Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Tina held her teacup, the rising steam obscuring half of her eyes. Rachel's message was clear: Tina should remember her place as merely an adopted granddaughter, not even a true granddaughter, and not overstep her bounds. Moreover, she emphasized that she alone was the true heiress of the Brookes family, and Tina should keep her distance. "Who's really trying to make their presence felt?" Tina laughed, "I'm always at ease around Grandpa, Aunt Rachel needn't worry." Rachel forced a laugh, sipping her tea to mask her unease. Tina was indeed unapologetic! Scarlett and Jared also returned, and at the dinner table, Scarlett and Tina chatted merrily. Rachel, trying to join the conversation, found herself unable to get a word in and could only offer an awkward smile. She ended up eating quietly.

When it came time to pay, Jared had already settled the bill, insisting that as the only gentleman at the table, he couldn't let the ladies pay. "I said it was my treat, don't let it happen again," Rachel said, satisfied with herself. Scarlett rolled her eyes secretly, disdaining Rachel's pettiness. How much could one meal cost? Yet Rachel was still counting pennies.

It was getting late, so Scarlett and Rachel said their goodbyes to Tina and Jared. On the way home, Jared mentioned, "Hayden has gone to Clearwater to replace Nathan, he's already left." Tina simply acknowledged, "As expected." Jared, hands on the steering wheel, still puzzled over Linden's intentions. What was he really up to? Since it was a matter involving the mission, Hayden wouldn't disclose details, nor would Jared inquire.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Tina shifted to a more comfortable position, "Linden sent Hayden to assist Paula, could it be related to the hidden families?"

"Perhaps," Jared replied. Tina looked out the window, contemplating the complexities of her recent encounters, all seemingly tied to the hidden families. How deep did the waters of this mysterious and vast organization run?

As Jared pulled up to Tina's building, headlights flashed across from them. Surprisingly, it was Brandon. Tina and Jared exchanged looks, neither expecting him there. Tina got out of the car and approached, "Uncle Brandon, what are you doing here?" Brandon opened his car door, "Get in, I need to talk to you." Jared, seeing this, didn't ask further and left after watching Tina and Brandon drive away.

Brandon drove to a high-end villa area, unfamiliar with the place, and took some time to find the location. "Uncle Brandon, what is this place?" Tina asked. "A house I bought before, I forgot the way; your grandfather didn't want to live in such a place, so it's been abandoned. Luckily, I remember the house number and password," Brandon said, unlocking the door. The house was clearly long unoccupied, with furniture covered in white sheets to ward off dust.

"Find somewhere to sit, the property is only maintained occasionally, and there's nothing in the fridge. Ah, should have brought a case of soda," Brandon sighed with disappointment and regret. Tina was unfazed, "Uncle Brandon, what did you need to talk to me about?" Brandon finally settled down, "Tina, you must be aware of the paternity test you and your grandfather took together?" Tina paused, "Yes, I know. The results showed we have no biological relation." Brandon rubbed his palms together, "There's a problem with the paternity test, it's been tampered with, but I haven't found any evidence yet. So today, your Uncle Jack took your samples for another test." Tina lifted her eyes, "What were the results?"

"There's still no paternal relationship; otherwise, we wouldn't be here right now," Brandon said, his brows furrowed, clearly not accepting the outcome.

Tina nodded, her expression unchanged.

Her genes had been altered long ago. Apart from the person who last conducted the paternity test for the Brookes family, her genes matched only with Jasper's at all the national testing centers. Even if she were Grandpa Brookes' biological granddaughter, they still wouldn't be able to detect it.

"But Tina, I don't accept this result. I've had someone investigate the paternity testing center and the doctor involved that your Uncle Jack used. There must be something wrong," Brandon stated. Hearing this, Tina asked, "Why are you so sure that there must be something wrong with the paternity test?"

Brandon looked at her with unwavering certainty in his eyes, "It's not that I'm sure the paternity test is flawed; I believe that you are definitely my niece, my sister's daughter."

Tina was moved. She hadn't expected Brandon to believe so firmly that she was indeed a part of the Brookes family.

"Thank you."

It was one of the rare moments Tina felt the strong, fearless support of a family member.

"Why thank you? I'm your uncle," Brandon blew a strand of hair from his forehead. "So, Tina, I've decided to take you to another city. We'll do the test ourselves. I can't believe it would still be wrong." Tina smiled, "No need, Uncle, the results are already out."

Brandon paused, puzzled.

Tina took out her phone and pulled up the paternity test she had done herself, "You really are my uncle."

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Brandon took the phone, staring intently at the result for a long time, so long that Tina's phone screen turned off several times.

Although Brandon had always believed Tina was his niece, the reality, now physically in front of him, still seemed incredible.

"Uncle Brandon, you're not seeing things. This paternity test is real," Tina said, visibly moved.

She hadn't wanted to reveal the paternity test too soon, as she still didn't fully understand the Brookes family or know who was behind the tampering.

But with Grandpa Brookes' illness yesterday and Brandon's firmness today, she didn't want to hide it anymore.

Now, it seemed clear who had altered the paternity test in the Brookes family.

Holding Tina's phone in one hand and covering his eyes with the other, Brandon emitted a few choked sobs.

Tears welled up in Tina's eyes, rolling down her cheeks.

After a while, Brandon wiped away his tears, "Tina, don't show this paternity test to your grandfather yet, and don't let this news out. I'm afraid someone in the Brookes family might harm you."