Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 869: Kylie Lambert Meets Tina "You're finally awake... Finally awake. I've been looking for you all these years! Tracey, now I know your real nis Natalie." Ruud held Natalie tightly, as if he wanted to merge her into his very being. Tears streamed down his handsface.

"At that time, I was burdened with duties and surrounded by danger. I didn't know you were General Praevion, and I feared that revealing my real nmight bring you harm-perhaps even death. But I always knew we'd meet again. I never forgot the promises we made to each other." Natalie embraced him just as firmly, her voice trembling with joy. "I always believed we'd reunite. I've never forgotten, not for a moment." Ruud gently stroked her hair, his touch filled with longing. "Yes, all these years, we've both been fighting for the sgoal. I know you've suffered so much because of me. From now on, I'll never let you go through any pain again. I'll protect you with everything I have." Natalie leaned further into his arms, resting her head against his chest. "We have a daughter. You've probably already met her." Ruud nodded, his gaze softening with affection. "I saw her. She looks so much like you-seven or eight parts like you. The moment I saw her, I knew she was my daughter. Thanks to you, I have such an amazing and beautiful child." Natalie's face flushed with pride, her lips curling into a smile. "Tina is my only daughter. She's never letdown. It was Tina who handedover to you-otherwise, you wouldn't have been able to takeaway." Ruud chuckled bitterly. "Yes, it was Tina. She knew how much you loveand how hard I've been searching for you, so she allowedto take you. But... she refuses to acknowledge me." A flicker of surprise crossed Natalie's eyes, quickly replaced by understanding. "Tina has suffered a lot withover the years. She's not like most children. I even sent her to Serenity Ridge when she was very young. It's hard for her to accept you, but now that our family is finally reunited, I won't let us be separated again." She stood on her toes and kissed Ruud gently, her voice soothing. "Don't worry. Withhere, Tina will caround." Ruud nodded like a child, holding Natalie close and nuzzling against her neck. "Now that you're awake, I'll call her immediately. Otherwise, she might hold this against me." He pulled out his phone and dialed, but after a moment, he frowned and looked at Natalie, shaking his head in defeat. "The line is busy. I couldn't get through." Natalie patted his arm reassuringly. "She probably has a lot going on. Try again later." At that moment, Tina was indeed on a call. She answered with a calm expression, her voice quiet but firm. "Hello, Tina. It's Kylie Lambert. Can we meet?" Tina raised an eyebrow. "Alright." They arranged to meet in a private room on the second floor of a restaurant.

The room was warmly lit, the soft yellow glow illuminating a wooden table with a plant centerpiece resembling red coral. The walls were adorned with inlaid bird designs, giving the space an elegant, traditional charm. Kylie Lambert sat at the table, her brows knitted in thought. Memories played in her mind like a slideshow as she held a cup of tea, taking small sips.

When Tina arrived, Kylie was just setting down her teacup.

"What do you want?" Tina asked, her tone indifferent. She glanced at the tea prepared for her on the opposite side of the table, her brow arching slightly.

The once arrogant and rude Kylie Lambert, who had always looked down on her, had gone so far as to prepare tea for her? Kylie stood and bowed deeply. "Tina, I'm sorry. In the past, I was arrogant and disrespectful to you because I coveted Jared. I did many terrible things to you, and I regret them deeply." Tina crossed her long legs and took a sip of the tea, her gaze sharp. "Trevor sent you to apologize, didn't he?" Kylie's pupils dilated with shock. She hadn't expected Tina to guess so easily, but she quickly admitted it. "Yes, my father askedto apologize. After the Langdon family fell, I visited him in prison. He's worried you won't letgo. I know I went too far in the past." Before meeting Trevor, Kylie had harbored resentment toward Tina and even thought of seeking revenge. But Trevor had warned her solemnly: if she wanted to survive, she should never provoke Tina again. The Langdon family couldn't match Tina's strength, let alone with Jared by her side.

Trevor's only wish was for Kylie to live a peaceful life, instead of charging headlong into disaster.

Kylie's eyes flickered with worry, unsure if Tina would forgive her.

But with one glance, Tina saw through her thoughts. Her voice was calm, almost detached. "I won't hold your past actions against you. This time, I'll let it go. Trevor once did my mother a kindness, and he's using that favor to save your life. I'll honor that debt today." Tina drained her tea and stood, leaving without hesitation.

Kylie watched her retreating figure, her movements graceful and resolute.

In that moment, Kylie finally understood why Jared's eyes were only ever on Tina.

As Tina stepped outside, she checked her phone and saw a series of missed calls-all from Ruud.

Her brows furrowed. She had just checked her mother's condition the day before and found nothing unusual. There shouldn't have been any problems today.

As she pondered, Ruud called again. She answered this time.

"Sweetheart! Your mother is awake!" Ruud's voice was filled with excitement.

Another voice chimed in from the background. "Tina! I'm awake! Aren't you coming to see me? I've missed you so much!" Tina's throat tightened, as if a fishbone were caught there, and her eyes brimmed with tears. "I'll cright away. I was just handling something." As she hung up, Jared pulled up in his car. He noticed the tears in her eyes immediately. "Why are you crying?" His gaze darkened with concern, a flicker of anger crossing his face. Who had dared to upset his girl? Before he could get out of the car, Tina opened the door and climbed in, her voice trembling with excitement. "My mom is awake!" Jared's eyes widened in shock, and without another word, he started the car and sped off.

At the Pace family estate, the hall was abuzz with activity. People swarmed in and out the news of Natalie's awakening spreading quickly. Members of the Pace, Brookes, and Farrell families had all rushed over. Ruud shot an exasperated look at his father. "Dad, Tracey just woke up. Why did you invite so many people?"

Leo sighed. "How was I supposed to know so many would come? I only told lan. But how could not tell him? His daughter woke up! If he found out later, he'd cursebehind my back-and probably cafter you too. Don't think you'll marry his daughter that easily!"

Ruud let out a resigned sigh. "Fine, you've got a point. But letcorrect one thing you're wrong if you think Tracey won't marry me. If lan doesn't agree, I'll beca live-in son-in-law if I have to." Leo smacked him on the head with his cane, glaring. "Don't you dare! I didn't raise you to be such a fool!"