Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 365

Chapter 365 The Maternal Instinct

What incredible luck…

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Finished

The moment her eyes landed on the two children, Tatiana found herself unable to look away. Her pulse quickened, and a strange, overwhelming sensation washed over her. It wasn’t until Alita gave her a sharp nudge under the table that she snapped back to reality.

Ryan repeated his question: “Are there any other requirements?”

Tatiana gave a nearly imperceptible nod, and Alita smiled, extending her hand. “It’s a deal.”

Ryan returned the smile with genuine satisfaction. “The pleasure is mine. I look forward to a very successful partnership.”

That handshake signaled the successful completion of the first step in Tatiana’s grand design. Ryan’s team would draft the contracts and send them over for review; once signed, a steady stream of cargo would begin moving from Steele Island to the mainland ports.

With business concluded, Ryan took the initiative to invite Alita out for the night, offering to play the gracious host. It was a transparent move–the man was clearly captivated by Alita’s exotic charm.

Tatiana considered intervening, but seeing the flicker of interest in Alita’s eyes, she held back. Alita was twenty–one, after all; she was a grown woman capable of making her own decisions about men.

The two left together on a high note, leaving Tatiana alone at the table. She leaned back against her chair and exhaled a long, heavy sigh. She didn’t leave; some part of her was rooted to the spot.

Why?

Her gaze drifted toward the most prominent table in the room, where the family of four sat. She ignored the irritating, fickle Jasper and focused entirely on the two children. The more she looked, the more fascinated she became.

How could there be children in this world who appealed to her so perfectly? Every feature was so adorable that it made her want to… skip the labor and jump straight into being their mother.

She rested her chin in her hand, staring at them without blinking.

Ann, sensing the weight of the gaze, turned her head. Their eyes met across the room. Tatiana instinctively started to smile, but remembering the mask covering her face, she suppressed it and looked away.

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Chapter 365 The Maternal Instinct

Ann remained dazed, staring at the distant table until Bianca noticed. “Ann, what are you looking at?”

Bianca glanced over but didn’t see anyone who stood out.

“Nothing, Mommy.”

“Here, have some milk. It’s good for your health.” Bianca handed her a glass.

Fi

Hubert interjected from the side, “Mommy, she can’t drink milk. It gives her an upset stom Bianca’s expression stiffened for a fraction of a second. “Oh? Is that so? I’m sorry… I forgot.” Ann shook her head. “It’s okay, Mommy. You don’t have to apologize.”

Bianca felt a surge of anxiety. The milk had been “spiked“; if Ann didn’t drink it, the plan fo night couldn’t move forward.

Hubert noticed the strange look on “Mommy’s” face. His eyes darted around before he pick up the glass and handed it back to her. “Mommy, why don’t you drink it? We shouldn’t let it to waste.”

Bianca instinctively leaned back. “No, I don’t really want any. You have it.”

“Milk is so good for you! Please, Mommy, drink it!”

Jasper added dryly, “Hubert is only looking out for you.”

Trapped, Bianca had no choice but to force down half the glass. She immediately made an excuse to go to the restroom, planning to induce vomiting.

Once she was gone, Jasper glanced at the remaining milk and signaled a nearby subordinate t take it for testing.

Ann and Hubert exchanged a knowing look but said nothing.

Jasper wouldn’t move until he had uncovered the imposter’s origin; otherwise, more fakes would simply appear, employing even more devious tactics. It was better to wait and catch the puppet master behind the scenes. The fake Tatiana was the perfect bait.

“What are you looking at?” Hubert asked, noticing his sister turning around again.

Ann whispered, “Hubert, look over there. The person in the white clothes and the hat. Just sitting there.”

Hubert followed her gaze and saw a strange woman. Just as he was wondering what was so interesting about her, he caught her eye–and he froze.

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Chapter 365 The Maternal Instinct

Finished

Tatiana blinked at him. She felt a sudden, irrational urge to scoop that silly little boy up in a hug.

She had to be losing it. Why hadn’t she realized she loved kids this much? Specifically, someone else’s kids. Feeling like a total creep, she stood up abruptly and hurried toward the restroom.

The two little ones watched her retreat. Jasper finally noticed the distraction. “What is it?”

By the time he looked, he only caught a fleeting glimpse of her back–one that felt hauntingly familiar.

In the restroom, Tatiana splashed water on her face. “What am I doing…” she muttered to herself.

She was about to leave when she heard someone enter the neighboring stall. A moment later, the sound of the flush filled the room, accompanied by a voice speaking in a hushed, urgent

tone.

“She didn’t drink the milk… When we leave the restaurant later, I’ll pull her toward me during the confusion. You be ready to move in and snatch the child… fifteen minutes? Fine, I understand… I promise… I’m sorry, it’s not my fault! Jasper is watching them too closely!”

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