Chapter 610 Unintended Traces
But recovering those lost memories only made them love her even more.
“Then are we still heading back down to the region, Mommy?”
“Not for the time being.”
Finished
While Ann and Hubert missed Tammy fiercely, they were equally reluctant to leave Gordon’s side. In his earrent condition, Gordon simply wasn’t fit for the grueling physical strain of long–distance travel; the journey would be far too punishing, and a medical emergency could easily trigger along the road.
Tatiana refused to leave him isolated and unmonitored.
As the logistical constraints mounted, her thoughts drifted right back to that dynamic coward currently hiding from the world. A fresh surge of adrenaline hit her chest, feeding the volatile temper she had ought so hard to suppress until it burned with absolute ferocity.
She took a long, measured breath, forcing her internal defenses back into alignment.
ust then, her phone vibrated with an incoming call from Vivian. The older woman was calling to see if her schedule was clear, hoping to recruit her to attend a high–profile corporate opening.
It is a prominent local orphanage that has undergone a complete architectural restoration,” Vivian explained smoothly, bypassing any superficial pleasantries. “I have spent the better part of the last six nonths organizing the logistics, and your firm poured an immense amount of capital into the secondary phases. In terms of sheer eligibility, you have more than earned your spot at the podium. Come join the ibbon–cutting ceremony and secure some media exposure. The nominations for the National Top Ten Philanthropists are coming up, and this would serve as an exceptional portfolio builder.”
Vivian made absolutely zero effort to mask her underlying intentions. She was openly using her massive nstitutional leverage to elevate Tatiana’s standing, offering this high–profile platform as a stepping stone. Continuous press coverage and an unblemished public reputation were critical parameters for navigating he upcoming selection process.
And the nomination carried immense strategic advantages for her corporate empire. Of course, it was a prestige Tatiana had fully paid for through her massive, continuous charitable contributions.
“Very well,” Tatiana accepted, refusing to alienate such a powerful ally by rejecting her kindness. I will be
there.”
The official ribbon–cutting ceremony was scheduled for tomorrow morning at eight o’clock The venue was located in the neighboring city of Hundsville, a continuous three–hour drive from the capital Given that the itinerary included a formal luncheon with the local administrative officials tollowing the event. she resolved to travel down an evening early to settle in.
Hubert and Ann had grown entirely accustomed to their mother’s bustness travel, showing zero signs of separation anxiety. Instead, their tiny hands moved with practiced efficiency as they methodically packed her leather suitcase.
Ann crouched by the edge of the luggage, checking off the items on her fingers Cleansing foam skincare bottles, fresh towels… Hubert, we are still missing
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Unintended Traces
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Finished
I’ve got it. I’ve got it! It’s the silk sleep mask, right? Mommy can’t get any proper rest without this.” Hubert hurried over, carefully sing the delicate fabric into a secure side pocket.
Watching her two magnificent children coordinate so seamlessly on her behalf, Tatiana’s eyes curved into elegant crescents, a wave of profound affection–washing over her as she bent down to press a firm kiss against each of their cheeks.
“Thank you, my absolute darlings. You are incredibly thoughtful.”
Hubert shifted his weight nervously, a trace of vulnerability slipping into his voice. “You have to promise to complete the assignment and return home as quickly as possible, Mommy.”
Ann gently pinched the back of Hubert’s hand, offering a stern, mature correction. “Mommy is traveling for critical executive work, and she will return the exact second her responsibilities are finalized. We shouldn’t impose a strict deadline on her.”
Hubert quickly corrected his posture, offering a bright smile. “Don’t worry about a thing here, Mommy! Ann and I have everything under absolute control.”
Tatiana found herself entirely amused by their tiny displays of authority. “Do not run wild while I am away. I will return at the absolute earliest opportunity.”
Before walking out the front doors, she made a point to brief Gordon on her itinerary.
Gordon offered a warm, relaxed laugh, waving his hand dismissively to clear her anxiety. “Go on, focus entirely on your corporate affairs. I will be right here to supervise the children.”
In their desperate bid to shield her from any unnecessary stress, every single member of the household was aggressively claiming responsibility for her peace of mind. Ann and Hubert insisted they had the estate managed, while Gordon guaranteed the children’s safety was secure under his watch.
A profound warmth bloomed in Tatiana’s chest as she climbed into the back seat of her sedan, completely, reassured as the vehicle launched down the highway toward Hundsville.
The moment the car crossed the Hundsville city limits and pulled up to the designated drop–oft point, a representative stepped forward to intercept her.
“Am I addressing Ms. Tatiana? A formal welcome to Hundsville! I have been assigned to manage your local itinerary for the duration of your stay. You are welcome to call me Carilyn
The speaker was a young woman radiating an intense, vibrant energy. She looked like a recent university graduate who had only recently entered the professional workforce, her eyes still entirely bright with untainted enthusiasm.
Tatiana offered a warm smile. “Hello, Carilyn. Thank you for making the arrangements
“It is absolutely no trouble at all! You are completely breathtaking in person! You are an absolute inspiration to my entire department, and I am incredibly honored to be handling your transport!” Carilyn’s praise was dripping with absolute sincerity, her emotions far too raw to be masked by corporate etiquette.
“You are far too kind,” Tatiana replied smoothly.
Chapter 610 Unintended Traces
n–shed
“Our designated transport is parked right over this way, please follow me. I will escort you to the hotel to process your check–in fr
“Perfect. Lead the way.”
Following the long hours of continuous travel down the highway, a heavy wave of exhaustion was beginning to take hold of her muscles. Carilyn maintained an exceptionally steady pace on the road, seamlessly balancing her driving duties with a professional, comprehensive overview of the local landmarks, acting as a highly competent guide.
Within twenty minutes, the vehicle pulled up to the entrance of a luxury high–rise hotel.
“Please take a seat in the lounge for a moment, Ms. Tatiana. I am going to step up to the front desk and finalize your room keys immediately.”
Tatiana settled onto a plush velvet sofa near the center of the lobby, letting her eyes drift closed as she sought a brief moment of rest.
Simultaneously, a separate delegation walked through the glass revolving doors.
“Right this way, sir,” a hospitality manager directed, his posture entirely deferential.
Liam offered a terse nod of acknowledgement, standing quietly near the concierge desk as he waited for his paperwork to clear. His expression was completely cold and detached. Yet the moment he turned his head to scan the lobby, his focus locked onto a specific coordinate.
A highly familiar figure sat perfectly still on the lounge sofa, her long, raven hair cascading down the side of her face to frame her flawless profile. The elite structural elegance of her bone structure was so absolute that she required zero cosmetics or elaborate styling to completely command a space. She merely sat there, yet every single guest navigating the lobby instinctively slowed their pace to steal a lingering look.
Liam was entirely no exception to the rule.
He had never anticipated crossing paths with Tatiana again so soon after her brutal dismissal. Over the past forty–eight hours, his mind had repeatedly, involuntarily resurrected the image of her wild, unyielding radiance behind the wheel of his car–a dangerous, intoxicating vision that look: & exactly like a rose covered in lethal thorns, a prize he fiercely desired to conquer.
If her rejection had been born of any ordinary variable, he would never have backed down from the pursuit.
But the roadblock she had thrown in his path was absolute. It was a parameter he couldn’t negotiate away
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