Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 245

**TITLE: Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**
**Chapter 245: A Father’s Dignity**

In the intricate web of family dynamics, even Jasper found himself bound by the rules that governed their lives.

“Lay low for a while,” Gordon instructed, his tone carrying the weight of authority. “I’ll arrange for you to head to Murica for some negotiations. The media frenzy here won’t dissipate anytime soon; the more we try to bury it, the worse it becomes. Let some entertainment news take the spotlight for a bit. It’ll all blow over eventually.” He had devised a plan, one that, while not dire, was certainly not trivial either.

“I’m not going,” Jasper replied, his resolution firm and unwavering.

“Not going? You’d rather stick around and let the media hound you relentlessly?” Gordon’s brows furrowed, incredulity etched across his face.

Jasper lowered his gaze, his voice barely above a whisper yet resolute. “I have things to do.”

“What things?” Gordon pressed, his curiosity piqued.

“Don’t ask,” came the curt reply.

Gordon felt a familiar pang in his chest. He reminded himself, as if reciting a mantra: He’s my grandson. My own flesh and blood. The one I nurtured and raised. If I push him too far, he might slip away entirely.

“Give him another lash! For showing disrespect to his elders!” one of the enforcers called out, stepping forward, whip in hand, ready to strike. He knew, however, that Gordon would likely intervene, but the tension in the air was palpable.

Before Gordon could act, a small figure darted forward, a blur of determination and innocence. Hubert, arms outstretched like a protective mother hen, positioned himself defiantly in front of Jasper.

“Don’t hit my daddy!” he shouted, his voice ringing with the conviction only a child could muster. His eyes were red and swollen, tears streaming down his cheeks as he faced the looming threat. “You’re mean! You hit Daddy!”

Gordon was taken aback, his heart sinking. “Who let Hubert in here?” he exclaimed, bewildered by the scene unfolding before him.

“Don’t hit Daddy! Don’t!” Hubert cried, his gaze falling to the bloody marks marring his father’s back. “Hit me instead! Don’t hit Daddy! Don’t!”

Jasper, overwhelmed by the display of his son’s raw emotion, sighed heavily. “Stop crying. It’s too loud,” he murmured, his own heart aching at the sight.

“Daddy… don’t die,” Hubert sobbed, his small body trembling with fear.

“I won’t,” Jasper reassured him, though the weight of his words felt heavier than he intended.

“Waaaaah…” The sound of Hubert’s cries echoed, a haunting melody that cut through the tension. Gordon, unable to withstand the sight of his great-grandson’s tears, abruptly halted the proceedings and ordered immediate care for Jasper’s wounds.

When Tatiana next encountered Jasper, she couldn’t help but notice the unusual aura surrounding the father and son. Hubert’s eyes were still puffy from crying, and Jasper’s stride appeared stiff, as though a great burden weighed upon his shoulders.

“You really didn’t have to come pick me up from the hospital,” she remarked, her tone light yet tinged with concern. Today marked her discharge, and she was grateful for the company, especially since Anna had joined them.

“It was no trouble at all,” Jasper replied, his voice steady.

Hubert looked up at her, his expression mirroring that of a forlorn puppy. “Do you think we’re annoying?” he asked, his bottom lip jutting out.

“It’s okay! I’ll live a long, long time! Then I’ll give you half of Daddy’s money! Then we’ll both be rich!” Hubert exclaimed, his imagination running wild.

“Hmmm, good plan. Then you can be my little brother,” Ann replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Okay! Ann is the best big sister!” Hubert cheered, his face lighting up.

Tatiana, overhearing their innocent banter, couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Out of the mouths of babes… my foot!” she muttered under her breath.

In an attempt to curb their whimsical conversation, she gently placed her hand over Ann’s mouth, stifling any further “innocent” remarks. “Don’t say things like that. It’s bad luck, understand?” she cautioned Hubert, who looked utterly confused.

She then turned to Jasper, her expression serious. “You should teach him not to speak so freely about such things.”

Jasper, however, seemed unfazed. After all, Hubert was merely stating the truth. If Jasper had no other heirs, Hubert would indeed inherit everything.

The two children, sensing the gravity of the moment, fell silent. Tatiana, unable to resist their hopeful gazes, ultimately relented and agreed to dinner.

As they arrived at the hotel and settled into their seats, Tatiana’s eyes flicked to the television. A horrifying image flashed across the screen—Harpie’s face, battered and bruised. The headline blared: “Jackson Corp CEO Disowns Kin, Brother Turns Against Brother!”

Her heart raced as she turned to look at Jasper, who was engrossed in listening to Ann. She swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat, as a wave of realization washed over her.