Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 456

Chapter 456 The Gilded Cage and the Hidden Past

The islands had not yet been built, but they already had names.

One was Cheng Island, the other was Tang Island.

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Tang Island was to be blanketed in begonias–Tatiana’s namesake flowers. Together, they were officially known as Tang–Cheng, a new city named entirely after Tatiana.

He loved her, and he made sure his love was clear, undeniable, and broadcast to the entire world.

The moment the Tang–Cheng project was announced, it sent shockwaves through the region. Every family in Bellwood was jolted into action; like wolves scenting blood, they scrambled for a chance to claim even the smallest piece of the pie.

The Lund family was particularly frantic, losing no time in summoning Lucas home.

By now, Holton Lund had realized that relying on his younger son was a lost cause for the family’s future. Instead, the estranged Lucas, who shared a lukewarm but functional history with Jasper, seemed like the only viable tether to the Jackson fortune.

Lucas knew perfectly well this was a trap, yet he chose to attend the meeting in person.

Holton didn’t bother with pleasantries, demanding that Lucas use his influence to secure a contract for the family business.

Lucas offered a thin smile that failed to reach his eyes. “Father, what makes you think I have that kind of power?”

“Didn’t you save Mr. Jasper’s life? Surely that debt is worth something! Don’t be stingy with the family’s interests!”

Clearly, Holton had been doing his homework.

“Save him? Do you have any idea how many specialists were involved in Mr. Jasper’s care? I was merely one of many. I can’t help you.”

Lucas had a realistic view of his standing. If he dared to approach Jasper with such a request today, he wouldn’t be able to show his face in Bellwood tomorrow. Jasper loathed people who tried to leverage past favors. His father’s attempt to use him as a pawn was beyond naive.

However, Holton had come prepared. He knew Lucas ‘was no longer easy to control, and getting him to cooperate would require more than just a paternal command.

“Your mother left behind a few personal effects. I have them in my possession. If you want

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Chapter 456 The Gilded Cage and the Hidden Past

them back, see that this matter is handled. Otherwise…”

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Lucas surged to his feet, his eyes wide with fury. “You’re using my mother’s belongings to blackmail me?”

“How is this blackmail? It’s mutual benefit. You’re my son, and your name is still Lund. Doing something for the family is only natural.”

Lucas knew the depths of his father’s shamelessness. He knew the man would sooner destroy those precious mementos than hand them over if he didn’t get what he wanted. A wave of white–hot rage washed over him.

But, grinding his teeth until they nearly cracked, he had no choice but to yield.

“Wait for my word.”

He turned and stormed out of the room, leaving his father to wait smugly for the good news.

After leaving the Lund estate, Lucas sped down the highway, his mind racing for a solution. Should he go directly to Jasper? No, that wouldn’t work. But Jasper listened to Tatiana…

Tatiana…

Tammy!

That was it! Tammy was someone Tatiana held in high regard. If he started with Tammy, he might just have a chance. He banked the car hard at the next intersection, heading toward Sunny Estate.

At that moment, Tatiana was having afternoon tea with Rose. Morten was playing with Ann and Hubert nearby, their laughter providing a gentle backdrop to the adults‘ conversation.

Rose teased her, saying, “They say even the greatest heroes have a weakness for beauties. The world calls you a heroine now–the woman who lured a warlord from Dalliston to Bellwood just to build her a golden palace.”

Tatiana didn’t even look up from her tea. “Has the cake not managed to plug your mouth yet?”

“Plugging my mouth won’t help; it won’t stop the rest of the world from talking.”

Tatiana finished the work on her lap, closed her laptop, and said bluntly, “The rest of the world doesn’t dare say it to my face. Only you do.”

Rose burst into laughter. Her movements were a bit too enthusiastic, and her loose–fitting blouse shifted, revealing faint, lingering marks on her collarbone.

Tatiana arched an eyebrow, her voice full of implication. “Thinking about a second child

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Chapter 456 The Gilded Cage and the Hidden Past

already?”

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Rose realized she was exposed and quickly adjusted her clothes, sitting up straight. “Second child my ass.”

For a refined socialite to suddenly swear was quite the contrast. Rose realized her slip immediately. “Cough… sorry. I got a bit carried away.”

“It’s fine,” Tatiana replied, before adding, “Don’t you get tired of it?”

“Hmm?”

“Maintaining the facade. Wearing the mask.”

Having spent enough time together, Tatiana knew Rose was far from a demure socialite by

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