Against Cruelty, She Grew Strong (by Anastasia Glover) novel Chapter 628

Chapter 628 Retribution

Forshed

Lucas was well aware of Tammy’s origins, that remote, near-primitive island covered in dense jungle, but he had never fully realized that her simple survival to adulthood had been such a miraculous blessing.

“Tammy…

“Hmm?”

I will spend the rest of my existence treating you with the utmost devotion, making amends for everything you ever lacked.

Before the words could fully form, he forced himself to swallow them back down.

n

With a crushing sense of helplessness, he recognized that he possessed neither the right nor the opportunity to make such a vow.

The terminal illness was systematically devouring his life day by day, tightening around his neck like a noose, steadily cutting off his air and leaving him suffocating.

He had absolutely no way of remaining by her side to protect her forever, and truth be told, she no longer needed him anyway.

An excruciating pang tore through his chest, a peak of absolute agony.

So this is the true nature of my past transgressions. It isn’t a singular wave of temporary regret; it is a relentless execution that carves at my soul every single day and night, bleeding me dry whenever the memories surface.

“What exactly were you trying to say?”

Having waited a considerable length of time without receiving a response, Tammy finally prompted him.

Noticing that his complexion had turned thoroughly ghastly, she added, “Is the pain from your illness flaring up again? Do you need to visit a hospital?”

“It’s nothing. I’m perfectly fine. Let’s head back first.”

He awkwardly averted his gaze from hers, leading the way back to his personal quarters.

Tammy occupied the primary suite, while he settled into the secondary bedroom.

Struggling against the heavy effects of jet lag, she was thoroughly exhausted. The moment she reached the mattress, she collapsed onto her side and fell into a deep sleep.

Lucas strode into the bathroom, stripping off his layers to stare at his own emaciated reflection in the

mirror.

He unfastened the wig, stripping away the artificial facade to reveal the harsh reality underneath.

Frail, sickly, and utterly enveloped in a lingering aura of mortality.

In a sudden surge of violent frustration, he smashed his fist cleanly into the glass. The mirror shattered

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Chapter 628 Retribution

into a web of jagged shards, slicing into his skin and leaving fresh blood oozing from the cuts. Yet, he felt absolutely no physical pain in his hand; his chest simply throbbed with a suffocating, intense agony.

Bowing his head, he suppressed a ragged, muffled sob, resembling a cornered beast facing its inevitable end.

The annual commerce gala had drawn an immense gathering of prominent corporations, turning the venue into an exceptionally bustling affair.

Tatiana attended the event as well, though her choice of attire remained remarkably casual compared to the meticulously styled socialites in attendance. Wearing nothing more than a trace of minimalist makeup, her eyes swept deliberately across the sea of faces until she successfully locked onto her target.

Taking a measured sip of her champagne, she subtly adjusted a stray lock of hair.

Then, she strode forward with long, confident steps.

Liam, who was currently engaged in a conversation with a group of associates, caught sight of her approaching figure. His words cut off instantly, his gaze locking onto her automatically.

She advanced directly toward his position, her dark tresses, swaying slightly, a brilliant smile gracing her stunning features. Her bright eyes and immaculate appearance made her look exceptionally radiant and captivating.

Liam’s eyes lit up with an involuntary spark, a subtle trace of possessiveness rising in the depths of his chest.

However, the moment she glided past his side without a single pause, the tips of her hair merely brushing against his sleeve, he froze in sheer surprise.

Tatiana walked right past him, extending a warm greeting to the associate standing directly behind his form. “It has been far too long.”

Liam spun around, watching her converse effortlessly with the guest. Every single gesture she made radiated an elegant charm, her absolute poise laced with a subtle trace of casual nonchalance.

As if perceiving his intense stare, Tatiana glanced up. Her eyes met his completely by chance, only for her to naturally look away a second later.

The maneuver felt exactly like an accidental, teasing provocation.

Liam’s chest tightened instantly, his expression turning thoroughly ice-cold as he forced himself to look away from her.

Tatiana remained completely unbothered. She engaged in a fluid conversation with Madam Chen for a considerable length of time before smoothly offering an excuse to take her leave, turning on her heel to head toward the powder room.

Staring into the mirror, she carefully refreshed her lipstick, deliberately loosening a few strands of hair to perfect her casual appearance before exiting the room.

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Instead of returning to the primary banquet hall, she navigated her way to a secluded corridor at the edge of the venue, which featured an expansive, glass-enclosed balcony overlooking the sprawling network of skyscrapers below.

Leaning her weight comfortably against the railing, her gaze turned distant as she watched the heavy flow of traffic winding through the streets below.

Resting her chin in one hand, her dark hair cascaded over her shoulder, shifting smoothly with her

movements.

Under the soft, ambient glow of the lighting, her profile looked remarkably beautiful.

The sound of approaching footsteps echoed from behind her.

“Tatiana.”

The corner of her lips curved upward in a brief smile, though she completely masked the expression the exact second she turned around to face him.

“Liam.”

Liam stepped forward, settling himself against the railing right next to her form. “What a remarkable coincidence.”

“It isn’t a coincidence at all. You came looking for me.”

Liam paused, a sudden urge to laugh washing over him/and a genuine smile actually surfaced on his face.

“You did that entirely on purpose.”

“Hmm?”

“Earlier, when you walked right past my side. It was completely intentional.”

She let out a quiet, melodic laugh. “If my actions caused you to misinterpret the situation, I am deeply sorry. However, I assure you I harbored no such intentions. Please believe me.”

Liam arched an eyebrow. “Then it appears I simply misunderstood.”

“Yes. You misunderstood entirely.”

He retrieved a packet of cigarettes from his pocket. “Do you mind?”

He rarely indulged in smoking. The Langstrom family enforced an exceptionally rigid set of household regulations, and he had always maintained his standing as the golden standard of the family, only occasionally touching tobacco during moments of extreme stress.

Just as he was about to strike a flame, a slender, bare hand reached over, gently pressing down on his wrist as she smoothly confiscated his lighter.

“A true gentleman never smokes right in front of a lady.”

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