Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19 The Old Man’s Favorite

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But he misunderstood the look in her eyes, saying bluntly, “What, you planning to tattle?”

She shrank back and shook her head.

Yet that reaction clearly didn’t convince Jasper.

Among the Jackson family’s high–ranking household, no one held more authority than Gordon. He was deeply respected, even Jasper treated him with unusual reverence.

Every younger member of the Jacksons feared the old man, but no one ever understood why he doted on Tatiana.

It was because of that favoritism that Tatiana had once been able to cling to Jasper so freely, often running to Gordon to complain whenever Jasper ignored her, leading to Jasper being scolded more than once.

Especially after that incident, Gordon had directly ordered them to marry, leaving Jasper no choice but to take her as his wife.

“Remember, keep your mouth shut about things you shouldn’t say. Grandpa hasn’t fully recovered, he doesn’t have the strength to handle more.”

A warning.

She answered softly.

Soon, they arrived at the Jackson family estate.

The gate stood tall and imposing, with a plaque beside it: Historical Site. Beneath it read: Private Residence.

The Jackson ancestors had been high officials. They had purchased this five–courtyard estate, once the residence of a prince, passing it down through generations, pouring fortunes into its

restoration.

As a child, she often played here. Every tree and stone was familiar.

But now, things had changed. She wasn’t even considered a guest.

Jasper walked quickly, while she trailed behind, struggling to keep pace.

The faster she walked, the more obvious her limp became, her knee aching sharply.

She gritted her teeth and forced herself to keep up.

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11:38 Sat, Oct 25

Chapter 19 The Old Man’s Favorite

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Finished

Inside, Gordon sat anxiously, pouring tea again and again as he waited. “Why aren’t they here yet? Did someone call them?”

The butler at his side reassured him. “Yes, sir, they’re on the way.”

“Never mind him, is the girl here?”

The people present exchanged uneasy looks. No one could understand why the old man valued the fake daughter of the Lowell family so highly.

“Ms. Steele has come too. They should be arriving any moment.”

Gordon paused, then sighed. “Henry really doesn’t know how to handle things. A mistake is a mistake, but after raising her all these years, how could he be so cruel as to send her back? And even change her surname? How shameful if word spreads. It’s not as if they couldn’t afford another daughter.”

Though he cared for the girl, Gordon had never interfered too much in the Lowell family’s affairs. He had only intended to make it up to Tati later, to stand behind her.

But his health was poor. Four years ago, he’d undergone major surgery and had been recuperating abroad, unable to oversee matters at home.

He had assumed Jasper, being married to her, would protect her. So he hadn’t worried.

Clearly, he had been wrong.

When Jasper stepped into the parlor, everyone turned their eyes to him.

He greeted calmly, “Father, Mother, Grandpa.”

With Gordon’s return today, the entire Jackson family had gathered, though there was little warmth among them.

Gordon’s eyes immediately sought behind him. “Where’s the girl?”

The next moment, Tatiana steadied her breathing, stepped inside, and forced herself to say, “Mr. Gordon.”

Gordon’s face lit up with joy. He beckoned her eagerly. “Come here, child, come to me.”

Feeling all the eyes on her, Tatiana walked forward slowly.

But her body was too weak, fever heating her skin, her steps unsteady. That lame foot nearly gave way, and at the last moment a strong arm circled her waist.

11:38 Sat, Oct 25

Chapter 19 The Old Man’s Favorite

“Watch where you’re going.”

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