Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 550

Chapter 550 Meaning of Existence

Finished

She had traveled a long road, cutting through thorns to stand in a position most people couldn’t reach. The memories and feelings that once cut her deep now felt like nothing but smoke.

That was why she could sit here and brew a pot of tea for Xavier.

Unlike her calm attitude, Xavier seemed overwhelmed. His eyes were red, and the hand holding the teacup was shaking.

“Tati, are you… doing okay?”

The second he said it, he laughed at himself. “What a stupid question. You’re definitely doing well. You have to be.”

Tatiana’s expression softened. “I’m doing fine. What about you? Why are you here?”

“I joined the Animal Protection Association.”

From Xavier, Tatiana learned a lot.

Lauren had passed away six months ago after a long illness. Chester had his leg broken by loan sharks over massive gambling debts and was now a cripple on the run, hiding in some dark corner like a rat.

Xavier had quit his hospital job to become a veterinarian. Eventually, he joined the world animal protection group and came to Westland as a volunteer to treat wildlife.

Years of wind, rain, and family chaos had stripped away his refined look. He looked rugged and rough now. But his eyes were brighter than the last time Tatiana saw him, no longer clouded by confusion.

Xavier took a sip of tea and relaxed. “I love this work. I found a sense of purpose. Seeing you here… it really makes me happy.”

He didn’t hide his joy. He had thought he’d never see her again. She was the only person he truly felt he owed.

“By the way, Tati, why are you

here?”

Tatiana didn’t hide it. “I bought a mine here.”

Xavier was speechless. He felt like he’d heard her wrong. He had been planning to give her all the money from selling the Lowell family estate, which he’d kept in the bank to make up for his guilt.

10:17 Wed, Apr 22

Chapter 550 Meaning of Existence

22

Finished

But a mine?

“A mine?”

“Yeah. Want to see?”

“Sure.”

Tatiana took him on a tour. Xavier saw it with his own eyes, and any lingering worry he had for her died right then. He had to accept the fact that his sister didn’t need his protection. His bank account was basically pocket change to her.

“Tati, you’re… amazing.”

Tatiana smiled. “It’s alright. I have a few mines. This one is just the most annoying right now.”

He looked concerned. “What’s the problem?”

Tammy, who was busy with a lollipop, jumped in. “A bunch of annoying gorillas! But it’s fine. I’m almost done tracking their patterns.”

Tatiana suddenly remembered Xavier was with the protection association. “How much pull do you have with your group?”

Xavier straightened his back a bit. “I have some say, at least here in Westland.”

Tatiana gave him a bright, brilliant smile. “It’s getting late. Stay for dinner.”

Tammy saw it and grinned. Tatiana was about to play him.

Xavier looked stunned and nodded quickly. “If it’s not a bother.”

“Of course not.”

Tatiana had her chefs prepare a massive dinner and invited Xavier’s colleagues to join as well. When Jasper returned with Hubert and Ann, he found his former brother–in–law sitting there.

Tatiana waved them over. “Ann, Hubert. Come here.”

The two kids ran over, looking at Xavier with curiosity.

“Mommy, who is this?”

Tatiana patted their heads. “Call him Uncle Xavier.”

“Uncle Xavier!” they chirped.

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10:17 Wed, Apr 22

Chapter 550 Meaning of Existence

Xavier’s eyes

welled up. He turned away quickly to wipe them. Tatiana pretended she didn’t see.

Once he got himself together, Xavier pulled two items out of his pocket and handed them over.

“Ann, Hubert, I didn’t bring much for our first meeting. Take these.”

The kids looked at their mom, and when she nodded, they took them.

“These are carved from the bone of a tiger that died of old age. It was very sick when I found it, and its paw had been snapped by a trap. I saved it and sent it to a sanctuary to live out its days. I polished these from the bone fragments. If you wear them, most animals won’t dare come near you.”

The kids‘ eyes lit up. “So cool!”

Xavier smiled, relieved they liked the gift. Jasper stood behind Tatiana and raised an eyebrow, silently asking what was going on. Tatiana just smiled back and shook her head.

He understood. She had let it go. And besides, Xavier might actually be useful.

Xavier stayed, his excitement hard to hide. Ann and Hubert were just as curious about their new uncle and crowded around him to ask a million questions.

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