Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 925: Ruud Seeks Advice from Hugo

In the damp, chilling basement, River lay on the ground, her body soaked in blood. Every inch of her flesh was torn apart, save for her face, which remained eerily untouched. Her grandfather, in a ruthless act of discipline, had personally carried out the punishment to appease the anger of two powerful families.

The custom-made whip, soaked in a special solution, tore through her skin with every strike, leaving her in excruciating pain as the solution seeped deep into her wounds, causing a maddening itch that reached her very bones. Her grandfather had issued a strict order: no one was to treat her injuries for seven days.

It was a test of endurance-survive and live, or succumb and perish.

Jon approached and helped her up, forcing a pill down her throat. Only then did River manage a ragged breath.

"Jon, save me!" she gasped desperately.

Jon's voice was cold. "You know the authority Grandfather holds in the Swanson family. This time, you brought this upon yourself."

River's heart sank. She realized she had dragged Jon into her mess, but if even Jon refused to help her, she had no way out. "I was wrong! Please, for the sake of-"

"You should beg the person who can bring you back into the Swanson family, not me," Jon interrupted.

The most he could do was ensure she survived the next seven days.

Hatred surged through River's battered body as she bit down on her cracked, bleeding lips. Apologizing to that woman? Impossible.

In the Reed family home, Hugo and Jennie stepped inside only to find a stranger sitting in the living room. The man, tall and imposing, exuded an air of authority as he sat on the couch, helping Zackary with his homework. The scene was so serene and natural that the couple momentarily wondered if they had walked into the wrong house. But no-Zackary was unmistakably their son.

Who was this man?

lighting up with excitement. "Dad! Mom!

was Uncle

rose to his feet, a polite smile on his

up in recognition. "You're

that Alina had woken up, Hugo and Jennie were abroad negotiating a critical business project. Their perfume company was preparing to enter the international market, and the deal was of utmost importance. But Alina had once saved Hugo's life. Her recovery was a significant event that couldn't be ignored. When they learned that Alina was also going to marry Tina's father, it became a matter far more important than the business deal.

today, but to their

quickly noticed Hugo's peculiar mood. She sighed

to you. Now that her real father is here, we shouldn't let her feel embarrassed." Though her voice was low, Ruud overheard her clearly. Instead of feeling jealous, he

appreciated how the Reeds had given Tina the family warmth she lacked. For that

and met Ruud's gaze. "Mr. Pace, is there

your wife from Tina. As her father, I've been meaning to visit and thank you for all you've done for her. Unfortunately, I've been tied up with other matters and

of bitterness. His wife had insisted that he treat Hugo with respect because of his kindness to

he decided that a

room, where several lavish gifts were neatly placed. The expensive packaging alone spoke volumes of their

need for this. To be frank, Tina may not be my biological daughter, but Alina entrusted her to us.

were a generous man, Mr. Reed. However, I have another reason

taken

turned serious. "Is something wrong with

them. "Tina is fine. I came to ask Mr. Reed for advice on how to win over

confused.

was equally puzzled. "Did you

since Tina and I reunited, she's been distant. I don't know how to make her feel comfortable or build a good relationship with her. After much thought, I decided to come

and Jennie exchanged a look, their expressions saying the same thing: What is