Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 412

Chapter 412 The Lady in the Dark Purple Dress

Finished

“I don’t know what kind of wind has been blowing through our town lately. First, a mysterious wealthy woman shows up, and now some big shot from Dalliston.”

Bellwood was a small place; even the slightest rustle of leaves could be heard across the city. The more mysterious someone was, the more curiosity they piqued.

The pre–auction reception had essentially turned into a gossip session for the local elite. Suddenly, several people looked toward the entrance, murmuring in confusion. “Who is that?”

“I’ve never seen her before.”

“Which family’s daughter just returned from abroad?”

Every eye in the room fixed on the woman slowly walking through the doors. Tatiana was dressed in a dark purple dress that elegantly traced the curves of her figure. Her hair was swept up, revealing her slender, graceful neck and fine features.

She wore light makeup, making no effort to hide her scar. Instead, she displayed it openly, like a crack in a piece of perfect art–it was a lamentable flaw, yet it lent her an air of haunting, unique charm. Imperfection, after all, had its own way of staying on the mind.

Her arrival was like a stone dropped into a still lake, sending ripples through the room. Amidst a sea of socialites in flamboyant evening gowns and heavy jewels, her traditional dress made her appear exceptionally enigmatic.

The guests whispered amongst themselves, trying to deduce her identity, but no one could find a lead. Tatiana was indifferent to their stares and chatter. She had no intention of living the rest of her life as a hermit, so she had chosen to attend in person.

Soon, the brief reception ended, and the guests took their seats in the order of their invitations. The seat Lucas had secured for her was in the VIP section, quite close to the stage.

After sitting down, she casually picked up the catalog on the small side table, previewing the items up for bid. There were a few pieces she found genuinely interesting and intended to win.

As she was engrossed in the catalog, she suddenly felt a burning gaze fixed on her. She instinctively looked up, but the sensation vanished instantly. Frowning, she scanned the room, eventually looking toward the fully enclosed private boxes on the second floor.

“Those are for guests specifically invited by the organizers. They stay up there and almost never show their faces.”

A voice beside her explained the purpose of the boxes. Tatiana turned her head to see a woman of elegant bearing.

“Hello, Master of Sunny Estate,” the woman said with a smile. “My son has been bothering you lately. Thank you for your hospitality; I haven’t seen Morten this happy in a long time.”

Tatiana’s mind flashed through her files, accurately placing the name: “Mrs. Coop.”

The woman’s son, Morten Coop, was one of the children Tatiana had selected–and he was currently the

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Chapter 412 The Lady in the Dark Purple Dress

best of friends with Ann and Hubert.

“You know who I am, but I don’t know you yet,” the woman noted.

Tatiana smiled and extended her hand. “Tatiana.”

“Tatiana?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Rose. It seems we’re both flowers with a rather bitter fate,” she joked, referencing the traditional meanings of their names.

Tatiana couldn’t help but laugh. She wasn’t offended; in fact, she found the woman quite charming.

“Rose.”

“There we go, Tatiana.”

Finished

The two women shared a look and smiled. Some people possess a natural, immediate chemistry that signals the start of a deep friendship.

“I didn’t expect you to be so young and beautiful. You’re quite the legend around here.”

“Well, now you’ve seen for yourself.”

“The others must be jealous. You’re the talk of the town right now! How did you come up with those games? They’re brilliant. After Morten told me about them, I was dying to meet you. And those two unnervingly brilliant babies of yours, of course.”

When the conversation turned to children, Tatiana found herself uncharacteristically engaged. Rose was an interesting young mother–quick–witted, talkative, and sharing many of Tatiana’s outlooks.

Before she realized it, Tatiana was talking more than usual. She even ended up accepting an invitation.

“It’s settled then. Come to my place this weekend. I really want to meet Ann and Hubert.”

“I’d like that.”

After a short while, the auction began. Precious artifacts were brought onto the stage one by one, drawing spirited bidding. Tatiana remained still.

Rose won a necklace she liked and turned to her. “Nothing interests you yet?”

“I’m waiting for the later items.”

“Those won’t be cheap,” Rose teased. Then, remembering that Tatiana had not only bought Sunny Estate but was known for her staggering generosity, she realized her concern was unnecessary.

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