ruined.

As she took in the sight before her, her honesty betrayed her. She swallowed hard.

Uncle's body was irresistibly sexy.

What now? She wanted to pounce on him.

Jared watched every expression cross her face. His voice, low and husky, carried a teasing edge. "Tina, are you sure you're just looking?" Without hesitation, Tina grinned.

Uncle had invited her, and she wasn't one to pass up such an opportunity.

After indulging herself, she patted Jared's abs. "Uncle, turn around. I need to check your back for injuries."

Jared knew she was teasing but didn't mind in the slightest.

As Tina worked, she slyly pulled out her phone.