Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Hugo and Jennie’s faces were sour. The clothes they wore, brand new and costing a total of ten thousand dollars, represented a luxury to them. Despite the cost, they bit the bullet and bought the outfits for Tina’s sake, only to be scorned by others.

Today was the engagement party, and the entire Reed family had arrived, each dressed to the nines, as if the engagement was for one of their own. Hugo felt indignant but held his tongue out of respect for the occasion.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The engagement party had four tables set up, three of which were occupied by the Reed family members. The Farrell family had one table, including Logan, Jared’s parents, and uncles.

The party was scheduled to start at noon, but as the time approached, Tina was nowhere to be seen. Jennie and Hugo tried to call her repeatedly but couldn’t get through.

“Tina really has no manners! How can she be late to such an important event, making all the elders wait for her?” Talon fumed, still holding a grudge against Tina for a past incident where he ended up failing to appease Ivy.

“Uncle Talon, Tina is just a country bumpkin; what manners can we expect? She’s trying to show us up now that she’s getting engaged to Logan,” Annie said with a tinge of jealousy.

Today’s modest affair was organized by Hugo, yet the Farrell family members arrived in cars worth millions, making headlines in Ensford. This prestige, which should have been Amber’s, was stolen by Tina, and the thought made Annie uncomfortable.

“Humph! What gives her the right to show us up?” Talon said coldly.

The Farrell family had already entered their private room, while the Reeds were still outside, so Jared didn’t hear Talon’s remarks.

Hugo, already anxious and upset, exploded after Talon’s outburst, “Talon, enough! Ever since Tina returned, you’ve looked at her unfavorably. What exactly has she done to you?”

Before Talon could respond, Hugo continued, “Don’t bring up the birthday party, that was your own doing, and the affair with the nanny was your fault, not Tina’s. And today, we didn’t invite you here; if you can’t wait, you’re free to leave!”

Talon was enraged by Hugo’s audacity, “You’ve turned against me! I’m your brother, and you dare talk to me this way? Have you no respect?”

“You’re my brother, not my father!” Hugo shouted back, “If you dare insult my daughter again, get out! I don’t need a brother like you!”

Pinewood frowned, “Hugo, you’ve gone too far.”

“Have I?” Hugo retorted, his eyes red with anger, “My daughter’s engagement, and a bunch of you come here, none sincerely wishing her well. Did any of you bring a gift? And now you criticize her manners and upbringing-do any of you even care about her safety?”

“You’re not acting like human beings!”

Hugo was truly furious. He knew Tina well; she was responsible and would have returned before the engagement party. Her absence could only mean something had happened to her.

Pinewood was at a loss for words, and Elizabeth intervened sharply, “Enough of this quarreling! The Farrell family is waiting inside, and we’re out here arguing. What does this look like?”

Elizabeth’s stern voice silenced Pinewood and Talon. She then turned to Hugo, “Don’t blame them for their harsh words. Tina’s tardiness on such an important day reflects poorly on the Reed family.”

“Mom!”

Hugo tried to speak, but Elizabeth cut him off, “Go find Tina and stop wasting time.”

Jennie tugged at Hugo’s sleeve, whispering, “Don’t argue with them, let’s try reaching Tina again.”

“I’ve called so many times already. I’m worried something has happened to her,” Hugo said anxiously.

“We could reach her last night, and it’s been less than twenty-four hours; we can’t even file a missing person report yet,” Jennie suggested, “How about we ask Logan for help? The Farrell family has extensive connections; they might be able to find Tina.”

Hugo nodded, “Okay, let’s find Logan.”

As they turned to head to the private room, they saw Nathan pushing Jared out.

“Mr. Reed, Mrs. Reed,” Jared greeted them, “Grandfather sent me to ask when the banquet will start.”

“We can’t reach Tina,” Hugo said, his expression grave, “I’m worried something’s happened to her. We were just about to ask your grandfather if he could help find her.”

Jared furrowed his brow, “When did you last contact her?”

“We were in touch last night, but we’ve been trying to call her for over an hour now, and we can’t get through,” Hugoreplied with a heavy tone.

Jared took out his phone, tried calling Tina, and got no answer. He instructed Nathan gravely, “Locate Tina’s phone.”

Nathan nodded and promptly set out to do so. About five minutes later, Nathan returned.

“The location shows Miss Reed is in the north area,” he reported.

The north area was a crucial route to and from Ensford.

After a moment of silence, Jared said to Hugo, “I’ll go find her.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” replied Hugo, who would have preferred to search for Tina himself, but with the guests present, he couldn’t leave.

Jared, pushed by Nathan, headed back to the private room, explaining to everyone, “The engagement banquet will be delayed. Tina has run into some trouble; I’ll go pick her up.”

“What happened? How could there be trouble out of nowhere?” Logan asked with concern.

“I’m not sure, but I’ll find her,” Jared said and left with Hayden.

Once they were gone, Jared’s mother Marie frowned and looked at Logan worriedly, “Dad, I’ve always said Tina’s background isn’t a match for Jared. You insisted on this engagement, and now look, she’s missing at such a critical time.”

Logan’s expression darkened, “What do you mean not a match? The Farrell family doesn’t hold such prejudices. And don’t forget, Tina’s mother saved your husband, my son’s life. This marriage was agreed upon long ago and is not open to your criticism.”

“Besides, I’ve known Tina for a long time and understand her character. She’s not someone who lacks a sense of time; there must be a valid reason for her delay. Let’s just wait.”

“But…”

Before Marie could continue, Logan glared at her, “If you don’t want to wait, then you can always leave.”