Against Cruelty, She Grew Strong (by Anastasia Glover) novel Chapter 278

**TITLE: Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**
**Chapter 278: A Meal Together**

Hubert fidgeted with his fingers, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. “I… I can eat anything,” he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ann, with her characteristic confidence, encouraged him, “You can choose whatever you want! Don’t hold back or be polite—just order like I do!”

The little boy, still grappling with his shyness, recalled Gordon’s advice about how guests should behave.

“Snap!”

Ann playfully patted his shoulder, her tone a mix of frustration and encouragement. “Come on! Hurry up and say it! Don’t act like you’re mute!”

Gathering his courage, Hubert finally declared, “I want roasted meat!”

Tatiana, her eyes sparkling with warmth, smiled at him. “Okay, sweetie. I’ll make it just for you.”

With that, she pushed the shopping cart down the aisle, steering it towards the fresh produce section.

Meanwhile, the two little ones pretended to scrutinize a carrot they held, their tiny hands dwarfed by the vegetable’s size, creating an amusing scene. Unable to resist, Tatiana whipped out her phone and snapped a few pictures, capturing the innocent moment.

After gathering the groceries and supplies, they returned home, where Tatiana busied herself tidying up the living room, allowing the children to play freely. To strengthen her bond with them, she had given the nanny, Spring, a couple of days off, opting to care for the children herself.

In the kitchen, she was immersed in her culinary tasks, occasionally glancing toward the living room. There, the two little ones were nestled together on the rug, engrossed in a complex building block set, their brows furrowed in concentration as they attempted to piece it together.

A smile spread across Tatiana’s face; the joy she felt was evident, and her lips curved into a grin that hadn’t faded all day.

“Alright, time to eat! Go wash your hands,” she called out cheerfully.

Ann took the lead, guiding Hubert to the bathroom to wash up. She even helped carry the dishes and rice, showcasing her newfound independence.

Tatiana encouraged this behavior, teaching Ann various practical life skills. In her home, regardless of their age, they were nurtured to be self-sufficient individuals.

Hubert, the pampered golden boy of the Jackson family, was unused to this level of independence. He had always relied on others to do everything for him, and the thought of carrying a dish was entirely foreign.

Now, he stood awkwardly to the side, unsure of what to do next.

Ann, noticing his hesitation, thrust the rice bowl into his hands. “Take it quickly! Remember, no work means no food!”

He accepted it nervously, his heart racing at the thought of being denied a meal.

The aroma wafting from the kitchen was tantalizing, making his stomach growl in anticipation. “So fragrant, so fragrant! I’m starving!” he thought, his mouth watering.

Tatiana gently ruffled his hair, her voice soothing. “Don’t be nervous, sweetheart. Just do what Ann does. Take it easy.”

Hubert blinked at her, mumbling a soft response, his words barely audible.

“Hmmmm? What did you say?” Tatiana leaned down, trying to catch his reply.

Just then, a soft object landed on her cheek with a gentle smack.

“You are so kind!” Hubert exclaimed, his eyes wide with innocent admiration.

Tatiana froze for a moment, her hand instinctively rising to touch her cheek. A warm current of affection surged through her heart at his unexpected compliment.

They had just set the bowls and were about to dig in when the doorbell rang unexpectedly.

“I’ll get the door. You two start eating,” she said, but to her surprise, both children set down their forks and waited patiently.

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