Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 877: A Game of Wits

River Swanson's eyes burned with rage, her knuckles pale white as her chest heaved with indignation. Natalie was truly shameless! How dare she speak such audacious words? Ruud could only belong to her-no one else had the right to even think of him!

Her expression turned icy, her face dark with anger. "Since you're so eager to compete with me, I won't refuse. Let's settle this in the banquet hall, in front of all the guests. Do you dare?"

Without putting Natalie in her place, River knew she wouldn't be able to swallow her fury. Embarrassing her in front of the crowd would be the perfect revenge. Let's see if the Pace family would still want her after this! No one could stop River from marrying Ruud. Natalie, you're just the perfect stepping stone for me!

Natalie lifted her gaze lazily, her lips curving into a faint smirk. "Miss Swanson, if you don't want to see me in Boris's arms, just say so. No need for all these theatrics."

River's face darkened. How could Natalie have guessed her thoughts so easily?

Ever since she'd walked in and seen Natalie and Boris with their arms around each other, her jealousy had been like a wildfire. She wanted to slap that wretched woman, but there was nothing she could do.

Natalie stood and rose gracefully. Ruud's arms suddenly felt empty, the warmth of her presence dissipating, and his frustration grew. Neither of these women would ever set foot into the Pace family's doors again!

"Let's go to the hall," Natalie said casually, her tone calm yet commanding as she took the lead.

Ruud placed a protective hand on her waist as they passed by River Swanson and Luna Black, leaving behind an invisible storm in their wake.

River's face was ashen, her expression cold and stormy, far removed from her usual delicate demeanor.

As they reached the entrance to the hall, Natalie suddenly stopped and turned, her face adorned with a faint smile. "Miss Swanson, stop sulking. When you came to me earlier, you carried yourself like a proper lady. What happened? We're about to go in, and your beloved is watching. Shouldn't you fix your expression?"

"That's one thing you lack compared to Miss Black here. She's managed to maintain her poise all along. I can't help but admire that."

River forced an awkward smile, one that looked even worse than crying. "I got startled by a grasshopper on the way here," she muttered.

Luna Black, her face dark with irritation, snapped, "Stop trying to stir up trouble!"

hall with a serene

over her gown like an attentive attendant. She moved like a queen, exuding

frenzy. Guests jostled to raise

down so hard on his glass that it nearly shattered in his teeth. Meanwhile, River and Luna were

eyes scanned the room, searching for Natalie with a desperation that surpassed even her

ensure Natalie was utterly humiliated in front of

strode toward the main stage, her sharp eyes catching River's. River, unwilling to back down,

in the banquet hall slowly died down as

refined as she addressed the crowd. "Good evening, everyone. I'm River Swanson. Tonight, at this welcome banquet, I thought we could add some excitement by hosting a little competition with Miss Reed." Her gaze fell on Natalie. "She's here with her mother, and I'd like to challenge her in the arts-music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

purple gown, interjected with a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. "Since it's a competition,

were to judge,

front of the entire country. Let her disgrace be broadcast to everyone watching online! Let's see if she'd have the nerve to

you think? If this feels inconvenient, we can drop it. After all, it's just a welcome banquet. The guests are here to enjoy themselves." Natalie remained calm, her expression as serene as still water. She glanced at River indifferently. "You talk

of her words

teeth in frustration, but

out her phone, opened her account, and typed up a quick title for the livestream.

less than a minute, over

elite was enough to draw a massive audience-especially when it involved a showdown between two

"Wow, I just woke up to

River Swanson from the famous Swanson real estate

"Yes! I'm here to see what a

should be interesting. I thought only old

heard of her.

is she? Doesn't ring any bells in Ashbury

"The voting aspect makes this so

first round was a music