Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85 Swept Under the Rug

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Henry’s expression turned grim. “She ran off with another man! This family has no daughter like that!”

“Sir,” the officer stated, “these belongings were found with another victim. I’m afraid your adopted daughter might also be deceased.”

The unidentified body, boiled beyond recognition, was likely Tatiana, who had been missing for some time. This wasn’t just a murder; it looked like a targeted killing aimed at the family. Yet, the scene yielded no clues.

As the devastating truth sank in, a heavy silence fell over the Lowells.

Xavier’s hand, clutching the photos, trembled before he slammed them down on the table. “Is there proof?” he demanded. “So what if these things belonged to Tatiana? That doesn’t mean it’s her!”

“I’m sorry, sir,” the officer replied patiently. “The body’s condition made DNA extraction impossible. However, based on skeletal age analysis and these personal effects, I’m afraid it’s highly likely…”

With a soft gasp, Lauren collapsed.

First Bianca, now Lauren – both ended up hospitalized from the shock.

Xavier flatly refused to accept it was Tatiana. “You’re mistaken!” he insisted, his voice rising. “You have to be mistaken!”

When Bianca regained consciousness, her eyes were swollen and red. “Who killed them? It’s barbaric! I’m devastated! They’re not really dead, are they? Sob… Tatiana isn’t dead either! They can’t be!”

Xavier held her close. “It’s not real, Bianca. Don’t get upset. Your heart can’t handle the shock.” He then turned on the police officers, driving them out of the room. “Without definitive proof, we won’t accept this! Get out! All of you, get out!”

Left with no other recourse, the police began investigating Tatiana’s known connections, which inevitably led them to her legal husband – Jasper.

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“Is this the Jackson family?” one officer asked his colleague quietly.

“Who else could it be in Dalliston?”

“Damn… I never imagined Mrs. Jackson would end up like this.”

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10:47 Thu, Nov 6

Chapter 85 Swept Under the Rug

Just as the police were preparing their approach, they were intercepted by Jasper’s father, Barry. Although Gordon had designated Jasper as the heir, Barry still wielded considerable influence within the family.

“Are you hoping to keep this quiet, sir?” the lead officer inquired.

“Yes,” Barry confirmed curtly. “This Tatiana has nothing to do with my son anymore. They’re divorced. Her life or death is irrelevant to us. There’s no need to involve Jasper in such a trivial matter. Handle it through the proper channels.”

“But legally, sir…”

Barry slammed his hand on the table. “Legally?” he roared. “She ran off with another man during the cooling–off period! Whatever happened is her own damn fault! She deserved it! And we don’t even know for sure if it is her!” His voice dropped, but his tone remained unyielding. “My son’s wedding is just days away. I will not allow anything to interfere.”

Barry exerted his influence, forcefully suppressing the news. He cited the old gentleman’s fragile health, insisting he couldn’t handle the shock, and demanded absolute silence from everyone involved.

Xavier tried to comfort his distraught sister. “It’s okay. You still have us, and you Try not to be too sad.”

have Jasper.

Sad? Bianca wasn’t sad. She was furious – furious at Shawn’s incompetence, his failure to dispose of the bodies properly, leading to their discovery so soon. Now, all she could do was pray the police didn’t find the killer. “Have the police found any leads?” she asked, her voice laced with feigned worry.

Xavier shook his head. “Whoever did this covered their tracks well. It’ll be hard to find them. No leads yet. Don’t worry, I’ll keep following the case and let you know if anything develops.”

“You have to,” Bianca insisted, her eyes flashing. “The monster who killed my adoptive parents must be caught!”

“They won’t get away with it,” Xavier assured her grimly.

“And Tatiana…?”

Xavier’s face hardened. “That wasn’t Tatiana,” he said harshly. “It was just someone with similar things. She’s alive, probably hiding somewhere. Someone as cowardly and self–serving as her wouldn’t die so easily.” The vicious words felt like a desperate attempt to convince himself, to ward off the encroaching fear. Accepting Tatiana’s death was unbearable; believing she was still out there, living in disgrace, was easier.

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Chapter 85 Swept Under the Rug

+8 Pears

Bianca finally allowed herself to relax, a sweet smile returning to her face. “Yes, you’re right. It definitely wasn’t her. It must be a mistake.”

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