Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Nathan shot a sharp, incredulous glance at Hayden. "What does this have to do with me?"

Hayden replied matter-of-factly, "Of course it has to do with you. I didn't mention leaving because I was worried about leaving you all alone at X Bureau. But since you're not into this job either, let's stop wasting time. Come on, let's write our resignation letters and get out of here. I can't take another day of this!"

The afternoon sunlight streamed into the office just as Courtney walked in, holding a stack of documents. She overheard Hayden's bold declaration and raised an eyebrow, her gaze playful as she approached him.

"Oh? Our resident Husky doesn't want to work anymore?" Courtney teased. "Mr. Shaw was just praising you yesterday, saying you're creative. Don't give up so easily."

"Get lost," Hayden snapped, clearly irritated by the nickname. "Don't call me that, or we're done being friends."

Courtney leaned over, noticing his fingers flying across the keyboard. Her eyes caught the bold title on the screen: Resignation Letter. She blinked in surprise, giving Hayden a curious look. "You're serious about quitting?"

"Of course!" Hayden declared, more determined than ever. For once, he wasn't joking around. By the end of the afternoon, he had finished his resignation letter. Nathan, impressed by the effort, copied and pasted it for himself, and the two sent their letters to Linden's email.

Meanwhile, Courtney was in Jason's office.

"Hey, I'm talking to you. Did you hear me? Nathan and Hayden are planning to join Mr. Farrell and his wife. What's your take on this?" she asked.

Jason, pen in hand, continued scribbling on a piece of paper. "What can I say? If they want to head to the captain, let them go. With my current condition, I'm better off staying here and living a peaceful life."

Courtney's clear eyes pierced through him, shifting from his expressionless face to his restless hands. Then suddenly, she laughed. "Coward."

Jason's pen slipped, leaving a long, black streak across the paper. He looked up, his usually sharp eyes now filled with irritation. "Courtney! Even if the X Bureau disbands, I'm still your team leader! Watch your tone when speaking to your superior!"

Anyone else would have been intimidated by Jason's anger, but not Courtney. Resting her chin on her hand, she said calmly, "You're a coward. Getting angry won't change that. You're afraid of losing to others, afraid Mr. Farrell might reject you. On the surface, you pretend not to care, but deep down, you're just running away from your fears!"

"That's nonsense!" Jason retorted, his naturally cold face showing rare signs of anger. "I've faced countless dangerous individuals in my life. What could I possibly be afraid of?"

Courtney smirked, grabbed his wrist, and pulled him toward the door. "Then come with me to Mr. Shaw. Let's resign together."

Jason hesitated, pulling his hand free. "Wait. Hold on. I never said I was resigning. Let me think about it."

A soft breeze blew through the sheer curtains, brushing against their faces. Courtney scratched her cheek, her face tickled by the wind. Watching Jason retreat hurriedly, her clear eyes sparkled with amusement. The Brookes Family Confrontation

It was midday, the time when the Brookes family typically enjoyed their afternoon rest. Even Isaac, the busiest among them, would seize the opportunity for a rare break. For someone like Brandon, who disliked naps, this would be time spent gaming in an air-conditioned room or chatting with Angela, who was likely tending to Natalie somewhere.

No one in their right mind would stand under the blazing sun.

But today was different.

Led by Ian, the Brookes family stood together in the courtyard. Isaac supported their elderly father, while Gavin and his two brothers flanked Ian on either side. The women and children of the family were shielded behind them. One by one, their sharp gazes locked on the figure before them.

Carl, as always, was dressed in a black suit. Despite the sweltering summer heat, he didn't seem bothered. He stood opposite Ian, holding prayer beads in his hand. "Ian, you and my father go way back. I don't want to make this difficult. Hand over Tina now, or don't blame me for what happens next."

Unlike the condescending politeness he showed Tina the previous day, Carl's demeanor toward Ian was entirely different. His presence was commanding, his sharp, phoenix-like eyes radiating intensity. He wasted no words. Behind him stood the Langdon family's members, armed and clearly prepared for a confrontation.

Brandon sneered at Carl's lofty attitude. "Carl, without your father, what are you even worth? You dare strut around here? If I don't beat you to the ground today, you won't know what it means to show respect!"

Jack twirled a long sword in his hand, his smile dripping with disdain. "Brother, why bother with someone like him? Let your younger brother take care of this. I haven't stretched my muscles in days. He'll make a fine warm-up." If Grandpa Langdon were here, the Brookes family might have reconsidered their approach. But Carl? He was nothing.

Gavin remained silent, but his contempt for Carl was written all over his face.

Carl's expression didn't change, but the prayer beads in his hand cracked, the shattered fragments scattering in the wind. Colin Nash, standing behind him, could no longer hold back. He stepped forward, pointing a finger at Ian. "Ian, is this how the Brookes family treats its guests?! Our young master came to negotiate politely. It's just Tina-she has nothing to do with your family! Even if you're fond of her as your god-granddaughter, you should think about the well- being of everyone in your family!"

His chin lifted slightly, his arrogant demeanor grating on even the mildest of the Brookes family. Isaac frowned in irritation.

"I advise you not to be stubborn. These men behind me are Langdon family elites, the very best. Your family of old men, women, and children won't stand a chance against them."

Before he could finish, Gavin stepped forward and delivered a swift kick to Colin's chest. The impact sent Colin flying backward, his body hitting the ground with a sickening crack. He skidded several meters before slamming into a pillar, finally coming to a stop. Blood pooled on the ground, the crimson stain shocking everyone present.

Carl's face darkened, the change in his expression unmistakable. The man who usually exuded poise and elegance now looked like a vengeful spirit from the depths of hell. His cold, piercing gaze fixed on Gavin before shifting back to Ian. "Old man," Carl said, his voice low and dangerous. "It seems you've made your choice."