Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Marie's voice trembled over the phone, breaking into sobs that made her anguish unmistakable.

Jared's grip on the receiver tightened, his brow furrowing deeply. "What's going on?"

"It's your father!" Marie cried, her voice cracking under the weight of betrayal. "I caught him in bed with someone!"

Jared froze, the words not immediately registering. "What did you just say?" Caught in bed? His father?

For anyone who knew Asher, the idea was absurd. His father had always been the epitome of devotion to Marie-a man who adored his wife and defended her fiercely against even the smallest insult. The notion of him betraying her was incomprehensible.

"It's your father and... Stephanie," Marie choked out, her sobs breaking through again.

Jared's jaw clenched. Stephanie.

Beside him, Tina's expression darkened. Marie had always treated her like a daughter, offering unconditional love and protection. The thought of someone harming her was enough to ignite Tina's fury.

For years, Tina had tolerated Stephanie's presence in the Farrell family, knowing she was a pawn-a disposable piece in a bigger game. Stephanie's connections were once useful, but this? This was a direct attack. And now, Claudia, the shadowy figure backing Stephanie, had shown her hand.

Fine.

If they wanted war, they would get one.

Jared's voice was steady but cold as he addressed his mother. "Tina and I are coming back. Stay where you are."

He ended the call without waiting for a reply, his expression unreadable. Tina, sitting beside him, placed a hand on his arm. No words were exchanged. None were needed.

The drive to the Farrell estate was a blur, the tension in the car palpable. Jared pushed the accelerator harder, the engine roaring through the silent streets.

---

Twenty minutes later, the car screeched to a halt in front of the grand entrance to the Farrell family estate.

Two rows of servants stood waiting, their postures rigid, their faces pale with anxiety.

Jared stepped out, his movements sharp, his hand gripping Tina's as they strode inside. The heavy doors closed behind them with a loud thud, the sound reverberating through the vast halls.

One of the servants rushed forward, her voice breathless and panicked. "Sir, Madam! Madam Marie is upstairs-she's inconsolable. She's... she's threatening to leave the master!"

Jared's jaw tightened. Without a word, he and Tina ascended the staircase, their steps heavy against the polished wood.

They found Marie in a sitting room on the second floor, her face streaked with tears, her voice hoarse from crying.

"Asher! How could you?!" she screamed, her fists clenched at her sides. "I gave you everything! I bore you two children, raised Jared, even had Sophia when I was already too old for it! I've sacrificed everything for this family, and this is how you repay me? By crawling into bed with my niece?"

Her voice cracked, her anguish spilling into the open. "I can't live like this anymore. If anyone finds out, how will I face them? How will I face myself?"

Jared stepped into the room just as these words left her mouth. His dark eyes swept over the scene, taking in Marie's trembling frame and Asher's pale, disheveled appearance.

Asher stood off to the side, a man reduced to shame and confusion. His robe hung loosely around him, and his hands trembled as he stammered, "I-I don't know what happened, Marie! I swear, I don't remember a thing! I woke up and... and I was in her bed!"novelbin

Marie let out a bitter laugh, her voice laced with disgust. "How convenient!"

Jared's gaze shifted, catching movement behind Asher. A figure tried to shrink further into the shadows, but it was too late.

"Stephanie," he said, his voice cutting through the room like a blade.

The trembling woman froze. But before she could react, Jared closed the distance between them in two strides. He grabbed her arm and dragged her forward, throwing her to the floor with no hint of restraint.

"Ahhh!" Stephanie yelped, her body hitting the floor hard. She looked up at Jared, tears streaming down her face. "Brother, why are you treating me like this?!" she whimpered.

Jared's expression didn't waver. His tone was cold and final. "Tell the truth. Now."

Stephanie's lips quivered, her eyes darting around the room. "Brother, do you really think I would-"

Slap!

Tina's hand struck with such force that the sound echoed in the room. Stephanie fell back, clutching her cheek, her eyes wide with shock as the sting radiated through her face. "Say that again," Tina said, her voice unnervingly calm. Her icy gaze pinned Stephanie to the floor.

Stephanie cowered, her bravado crumbling under Tina's glare. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Tina turned to Marie, her tone softening. "Mom, let us handle this. We'll get to the bottom of it."

Marie nodded weakly, leaning into Tina's steadying presence. She cast a glance at the bed, her expression hardening. Without a word, she yanked the covers off.

A single crimson stain marred the white sheets.

Asher's face turned an even deeper shade of red, his lips parting as though to explain, but no words came.

Stephanie, however, clung to his leg, her tear-streaked face desperate. "Uncle! My first time was with you!" she cried, her voice trembling. "I've always been pure-pure! If you hadn't come into my room last night, I'd still be innocent! I haven't even been married yet!"

Her voice rose, trembling with false emotion. She clung tighter to Asher, her sobs filling the room.

But Jared's icy glare didn't falter.

"Tina," he said, his voice low.

Tina stepped forward, her gaze never leaving Stephanie. "You think you've won, don't you?" she said softly, her tone almost conversational.

Stephanie froze, her hands slipping from Asher's leg.

Tina crouched down, her face inches from Stephanie's. "You made one mistake."

Stephanie's breath hitched, her body trembling as Tina continued.

"You underestimated us."