Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Tina reassured her to stay calm. She had already investigated Claudia's background thoroughly. Now, it was just a matter of waiting for her to take the bait, and they could eliminate her completely.

Only then did Alina breathe a sigh of relief. "By the way, why did you call me back in such a hurry? What happened with Thaliana?"

Tina's gaze darkened slightly. "Aunt Thaliana was shot."

Alina's eyes sharpened. "Who did it?"

Tina's tone was calm. "At the moment, the evidence points to Claudia... but I don't think it's that simple."

Alina quickly caught on. "You're doubting Thaliana's identity?"

Tina nodded in confirmation. "Exactly. Her timing was too perfect. I can't help but be suspicious."

Alina's expression turned thoughtful. "Thaliana's death back then was so conclusive-no body, no evidence. The matter was untraceable. If even Courtney hasn't doubted her, then it might really be Thaliana who has returned."

Speaking of her former deputy, Alina's eyes reflected nothing but trust.

Even though they hadn't met yet, she didn't want anyone tarnishing Thaliana's face by committing atrocities in her name.

Alina asked again, "What about Courtney? What does she have to say about this?" Courtney was Thaliana's only child. If even she trusted this person, the likelihood of it actually being Thaliana would significantly increase.

Tina hesitated slightly before replying, "Courtney believes it completely. That bullet was originally meant for her."

Alina understood everything now. No wonder her daughter had been so eager to call her back-it was something even she found difficult to handle.

"When do you have time? Let's go to the hospital together."

Tina glanced at the files on the table before settling on a time. "Tomorrow morning, I'll pick you up. After yesterday's surgery, I doubt she's fully regained consciousness."

Alina nodded; it was just as well. She could use the time to recover from jet lag. After an entire day on the plane, her head was pounding.

Tina took the files and headed to the lab with Jared. They handed the materials over to Wraith, instructing him to get to the bottom of them within two days.

Alina, meanwhile, stayed behind to chat with Ian for a while before returning to the Warren family residence an hour later.

The next day.

On the way to the hospital, Alina's fingers rested lightly on Tina's wrist, which was placed on the armrest. "How have you been feeling lately? Any major reactions?"

Tina, used to her mother's sudden interrogations, was about to answer when the driver, Uncle Jared, spoke up from the front. "She was vomiting badly last week, but it's improved recently."

Alina didn't mind the interruption and continued, "Anything you've been craving?"

Jared chimed in again, "She doesn't avoid spicy or sour foods, and her appetite has improved a lot."

Tina, speechless, glanced at him. Who was the pregnant one here?

Alina withdrew her hand and looked at her daughter, whose slim figure hadn't changed much despite her pregnancy. She sighed. "You should eat more. It's not just you who needs the nutrients. Have you ever seen a pregnant woman as thin as you?"

Tina responded softly, "I've been eating plenty, but my weight hasn't gone up much. I don't know why."

At the hospital.

In the VIP ward, Tina and Alina entered together while Jared stayed back to check in with the staff.

Hearing footsteps, Courtney, who had been leaning on the bed, suddenly opened her eyes. She turned around and blurted out, "Tina-"

But when she saw who was standing beside Tina, she froze in shock. "Natalie?"

Seeing Courtney's astonished expression, Alina smiled and stepped forward to take her hand. "It's me, Courtney. I came to see your mother."

Courtney's heart warmed as she nodded. "Thank you, Natalie."

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Alina shook her head. Her relationship with Thaliana had never required formal thanks.

She approached the bed, looking at the face she hadn't seen in so many years. Her emotions surged uncontrollably.

"Thaliana, is it really you?"

Tina noticed and gestured to Courtney to step aside. The two moved to the window. Tina glanced back at the bed before asking in a low voice, "Why is Aunt Thaliana still unconscious? What happened?"

Courtney frowned. "She woke up last night, but this morning she suddenly developed a low fever. It hasn't gone down since."

Tina nodded. Post-surgery complications often included fevers, so this wasn't unusual.

"We have people guarding this place. You don't need to keep watch all the time. No one can get in here."

Courtney's eyes reddened slightly. "Tina, every time I close my eyes, I see my mom shielding me from that bullet. I can't rest. I can only feel at ease if I guard her myself."

Tina said no more.

Courtney was fully convinced that the woman lying on the bed was her mother. If Tina shared her suspicions now, it would only alert their enemies.

When Alina emerged from the room, her expression was grim.

Tina approached her. "Mom, what's wrong?"

Alina pressed her lips together, her gaze conflicted. "If it weren't for your doubts, I'd

almost believe that Thaliana has really returned."

Tina's eyes remained calm. "Did you notice anything unusual?"

Alina sighed deeply, shaking her head. "No. That face is perfect. I couldn't find a single flaw."

Tina frowned. "Then what made you suspicious?"

Alina gave a cryptic answer. "A feeling."

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and turn. The next chapter awaits, exclusively on our site. Dive in now! Tina's frown deepened.noveldrama

Alina explained seriously, "She doesn't carry the aura I remember from Thaliana. It's something that comes from deep within and can't be erased by time."

Meanwhile, on the hospital bed, Thaliana slowly regained consciousness. When she saw Courtney sitting by her side, she breathed a sigh of relief. "Connie, I'm so glad you're okay."

Courtney's nose stung with emotion. She stood up, holding her mother's outstretched hand. "Mom, are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere? I'll call the doctor."

Thaliana shook her head. "Did someone come by just now? I thought I heard someone calling me."

Courtney nodded. "Natalie and Tina came to see you."

Thaliana's eyes widened. "The captain? She was here? Where is she now?"

Courtney looked around but realized the two had already left. "Mom, I'll go check

outside. Maybe they haven't gone far."

Tina and Alina, meanwhile, were in the middle of a conversation as they walked down the hall.

Suddenly, a voice called out behind them, "Natalie, Tina, my mom is awake."

Both women stopped in their tracks and exchanged a glance before heading back toward the ward.

The moment Thaliana saw Alina, she tried to sit up in excitement. "Captain, I finally get to see you again. It's been twelve years. I thought I'd never have the chance..." Alina pressed her hands gently on Thaliana's shoulders, stopping her from getting up. "What nonsense. We're both fine, aren't we? You're injured-lie down and rest." Thaliana instinctively responded, "Yes, Captain."

Alina chuckled. "We're no longer part of X Bureau. Stop calling me Captain. Just use my name."

Thaliana's expression turned serious. "I can't do that. You'll always be my captain, no matter what. That will never change."

Alina didn't insist further, instead asking curiously, "Thaliana, what happened back then? Why did you suddenly decide to end your life like that?"