Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Paula edged closer to Tina and whispered nervously, "Serena, you don't think my father colluded with someone to harm your brother, do you? That's impossible! I...I swear on Hayden, my father would never do something like that. You helped our family recently-how could he repay you with such betrayal?"

Sean, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up to explain, "Mr. Daryl, I had no knowledge of this matter. But rest assured, I will investigate thoroughly once I return. Please believe me-since I've chosen to collaborate with you, I would never betray that trust!"

His words sounded hollow and frail, as if lacking conviction.

Sean pursed his lips and pointed to the serial number on the glass tube. "The recent batch of products researched by the White family all have serial numbers starting with 19. But this one starts with 18. I believe someone stole a failed experiment from earlier, taking advantage of a moment of negligence."

Paula remained steadfast in her belief in her father's integrity. She couldn't stand the suspicion cast on him and, trembling with agitation, huddled closer to Tina, repeatedly reassuring her.

Tina and Jared exchanged glances, their expressions inscrutable. Both wore cold, unreadable faces, their thoughts concealed as they silently looked at each other and then slowly shook their heads.

Sean's heart skipped a beat at the sight. A chilling dread crept up from his feet, spreading through every corner of his body. If Jared was dissatisfied with his explanation and decided to present this as evidence, the White family would be finished.

"Mr. Daryl..." Sean straightened his posture, about to continue speaking.

But Jared raised his hand slightly and interrupted, "Mr. White, Tina and I are willing to trust you. However, we still need an explanation for this matter."

Sitting beside him, Tina's expression was grave as she added, "The leak of biochemical weapons is no small incident. Whoever managed to take something from the White family's tightly guarded laboratory is undoubtedly someone Mr. White trusts. Since the White family began researching biochemical weapons, they've produced numerous experimental items that couldn't be mass-produced. If those items end up on the market, it won't just be a matter of whether or not we believe you, Mr. White."

Sean understood the hidden meaning behind Tina's words. His expression turned serious as he lowered his gaze to the contents of the box. In a cold tone, he declared, "Miss Reed, don't worry. I will get to the bottom of this. The White family will never tolerate traitors!"

With Sean's solemn assurance, Tina and Jared said no more.

When they left the teahouse, Sean headed to the White family's laboratory on the outskirts of the city. Paula, unwilling to go there, discussed it with Tina and arranged for Jared and Tina to take her home instead. In the Car

Tina sat in the front passenger seat, glancing at the rearview mirror. She saw Paula in the backseat, glued to her phone, chatting with someone. Her grin was so wide it nearly reached the back of her head.

A sudden thought popped into Tina's mind, and she elbowed Jared playfully. "Uncle, weren't you a little too quick to claim them as your brothers just now? Since when did Tristan become your brother?"

At first, Jared seemed confused by her words, but as she continued, a faint smile appeared on his face. His gaze softened with an innocent look. "We're husband and wife now. Your master is my master too. Your brothers are, naturally, my brothers. Tina, what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing's wrong," Tina chuckled. "You just seem a little smug. Let's see how long that lasts. When they find time to visit, you won't have much time to gloat. Remember what happened in Ensford, when they trashed your properties?" Jared stiffened at the mention of Ensford. The memory of his trashed properties-still carrying the scars of that chaotic prank-made his head throb. He had no idea where Master Tam had found such eccentric disciples, each one with a mind that defied logic.

A few lines of frustration etched themselves onto Jared's forehead. "Tina, mark my words. If they dare to come this time, the only ones suffering will be them."

"Oh?" Tina raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "You've got something planned?"

Jared gave a cryptic smile. "You'll find out when the time comes."

As the two continued their banter, neither noticed Paula quickly glancing up during her phone conversation. Her fingers danced over her keyboard as she sent a message to Hayden, who was in the middle of battling both video edits and internet trolls at the X Bureau.

The message popped up on Hayden's phone: "Jared says he's preparing to deal with you guys."

Hayden jolted upright. "No way."

Startled, Nathan's hand slipped on the mouse, and an almost-completed image of a heavy weapon was suddenly transformed into an elephant with a long nose. Nathan clicked his tongue in irritation, glaring at Hayden as he grabbed him by the collar. "Hayden, have you been too idle lately or what?!"

"Leave me alone." Hayden swatted Nathan's hand away, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "Why would Mr. Farrell want to deal with me? I haven't done anything to him lately."

Muttering to himself, Hayden sent the same question to Paula.

Paula replied: "Serena said some of her brothers are planning to trash her husband's properties again, so he's getting ready to deal with you guys."

Paula wasn't sure who exactly Tina had referred to as "brothers," so she lumped everyone together and slyly added: "Don't tell anyone I told you. Consider this as thanks for taking me to find Serena last time." Hayden's mouth twitched. "Is that your idea of gratitude? What kind of thanks is this?!"

Though his text carried a tone of complaint, Hayden was already pacing around the office, muttering nervously. "This is bad. Mr. Farrell must have prepared something in advance. I told those guys not to go overboard last time, and now look at this-they've dragged me into it too."

With a long face, Hayden groaned, "What do I do? Maybe I should tell those idiots so we can figure something out together."

Nathan, observing from his desk, finally tossed his mouse aside. The computer screen now displayed a hopelessly distorted image. He barely glanced at it before deciding it wasn't worth saving.

"Whatever," Nathan grumbled. "Let the whole thing burn. I'm done."

Hayden shot him a look. "Mr. Farrell might not get to them easily, but you know he'll have no trouble dealing with you."

Nathan's calm expression faltered as he looked up, his words hitting Hayden like a slap. Hayden froze, his face crumpling in despair. He nearly scribbled "Save Me" across his forehead as he stared at his phone, unsure whether to act or stay silent.

After a long moment of indecision, he finally gave up. Slumping back into his chair, he glanced at Nathan, who had started a game on his phone. Hayden nudged his chair with his foot. "What are you doing? Aren't you supposed to be working on that project? If it's not finished, Mr. Shaw will definitely call a meeting to roast you."

Nathan didn't even look up. "I don't care. I'm planning to quit."

"Quit?!" Hayden's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you serious? Why didn't you say something earlier? If I'd known, I wouldn't have let Linden use me as target practice!"