Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 411

Chapter 411 The Shadow of Observation

The man standing behind Lucas spoke up suddenly. “Your condition is severe.”

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Finished

“Let me introduce you,” Lucas said. “This is Cayden Xander. He specializes in psychology and neurobiology. Dr. Xander, this is the patient I told you about, Tatiana.”

Cayden stepped forward and extended his hand. “Hello. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I find your medical history quite fascinating.”

Tatiana shook his hand politely. “Hello.”

Lucas added, “Dr. Xander will be in charge of your treatment. His expertise is world–class; you’re in good hands.”

Tatiana offered a faint smile. “I understand. I’ll cooperate fully.”

She had no desire to keep living in this state of living death. She wanted to be healthy; she wanted to be there to watch Ann and Hubert grow up.

“There’s no need to be nervous,” Cayden said smoothly. “Just go about your day. For the next seventy–two hours, I will be observing you closely around the clock. You don’t need to mind my presence–simply act as if I’m not here.”

Tatiana hesitated.

Cayden seemed to sense her unease and offered a frank explanation. “Don’t worry. I have no interest in women. To be honest, I find Lucas far more interesting than you. Though you are very beautiful, of course -I enjoy appreciating fine art.”

Lucas’s expression shifted to one of awkward resignation.

Cayden had never made a secret of his preferences. To get him to agree to this consultation, Lucas had… well, sacrificed a bit of himself.

Fortunately, Tammy didn’t understand the nuance of their conversation, or she would have exploded on the

spot.

Tatiana gave Dr. Lucas a long, meaningful look, her eyes shimmering with a touch of sympathy. “I see. I understand.”

“Then let’s begin.”

Tatiana had expected that having someone follow her so closely would be stifling or uncomfortable, but she had vastly underestimated Cayden’s professionalism. Once he entered “work mode,” his presence became almost non–existent.

It was a strange sensation. He was a striking man, yet when he stood in a room, you could glance right over him. You had to focus intently to even realize he was there. Eventually, Tatiana truly did forget he was following her and focused on her work.

Lucas hadn’t just come to bring Dr. Xander; he also brought a warning.

8:37

Chapter 411 The Shadow of Observation

“He’s here.”

Tatiana’s movements stiffened for a fraction of a second before she resumed looking through her documents with feigned indifference. “I see.”

Finished

She knew that once she left the island, she couldn’t stay hidden for long. It was only a matter of time before Jasper tracked her down.

“I didn’t tell him,” Lucas clarified.

“I know. If you had, he would have arrived much sooner.”

“Then you…”

“I’ll let nature take its course.”

Lucas swallowed the rest of his words.

From the shadows, Dr. Xander, who had been observing for a full day, pulled out a small notebook and scribbled a single sentence:

Suspected cause of illness has appeared.

Tatiana thought she was hiding it well. But the slight tremor in her pinky finger betrayed her emotions. She wasn’t nearly as composed as she believed herself to be.

For now, she kept the news from Ann and Hubert. As long as Jasper didn’t interfere with her life, she would act as if he didn’t exist.

With her grandmother’s birthday approaching, Tatiana needed to prepare a gift. This was the first significant present she would give Lindsey since their reunion, and she refused to settle for anything less than perfect. However, after days of searching, nothing had caught her eye.

Lucas offered a timely suggestion. “There’s an auction tomorrow night. Most of the items are cultural relics that have been lost overseas for years. I think Madam Lindsey would appreciate them.”

Tatiana’s interest was piqued.

“Here is the invitation. You should go take a look.” Lucas handed over the card.

An auction of this caliber was an exclusive event, with tickets being notoriously difficult to obtain. Tatiana accepted the favor. “Do you need me to step in regarding the Lund family?”

She knew enough about Lucas’s family dynamics to know his situation wasn’t ideal. Otherwise, why would a “golden child” like him be content living on a remote island treating tribespeople?

Lucas paused, then shook his head. “No need. I can handle it.”

In truth, ever since Jasper had made an appearance, Lucas’s status within the Lund family had shifted dramatically. For the first time in his life, he was experiencing “concern” from his father. The entire family was changing their tune. The long–ignored golden boy finally had the recognition he deserved.

Seeing that he didn’t need help, Tatiana didn’t push. She prepared to attend the auction.

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18:37 Thu, Jan 8 ở

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