Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 471

Chapter 471 Too Little Too Late

Bovine was the only fighter the manager had taken a liking to in quite some time.

He wasn’t just skilled; he was stunningly handsome. In this business, looks mattered more than people realized. Female fans were often far more willing to spend money than the men, and catering to them was lucrative. For instance, the arena’s current top earner, the Night King, brought in a fortune purely on his appeal.

Unfortunately, the Night King had become arrogant lately and was getting difficult to manage. The house needed someone to keep him in check.

Bovine seemed like the perfect candidate.

“We’re prepared to offer you a different kind of arrangement…”

The manager went into detail about the terms of the contract. He was confident that no one in their right mind would turn it down. After all, the pay was astronomical, and all he had to do was fix a few fights.

Norman listened, his expression unreadable. He glanced toward the entrance, noting the henchmen blocking the door, and felt a surge of silent contempt.

On the surface, this was a partnership; in reality, it was an ultimatum. If he refused, they likely wouldn’t make it out of the room alive.

If he were alone, Norman would have fought his way out. He wasn’t the type to be intimidated, and he certainly wasn’t afraid of a fight. But he had Tammy with him now.

“Fine,” he said simply.

The manager smiled, pleased that Norman understood the way the world worked. He produced a contract, and both parties signed. Naturally, Norman signed as “Bovine.”

The document was mostly for show–a mere formality that held little real weight for som like him.

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“During your tenure, I’ll arrange a private room for you,” the manager added. “You can stay there with your wife. It won’t be luxury, mind you. If you want something better, you’ll have to

earn it.”

It was a classic carrot–and–stick approach. New fighters started with the basics; if they wanted better living conditions, they had to win.

Norman wasn’t picky. He took the key and followed a staff member to their new quarters.

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Once the door closed behind them, one of the henchmen leaned in toward the manager. “Boss, that guy used a fake name. Shouldn’t we look into him? What if he’s someone we shouldn’t be messing with?”

“Would someone untouchable come here to fight for scraps? Use your head,” the manager snapped.

The subordinate thought about it and realized his boss had a point. No one from a respectable background would ever set foot in a place like this, let alone step into the ring.

Elsewhere in the city, Tatiana was once again coming up empty–handed.

She couldn’t wrap her head around it. Her people had practically turned Bellwood upside down, yet there was no sign of Norman or Tammy. Even Jasper’s resources had yielded nothing.

It was beyond strange.

“Miss, someone is here to see you.”

Tatiana knew who it was immediately. Her voice was cold and impatient. “I’m not seeing anyone.”

Her men moved to turn the visitor away, but Tatiana paused, reconsidering. “Actually, let him in.”

A moment later, Lucas was brought into the room. In the few days since she’d last seen him, he had withered. He looked exhausted, his eyes bloodshot and weary.

“Have you found Tammy?” he asked hoarsely.

“What if I have? What if I haven’t?” Tatiana countered.

She knew Lucas had been searching for Tammy too, but his resources were limited. The Lund family, sensing her recent coldness toward him, had stayed on the sidelines rather than offering him any help.

Tatiana genuinely cared for Tammy. Knowing how much the girl had suffered, she wasn’t about to let the perpetrator off easy. She had made it clear: anyone who helped Lucas was an enemy of hers. With her backing, Jasper had followed suit.

Being blacklisted by the most powerful forces in Bellwood had made Lucas’s life a living hell.

“If you find her, please tell me where she is,” Lucas said, his voice trembling. “I just want to apologize.”

Regret had consumed him. During these days of Tammy’s disappearance, he had been frantic

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Chapter 471 Too Little Too Late

with worry, finally realizing the depth of feelings he had suppressed,

Finished

He hadn’t been as indifferent as he’d pretended. That vibrant, cheerful island girl–the one who followed him with such stubborn devotion–had carved a place in his heart long ago.

He had simply chosen to look the other way. He was wrong, he knew that now, and he was desperate to make amends.

“I’m begging you,” he said, bowing deeply.

Tatiana’s sharp eyes caught the shift in his demeanor. She let out a dry, mocking laugh.

“Dr. Lucas, have you ever heard the saying? Late–blooming affection is cheaper than dirt.”

Lucas’s hands, hanging at his sides, clenched into tight fists.

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