Against Cruelty, She Grew Strong (by Anastasia Glover) novel Chapter 524

Chapter 524 The Sketch

“She’s smiling. Can’t you see that?”

Finished

Lucas fell silent. From his vantage point, he could clearly see Tammy’s smile. It was radiant and beautiful.

But the person she was smiling at wasn’t him. It was the notorious Norman.

A sudden wave of dread washed over him.

Tatiana didn’t hesitate to expose his real feelings. “What? Are you scared? Scared that she doesn’t love you like she used to?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“We both know exactly what you meant.”

Tatiana left it at that. She didn’t say another word and focused on eating the grilled meat with Hubert and Ann.

Lucas grilled in silence. He barely ate a bite, watching until Tammy finished her meal and left with Norman. He looked like he had lost his soul.

Hubert leaned toward Ann’s ear, whispering loud enough for everyone to hear, “Lucas definitely regrets it now. Too late, though. Alita doesn’t want him anymore.”

Lucas’s hand faltered for a second before he went back to the grill.

Once they finished, Tatiana prepared to leave with the kids. Before walking away, she issued a final warning. “Don’t try anything. I’ll have eyes on you. No matter what you’re planning, you’re going to stay in line for this month. Understood?”

Lucas gave a bitter smile. “What could I even do? I’m powerless.”

“I hope so.”

Tatiana led the children away first.

Lucas stood there for a long time before finally leaving, his silhouette looking lonely and defeated. He didn’t go back to the Lund family estate, even though he was practically in control of it now. Instead, he

went back to the old house,

He locked himself inside.

Tammy had lived here with him for a long time to keep him safe. Since then, he hadn’t returned. The house remained exactly as it was; there was even a bag of her favorite fries still sitting on the table.

Her pink rabbit slippers were scattered on the floor. She always hated wearing shoes and preferred walking barefoot. He used to think it was improper and constantly nagged her about it. She would reluctantly put them on for a few minutes before kicking them off again the moment he looked away.

In the bathroom, her milk–scented body wash was still there. It was her favorite scent.

3:45 am M

M

Chapter 524 The Sketch

Finished

Every corner held a memory. Details he had never noticed when she was actually there were now surfacing with agonizing clarity, replaying in his mind like a movie in slow motion.

He knew he shouldn’t be doing this. He knew he was being pathetic. It was disgusting to treat someone like garbage when they were around, only to play the part of the grieving lover once they were gone.

He had calculated and used her feelings countless times to protect himself. He lived in a swamp where everything was about maximizing profit, while Tammy was his polar opposite. She was sincere and passionate. Being loved by her was a stroke of luck he had managed to throw away.

He sat back on the sofa, covering his eyes with his hand. “Tammy,” he whispered. “It’s only a month. Please don’t change your mind… okay?”

At the private airport.

Tatiana arrived with Ann and Hubert and immediately spotted Jasper waiting for them.

“Daddy!” the children shouted in unison.

Tatiana let go of their hands, letting them race toward him and dive into his arms. Ann, being a girl, was a bit more reserved and didn’t throw herself at him, but Hubert had no such qualms. He lunged into his father’s chest. “Daddy!”

Jasper scooped Hubert up and took Ann’s hand as he walked toward Tatiana.

“Have you been waiting long?” she asked.

“Not at all. The plane is ready. Let’s go.”

“Mm.”

Tatiana wore oversized sunglasses that covered half her face, so he couldn’t see the amusement in her

eyes.

airport f

Idiot. Do you really think I don’t know you’ve been waiting at this airport for two hours?

Is he really this happy to see us? What a dork.

While she was busy calling him a dork in her head, Tatiana didn’t notice the slight upward curve of her own lips.

The family of four boarded the plane and took off for Westland. It was a long flight, roughly ten hours, but the private jet was comfortable enough to make it easy. The roar of the engines was filtered by high–end insulation into a soft, steady hum.

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