Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 286

**TITLE: Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light 286**
**Chapter 286: Missing Underground**

It was painfully obvious to anyone with even a modicum of awareness that something was amiss.

M

As she cautiously retreated, her heart raced when a hand landed firmly on her shoulder. The suddenness of the touch sent a shockwave through her body, causing her pulse to spike.

“Who are you?” she demanded, her voice trembling slightly, betraying the fear bubbling beneath her calm facade.

+5 Pearls

Before her stood a bald man, his cold, triangular eyes piercing through the dim light. He wore a snug black T-shirt that accentuated his muscular frame and camouflage pants that hinted at a life spent in the shadows. The aura of menace surrounding him was palpable, making her skin crawl.

Her gaze flicked to his other hand, which he kept hidden behind his back. A glint of something metallic caught her eye, and a chill ran down her spine.

Her heart constricted in her chest, a sense of impending dread washing over her.

“Speak,” he commanded, his voice low and menacing.

In a moment of desperation, she seized upon a sudden idea. “I’m here for an interview,” she blurted out, hoping to buy herself some time.

The man paused, his expression unreadable. “An interview?” he echoed, skepticism lacing his tone.

“Yes! They told me to come here,” she continued, her voice gaining a hint of urgency. “I couldn’t find anyone, so I’m relieved you showed up. I was starting to worry I’d be lost forever.”

“For an interview? You’re not a customer?” he probed, his eyes narrowing.

She mustered a flirtatious smile, letting her fingers play with her hair in an attempt to appear disarming. “Do I look like a customer to you?”

In that moment, she was acutely aware that admitting to being a customer could seal her fate in an instant.

The bald man’s gaze softened for a fleeting moment, captivated by her smile. A wicked grin spread across his face as he appraised her, his eyes glimmering with a predatory interest. “You certainly have the right… assets. Come with me, but heed my warning: next time, don’t wander into this area so carelessly. Some guests prefer to remain unseen.”

“I understand,” she replied, her stomach twisting with anxiety.

With that, he stepped forward, shutting the half-open door behind them, and began to lead her deeper into the establishment.

Her heart sank as she followed him, a silent prayer forming in her mind that Jasper would notice her absence and come searching for her.

This cursed trendy restaurant!

She vowed never to trust that man’s taste again.

The bald man navigated through a labyrinth of corridors, leading her downwards—deeper into the belly of the establishment, toward the basement.

She fought to suppress her alarm, mentally marking the route they took, desperate to remember every twist and turn.

Upon reaching the bottom, her eyes widened at the sight before her: a multitude of women adorned in an array of maid uniforms, each more extravagant than the last, their makeup strikingly bold compared to the waitresses upstairs.

She dared not look around too much, instinctively following the bald man like a lost sheep.

1/3

10:59 Wed, Dec 17

**Chapter 286: Missing Underground**

The bald man seemed to command respect; every person they passed halted to acknowledge him, calling out, “Supervisor.”

+5 Pearls

They pressed on until an older woman stepped into their path, her gaze sharp as she scrutinized Tatiana. “Is this a newcomer? Just here for the interview?” she barked.

“Yes,” Tatiana replied, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach.

“She’s got good looks,” the woman remarked, a smirk playing on her lips.

The bald man nodded in agreement, but just as he was about to respond, his phone rang. His expression shifted, and his eyes darted back to Tatiana, a flicker of suspicion darkening his features.

After ending the call, he turned to the older woman. “She’s yours. Get her changed and put her to work.”

Tatiana’s heart plummeted, but she maintained an outward appearance of calm. “Uh, wait! Shouldn’t I be assessed first? I don’t know anything about this place. What if I accidentally offend a guest?”

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