Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Standing beside Annabelle, Audrey Woodwind affectionately patted Amber on the shoulder. “Amber, your sister is quite commendable, contrary to what you’ve told me.”Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Amber’s face clouded over momentarily. Complimenting Tina felt like an indirect critique of herself, forcing a strained smile, “Yes, who would have thought, Tina is really impressive.”

“Indeed, she is,” Annabelle agreed, nodding appreciatively at Tina who stood on the runway. “Since she represents your foster parents too, why don’t you invite her down for a chat? I’d like to speak with her.”

“Of course, Grandma,” Amber replied, her long lashes veiling the resentment and jealousy in her eyes, as she managed a polite smile.

Elizabeth, standing behind, harbored an even darker expression. Tina was not only Amber’s foster sister but also her nominal granddaughter. Annabelle praised Tina without sparing her a glance, not even mentioning her once.

Since their arrival, Annabelle had barely introduced them to anyone else. It seemed her sister-in-law remained aloof and dismissive as ever.

But Elizabeth would endure. Over the years, she had mastered the art of patience. The debts the Ashbury Reed family owed them, she vowed, would be repaid gradually by Annabelle and her kin.

“Who knew you were the great Master Waverly Underwood,” Amber approached Tina at the runway, tilting her head up to meet her gaze, an angle she found humiliating especially when Tina, the center of attention, seemed to dwarf her into insignificance. Despite previous hardships, Amber’s smile was flawless, appearing as the closest of sisters to Tina, devoid of any underlying friction.

“My grandmother would like to have a word with you,” Amber maintained her smile. “Besides, with you standing there, the show can’t continue. We wouldn’t want to disappoint the audience, would we?” Her words subtly hinted at Tina’s lack of manners, almost causing a scene.

Before Tina could respond, Tanner interjected with a cold expression, “What show? I’m dissatisfied with all my work this time. The show is canceled!” He then turned to Tina with a forced smile, “Master Underwood, I’ll send you my latest designs and products later. Please point out what I can improve.”

Elise Chandler, standing behind, was astounded by Tanner’s obsequious behavior towards Tina. Was this the same aloof and arrogant Mack Tanner she knew?

“However, Tina can’t just stand there forever,” Amber frowned.

She disliked the way Tina looked down on her, longing to bring her down to her level.

“There’s still something unfinished,” Tina’s gaze shifted to Gwendolyn who attempted to sneak away from the corner of the stage.

“Remember what you said earlier?” Tina called out as Gwendolyn’s steps halted at the edge of the runway.

“She said that if Tanner praised your alterations, she would shave her head right here on this runway and keep it shaved for life!” Velma Lehman chimed in loudly.

“Tanner, how about this dress I altered?” Tina deliberately questioned Tanner.

“Perfect, I can’t imagine anything better than your design!” Tanner enthusiastically gave Tina a thumbs up.

“Did you hear that?” Tina raised an eyebrow at Gwendolyn, “You bet, now honor it.”

“No, no, it was just a joke!” Gwendolyn’s face was stricken with panic.

“A joke?” Velma Lehman laughed first, “That didn’t sound like a joke when you were mocking so harshly! You made the bet, now keep your word and shave your head!”

“No, I don’t want to shave my head,” Gwendolyn vehemently shook her head, her eyes pleading towards Amber for help, “Amber, help me, I don’t want to shave my head!”

“Tina, was this really necessary?” Amber’s face showed a reluctant discomfort, “We’re all sisters here, why make it so unpleasant?”

“Who’s her sister?” Velma Lehman stood up, hands on hips, scoffing, “She doesn’t deserve to be Tina’s sister. Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Please, it’s my party, let’s not ruin it…” Amber continued in a low, pleading tone, hoping her perceived disadvantage might sway others to her side.

Unfortunately, Gwendolyn had chosen to provoke this situation, and with Jared Farrell sitting nearby, no one dared offend his fiancee over a trivial character.

“Your face isn’t worth much here!” Tina’s eyes narrowed slightly, a chill passing through her alluring gaze.

Tina turned to Gwendolyn, her tone light yet unquestionable, “No one can ever deny a debt owed to me.”

“Mr. Farrell, please talk some sense into Tina,” Amber looked helplessly towards Jared Farrell.

“No one can deny a debt to my fiancee,” Jared stated firmly, his gaze fixed solely on Tina.

“Grandma!” Amber, left with no choice, turned back to Annabelle for assistance, “Please help Gwendolyn. If she is humiliated in public, how can she ever face anyone again?”

“Amber, you’re really strange,” Audrey Woodwind interjected, looking perplexed, “When Gwendolyn was insulting and provoking Tina earlier, why didn’t you help Tina then? Didn’t you care that she would be too humiliated to face people? Isn’t Tina your foster sister? Why not help your own family instead of outsiders?”

Amber’s face turned as Audrey’s eyes gleamed with schadenfreude. During her time in Ashbury, she had felt entitled to the Reed family’s affection over her cousin, whose name did not include ‘Reed’, leading her to severely alienate Audrey at every opportunity.

Annabelle hesitated for a moment but eventually said, “You bet, now face the consequences. Amber, you should keep your distance from friends who boast loudly but fail to acknowledge their actions afterward.”

Today, with Ashbury Muff Reed absent and confined to a sanatorium, Annabelle held the highest authority at the event. Her declaration clearly reflected the Reed family’s stance.

“No! I won’t shave my head!” Gwendolyn’s face turned pale as she tried to flee, only to find herself inexplicably frozen in place, unable to move. “What’s happening! Someone help me! I can’t move!”

The crowd below the stage was stunned, watching Gwendolyn fixed in a fleeing posture, unable to move. They were baffled by her sudden predicament.

“Elise, help me, I can’t move!” Gwendolyn’s eyes darted around, desperately seeking help from Elise Chandler nearby.

“What’s wrong, are you having a cramp?” Elise finally snapped out of her shock.

Before she could step forward, the crisp sound of high heels on the runway’s tempered glass echoed behind her. Tina walked past her, stopping in front of Gwendolyn, “She hasn’t settled her debt to me, naturally, she can’t move.”