Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 941: River Kneels at the Gates of the Pace Family

At that moment, Alina tasted the noodles Jared handed to her. The familiar flavor filled her mouth, and her expression shifted several times before she managed to compose herself. She didn't want to seem too obvious and give herself away. "Is it not good?" Ruud's heart sank.

To avoid hurting Ruud's confidence, Alina quickly shook her head. "No, I think it's all good. Each dish has its own unique flavor. If I had to choose, I'd call it a tie."

Tina, "..."

Jared, "..."

Alina's blatant favoritism touched Ruud, though he already knew the outcome of this little competition. To ensure fairness, the bowls had been mixed, their ownership revealed only by hidden marks. But at this point, there wasn't much need to check.

Ruud was well aware of his own culinary skills-or lack thereof. Even he couldn't stomach the food he made. Only his wife had always supported him, encouraging everything he wanted to try.

Seeing the disappointment in Ruud's eyes, Alina gently took his hand and comforted him, her voice soft. "It's okay. Cooking just isn't your strength. That doesn't mean you're not a good father. Tina is all grown up now. Express yourself however feels right for you. Don't force yourself to learn these things."

Tina unexpectedly chimed in, "I agree."

In truth, she just didn't want to endure another round of Ruud's cooking-it was pure torture.

Ruud's eyes lit up. "Daughter, does this mean you've accepted me?"

Tina deadpanned, "I'm just agreeing that you shouldn't cook."

The light in Ruud's eyes dimmed again.

Jared's lips curved slightly. "If you're interested, I can help."

Still fuming, Ruud's temper flared at Jared's teasing remark. "I don't need you! I have someone to teach me!"

nodded calmly. "In that case, I trust

for this moment. "But my consent alone isn't enough. Tina's uncles from the Brookes family are bound to oppose. You know how highly they regard her. If they don't approve, there's

all: If you're so capable, go

Tina, "..."

knew it. A

to have anticipated this. He gave Tina a reassuring look before respectfully addressing Ruud. "I'm here today to seek your opinion. As for her uncles, I'll personally visit and persuade them. I won't make things difficult for you." Jared's smooth words left Ruud momentarily speechless. But recalling the fiercely protective

glanced back at the Pace family home. "Have you noticed

are, the more it means someone's about to make a

---

Ruud no longer in the kitchen, the

table, Boris suddenly spoke, "Dad, Aunt Mia has been complaining about the new chef's cooking lately. When I visited her yesterday, she didn't look well. And on top of that, she's injured. I'm worried..." "Then get someone else to

new chef takes time. Maybe for now, Aunt Mia can come

Boris could finish, Warren silenced him with a sharp

for Aunt Mia's safety..." Boris

move in with

at Ruud's cold, unyielding gaze, and he dared not utter another

to Warren. "Sir, someone

expression darkened. "They still have the

is it?" Tina asked, her voice calm yet

River Swanson. She's kneeling at the front gate, saying she

the butler could finish. "What exactly

clearly uncomfortable. "She said she won't stop kneeling until

"If she

turned to Warren. "Dad, I'm

her and instructed the butler, "Tell her to kneel farther away.

evident than Ruud's. The Swanson family was a prominent name in Ashbury, yet they allowed their younger generation to act so disgracefully. It was a complete

name.