Against Cruelty, She Grew Strong (by Anastasia Glover) novel Chapter 152

**TITLE: Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**

**Chapter 152: No Next Time**

Her hand was unwavering, resolute. This was no jest; she meant every word.

Jasper’s mood had plunged to its lowest depths, a tempest brewing within him.

He fixed his gaze on her, incredulity mingling with anger. “You wouldn’t dare,” he challenged, his voice a low growl.

+ Pearls

In the blink of an eye, the sharp tip of the knife pressed against her neck, a cold reminder of the danger they were in. At the very last moment, he lunged forward, his hand shooting out to grasp the blade, a desperate act of protection.

Drip. Drip.

Crimson droplets cascaded from his palm, the sharp edge of the knife slicing through flesh, a painful sacrifice on his part.

Her eyes widened in horror, breath catching in her throat as the gravity of the moment struck her. Instinctively, she released her grip on the knife, the weapon clattering to the ground as if it were a foreign object.

His hand completely enveloped the blade, shielding her from harm, though it came at a cost.

“You…”

The words trembled on her lips, fear rendering her nearly mute.

Jasper slowly retracted the knife, his face darkening, a storm brewing in his expression that hinted at the chaos within.

“Tatiana, don’t provoke me further,” he warned, his voice low and menacing.

Her mental defenses crumbled, the weight of despair crashing down on her. “I just want to go back. Please, let me go. I’m begging you,” she pleaded, her voice hoarse with desperation.

“If you harm yourself even a little, I promise you, everyone you care about will suffer tenfold!” he shot back, his eyes narrowing.

Her pupils dilated, panic rising within her. “No! Please, don’t hurt Grandma!” The very thought sent chills down her spine.

“That depends on how well you behave. I’ll let you off this time,” he replied coldly.

With that, he gripped the knife tightly, standing tall, seemingly unfazed by the blood seeping from his palm. He left her with a chilling declaration: “There won’t be a next time.”

The door swung open and shut with a finality that echoed in the silence left behind. He was gone, but the oppressive aura he had exuded lingered, a haunting reminder of the threat that still loomed.

Tatiana sank onto the bed, her eyes burning with unshed tears. Despair engulfed her like a thick fog.

Even suicide isn’t an option. I’m trapped. There’s no escape.

1/4

The night dragged on, sleep eluding her like a distant dream.

The following day, Jasper transported her from the villa to the ancestral home, the weight of her reality settling heavily upon her shoulders.

Only then did the gravity of her naivety from the previous night hit her like a ton of bricks.

The road snaking down the mountain from the villa was long and treacherous, complete with checkpoints manned by vigilant guards. Ordinary vehicles were prohibited from ascending the mountain, and it felt as though the very air was thick with isolation.

There was no sign of life; not even a shadow flitted by.

She was left speechless, his voice echoing in her mind, “Don’t even think about leaving. You have no chance.”

Her fists clenched tightly, teeth gritted in defiance.

Before long, they arrived at the ancestral home, a place steeped in history and memories.

They exited the car together, stepping into the familiar yet foreboding inner residence. Gordon was seated, taking his medicine. Upon seeing them, a smile broke across his face, brightening the dim atmosphere.

“Girl, Jasper, you’re here!” he exclaimed, his voice warm with affection.

“Grandfather,” they replied in unison, moving closer.

Gordon’s keen eyes quickly picked up on the tension between them, the subtle signs of a recent quarrel. One walked with a slight limp, while the other bore fresh bandages on his neck and hand.

“Were you two out thieving? You both look worse for wear. Jasper, what happened to you?” he questioned, concern etching his features.

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