Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 979: Uncle, You'll End Up SpoilingAt seven in the evening, Tina was seated in the living room, leisurely eating a slice of strawberry cake, when Paula called.

Her voice, hoarse as though stuffed with cotton, cthrough. "Serena..." "Mm, what's up?" Tina took another large bite of the cake, her tone casual, almost indifferent. Paula hesitated, took a deep breath, and said, "Serena, how... how is she?" Tina frowned slightly. "Who are you asking about?" There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Paula, on the verge of tears, blurted out, "Serena, stop torturing me. You know what my family is going through. I know I'm gambling here, but I can't help feeling anxious..." Tina put down her fork, her tone dropping slightly. "If you've decided to gamble, then don't lose your nerve halfway. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else can help you." There was a brief pause before Paula's voice softened. "I understand, Serena." Jared walked out of the kitchen, carrying a plate of ribs. By then, Tina had hung up the call and was busy devouring the half-eaten cake in front of her.

With a quick reflex, Jared grabbed the remaining half of the cake before she could finish it. Their eyes met-hers, protective and annoyed, like a child guarding a treat.

"Dinner first," he said, exasperated.

Tina glanced at the cake he had confiscated, bit down on her spoon, and reluctantly conceded. After all, only Uncle could make such delicious strawberry cake.

One cake versus having it every day-she understood the difference.

As they ate, Tina asked casually, "Uncle, how much longer do you think Claudia can hold on?" Jared placed a serving of greens in her bowl without hesitation. "Not much longer. As long as we're patient, she'll be the one feeling the pressure." Tina nodded, slipping a piece of sweet-and-sour pork onto the greens without a word. Jared glanced at her, his sharp eyes catching the movement. "No picking out the vegetables." Tina froze. "..." After dinner, Jared went to clean the kitchen while Tina headed to the bathroom.

When she cout, she found him already dressed in a robe, sitting casually on the edge of the bed. He patted the space beside him. "Chere." Her heart skipped a beat, but her body moved on its own.

"Uncle..." Jared's dark eyes locked onto her. At that moment, there was something both tender and intense in his gaze. His voice, low and teasing, carried a hint of mischief. "What? Afraid I'll eat you?" Tina swallowed hard. Not exactly fear-she was more concerned about whether her waist would survive the next day intact.

She hadn't noticed it before, but marriage seemed to have broken skind of restraint in Uncle. He was somehow even more overwhelming and irresistible than before.

Jared chuckled, pulling her hand to sit her down. "Sit still. Letdry your hair." Tina blinked, surprised.

The warm breeze from the hairdryer brushed over her scalp. She closed her eyes, enjoying the one-on-one pampering. Marriage, she thought, did have its perks. Uncle was more attentive than even her own mother.

After putting the hairdryer away, Jared turned off the lights. The moment darkness enveloped the room, Tina's groggy mind snapped awake.

The warmth of his chest pressed against her back as Jared wrapped his long arms around her. He sighed softly. "Sleep." Tina blinked in the dark. "..." That's it? Sensing her thoughts, Jared tightened his hold on her waist. His lips brushed her ear as he whispered in a low, teasing voice, "Tomorrow, we're heading back to the Pace family. I'd prefer not to have your father chasingwith a knife. We'll settle this tomorrow night." Tina lay there, utterly baffled. What did any of this have to do with her? Ruud's grievances with Uncle weren't exactly new.

The Next Morning Logan called early, informing them that the gifts were prepared and would be delivered to the Pace family shortly. He reminded them to arrive on time.

When Tina woke up, she found a red dress neatly placed on the bedside table.

Simple yet elegant, it paired perfectly with her favorite jewelry. There was no need to ask-Uncle's handiwork was written all over it.

Once dressed, she stepped outside and was greeted by the aroma of fresh bread. Following the scent, she found Jared in the kitchen.

She perched herself at the kitchen counter, resting her chin in her hands as she watched him cook. Sensing her gaze, Jared turned, meeting her eyes with a smile.

A warm feeling bloomed in Tina's chest. The corners of her eyes crinkled as she smiled back. "Uncle, you're going to spoillike this." Jared placed the freshly baked bread in front of her. "If just a few meals can do that, Tina, are you overestimatingor underestimating yourself?" Tina bit into the bread, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Maybe I should try cooking again. Who knows? I might have a hidden talent for it." Jared chuckled dryly. "As long as I'm here, you don't need to worry about things like that." Tina quickly abandoned the idea. Pulling out her phone, she showed him something on the screen. "Uncle, did you ask Nathan to send this to me?" Jared glanced at it and nodded. "Yes. There were sprocedures on the overseas side that needed handling. It got delayed for two days. I've already reviewed everything; you just need to sign." Tina squinted at him. "All these-nearly two hundred companies with billions in assets-are being transferred to my name?" Jayden had already caught wind of it. A secret overseas force under Uncle's command had also sent word to the Mountain Veil Order.

It was a force Uncle had personally cultivated. From now on, it would be hers to command with a single word.

Jared handed her a cup of warm milk, his expression calm, as if these things were of no importance to him. What mattered most to him would always be her. He teased lightly, "Tina, you promised to take responsibility forfor the rest of my life. Did you forget?" Tina's gaze remained clear and steady. "I don't lack money or people. There's no need to transfer these to my name." Jared's lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes steady and sincere. "I know. But it'll ease my mind if you accept them." Tina pursed her lips, understanding his concerns.

There was no need for more words. If accepting these things gave him peace, she saw no reason to refuse.

By ten o'clock, they arrived at the Pace family estate.

Alina was outside with Poppy, holding his hand. When Tina stepped out of the car, Poppy's excitement! was palpable. Tugging at Alina, he E jumped up and down. "Alina! Tina's really here!" Alina knelt to fix his clothes, smiling. "Alina wouldn't lie to you." Overjoyed, Poppy hugged her and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Alina's the best!"

Tina raised a brow at the scene, casting a meaningful glance at Alina as she approached. So, you're really not thinking about having another one?" Jared, standing nearby, paused for a moment before pretending he hadn't heard. He led Poppy into the house.

Alina glared at Tina. "Stop talking nonsense. Don't let your father hear that!" Tina smirked knowingly. "So, he's on the spage as me?" Alina's face darkened. "..." What kind of nonsensical conversation was this? At her age, with her daughter already married, having another child would be absurd.

Tina's gaze sharpened with understanding. "At your age, having another child wouldn't be unheard of. Besides, I wouldn't mind. You don't have to worry aboutbeing jealous."