Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 525: The Cruise Banquet

Megan had wanted to speak up, but seeing the old lady's grim expression, she remained silent. Yet, she strongly

disagreed. This was about 800 billion dollars, not just 8000; though she wished the old lady's hand could be

healed to better the Lyon family, spending so much money on it seemed imprudent. Wouldn't it be better to split

the money between their families?

"What do we do now, Mom?" Warren, regaining his composure, turned to Grandma Lyon. If it had been a few

hundred or even a few million dollars, he would have agreed without hesitation. But 800 billion dollars was too

much, and he was reluctant to spend such an amount on the old lady's hand. If the treatment failed, wouldn't it

all be wasted? Moreover, treating her was meant to benefit the Lyon family, not drag them down because of a

hand.

Grandma Lyon hesitated too. She really didn't know what to do. Just then, Sonia rushed in. As soon as she

entered, she went to examine Grandma Lyon's hand and cursed, "That damn Tina, how dare she do this to you?

It's despicable." She had been out handling sbusiness yesterday and wasn't at the Lyon family's. She had

received a call from Grandma Lyon this morning explaining the situation and had hurried over without a second

thought.

"You've arrived just in time; there's something | can't decide on, and | need your advice," Grandma Lyon said,

giving Sonia a meaningful look.

Sonia paused, then heard Grandma Lyon continue, "Spectre can fix my hand and treat my back, but he's asking

for 800 billion dollars. | don't know whether to go ahead with it."

Sonia was shocked. So much money for a treatment? Of course, she couldn't agree! Yet, seeing the look in the

old lady's eyes, she hesitated. The old lady clearly wanted to be healed, but her sons would surely disagree, and

she couldn't express this openly, so she had Sonia speak for her. But Sonia didn't want to agree either.

After a long pause, Sonia finally said, "Heal! No matter the cost, go ahead and heal!" With the old lady around,

her future would be more secure. If something happened to the old lady, her brothers-in-law would surely

neglect her. It was better to support the old lady now.

"Are you out of your mind?" Leah was the first to object. "All that money, and you just want to give it away? Do

you think money grows on trees? | disagree!" Megan also spoke out, "I support treating mom, but that's too

much money."

Then, the old lady's grandchildren joined in opposition. Except for Warren and Oliver, who remained silent, the

rest argued heatedly, their faces flushed with fervor.

"Let's go outside and talk; don't disturb Mom's rest," Sonia said coldly, heading straight for the living room.

Half an hour later, no one knew how Sonia had persuaded everyone, but they all agreed.

Three days later.

The Hancock family's annual cruise banquet commenced as scheduled. It was a tradition meant for gathering

but also for expanding networks and solidifying resources. Despite the recent incident with Grace, many people

still attended. Everyone was well aware that the Hancock family controlled the most profitable projects in

Clearwater and even across the country.

Who wouldn't want a piece of that?

The cruise was crowded, every face smiling, subtly assessing Grace, who stayed close to Max. Grace also used

this opportunity to showcase her talents and suppress her previous reputation. Her manipulative rhetoric still

worked, as many were still devotedly eager to be with her, proposing a "fair competition."

Grace knew that as long as her value remained intact, she would never be reduced to mud. If she could only

regain her former glory tonight, she could hold her head high in front of Tina and gain Jared's respect! She was

determined to redeem her past humiliations, marry Jared, and leave Tina with nowhere to bury her remains!

Max, accompanying Grace, chatted with a group of old friends who all paid their respects, praising Grace for her

excellence. Essentially, this was all to maintain relations with the Hancock family. It was an unspoken

understanding among them. As the evening progressed, Jared and Tina entered, holding hands tightly. A flash of

jealousy crossed Grace's eyes. Max whispered a stern warning, "Remember what | said, no more designs on

Jared, at least not now."

"I know, you've been saying it for days. You just wantto apologize to Tina, right? I'm going now." Grace bit

her lip, her eyes brimming with reluctance. But despite her feelings, she knew she had to apologize today. There

would be other days!

Taking a deep breath, Grace approached Jared and Tina with a wine glass in hand. "Mr. Farrell, Miss Reed," she

greeted them with a faint smile, "Long tno see."

This was the Hancock family's venue, and with Jared and Tina present, they couldn't just dismiss her. "What is

it?" Tina asked.

"Miss Reed, | cto apologize to you and Mr. Farrell. | was immature before, please forgive me. From now on, |

truly regard Mr. Farrell as nothing more than a brother and will have no improper thoughts. I will also not disturb

you both again."

Grace bowed her head slightly, her face full of remorse. To onlookers, she appeared utterly sincere.

Jared narrowed his eyes, "I don't need another sister."

After his remark, Jared prepared to leave with Tina. "Mr. Farrell, are you still blaming me?" Grace's voice grew

louder, causing people around them to turn their heads. If Jared didn't respond now, it would be a public slight

against the Hancock family.

But what of it? Jared didn't speak and simply walked away with Tina, not even pretending to give Grace face. She

felt like a fool left hanging, mocked by others.

Grace watched Jared's retreating figure, her affection souring into something else. Her desire to marry Jared was

no longer just about their initial spark; now, it was about making him fall at her feet, just like the sycophants

around her! She wanted to see how long Jared could last. "Miss Hancock, stop looking. A man who doesn't

appreciate you doesn't know what he's missing," Connor said, suddenly beside her.

Grace turned to see Connor, Stephanie's brother, who had once pursued her. At the time, she had better options

and hadn't paid him much attention. Hurt by Jared, she found herself needing consolation and started chatting

with Connor. "Connor, you always understoodbest," Grace murmured, her eyes downcast, the picture of

wounded vulnerability.

"Grace, don't be sad. With me, you'll always be the most important," Connor reassured her.

The two sat in a corner, each holding a glass of wine, deep in conversation. Tina, noticing Grace being led away

by Connor, slowly smiled. It seemed the evening's entertainment was far from over. Jared, with a tiny earpiece,

tapped his finger, "Husky, report position."

"Approaching the target," Hayden whistled softly, a signal to Nathan nearby, querying if he should advance.

Nathan signaled back-wait in position.