Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 209

**TITLE: Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light 209**
**CONTENT: Even in Darkness, She Chose to Rise**

**Chapter 209: Not Worthy**

The tension in the room reached a boiling point, and the manager, clearly overwhelmed, finally erupted. “Wanda! That’s enough! Stop talking!” His voice echoed, filled with a mix of frustration and desperation.

Wanda, with her arms crossed defiantly, pouted like a petulant child. “I wasn’t wrong!” Her tone was unwavering, as if she believed her words were a shield against the storm brewing around her.

Tatiana, taking a deep breath to steady herself, interjected with a calmness that belied her inner turmoil. “An apology and compensation,” she stated firmly, her voice steady despite the chaos.

Wanda’s expression shifted to one of vindication, a smirk playing on her lips. “See! What did I say? She just wants money!” The satisfaction in her tone was palpable, as though she had won a small victory in this verbal sparring match.

Tatiana, unperturbed, didn’t waste her breath on Wanda’s taunts. “You refuse?” Her question hung in the air, heavy with expectation.

Wanda scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. “In your dreams! You poor people are all just looking for a handout! Get out! I wouldn’t sell my father’s things to trash like you!” Her words were sharp, aimed to wound, but they only served to escalate the situation further.

The manager, caught in a whirlwind of apologies directed at Tatiana, struggled to regain control. He was frantic, his eyes darting between Wanda and Tatiana, desperate to silence the escalating argument.

Outside, the commotion had drawn curious glances from passersby. One individual, seemingly “coincidentally passing by,” caught sight of the ruckus and stepped inside, his expression shifting as he assessed the scene.

“What’s going on?” His voice cut through the tension like a knife, demanding attention.

At the sound of that familiar voice, Tatiana instinctively looked up, her heart racing in her chest.

It was Jasper.

Though the manager and Wanda failed to recognize him, his commanding presence was unmistakable. He stood tall, an imposing figure with striking features that radiated an innate nobility. The tailored suit he wore whispered of wealth and status, setting him apart from the chaos around him. Wanda, caught off guard, felt an involuntary flutter of attraction, her fingers instinctively smoothing her hair as she attempted to regain her composure. “Sir, can I help you find something?” she ventured, her voice losing its earlier edge.

But Jasper, oblivious to her attempts at flirtation, walked past her with a singular focus, his gaze locking onto Tatiana. The coldness in his expression sent a shiver down her spine. “What happened?” he demanded, his tone brooking no nonsense.

His eyes flicked to Ann, noticing the bruise on the little girl’s forehead. A flicker of understanding crossed his face, and he asked succinctly, “Need help?”

Tatiana felt a swirl of confusion. Why was he here? Why was he offering his assistance? In the past, she would have turned down such an offer without a second thought. But now, her resolve wavered, and she nodded, a silent admission of her need for support.

As Jasper prepared to order the shop closed to address the situation, Tatiana interjected, “Jasper, could I trouble you to borrow your phone?”

He paused for a brief moment, then without hesitation, handed it over.

Tatiana’s own phone lay lifeless in her bag; she had forgotten to charge it, leaving her with no means to call for help. With no other options available, she took Jasper’s phone and dialed a number that was all too familiar.

“Hello?” A rich, magnetic voice answered, laced with sleep. “Who is it? Disturbing my sleep? You got a death wish?”

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