Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 179

**Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**
**Chapter 179: Threats**

“How is she mean?” Tatiana asked, her voice a mix of frustration and confusion, her small brows furrowing. She felt the weight of the accusation hanging in the air, but the words just wouldn’t come out right. All she could manage to utter was, “She’s mean!”

“Alright then,” her mother replied with a sigh, trying to maintain her patience. “Just stay away from her, understand?”

“Mhm! And Jasper, too!” Tatiana added, her resolve firm despite her childish pout.

“Okay, I promise,” her mother assured her, though she couldn’t help but chuckle at her daughter’s determination.

With that, Tatiana quickly buried the incident in the recesses of her mind, her thoughts now consumed by the thrill of the upcoming auction. She could hardly contain her excitement, her heart racing at the prospect of dazzling treasures awaiting her.

Meanwhile, Marilyn ushered Bianca into the grand hall, her heart heavy with concern. She had brought Bianca along tonight, hoping to lift her spirits with the promise of something special. After all, Bianca was carrying a Jackson family heir, and Marilyn felt an overwhelming need to protect her, to shield her from the storm brewing around them.

“Let’s go inside,” Marilyn said, her voice warm yet firm.

“But, Mom…” Bianca hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

“Don’t overthink it. Just focus on the baby,” Marilyn encouraged, her tone soothing. “Once the child is born, things will naturally get better.”

Bianca felt a wave of relief wash over her at her mother’s words. She understood the unspoken truth; so what if Jasper knew the reality of things and favored Tatiana? The Jackson family would never accept someone as simple as her as Mrs. Jackson.

“Yes, I understand, Mom,” she replied, her voice steadier now.

As the auction commenced, a breathtaking array of items was revealed to the eager crowd, from exquisite antiques to shimmering gemstones, each piece more alluring than the last. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, drawing in a throng of affluent bidders, all vying for their chance to take home a piece of luxury.

In the VIP box, Jasper sat with an air of confidence. His only concern was Tatiana’s happiness; if she liked something, he was ready to bid for it without a second thought.

Tatiana, with the whims of a seven-year-old, was as fickle as she was spoiled. One moment she would be captivated by a dazzling necklace, only to change her mind the next, her attention flitting from one item to another.

But Jasper indulged her every whim. He allowed her to explore her desires, placing bids without hesitation, no matter the cost.

“This is a sapphire ring, a masterpiece from a top designer… starting bid 500,000… 1.2 million going once! 1.2 million going twice! Two million! The guest in box 12 bids two million! Two million going once, two million twice! Sold for two million! Congratulations to our guest in box 12!”

“Next up, these ancient tea cups, each with exquisite carvings… starting bid one million… Guest in box 12 bids 2.6 million! 2.6 million going once, 2.6 million twice, 2.6 million sold! Congratulations to our guest in box 12!”

The repeated announcements of “guest in box 12” echoed through the hall, sparking murmurs among the attendees. The lavish spending was simply too extravagant to ignore, and the items he was winning spanned an impressive range of categories. It was as if he was determined to buy everything he laid his eyes on.

“Who is in box 12? They’re ridiculously rich! That’s got to be over ten million by now, right?” a voice whispered, laced with awe.

“At least! And they’re not stopping. It seems like they might be trying to break the record for the highest spending in a single auction,” another replied, envy seeping into their tone.

“Tsk, talk about impulsive,” someone scoffed, their voice dripping with resentment.

Tatiana, curled up on the plush sofa, blinked up at him and beamed. “Jasper, you’re so good to me!”

No, I’m not. You just don’t remember, he thought bitterly, but he swallowed his words, suppressing the ache in his heart. “Mhm,” he replied softly. “I’ll be even better to you from now on.”

She stood up, fidgeting with excitement. “Jasper… I need to use the… restroom.”

“Okay, I’ll go with you,” he offered, ready to accompany her.

“No! That’s embarrassing! Hmph! You’re not allowed! I’ll be right back!” she declared, her cheeks flushing with indignation as she hurried out, clearly anxious about him following her. A little girl’s pride had to be protected.

He chuckled softly, entertained by her antics, and let her go.

As Tatiana searched for the restroom, she suddenly collided with someone, the impact startling her.

What a coincidence, she thought, her heart racing.

Bianca’s face twisted into a snarl, her fury palpable. “Tatiana!” she spat, her voice low and dangerous.

Tatiana instinctively shrank back, fear flickering in her eyes at the ferocious expression on Bianca’s face. But then, a spark of courage ignited within her, and she puffed out her chest, attempting to project bravery.