Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 414

Chapter 414 The Low–Grade Imitation

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Finished

The man hadn’t expected to be so thoroughly dismissed. He had initially assumed she was playing hard to get, but seeing the genuine, unadulterated disgust in Tatiana’s eyes, he had no choice but to stand up.

Rose returned just then, finishing her call. She looked at the man in surprise. “Mr. Dune?”

Lebron Dune turned toward her. “Miss Rose.”

“What a coincidence. I rarely see you around here.”

The two seemed to be old acquaintances and exchanged a few pleasantries. When Rose saw him standing next to Tatiana, she understood the situation instantly. She said politely, “This is my friend. Is there something you needed from her, Mr. Dune?”

Lebron rubbed his nose, looking a bit sheepish. “Your friend is exceptionally beautiful. I couldn’t help but be drawn over.”

“Mr. Dune, please show my friend some respect.”

Lebron raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. “My apologies. I was too forward. Please, enjoy the night; the drinks are on me.”

With a final, lingering look of regret, he took his leave.

Tatiana watched him go for a moment before withdrawing her gaze.

As Rose sat down, she offered a well–meaning warning. “He’s a notorious playboy. If you’re looking for a fling, he’s not the one.”

“…I’m not looking for a fling.”

“Is that so? You had a certain look in your eye just now.”

Tatiana sighed. She could hardly explain that the man bore a striking resemblance to her “ex–husband.”

Rose realized she had misread the situation and chuckled. “Good. Lebron is very popular around here. He spent a long time abroad, so he’s quite open–minded. Combined with his looks, his gentlemanly charm, and his deep pockets, girls tend to throw themselves at him.”

A low–grade version of Jasper would certainly be popular, Tatiana thought absentmindedly.

The two women stayed a while longer before heading their separate ways.

That night, her headache flared up again. She reached into her clutch, pulled out the medicine, and swallowed two tablets. Before long, the effects kicked in, the pain receded, and she drifted into a deep sleep.

In the darkness, the bottle sat quietly on the table. She hadn’t noticed that the pills inside had already been swapped.

Madam Lindsey’s birthday celebration was a low–key affair. Being newcomers to Bellwood, they didn’t have many local ties. Furthermore, Lindsey disliked large crowds, so they decided on a small banquet held right

at the estate.

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Chapter 414 The Low–Grade Imitation

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Finished

Though the guest list was short, no detail was overlooked. Tatiana refused to let her grandmother feel slighted. The manor was redecorated until every corner was perfect, and even Ann and Hubert joined in the efforts to prepare for the party.

Lindsey was beaming, her smile never fading.

When the celebration began, the guests arrived–mostly elderly friends from the nursing home with whom Lindsey had remained close, invited personally by Tatiana. Rose also attended, bringing her son and a thoughtful gift.

Ann and Hubert were thrilled to see Morten and raced over to meet him.

“Morten!”

“Ann! Hubert!”

The three children immediately ran off to play. Tatiana didn’t restrain them, letting them enjoy their freedom.

Rose watched them, amused. “I originally planned to raise a polite, refined little gentleman. But the moment he steps foot in this house, he completely lets loose.”

“Really? I thought Morten took after your personality.”

Rose froze for a second, then burst out laughing. She didn’t deny it. Tatiana had seen through her from the start; Rose might appear to be a gentle, refined socialite on the surface, but her true nature was likely far more spirited,

“Tati!”

Tammy came rushing over, full of excitement. “You have to try this! It’s delicious!”

Tammy was holding a plate with a slice of cake, sprinting toward them like she was finishing a hundred- meter dash.

Rose blinked, looking a bit dazed. “She was just over there, wasn’t she?” She pointed to a spot at least a hundred meters away. “How did she get here in the blink of an eye?”

“Ahem. She’s a fast runner.”

Rose looked a little shaken. “Is this your friend?”

“Yes. This is Tammy. I’m afraid she startled you.”

Tammy looked slightly embarrassed. “I’ll run slower next time.”

Tatiana took a bite of the cake. “It is good. But don’t eat too much, or you’ll get cavities.”

Since arriving in the modern world, Tammy had developed a total obsession with desserts, She was practically addicted, and Tatiana was starting to worry about her teeth.

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