Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 254

**TITLE: Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**
**Chapter 254: A Target in Plain Sight**

A fleeting smile graced his lips, casting a rare glow upon his otherwise unremarkable features. “I know. Don’t worry,” he reassured her softly, his voice a soothing balm amidst the tension.

With a quiet click, the door swung shut behind him.

Finished.

Tatiana felt an overwhelming sense of disorientation wash over her. No matter how deeply her worries gnawed at her heart, she was left with nothing but the agonizing burden of waiting. Her thoughts spiraled into a silent prayer, hoping fervently that they would emerge unscathed from the chaos that surrounded them.

The moment Jasper exited the room, the warmth of his smile evaporated, replaced by a steely resolve. His expression hardened as he turned to his men with an authoritative command. “Protect her. She is not to be harmed in any way, understand?”

“Yes, boss!” came the chorus of affirmations, each man eager to fulfill their duty.

A dark flicker danced in Jasper’s eyes, a shadow of determination that propelled him forward as he hurried away, urgency etched into his every movement.

Waiting is the worst kind of torture, she thought, feeling the weight of each passing second.

Tatiana leaned against the plush sofa, her wide, anxious eyes glued to the door as if willing it to burst open with news.

The female bodyguard, a vigilant presence beside her, couldn’t hold back any longer. “Ma’am, you should rest for a bit. If the boss returns, we’ll wake you.”

She rubbed her weary eyes, fatigue creeping into her bones, but stubbornly shook her head. “I’m fine.”

The bodyguard pressed on, concern lacing her voice. “If you keep this up, your body won’t be able to take it. You need to be rested so you can leave with the child the moment you get her.”

That compelling reasoning struck a chord within Tatiana. With a reluctant sigh, she found a comfortable spot on the sofa, curled up, and surrendered to the embrace of sleep, her eyelids growing heavy.

The female bodyguard draped a soft blanket over her, her heart pounding with a fierce protectiveness for the woman who had captured the boss’s heart so completely. A woman who was worth risking everything for… she deserved the utmost protection.

Time slipped away, each tick of the clock echoing in the silence.

When Tatiana finally stirred, darkness enveloped the room, and she realized with a sinking feeling that Jasper still hadn’t returned. The absence of news clawed at her insides.

“Ma’am, it’s time to eat. Would you prefer to go down to the restaurant, or should we have it delivered?” the bodyguard inquired, her tone a mix of duty and concern.

Tatiana rose to her feet, a sense of urgency pushing her forward. “I’ll go down.”

Staying cooped up in the room any longer felt like a descent into madness. The agony of waiting was a slow, relentless torture that gnawed at her sanity.

They were ensconced in a luxurious hotel, a beacon of opulence that catered to the wealthy and powerful. The floor they occupied was renowned for its stringent security measures, a fortress designed to protect its elite clientele.

Jasper had clearly gone above and beyond to ensure her safety.

The restaurant was perched on the sixty-eighth floor, a culinary paradise that offered an impressive array of dishes from around the globe, each plate crafted to delight the most discerning palate. The patrons were predominantly foreign, their dark skin and brown hair a stark contrast to her striking features. In this sea of faces, Tatiana’s classic beauty—her flowing black hair and deep, dark eyes—was a rare and captivating sight.

Her beauty was undeniable, yet exhaustion marred her ethereal visage, the pallor of her skin accentuated by the dark circles that framed her eyes, making her appear even more vulnerable. The moment she stepped into the restaurant, a hush fell over the crowd, as if the very air had thickened with awe. Conversations stuttered to a halt, all eyes drawn to her like moths to a flame.

The bodyguard then translated firmly, “My lady doesn’t understand your language. There’s nothing to discuss. Please leave.”

Surprise flashed across the man’s face, quickly morphing into disdain. So beautiful, yet seemingly lacking any substance. She didn’t even speak the language. Just another pretty face, likely a trophy for some wealthy man, devoid of depth.

What a tragedy. All that beauty, wasted.

With one last reluctant glance at Tatiana, the man turned away, defeated.

The bodyguard’s voice had been loud enough for those nearby to overhear, and the stares directed at Tatiana shifted from admiration to pity, tinged with disdain. They looked at her as if she were nothing more than a beautiful, useless object.

Yet Tatiana remained unfazed. After finishing her meal, she sat there, lost in thought, her mind adrift in a sea of contemplation.

Suddenly, the female bodyguard’s phone rang, and she answered quickly before returning to Tatiana, her expression grave. “Ma’am, that was the boss on the phone.”

Tatiana’s heart raced, anxiety flooding her senses. “What’s happening? Did they find Arin?”

“The boss has run into a little trouble. He needs your help.”

In an instant, she was on her feet, urgency propelling her forward. “What help? Tell me!”

“Please, come with me.”

Half an hour later, she found herself standing in the midst of a high-end shopping center, surrounded by a dazzling array of luxury goods. Confusion washed over her. “Why am I here…?”