Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Jared presented his credentials, prompting a flicker of surprise and then respect mixed with confusion in the man's eyes. "Director, please come in," the man said as he opened the grand doors, ushering Jared inside.

Tina glanced back, not expecting the gatekeeper to be so closely tied to the X Bureau or to know Jared's identity. Once inside the estate, Jared drove for over ten minutes before stopping the car.

As Tina stepped out with Jared, two individuals approached, holding black cloth bags and brand-new detectors-devices Tina recognized as Paula's latest invention, not yet officially released. The Pace family's security already had one each. "Sorry, but you need to leave all electronic devices, like phones and cameras, here," they were informed. Jared tossed his phone, wallet, and even his watch into the bag and spread his arms for the security to scan him with the detector. Tina did the same, discarding her watch too.

After the check, a security guard led Jared and Tina through the real gates of the Pace family home. They passed through several corridors until Tina saw a tall set of steps leading to the Pace family's living quarters. She sighed silently; the security was as thorough as going through an airport.

Jared gently squeezed Tina's hand, whispering just loud enough for her to hear, "Mr. Pace's rules may be many, but he's a good man. Don't worry, he's not some weirdo."

Tina chuckled. "Good to know, or we'd have too many oddballs around us."

They smiled at each other and walked through the doors of the Pace family home. To Tina's surprise, the person who greeted them was Rachel.

"Tina, it's you!"

Tina looked Rachel up and down, astonished to find her here.

Behind Rachel, a man said, "Boris, let me introduce you. This is my grandfather's granddaughter Tina, and her fiancé, Jared. Tina and I were college friends with Boris. We're here to visit Mr. Pace today; your grandfather specifically asked me to spend time with Mr. Pace."

Rachel's statement was loaded with implications. College friends, a special request-could Grandpa Brookes be aiming for an alliance with the Pace family through Rachel? It was clear that Grandpa Brookes and Mr. Pace were old acquaintances. Boris came forward and shook Jared's hand. "You must be Jared. My dad mentions you often."

Tina lowered her eyes, wondering if it was just her impression, but Boris seemed to deliberately ignore her. Even after Rachel introduced her, courtesy would dictate some acknowledgment from Boris.

Yet, he bypassed her to greet Jared. Tina couldn't help but sigh inwardly at gaining another adversary.

"Today I'm just accompanying Tina. Is Mr. Pace available?" Jared replied, his tone respectful yet emphasizing Tina's importance.

It was evident Jared deeply respected Mr. Pace and by extension, treated his family with great care.

"He is, but it's not a good time right now. My dad's not feeling well," Boris replied apologetically.

Jared furrowed his brows, clearly worried. "What's wrong with Mr. Pace?"

"It's his old ailment acting up, and he's not been well since catching a cold a few days ago," Boris explained as he led Jared toward the hall, his gaze never falling on Tina.

Rachel walked beside him, and though they did not speak, their actions were in sync, subtly hinting at a certain intimacy.

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"How did the doctors assess Mr. Pace's condition?" Jared inquired.

Boris shook his head. "They didn't say much, but the implication was that my father might end up bedridden. The injuries from his youth have caught up with him."

A flicker of concern crossed Jared's face, a worry not unlike what he had felt when Logan was ill.

Tina, initially reluctant to get involved, saw Jared's distress and felt compelled to offer some relief. "Mr. Pace, I have some medical knowledge. If it's alright, maybe I could examine him. There might be a way to help." Tina maintained a gentle and respectful demeanor, but Boris scrutinized her with a steady gaze. "You? Spectre? Such a young girl, and yet you dare to speak so boldly."

Tina had spoken up for Jared's sake, and Boris's response caused her eyes to darken. If Mr. Pace were not a man Jared and Natalie respected, she wouldn't have bothered to speak even if he were dying in front of her. Her offer to help was met with such an attitude?

Her gaze hardened as she looked at Boris, her body radiating a chill. But then, she furrowed her brow. Boris had mentioned 'Spectre.'ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

This was her first meeting with the Pace family, and she hadn't introduced herself, yet Boris had known her identity.

Tina glanced at Rachel, realizing she must have talked about her to Boris.

"If Tina can't cure the illness, no one under heaven could," Jared said darkly, his prior respect evaporated. "Since Mr. Pace isn't available today, we'll come back another time."

His politeness towards Boris had stemmed from his respect for Mr. Pace. Now, seeing Boris's dismissive attitude, Jared felt no need to maintain that respect.

Noticing the tension, Rachel quickly stepped forward to mediate. "Jared, Boris is just very straightforward, especially because of Mr. Pace's illness. Please don't be upset."

Tina laughed at her response, which seemed more fitting for the lady of the house. Despite her peacemaking, her words implied that the visitors were tactless for meddling in the host's affairs.

"We're not upset. I'm more concerned about your eyesight right now," Tina said, her gaze drifting towards the security monitors at the front of the Pace family home.

The large, glaring screens monitored everything from the estate's exterior to the front door. Rachel's surprise at seeing Tina suggested her talent for pretense.

Rachel knew Tina was mocking her but could only respond with a nervous laugh. "It's okay, you're here, aren't you? I'm not worried."

"I don't have the time," Tina replied.

Just then, an alarm sounded from a south-facing room on the second floor of the Pace family home. Several individuals dressed as doctors rushed out, shouting at Boris, "It's bad! Your father's blood pressure has spiked, and there are signs of bleeding in his brain. We need to operate immediately, or else..."