Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 900: Discussing the Wedding Date With a smile in her eyes, Alina sat gracefully at the chessboard.

lan and Warren were seated at the main seats, with Ruud positioned slightly forward near Warren. Ian calmly instructed the servants to prepare fine tea and pastries. Given the years of friendship between him and Warren, especially now that they were discussing their children, there was no reason to neglect hospitality.

Warren's face lit up with a cheerful smile, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes spreading like open fans. His tone was joyful yet solemn. "Ian, I ctoday to discuss Alina and Ruud's wedding. I was thinking we could hold it within the week and pick an auspicious date." lan, who in the past might have argued with Warren at every meeting, nodded seriously this time. "Alina has been with the Pace family for stnow. The wedding indeed should not be delayed. But letmake this clear-if she suffers even a shred of grievance after marriage, I'll take her back hanytime!" Ruud immediately stepped forward, his voice firm and full of emotion. "Dad, I will cherish Alina with all my heart! Not just you-even I wouldn't allow her to suffer the slightest grievance. If she ever does, you can cover with a knife, and I won't utter a word in protest!" lan said no more, knowing Ruud didn't dare to make empty promises. If not for Alina's deep affection for him, lan might have kept his daughter and granddaughter by his side longer.

Warren stroked his white beard, his voice warm. "Alina has been nothing but happy with us. I treat her like my own daughter. Here's the bride price list." He handed lan a neatly written list, encouraging him to review it. "This is the bride price from the Pace family for Alina. Please take a look. If anything is unsatisfactory, we can add to it." As the head of the prominent Brookes family, lan wasn't overly concerned with such matters. He didn't even need to look; he already knew it wouldn't fall short.

Ruud respectfully added, "In addition to the bride price I mentioned when I proposed at the Brookes family-$1 billion, ten houses, ten cars, ten plots of suburban land, one hundred sets of jewelry, and one hundred outfits- we've also added one hundred antique pieces." lan, aware of how highly the Pace family valued Alina, closed his eyes briefly and tapped the table with his fingers. "The Brookes family will prepare a dowry for Alina consisting of fifty properties in Clearwater, fifty vehicles, investments from several of our profitable family businesses, and $2 billion." Warren nodded in agreement, a faint smile on his face. "Ian, then let's set the wedding for the day after tomorrow. I'll personally start preparing the invitations when I return htoday. What do you think?" lan nodded with authority, his voice steady. "I think it's a good plan. When the tcomes, the Brookes family will attend the wedding without missing a single member! The wedding must be grand and dignified-my daughter deserves nothing less!" After finalizing the arrangements, the group left the Brookes family's main hall. Alina had just concluded a chess gwith Master Tam.

"You won again! I'm so old, and you don't even know how to letwin!" grumbled Master Tam.

Alina smiled, her joy radiating. "You must cto my wedding. I'll play another match with you then." Master Tam's eyes brightened briefly. "Look at you, you cheeky girl, so smug about your romance. Playing chess with lan is still more enjoyable than this!" lan, who had just approached, overheard and immediately glared. "Who are you calling a cheeky girl, old man? And how dare you say my chess skills are terrible!" Turning to Alina, lan sighed deeply, his dark eyes filled with affection. "Alina, daughters can't be kept at hforever. But even after you marry into the Pace family, you'll always be a part of the Brookes family. I won't say much else-you already know. The Brookes family will always have your back. Just make sure you're happy and joyful." Alina embraced lan, her voice soft. "Dad, I'll always be your daughter and part of the Brookes family. If you miss me, just call, and I'll bring Tina back to visit." Ruud, standing nearby, grinned. His usually rough voice softened. "Dad, I'll cback with Alina to visit you. I can even play chess with you. However many games you want to win, you'll win!" Warren turned his head, avoiding the scene, silently muttering, This brat has never been this considerate with me! At the Swanson family.

"Bang!" River, consumed with rage, swept all the cosmetics off her dressing table, scattering bottles and jars across the floor.

"You're tellingRuud and Alina are getting married the day after tomorrow?!" Her bloodshot eyes burned with hatred, and her anxiety made her chest rise and fall erratically.

"Yes, River," Kaleigh replied, her expression complicated. "The news just broke. Warren personally went with Ruud to propose. The two families have already agreed, and the wedding is set for the day after tomorrow. They're moving fast." River's hands trembled as panic overtook her. She had just been released from punishment, and now Ruud and Alina were about to marry? No! She couldn't let this happen! She steadied herself, gripping Kaleigh's hand. "I have a way to delay their wedding temporarily." Though she hadn't yet devised a permanent plan to separate Ruud and Alina forever, delaying their union would buy her stime.

She leaned close to Kaleigh's ear, whispering her scheme. A sly smile gradually spread across Kaleigh's face. After Kaleigh left, River sat amidst the chaos of her room, her gaze flickering between despair and malice. Her sharp nails dug into her palms until they nearly drew blood.

Outside her door stood a tall, striking man, Jon Swanson.

When Jon entered the room and saw the mess, his brows furrowed deeply in displeasure. "You just got out, and now you're throwing another tantrum?" River's tearful eyes brimmed with grievance and venom. "It's because Ruud and Alina are getting married!"

Jon pulled her to sit on the bed, taking out a high-quality ointment.

Using a spoon, he carefully applied it to the red marks left by chains on her wrists. "River, have you already forgotten the punishment you received last time?" His tone carried a distinct warning. "You've been spending too much twith that girl Kaleigh. You know what kind of person she is." Jon reminded her again, his voice firm.

River bit her lip hard, understanding 5. 9ood to her brother's meaning. Her brother was good to her but he would never let her beca liability in the Swanson family's power struggles.

Her voice was low as she responded, "Brother, we're family. I won't do anything to embarrass you again. But after being humiliated by Alina, how can I not seek revenge? Don't worry. I'll make her pay without anyone finding out."