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?

up with excitement. "Dad!

and Jennie exchanged baffled glances. Who was Uncle Pace, and where had

a polite smile on his face. "Hello,

eyes lit up in recognition. "You're Tina's

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. Hugo had immediately decided to return home to attend the wedding.

planned to visit Alina today, but to their surprise, Ruud had come to

Hugo's peculiar mood. She sighed inwardly, understanding the

biological father, but don't forget how close Tina is 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 was filled

had given Tina the family warmth she lacked. For that alone, he

Pace, is there a reason for your visit

visit and thank you

sincere, but inwardly, Ruud felt a pang of bitterness. His wife had insisted that he treat Hugo with respect because of

had originally planned to meet Hugo outside, but he decided that a home

eyes shifted to the corner of the room, where several lavish gifts were neatly

frank, Tina may not be my biological daughter, but Alina entrusted her to us. My wife and

"I knew you were a generous man, Mr. Reed. However, I have another reason for coming here

taken aback.

expression turned serious. "Is something

ask Mr. Reed for advice on how to

blinked, confused. "Win her

puzzled. "Did you and

sighed, deciding to be honest. "To tell you the truth, ever 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

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