Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Inside the study, Rachel had already prepared tea for Grandpa Brookes and quietly waited for him to enter. As soon as Grandpa Brookes walked in, he noticed Rachel's reddened eyes, clearly feeling guilty about something that had happened earlier in the day. Grandpa Brookes was often harsh towards the boys in the house, not hesitating to strike them with his cane, but he seldom spoke harshly to the girls. It wasn't because Alina had disappeared that he favored them; he simply believed that girls should be pampered.

Even when Kiki and Mimi mischievously almost shaved off his eyebrows with Brandon's razor, he just laughed it off, giving each granddaughter a gentle tap on the head. He had never laid a finger on Rachel. But today, Grandpa Brookes was truly angry. He knew Rachel like the back of his hand; how could he not see what she was thinking? He was aware that Rachel did not welcome Tina and that she was not fond of Kiki and Mimi.

"Dad," Rachel began, crying, and as she spoke, her tears became uncontrollable. Normally, Grandpa Brookes would have handed her a tissue or jested, "Why is my little girl crying again?" But this time, he said nothing and just sat down heavily. Rachel cried for a while, then quietly bowed her head. Grandpa Brookes sighed deeply and said with a heavy heart, "Rachel, you really went too far today."

"Dad, I truly didn't know that Boris had bought a fake; I was deceived too, I'm really sorry," Rachel hurriedly explained. "The Pace family wouldn't gift a fake item when they have many better gifts than a mere stone. What upset me was your disparaging Tina in front of Boris!"

Grandpa Brookes's words shook Rachel. "Dad, how could I disparage Tina, I-"

"Boris and Tina don't even know each other, how could he possibly have such animosity towards her?" Grandpa Brookes tapped his cane, his eyes gathering anger. Rachel bit her lip and revealed the incident of Tina saving Boris's father, "That day, it was Tina who made Boris lose face, so today-"

"You might as well say that you were the one who told him about Tina!" Grandpa Brookes looked at Rachel disappointedly, his tone filled with blame. "Rachel, Boris is a fool; how would he know Tina is Spectre? Do you really think I'm senile?" Rachel was at a loss for words; she knew well that Mr. Pace had certainly discussed everything with Grandpa Brookes. They had played together when they were young and remained close in their old age, naturally sharing everything. A man like Mr. Pace would definitely be aware of Tina's identity. And nothing that happened in the Pace family could escape Mr. Pace's eyes, including the bad things she had said about Tina in front of Boris.

She had thought that Mr. Pace was ill that day and speaking wouldn't matter, but he had found out nonetheless. Boris had openly revealed Tina's identity that day, which seemed very intentional. He didn't even know Tina, nor had he any reason to investigate her identity. The moment he spoke, Rachel knew it was a mistake. But once Boris had spoken, there was no stopping him. Grandpa Brookes paused, then deeply sighed, "Rachel, I know Tina's arrival makes you feel threatened, afraid that your place in my heart and the Brookes family might suddenly decrease, afraid you might be driven out."

Rachel was silent; Grandpa Brookes had made his point, and she had no denials to offer. Denying would only seem false.

Grandpa Brookes continued, "You silly child, if I didn't truly consider you my own daughter, why would I have raised you all these years? Don't always think of yourself as a substitute for Alina. You are Rachel, my daughter, whom I've raised from a child, and you are the treasure of my palm!"

Rachel pursed her lips, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at Grandpa Brookes.

Grandpa Brookes sighed again, his tone softening, "You, Alina, Angela, I've never differentiated between you. Indeed, my thoughts have always been occupied with finding Alina, but I've never neglected you. I've already prepared your dowry; just tell me whom you want to marry, and I'll arrange the wedding immediately. As for my will..."

A flicker of anxiety passed through Rachel's eyes, "Dad, I..."

Grandpa Brookes waved his hand, "It's alright. You've inquired, and that's that. But don't do it again. I'll repeat myself, I treat all my children equally."

Rachel nodded, "I understand, Dad."

"Alright, it's getting late. You should go back and rest. Let's not have such incidents again. As for Brandon, I will handle him."

Rachel acknowledged and left the study.

She stood at the door, pondering for a long time. The pity in her eyes gradually settled. Indeed, in Grandpa Brookes' heart, Tina was now the most important. Otherwise, he would never have said so much to her. Previously, no matter what mistakes Rachel made, Grandpa Brookes would never react this way.

If Tina returned, what status would she have left?

Tina and Brandon were of the same ilk; once they banded together, who would care about her fate?

A sinister glint crossed Rachel's eyes; Tina, you must die!

Elsewhere.

Following the information sent by Eagle Flies, Tina found her, bound tightly.

Seeing her in such a sorry state, Tina laughed mercilessly, "You didn't even manage a single move against them, did you?"

Although Tina didn't know who had bound Eagle Flies like this, it was clear that Eagle Flies had been powerless to resist!

Eagle Flies looked helpless, "Can you two help me untie this first?"

While laughing, Tina untied Eagle Flies' ropes, looking at the small heart on her forehead, "It suits you."

Eagle Flies disdainfully wiped off the heart from her forehead, "It was Angela."

Tina's smile froze, "Angela?"

"Yes, and the one who issued the kill order on me was Five Poisons, probably because Angela almost found her hiding place," Eagle Flies recounted the night's events. "Did you manage to install a tracker on her?" Tina asked.

Eagle Flies nodded, then pointed at a nearby trash can, "But she took it off before she left. Also, she said that she can't meet you yet."