Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

As they stepped out of the study, neither the second-floor hall nor the first-floor living room showed any sign of Tina or her companions. Not even the butler made an appearance to see them off. In fact, there wasn't a single servant in sight. With grim faces, the two made their way to the courtyard, only to be confronted by a towering man whose imposing aura swept through like a gale, making it nearly impossible to look away.

Ella Bailey's eyes twitched at the sight, and before the man could look her way, she quickly masked her expression with feigned confusion and curiosity. Tilting her head toward Luke Gill, she asked, "Who's this guy? So full of himself. I feel like I've seen him on TV before."

Ruud approached from a distance, his figure becoming sharper in Luke Gill's vision. Luke's pupils contracted, his voice dropping to a stunned murmur: "General Praevion?"

Among the younger generation in Sinoria, nearly every man idolized this legendary figure.

Even Luke Gill, in his youth, had once fantasized about charging into battle. He had memorized Ruud's name and face, and for a time, even prided himself on having glimpsed the general in person. Yet those adolescent dreams of heroism had long since faded with age.

Still, why would General Praevion come to the Farrell estate? Could he possibly know Logan?

"General Praevion?!" Ella Bailey exclaimed theatrically, her shrill voice sharp enough to halt Ruud mid-stride.

He turned his piercing gaze toward the source of the noise, only to find Ella Bailey and Luke Gill standing before him. The sharpness in his eyes softened upon landing on Ella, but only slightly, before shifting to Luke.

"Is Jared here?" Ruud asked, his tone steady yet commanding.

Luke's breathing hitched for a brief moment. "General Praevion, are you here to see Jared?"

Ruud nodded. Luke's eyes flickered, his expression torn between shock and envy. After a brief hesitation, he said, "Mr. Farrell is here, but he's unlikely to have time to see you right now." "What-"

Ella Bailey opened her mouth to defend Jared, but Luke shot her a cold glance that silenced her immediately.novelbin

"Miss Reed is currently preparing for her court case the day after tomorrow," Luke continued, his voice calm yet pointed. "Mr. Farrell is helping her, and he doesn't even have the time to speak with his cousin. So naturally, your visit might have to wait."

The implication was clear: Even you, General Praevion, who share neither blood nor close ties, have no priority here.

Ruud raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. Pivoting slightly on his heel, he asked, "What court case?"

In the short walk from the study to the front door, Luke Gill's demeanor had reverted to his usual polished, genteel self. With a slight nod to Ruud, he replied, "Miss Reed insists that I'm guilty. She blindly believes the lies of others and, over some trivial personal grievances, has branded me a murderer and is helping that woman sue me."

Luke sighed, as though helpless, and continued, "I came here today out of respect for Logan, hoping she'd drop the charges and stop being influenced by ill-intentioned people. But she refused to listen and even kicked me and Ella out. Isn't that right, Ella?"

Ella Bailey hesitated, her mind racing. This man... just how much more is he capable of?

She forced a smile, unwilling to respond directly. After all, she and Tina had plans to carry out, and falling out now would only jeopardize them.

Under Ruud's scrutinizing gaze, she raised her voice, feigning anger. "Enough about that! The trial's in two days, and we need to go back and prepare our case."

Then, with a sneer, she added, "Tina, that ungrateful wretch! My mother is Jared's aunt, yet she won't even show him respect. How could she possibly care about you?"

Ella failed to notice the subtle shift in Ruud's expression. She had no idea that her outburst had earned Tina another mark in Ruud's mental ledger: Disrespectful to elders, domineering, and stubborn-utterly devoid of manners. What was wrong with the Farrell family?

Ruud couldn't fathom how they could dote on such a woman, granting her power and privilege at every turn.

Luke, meanwhile, glanced at Ruud's face and caught the flicker of displeasure. A calculating glint flashed in his usually gentle eyes.

"Well," Luke said, his voice smooth, "General Praevion, you're welcome to try your luck inside. As for us, we'll take our leave. Goodbye."

It didn't matter what relationship Ruud had with Jared. Luke's only goal was to tarnish Jared's image in Ruud's mind. As long as that couple suffered, Luke's bitterness would ease, if only slightly.

At a teahouse.

Jared stepped into the private room, shrugging off his suit jacket and draping it over a chair. "I heard General Praevion visited my home. Why meet me here instead?"

Ruud lifted his gaze slightly, the steam from his tea curling around his face. His cold, striking features betrayed no emotion.

Holding his teacup, Ruud stared at the floating tea leaves and replied evenly, "Discussing matters at your home is inconvenient. I wanted to ask you again-about Tracey. Has your fiancée mentioned anything about her?" Tracey again?

Jared's sharp eyes glinted with intrigue.

The rumors painted General Praevion as ascetic and uninterested in women, yet here he was, repeatedly bringing up Tracey's name and insisting on finding her.

"Tina has never mentioned Tracey," Jared said, his tone casual. "Her father, Hugo, hasn't either."

He paused, then added, as though in passing, "Who is this Tracey to you, General? Perhaps I could inquire with Jasper Reed."

"No need," Ruud replied, waving a hand dismissively. "I've already investigated that angle and found nothing."

Jasper Reed-the stubborn old man-had been interrogated countless times, yet he refused to spill a single useful word. Thinking about it only fueled Ruud's frustration.

Jared noticed the shift in Ruud's mood. As sunlight streamed through the window, it softened Ruud's sharp features, lending an unexpected warmth to his otherwise steely demeanor.

For a brief moment, the frosty atmosphere seemed to thaw.

Jared's eyes narrowed slightly. From the first time he met Ruud, he had felt something was off.

Now, seeing Ruud's softened features under the sunlight, he realized the resemblance was uncanny-Ruud bore a striking similarity to Tina. Six or seven times out of ten, their features aligned, especially the shadow at the edge of their eyes, which curved like a natural eyeliner.

Jared's lips pressed into a thin line, his gaze thoughtful. "Interesting. Speaking of Jasper Reed, he once had a first love who disappeared years ago. I thought, perhaps, General, the person you're seeking might be her?"

Ruud's fingers twitched slightly at the mention, but his expression remained inscrutable.

"Have you met this woman?" he asked, his voice cold and direct.

Jared nodded slowly, his tone measured. "Yes. Her name was Natalie-Tina's mother."

Ruud's eyes dimmed at the name, disappointment flickering across his face.

It wasn't her.

The person he was searching for was named Tracey. There was no way she could be Tina's mother.

If the woman who raised Tina were Tracey, her child would never have turned out like Tina.

Seeing no further leads, Ruud rose to leave. But as he reached the door, he paused.

"By the way," he said without turning around, "you and your fiancée have the personnel now. Make time to visit the department and finalize your paperwork." Jared inclined his head. "Thank you for the reminder, General Praevion."