Against Cruelty, She Grew Strong (by Anastasia Glover) novel Chapter 499

Chapter 499 Truth and Lies

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Finished

Jasper didn’t show the slightest hint of embarrassment at being seen through. Instead, he leaned into it. “Well, you’re right. But shouldn’t you show me a little pity? I did get soaked in the rain, and it’s easy to get sick.”

The early autumn night carried a chill, and combined with his drenched clothes, he looked the part of someone needing care. Tatiana turned and headed inside without a word.

Jasper let out a soft sigh, whispering to himself, “Is it still not enough…”

A second later, Tatiana stopped and called out, “What are you standing there for! Follow me!”

Jasper looked up, his eyes brightening instantly. “Coming.” He took a long stride and followed her in.

Late into the night, Tatiana lay in bed, sleep eluding her. Her long black hair was scattered across the pillow, a few stray strands clinging to her cheek, making her fair skin look like fine white jade. It was a beauty that was impossible to ignore.

Unfortunately, the owner of that beauty was currently distracted. She rolled over and closed her eyes, trying to force herself to sleep. But her mind involuntarily drifted back to that kiss. Her heart was, undeniably, in turmoil.

Knock, knock.

A light tapping came from the door. She opened her eyes. “Who is it?”

“It’s me.”

Jasper’s voice.

She grabbed a sheer robe, threw it on, and went to open the door. Standing there was Jasper, dressed in charcoal grey pajamas: This man even wore his pajamas buttoned all the way to the top, looking like a stiff, sophisticated, and celibate gentleman.

…As if. No gentleman knocks on a woman’s door in the middle of the night, Yet, she had been the one to open it.

“Yes?”

“I forgot a few things.”

“What things?”

“Things you want to know.”

Her chest tightened. “I don’t have anything I want to know.”

“Then, how about things I want to tell you?”

By switching the subject, he made it much easier for her to accept. She finally relented. “I’m listening.”

“Want to go to the terrace? There’s a meteor shower tonight.”

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Chapter 499 Truth and Lies

“Alright.”

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Finished

They walked one after the other to the glass–walled terrace. The post–rain sky was exceptionally clear, and the starlight twinkled generously. They sat on opposite ends of a soft, spacious sofa, with a bottle of champagne resting on the bar.

Tatiana idly swirled her glass, waiting for him to speak. Jasper lowered his eyes, seemingly contemplating where to begin. She glanced at him. “If you don’t want to say it, don’t. I’m not forcing you.”

There was a bit of a sting in her words. He ignored it.

“That’s not it. I’m just wondering where to start.”

“Decided yet?”

“Yes. Let’s start with Annie.”

Her heart skipped a beat. She immediately thought of what Annie had said in the bar tonight–that she had “kept” him.

“You should stay away from her in the future. She’s very interested in you, and that’s not a good thing.”

“And it’s a good thing she was interested in you?”

He rubbed his brow. “Tatiana, Annie is a man.”

Pfft–cough, cough, cough!

She had just taken a sip of champagne and choked, spraying a mouthful of wine. Jasper pulled out a tissue to wipe her face. “Careful.”

“What did you say?”

“Annie is a man. His birth name is Anthony, half–Chinese and half–French. He just has… unique tastes.”

“…By unique tastes, you mean cross–dressing?”

“Yes. He isn’t picky about gender and lives quite a colorful life. That’s why I told you to stay away; if he’s interested in someone, he makes a move.” He paused, then added, “But don’t worry. You have me.”

Out of respect for their past history, he hadn’t wanted to move against Annie. But if Annie tried anything with Tatiana, he wouldn’t hold back.

Tatiana’s expression turned subtle. “Then when he said he kept you…”

“He was lying.”

“Oh?”

“However, I did fight in his arena once upon a time.”

This time, Tatiana was genuinely stunned. She had seen what that underground arena was like–a giant coliseum. With Jasper’s status, there was no need for him to ever set foot in such a place.

17:57 Mon, Jan 19 GJM.

Chapter 499 Truth and Lies

29

Finished

“A long time ago, I ran into some trouble. My freedom was restricted, and the only place I could hide was his arena. He took me in.”

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