Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 1028: Thaliana

At the same time, Courtney followed the figure into an isolated area on the outskirts of town. Cornering the black-clad individual with no escape route left, her eyes narrowed, and she struck with a powerful, precise palm attack aimed at their back.

The attack carried the force of the wind, but the black-clad individual sidestepped effortlessly, neutralizing her move in an instant. Then, with a swift counterstrike, they pushed Courtney several meters back.

Though the person had retaliated, it was clear they had no intention of hurting Courtney. After all, if they did, they wouldn't have spent so much time merely evading her attacks.

Courtney frowned deeply, but her eyes held a curious glint. The techniques this person used mirrored her own, and their energy was stronger than hers. She couldn't believe there was someone in this world so similar to herself.

She had to know who this person was.

Launching another attack, this time Courtney put all her strength into it. But just as the black-clad individual countered with equal force, Courtney abruptly withdrew, catching them off guard. Their own palm strike, already unleashed, couldn't be retracted in time. The force missed hitting Courtney's chest directly, redirected at the last moment. Nonetheless, the near miss left her face pale, clearly shaken.

The black-clad individual froze, stunned that their attack had injured her.

Courtney, clutching her chest, looked up with a trembling voice. "Is it really you?"

The figure didn't respond, only casting a long, intense look at her before stepping back, preparing to flee.

"Mom!" Courtney's hoarse cry stopped them in their tracks.

Her eyes reddened, her chest tightening with pain. "Back then, you left me in Ensford. Are you going to abandon me again?"

The black-clad figure paused, then sighed heavily. Slowly, they removed their hat, revealing a delicate face that bore a striking resemblance to Courtney's-seven or eight parts alike.

It was her. The woman believed to have died years ago: Thaliana.

Her mother.

Thaliana's eyes softened with pain as she approached her daughter, helping her to her feet. "It's me, Connie."

Courtney could no longer hold back her tears. That name-Connie-was her childhood nickname, one her mother used to call her. Even as she grew older, whenever someone called her that, her heart would instinctively turn, hoping it was her mother.

threw her arms around Thaliana, sobbing uncontrollably. "Mom, I've missed you so

betting that this was the person she had longed for

And she had won.

glistened with emotion as she helped Courtney to her feet.

now, she didn't

let out a bitter laugh. "How did you recognize

a small smile appeared. "I saw the mole on your

she wouldn't have

unobtrusive black mole on the back of it. It was so faint that no one

deep breath, her gaze fixed on her mother as though afraid she might vanish if she looked away

smile on her lips.

her heart swelling with

destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The

had taken root in her heart. Even though she had erected a tombstone for her mother, she couldn't help but wonder: What if, like Natalie, her mother had faked her death to escape those who hunted

that hope had become

wiped her tears with the back of her hand and shifted the topic. "Mom, what happened all these years? Why are you only

caressed her daughter's face. "Let's not talk about that now. You're injured.

---

message from Courtney, asking her to meet at a

Tina read the message carefully. Why would Courtney suddenly end

saw the message, his first instinct was to oppose Tina

Courtney. If she had asked to meet alone, it must have been for something

I have more reason to go. I can't let anything happen to

driving her there. He and Hayden waited

car window with an exaggerated grin. "Serena, everything's

in."

and got out of

did Serena