Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 897: Grandpa, Don’t Be Too Greedy

From the moment Kaleigh entered, River had been holding herself together with calm restraint. But Kaleigh's last words broke through her defenses. Hatred erupted in River's eyes as her nails dug into her palms, breaking the skin without her even noticing. "It's all because of Alina and Tina! They ruined my reputation, destroyed my image in Ruud's eyes. He was so heartless to me, in front of everyone!"

Kaleigh patted River's shoulder, her tone probing. "River, so what are you planning to do next?"

River's face fell at the question. Her voice was weak and hesitant. "Dad has already warned me to behave. If I cause another scandal like the one that embarrassed the Swanson family last time, he..."

"River," Kaleigh interrupted, her voice light but pointed, "Dad only asked you not to embarrass the Swanson family again. If you handle things flawlessly, he won't do anything to you."

River's expression darkened as she pondered. Her eyes glinted with uncertainty. "You might as well just tell me why you're really here."

Seeing that her intentions couldn't be hidden, Kaleigh put on a pitiful expression, her voice a mix of truth and exaggeration. "River, I ran into Tina, and she treated me just like she treated you. That mother and daughter duo really know how to pick their targets."

River's brows furrowed as she sat up straighter, the sound of her ankle chain scraping against the floor. "Tina dares to treat you like that only because she's Ruud's daughter."

Kaleigh grew anxious. "Then what are you waiting for? Take Ruud back! If you let Ruud and Alina get married, you'll be left with nothing!"

River bit her lip. She clearly understood Kaleigh's intentions. "Don't you want to get your revenge?"

herself. Kaleigh gave a playful smile. "Then it's

and Jared returned home

After all, it was their home, and

the

Pace waiting for her in the living room.

hand and said anxiously, "Tina, don't mind your Grand Aunt's temper. That's just how she is. You're

Mia might have upset Tina. When Tina had been out the entire day, he had started to worry she might not

the Pace family's stance. Although he had defended Tina earlier when Mia criticized her, he hadn't been too harsh with Mia, as she had just returned, and he didn't want to embarrass her. Still, his defense wasn't as strong

Mia entirely until Grandpa Pace brought her up. She blinked for a moment before realizing what he was referring to. "I didn't take it to heart, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Aside

she had come to appreciate the sense of family now that she had it, even if her feelings were limited. She genuinely

she had accepted him on the surface, her heart hadn't fully embraced

their sake. As long

if anyone deliberately caused her trouble,

in her heart, but it wasn't much. Compared to Ian

the time they had spent together was brief,

said, "She's only staying here for a short time. When the time comes, she'll leave

understood what he meant and smiled faintly. "Grandpa, you should

for an elder. But to Grandpa Pace, they were like