Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 874: The Pace Family Banquet The man remained silent, quietly fastening the clasp for him.

As light returned to his eyes for a fleeting moment, a towering inn, four stories high, rose abruptly before him at the foot of the mountain. Two yellow lanterns hung at the entrance.

On the top floor's balcony, a woman dressed in a striking red gown sat alone at the edge of the railing. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, her long legs dangling freely in the air. A string of red bells adorned her ankle, jingling softly in the breeze. Boris's eyes flickered with astonishment at the sight, but he had chere for news of Rachel.

The man led him to the top floor of the inn and then picked up a broom from the side, descending quietly to sweep the floor.

Claudia, her face veiled, revealed a pair of enchanting eyes that seemed to draw people in. "I called you all the way out here, and you're not pleased? Taking out your frustration on my mute servant?" Boris fell silent. So the man was mute-no wonder he hadn't spoken a word. "With so many places in Ashbury, why did you have to choose one so far away?" Claudia flicked two pebbles from her hand, striking Boris's knees. He buckled and fell to his knees before her.

"Ashbury is crawling with people trying to catch me," Claudia said mockingly. "Tina and Jared especially won't let go of my trail. If I don't hide far away, where else can I go? Or would you prefer to die in my place when Tina comes for me?" Boris's face darkened, his fists clenching tightly. Tina.

If it weren't for Tina, Rachel wouldn't have disappeared. His jaw tightened as he ground his teeth. Worse yet, Tina was Ruud's biological daughter. When Boris had learned that yesterday, he'd nearly shattered his teeth in fury. "Where is Rachel?" Boris demanded urgently.

Claudia cast him a lazy glance, her tone indifferent. "I didn't expect you to be so devoted. Among the three Pace brothers, your infatuation rivals even Ruud's. Since you want to see her so badly, follow me." With a light leap, Claudia descended gracefully, her gown billowing behind her.

She led Boris into a hidden room within the inn. Twisting a round stone on the wall, she revealed another chamber. Inside, a woman lay motionless.

Boris's heart trembled as he rushed to the bedside. Seeing the familiar face from his memories, a storm of emotions surged within him-joy and sorrow intermingled.

"When will she wake up?" Boris asked, his voice trembling with hope.

"She may never wake up," Claudia replied with a faint smile. "Her tongue was torn out by Tina. And that's just one of the injuries on her body." Boris's expression twisted with shock. "What?! Tina did something so cruel? She tore out Rachel's tongue? That vile woman deserves to die! I will never let her get away with this!" Tina. I will make you pay for what you've done to Rachel.

I will tear you apart, piece by piece, and repay Rachel's suffering a hundredfold! Claudia noticed the hatred in his eyes and smirked slightly. "I have a way to restore her to how she was before-all of her, whole and unbroken." Boris's pupils contracted. "What way?" Claudia's smile deepened, her beauty almost dazzling. "Have you heard of the Langdon family's heirloom? The Jade Armor. If you bring it to me, I'll have a way to save your beloved." Boris's s eyes shifted as he considered the proposition. "Fine. As long as you can save Rachel, I'll do whatever it takes." The Pace Family Estate A constant stream of vehicles arrived at the gates of the Pace family estate. The usually imposing and unapproachable entrance was now adorned with festive decorations. Guests holding invitation cards presented them for verification before flowing inside like a tide of fish.

They passed through long corridors, eventually arriving in the grand hall. Soft, soothing music played in the background. The hall was filled with prominent figures and aristocrats. Crystal chandeliers cast gentle, non- glaring light, and the walls were adorned with massive silk tapestries.

Boris held a glass of champagne, his eyes scanning the hall.

A slender, graceful figure appeared in the distance, walking slowly toward the crowd. The woman wore a white, hand-embroidered dress, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes were bright and clear, like pools of autumn water. She held the hand of a five-year-old boy with her left hand, while a slightly younger woman stood on her right.

Boris strode forward with long steps, greeting her with a smile. "Miss Swanson, it's been a while. I didn't expect to see you at this banquet." The Swanson family of Ashbury owned 44 estates across Sinoria and operated in various industries, most notably real estate investments. The Swanson family's influence was not to be underestimated.

River Swanson smiled softly. "My family was surprised to hear that General Praevion not only has a wife now but also found his daughter. It's truly remarkable. Since my family couldn't attend, I've cto offer congratulations on their behalf." Boris nodded. "Even I'm surprised. I used to think the only woman worthy of my brother Ruud was you, considering everything you've done for him." River's lips trembled slightly, but she maintained a gentle smile. "Perhaps it just wasn't meant to be. Now that he's found someone, I'm happy for him." Luna Black, standing beside her, couldn't hide her frustration. "Happy? What's there to be happy about? You're still single after all this time. So many people have pursued you, and you turned them all down for him, waiting for him all these years. And now look-he didn't even tell you. He just went off and found someone else, and they even have a daughter!" River lowered her gaze, her eyes filled with an irrepressible sadness. Yet she remained stubborn. "Luna, please stop. Givesdignity. I don't want to look so pathetic in front of him."

A glint of understanding flashed in Boris's eyes. Pretending to glance around, he leaned closer and m whispered "Miss Swanson, even if my brother has a wife now, in my eyes, no one is more suitable for him than you. Your devotion to him is unmatched. Natalie? She's nothing compared to you." River looked at Boris, puzzled. "What do you mean by that?" Boris sneered. "Natalie is manipulative. Even after being with my brother, she was with another man. She's nothing but a shameless flirt." River gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief. "Then why did she cback? Why would Ruud accept her?" Boris sighed regretfully. "She's good at playing people. And you know how men are-they can't let go of their own flesh and blood. Like mother, like daughter. Her child is even more cunning than she is."

"My God," River murmured, shaking her head in shock. "I can't believe General Praevion would marry such a woman River, you must win him back! A woman like that doesn't deserve him. You've waited for him all these years. You can't let your light be hidden," Luna said with a frown, distressed on River's behalf.

River coughed lightly, regaining her composure. "I understand, Boris.

om Ruud and I have known each other Ο for a long time. I'll talk to him. If Natalie truly doesn't deserve him, I trust he's only momentarily blinded." "Let's not talk about this anymore," River said, changing the subject swiftly.