Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 906: River Falls into the Water Alina noticed that Poppy genuinely liked the lotus, but since this was the Pace family's pond, it was only appropriate to consult Ruud's opinion before giving away such a rare, dual-colored, thousand-petaled conjoined lotus.

River lowered her head, her eyes tinged red. She spoke softly, her voice delicate and apologetic. "I didn't think it through. I only saw that my brother liked it and wanted to give him everything he wanted. He has always been the treasure of our Swanson family, and I overstepped." "But I still want to ask, Miss Brookes, could you lethave this dual-colored lotus? I won't take it for free. I'm willing to exchange something for it!" "My grandfather toldto ensure my brother comes here happy and leaves satisfied. This is also my way of fulfilling his wishes." Her tone was sincere, perfectly embodying the image of a devoted elder sister.

Ruud frowned deeply, his voice cold. "It's just a lotus. If our family wanted to cultivate one, it wouldn't be difficult. Besides, I already promised him he could take a lotus from the pond himself." What should have been a pleasant gesture of gifting a lotus had now turned into an unpleasant affair, all thanks to River. Ruud's mood soured considerably.

Nothing good ever cfrom encountering this woman! River glanced at the dual-colored lotus, still sdistance away from her. If she wanted to take it hand care for it properly without damaging it, she'd need to cut it from the stem. Clusters of lotus flowers surrounded it, with lotus leaves floating nearby.

River hesitated, her troubled gaze turning toward Ruud, silently pleading for his help, hoping he would personally retrieve the flower for her.

Ruud's expression darkened as he impatiently asked, "Do you needto arrange a boat and a boatman to help you pick that lotus?" River's face lit up with joy. "Really? Would you do that?" Ruud was momentarily stunned.

Alina was speechless.

Ruud coldly replied, "You can stand there, lean over, and pick the lotus yourself. It's within reach." How could this woman have so little common sense? With that, Ruud picked up Poppy and followed Alina, leaving River behind.

River's face twisted with anger, her complexion pale and green with frustration. Her gaze was filled with resentment.

If not for Alina's presence, Ruud wouldn't have treated her this way! In his eyes, she had becuseless because of Alina! Standing on a chair in the pavilion, River leaned forward with difficulty, her hand reaching for the lotus. Her stance was unsteady.

She glanced back to see Alina and Ruud's figures gradually disappearing. The false mask of struggle and difficulty on her face vanished, replaced by unmasked malice.

When she finally reached the lotus, she realized it was indeed easy to pick. All she had to do was lean slightly and extend her arm to grasp the stem.

A glint of calculation flashed in her eyes as she curled her lips into a sinister smile, her expression momentarily twisted.

By the tAlina and Poppy returned, both holding long, slender items in their hands, Ruud trailed behind them at a leisurely pace.

When River spotted Alina, a strange excitement flickered in her eyes.

She pretended to struggle as she picked the lotus, waiting until Alina and Poppy were close to the pavilion before suddenly toppling into the water, sending up a great splash.

The woman flailed desperately in the water, her piercing screams shattering the stillness. "Help! Somebody help me!" The young boy, Poppy, panicked and ran toward her. When he saw River struggling in the water, he shouted, "Sister! Sister!" He scrambled onto the chair in the pavilion, hurriedly extending a short bamboo pole toward her. Behind him ca sharp, commanding voice. "Poppy! Stop right now!" Alina's face was stern, her eyes flashing with coldness as she rushed forward to grab Poppy by his collar.

But River, in her desperate struggle to survive, clung tightly to the bamboo pole, completely disregarding the fact that Poppy was just a child and lacked the strength to hold up an adult.

In that instant, the little boy was pulled into the water along with her. Without hesitation, Alina jumped in after them.

The pond was far deeper than Alina had expected. She sank quickly, her arms cutting through the water as she searched for Poppy.

Fortunately, only a short thad passed since they fell in. Alina quickly spotted Poppy, wrapping her arms around him and swimming toward the surface.

Ruud arrived in a rush to find Alina drenched, her hair clinging to her face. One hand gripped the railing, while the other held Poppy close, ensuring his head and neck were above the water. "Quickly, take Poppy!" Alina called out, her voice calm but firm. "He swallowed water!"

Ruud's face turned pale with alarm as he took Poppy from her arms. His expression was grave as he began aid coughed up a mouthful of water, briefly regaining consciousness before fainting again. Alina climbed out of the water on her own, her tone ministeoppy m cold. "There's still someone in the water. Go save her. I can't carry her myself." Ruud exuded a commanding aura as he jumped into the water without a word.

When River was finally pulled out, she coughed violently, spitting up water before collapsing on the ground. Covered in mud and grime, she sat trembling, drenched from head to toe.

Alina's piercing gaze bore into her, radiating icy disdain.

River's eyes darted around in fear. When she realized what had happened, panic consumed her. "Where's my brother? Where's my brother?!" Alina's voice was cold and unyielding. "I've already informed his personal attendants. He's being treated and will wake up soon." "I want to see him now!" River's tone was frantic, her worry evident. Meanwhile, Ruud had arranged a room for Poppy's treatment.

When Poppy had fallen unconscious, his attendants had checked him carefully and determined there was no serious harm. They stayed by his side, keeping watch. When River arrived, tears streamed down her face as she gazed at Poppy lying on the bed. Overcwith guilt, she turned toward Alina, her eyes blazing. "Why didn't you stop my brother? He's so young, and you let him fall into the water!"

"I know we've had our differences, but those are between us. You shouldn't involve my brother! Hem trusted you or wouldn't have brought him to the Pace family!" River's accusations were sharp and relentless, conveniently ignoring her own responsibility in the matter. Ruud interrupted her angrily. "What are you ranting about? I should be asking you! You stood on the pavilion chair, perfectly capable of reaching the lotus. How did you fall in?" River froze, caught off guard by the question. After a moment, she began to sob. "I lost my balance and fell! If you had been willing to helppick the lotus, none of this would have happened!" Since Ruud wouldn't defend her, she could only speak for herself.