Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 378: The Severe Backlash

When netizens saw the evidence provided by the police, Annabelle's supporters fell silent instantly. What

followed was a torrent of curses. Sagitated individuals even went to the Reed family's company website to

hurl insults, and every member's personal accounts were flooded with abusive comments.

Juliet and Arthur, both celebrities, found their careers heavily impacted by the scandal. Major companies

canceled their endorsement deals, and they were replaced as leads in scheduled films, facing substantial

breach-of-contract penalties. The Reed family's company saw a significant drop in stock prices due to the

incident. Families of Grandma Farrell's friends, who were also murdered years ago, took to the inteto

condemn the Reed family.

The Reed family was now a target of public outrage, struggling at every step. They found it difficult even to leave

their home.

Eventually, Damian sneaked out to buy funeral supplies and held a simple service for Annabelle at home.

However, when they tried to take her body out for cremation, they were blocked by a crowd outside Whispering

Pines.

At Jared's apartment, Tina and Hugo sat on the couch with Zackary, watching live news coverage of the Reed

family's situation. Tina had sent Zackary to Jared's apartment before the banquet and had not returned since

leaving the Reed family. Zackary watched the TV screen and turned to Tina, puzzled. "Sister, did Grandma really

kill someone?"

Since Velma bechis tutor, his mood had improved significantly. Tina gently patted his head and replied

softly, "Yes."

"But why did they have to shoot her? Her death will make the family sad." Zackary blinked his round eyes in

confusion. He had never been exposed to matters of life and death before; Hugo and Tina had shielded him from

such topics. Tina pressed her lips together but maintained her gentle tone. "She did something wrong; her death

was the price she paid."

Zackary seemed only partially understanding as he looked back at the TV, concerned about Juliet's weary

appearance. "Juliet must be very sad."

Tina glanced at the TV. The Reed family members were trying to drive Annabelle's body to be cremated but were

surrounded by an angry crowd outside Whispering Pines. People threw vegetable leaves and eggs at them and

even splashed paint. Jasper and others couldn't escape unscathed. Juliet and Audrey were shielded by Damian

but still suffered; someone had pulled Juliet's hair in the chaos, leaving her disheveled with torn clothes.

Juliet stood behind Damian like a lifeless doll, allowing herself to be pushed around by the crowd.

Tina's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression unreadable.

Jennie noticed this and spoke with concern, "Tina..."

Before Jennie could continue, Tina interrupted knowingly, "Uncle will handle it once he's done."

Jared was in his study dealing with work-related matters. The Annabelle incident had unveiled many cases that

required attention from higher-ups. Moreover, there was Lily; orders cfrom above demanding her release

without any explanation-just a command to let her go.

Jared was busy with this issue when Jennie felt reassured by Tina's words. "This isn't your fault; the old lady

deserved it. Don't put too much pressure on yourself; Juliet will understand."

Having spent so much twith Tina, Jennie knew her well-Tina had a cold exterior but a warm heart. She would

give her all for those who treated her well. Although Tina never said it outright, Jennie could tell she liked Juliet

quite a bit since Juliet had been kind to her after she joined the Reed family.

"Okay," Tina responded with a smile.

"Ah," Hugo sighed suddenly. "The once-glorious Reed family has now fallen."

When the police initially reported Annabelle as the murderer, Hugo thought it was an isolated act that wouldn't

affect the Reed family much. But he hadn't anticipated such an intense public backlash that even Ashbury's

second-ranked wealthy family couldn't withstand.

"The Reed family won't fall," Tina said slowly.

Hugo was taken aback. "You want to help them?"

Tina smiled slightly at his words. "They don't need my help." She had no intention of helping them either. Initially

wanting to see the Reed family disappear completely, she changed her mind because of Juliet.

She had considered stepping in if the Reed family couldn't hold on anymore for Juliet's sake. But with Jasper

around, she believed they wouldn't fall.

Hugo didn't understand what she meant and was about to ask when Jared emerged from his study.

He glanced at the TV showing people attacking the Reed family members who were injured in the chaos.

Retracting his gaze, he told Tina, "Someone is handling it." Tina nodded slightly. "Okay."

She said no more.

About twenty minutes later, several police cars arrived at Whispering Pines. Law enforcement arrested all those

who had stormed into the Reed family's property and strictly prohibited any malicious attacks. With police

intervention, the Reed family managed to leave smoothly and took Annabelle to be cremated.

After things settled down, Tina turned off the TV.

Seeing that Jared seemed to have something to say, she walked over to him. "What's up?"

Jared glanced at Hugo and Jennie before saying quietly, "Let's talk inside."

Smatters weren't suitable for them to know about.

Tina nodded and followed him into his study.

"Orders from above demand Lily's release," Jared stated directly once inside.

Tina frowned slightly. "Whose orders?"

"I don't know," Jared replied grimly. "Just that it's required from above."

Leaning against the wall, Tina sneered coldly. "They're reaching far."

"There are sthings | can't handle directly," Jared said softly.

Tina looked at him and smiled slightly. "Alright! You make arrangements!"

Jared's stern face finally showed a hint of a smile. "You always understandbest!"

Tina chuckled lightly. "Your thoughts are written all over your face!"

Jared cleared his throat awkwardly. "Caught me."

After slight banter between them, Tina grew serious again. "We can't release Lily yet; how long can you

delay?"

"One day!"

Tina pondered for a moment before saying decisively, "I need two days."

Jared pressed his lips together before finally saying reluctantly, "One day is all | can manage; if we don't release

her by tomorrow night, I'll lose my position-all our previous efforts will be wasted."

The position itself wasn't important to him; what mattered was that without it, his network would crumble one by

one-those he had embedded within GTO over eight years would face life-threatening danger. He wasn't afraid of

dying himself but feared for those who fought alongside him.

After sthought, Tina said resolutely: "Let's see whether Mr. Kim or | think faster!"