Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 521

Even in Darkness, She Chose to Rise

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Chapter 521 The Meat Grinder

It was the perfect excuse to take the kids out for some fresh air. They had been cooped up in Bellwood for too long.

Jasper offered to handle the itinerary. Tatiana didn’t object and left it all to him. They set the departure date for three days later.

Tatiana sat down with her grandmother to fill her in. The old woman was all for them getting away for a while.

“You’re always too busy,” she said. “You never give yourself a break. Hubert and Ann need to see more of the world anyway.”

“Just make sure you keep your phone nearby, Grandma. I’m going to be calling you every day.”

The old woman beamed. “Fine, fine. Just make sure you actually do it.”

Tatiana smiled. Seeing her grandmother in such good spirits was a relief. Thanks to the medical team she had hired, her grandmother’s health had stabilized. With a positive outlook and things to look forward to, the old woman actually looked younger than she had a few years ago.

It was the only reason Tatiana felt comfortable leaving. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to step

1. ay.

er chatting for a bit, her grandmother’s expression shifted. “Is he going too?”

Who?” Tatiana asked instinctively.

She looked up and caught the knowing smirk on her grandmother’s face. Her brain stalled.

“Who else? That Jackson boy.”

“He’s the father. He’s coming along to help with the kids.”

“Is that all?”

“Obviously.”

Tatiana kept a straight face, doubling down on the lie. Her grandmother just laughed, clearly seeing right through it.

“Is that so? He’s certainly been doing a lot lately.”

The massive changes in Bellwood and that artificial island named Tativille hadn’t escaped the old woman’s notice. Her opinion of him had been shifting. She might not have approved of them being together before, but now she just wanted them to be happy.

Over the years, two people who never should have worked had managed to reach the same starting line. A relationship that was never right had been forced into place through sheer persistence.

Even her grandmother had to admit that sometimes fate wasn’t as strong as a person’s will.

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Chapter 21 The Meat Grinder

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“Don’t be stubborn for too long,” her grandmother advised. “Life is short. Keeping yourself stuck in one place is just a waste of time for everyone.”

“I know, Grandma. I’m going to use this trip to figure things out for good.”

Agreeing to let Jasper come along wasn’t a snap decision. It was something she had already resolved. It was time to finally make a choice.

Her grandmother knew when to stop pushing. Once she saw Tatiana had taken it to heart, she dropped the subject.

Right then, Hubert and Ann burst in. The old woman’s face lit up, and she immediately ditched her granddaughter to scoop up her great–grandchildren.

Tatiana laughed. “Classes over?”

“Yeah! Mommy, we’re finished! The butler said we’re going on a trip. Is it true?”

Tatiana tapped Hubert on the nose. “Yeah, we’re going.”

“Is Great–Grandma coming?” Ann asked.

“She’s too old for this one. You guys go have fun. Oh, and your dad is coming too.”

Both kids‘ eyes went wide. “Whoa!”

Before they left, Tatiana carved out some time to see Tammy.

She headed to a barbecue joint, disguised in a pair of thick–rimmed glasses and a baseball cap. Dressed in a hoodie and jeans, she looked years younger. Ann and Hubert were sitting on either side of her.

“Here, Mommy. Eat this.”

The siblings were a well–oiled machine; one handled the grill while the other piled meat onto Tatiana’s plate.

A couple at the next table with a screaming toddler looked over with pure envy. They took one look at their own kid, gave him a couple of swats, and hissed, “Look at them! Be quiet!”

Hubert flinched at the sound of the hitting. “Poor kid,” he whispered.

Ann glanced over and spoke slowly. “He tried to grill a soda cap inside a piece of meat. Don’t you think he

deserved it?”

Hubert’s sympathy vanished instantly. “Yeah! Totally deserved it!”

Tatiana was scanning the door for Tammy, but she caught the kids whispering. “What are you two talking

about?”

“Nothing!” they chimed in unison.

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Chapter 521 The Meat Grinder

Tatiana raised an eyebrow and dropped more meat on their plates. “Just eat.”

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The door opened and more customers filtered in. Tatiana finally saw the people she was waiting for.

Tammy was excitedly pulling Norman into the restaurant. Her voice was a bit muffled through her mask, out her excitement was obvious. “Quick! There’s still a table! We’re so lucky!”

Norman followed her, looking amused. “You really like this place that much?”

Of course! The portions are huge, it’s cheap, and they give you free ice cream!”

Norman watched her, his own expression softening until his eyes drifted sideways. He went stiff.

Tatiana slightly raised her glass, acknowledging him as their eyes met.

Norman discreetly looked away and led Tammy to the very last row of tables. He knew Tatiana wouldn’t be

asy to fool. She was here to check on him personally.

What’s wrong?” Tammy asked. “You look tense all of a sudden.”

It’s nothing. What do you want to cat?”

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