Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Jared shook his head.

Tina was about to breathe a sigh of relief when Jared spoke, "There's a private kitchen here. The food is brought from home, and your medicine can't be interrupted."

Tina fell silent.

The medicine was mainly for nourishment, and even if she stopped taking it, it wouldn't affect her much. But from Jared's expression, it seemed like the sky would fall if she missed a dose. Seeing his pale face, Tina couldn't bear to waste his efforts, so she picked up her bowl and ate a bit more.

Suddenly remembering the message from Hayden on her phone that she hadn't replied to, she asked casually, "Uncle, how's Hayden doing?"

Jared raised an eyebrow. "He's eating, sleeping, and has someone by his side. If he's not secretly rejoicing right now, he'd be a fool."

Tina paused mid-bite. "Paula's with him?"

Jared hummed in confirmation, pouring a small bowl of soup and setting it aside to cool. "The White family refuses to openly release her because of what happened before. The Cohen family, knowing they're at fault, has no choice but to blame Hayden for everything. This time, with his leg injury acting up again, he found the perfect excuse to keep Paula by his side. Naturally, he's milking it for all it's worth."

Tina was speechless, silently marveling at how Hayden's cunning was finally being put to good use. With Paula already by his side, how far could he be from officially becoming the White family's son-in-law?

Just then, Jared's phone rang. He answered, "Uncle Brandon, go ahead."

Sitting nearby, Tina could hear every word of the conversation between Jared and Brandon. Once Jared hung up, she looked at him curiously and asked, "If he wanted to talk to me, why did he call you?"

Jared chuckled, glancing at her. "They're worried about you but afraid too many calls would disturb your rest, so they all call me instead-your father included."

Tina was speechless.noveldrama

This was something she hadn't expected. Knowing her father, this had to be her mother's doing. Otherwise, with Ruud's impatient nature, he would have barged in the moment she was admitted to the hospital.

Brandon must have heard about her situation from her master. It seemed tomorrow she'd have more than just one place to visit. While her grandfather hadn't directly contacted her, Brandon was already acting as his representative. And with her master there too, she needed to go in person.

As for the Warren family, the truth about Mia Pace's death and the Swanson family's involvement was something Tina had planned to uncover after capturing Claudia. She wanted to give the Warren family closure. However, Claudia had suddenly disappeared. Tina had promised Warren to investigate, so she had sent people to search.

Unfortunately, a critical piece of the puzzle was missing. The real Mia Pace had been killed by Claudia decades ago on her way abroad. As for where the body was, only Claudia would know.

Jared handed her the now-cooled soup. "Stop overthinking. Get a good night's sleep. I'll go with you tomorrow."

Tina accepted the soup and nodded.

At that moment, Nathan knocked on the door. "Jared, the medicine's ready."

Tina stared at the bowl of soup, her appetite gone.

The next day, before leaving the hospital, Tina visited Oliver, who had been placed in a special care unit. The detox pills made from Wraith had arrived days ago. Even so, the toxins in Oliver's body were difficult to completely purge. Combined with the medication he'd taken the day before, while his internal strength wouldn't be affected, the strain on his body had increased. It would take time for him to fully recover.

On the way to the Reed family, Hayden called. "Jared, Serena, have you two left yet?" Jared responded briefly, not saying much else.

Hayden, as if sensing Tina's presence, shouted into the phone, "Serena, I heard from the guys that you got hurt! Is it serious? Why are you leaving the hospital so soon? What if it doesn't heal properly and leaves lasting damage?"

Tina interrupted him impatiently. "Hayden, next time you gather information, use your brain. Who told you I got hurt?"

On the other end, Hayden was stunned. "Uh, if it wasn't you, then who?"

Jared: "..."

Nathan: "..."

They couldn't help but suspect Hayden was doing this on purpose, though they had no proof.

Tina couldn't be bothered to explain further. She told him to focus on his recovery, seize the opportunity to marry Paula, and not bring disgrace to Serenity Ridge. With their master personally stepping in, any further complications would be entirely on Hayden.

Hayden glanced at Paula, who had stayed by his side all night. His heart swelled with gratitude. Determined, he said, "Don't worry, Serena. I won't bring shame to Serenity Ridge or Master."

Paula, overhearing this, was startled. She thought Hayden had taken on some new mission and couldn't resist reminding him, "Your leg isn't healed yet. What kind of promises are you making now?"

Hayden hung up the phone, turned to Paula, and smiled. Taking her hand, he said earnestly, "I promised Serena I'd marry you."

Paula's face flushed red, her palm growing warm in his grasp. "I already agreed to your proposal. It's just a matter of time, so why are you in such a hurry?"

Hayden replied with conviction, "No way! As soon as I'm discharged, I'll go to the White family to ask your father and grandfather for their blessing. We'll get engaged first, and the wedding will be in three months. No later."

If they delayed any longer, he feared her grandfather might find another man for her out of spite. That would drive him crazy.

Paula was stunned. Was this still the Hayden she knew? Since when was he so eager to marry her?

At the Reed family home.

When Tina and Jared arrived, Hugo greeted them at the door. His previously exhausted expression brightened significantly. "Tina, Jared, you're here."

Tina immediately sensed something was off. As they entered, she asked, "Hugo, what's wrong?"

Hugo hesitated. He hadn't wanted to worry Tina, but now that she was here, he couldn't hide it. He led them to the living room, where they sat before he spoke. "Tina, to be honest, ever since Jennie was brought home yesterday, she's been acting strange. She won't eat or talk. She even had a fever last night, though it subsided this morning."

Tina exchanged a glance with Jared. They both had a hunch.

Claudia had been posing as Nancy. Jennie must have realized something.

"Hugo, how is she now?" Tina asked, her concern evident as she glanced toward the master bedroom.

Jennie's kindness had long since carved a permanent place in Tina's heart.

Hugo sighed, running a hand over his face. "This morning, Zackary managed to convince her to drink some porridge before school. She should be asleep now. I was planning to take her to the hospital, but she insists she's fine and refuses to go."

Tina gave Jared a look, then stood. "Uncle, keep Hugo company. I'll go check on Jennie."

Jared understood her intentions and nodded. The less Hugo knew about Claudia's true identity, the safer he would be.

Hugo trusted Tina's medical skills. Knowing she was checking on Jennie eased his worries.

At the bedroom door, Tina turned the handle. It opened easily-Hugo must have been too anxious earlier to close it properly.

The curtains were half-open, letting in enough light to illuminate the room. Jennie lay quietly on the bed, her complexion pale.

Tina didn't immediately check her pulse. Instead, she grabbed a chair, sat by the bedside, and spoke softly, "Jennie, I know you're awake."