Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 135

His chest tightened painfully, a sudden wave of regret washing over him like a cold tide.

“Jasper?”

The voice pulled him back from his spiraling thoughts. He blinked, forcing himself to focus. “No one,” he replied quickly, his voice low and steady.

Bianca’s anger simmered just beneath the surface, her jaw clenched so tightly her teeth ground together. She had caught him drifting off, lost in his own head. Who was occupying his thoughts? Tatiana—the persistent shadow of a woman who refused to fade away.

“They’re here! The lady has arrived!”

All eyes shifted toward the entrance once more. Even Jasper was taken aback this time. There, standing in the doorway, was Grandpa—who was supposed to be resting quietly in his bed.

With cautious steps, Tatiana supported Grandpa as he made his way forward.

Grandpa gave the back of her hand a gentle pat. “Don’t be so nervous, girl. I can walk on my own. You don’t need to be so tense.”

Tatiana’s heart fluttered with helplessness. How could she not be nervous? The doctor had nearly panicked when Grandpa insisted on attending the banquet. He had warned of dire consequences, but Grandpa’s stubborn will had won out. The doctor had finally relented, reluctantly agreeing, and had instructed Tatiana repeatedly to support him carefully. He must not fall—not at any cost. Grandpa was risking everything, all to give her this moment, to protect her honor.

Jasper and Bianca stepped forward to greet them. Jasper’s voice was firm as he offered, “Let me take him.”

Despite Grandpa’s usual sternness, he showed a rare deference to Jasper in public, and he didn’t want Tatiana to tire from supporting him any longer. So he allowed Jasper to take over.

“Is everyone here?” Grandpa’s voice, though weak, carried authority.

“Yes,” came the unanimous reply.

No one would dare miss an event important to Grandpa.

Jasper was about to say something when a sudden crash shattered the moment—the unmistakable sound of breaking glass. He turned sharply and saw Bianca staring in shock, her champagne glass shattered on the floor. Her face was pale, her eyes wide, as if she had glimpsed a ghost.

Grandpa frowned deeply, his displeasure clear. “Such poor manners at a formal gathering!”

Bianca hurriedly apologized, her voice trembling slightly. “My hand slipped. I’m sorry, Grandpa.”

But the panic etched across her face was too raw to be feigned. Tatiana’s mind raced. Could Bianca have recognized her? It seemed impossible. Her face was marred by scars, carefully concealed beneath layers of makeup. No one should recognize the woman she once was. Besides, the entire family believed Tatiana was dead. Unless… Bianca knew the truth—that she was alive, and that her beauty was ruined.

“Yes. I understand,” he replied quietly.

Only then did Grandpa relax, satisfied.

After Grandpa left the room, the stares directed at Tatiana multiplied, growing bolder and more obvious. If Jasper hadn’t been standing beside her, curious onlookers would surely have approached by now. Though her face was scarred and far from beautiful, her new status made her a target for opportunists seeking favor from Grandpa’s circle. Within the Jackson family, aside from Jasper—the heir—Grandpa wielded the greatest influence. Barry was little more than a figurehead, the eldest son in name only.

As a result, Minnie’s presence faded into the background. At previous family banquets, as the Jackson family’s only young lady and an unmarried socialite, she had been the center of attention. But today, the men who once flocked around her were all eyeing Cindy instead.

“Minnie, don’t be upset. Those men just have terrible taste,” Bianca said, approaching with a false kindness.

Minnie’s eyes were red with frustration, her voice tinged with hurt. “Is that really true?”

“Of course it is,” Bianca assured her smoothly. “In my heart, you’re the only sister I care about. No one else matters.”

Her words brought a small measure of comfort to Minnie, softening her expression. Bianca added with a bitter edge, “But Grandpa’s favoritism is infuriating. You’ve been part of the Jackson family for years, visiting him often, and yet he treats her so openly. No wonder all those opportunists are swarming around her.”