Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 603

One Chose TO RISE

Chapter 603 The Pursuers

Troy watched her, his gaze moving in syne with her every step across the floor.

“This Tatiana isn’t just incredibly wealthy, she’s absolutely stunning too.” his associate continued in a low whisper. “Word is she’s still completely single, and plenty of men are desperate to pursuc her. But given her ironclad relationship with Vivian, nobody dares to make a reckless move.”

Troy finally withdrew his gaze, but he wasn’t the only one harboring such thoughts tonight. Almost every single man in the hall had considered the immense prestige of winning her over. Marrying her was the exact equivalent of inheriting an untouched gold mine.

Tatiana navigated the crowded venue with complete poise, the emerald silk of her gown rippling elegantly with her smooth strides. She lifted a flute of champagne from a passing server’s tray and took a measured sip. Even the most cynical critics in the room had to admit she possessed a rare, innate elegance.

Spotting Vivian engaged in an animated discussion with a group of guests, she chose not to interrupt the conversation. Instead, she retreated to a quiet corner, standing entirely alone in the shadows to maintain her peace.

Yet she remained a brilliant, captivating prize, and it wasn’t long before someone resolved to be the first to test her boundaries.

The initial suitor to step forward was Moe Zane, the arrogant heir to Zane Corp. He glided over to Tatiana with absolute confidence, flashing a smile he clearly believed to be irresistible.

“Ms. Tatiana, your unmatched grace completely eclipses the stars tonight.” Moe offered his custom business card with a flourish. “Would I have the distinct honor of taking you out for dinner? A highly exclusive French restaurant just opened downtown. It is practically impossible for regular people to secure a table, but I happen to share a close relationship with the head chef.”

Tatiana turned her face toward him, her cool gaze entirely devoid of emotion. “If your interest lies strictly in jewelry investment, you are welcome to schedule an appointment through my assistant.” Her tone was perfectly polite yet cuttingly frigid. “As for dinner, my schedule is completely full.”

Moe’s confident smile froze instantly. He had never anticipated a rejection so blunt and publie, and amid the quiet snickers of the surrounding onlookers, he retreated in absolute humiliation.

Not long after, Logan, a prominent real estate mogul, marched over with his prominent stomach leading the way. The heavy gold watch on his wrist caught the chandelier light, casting an obnoxious reflection across the space.

“Brilliant and successful!” Logan’s booming voice echoed through the corner. “I see an incredible opportunity for a mutual partnership between us. I own a prime plot of land on the east side of the city and I’m currently planning to develop a massive luxury jewelry plaza. Why don’t you stop by my executive office tomorrow so we can go over the blueprints in detail? We can grab an intimate dinner afterward. I know a highly private club that is perfect for a deep, thorough exchange of ideas.”

The corners of Tatiana’s lips curved slightly, though the expression remained entirely hollow. “Mr. Logan, I currently harbor zero plans for real estate investment. If you are curious about our firm’s reach, our official corporate website provides a comprehensive overview of our operations.” She casually swirled the champagne in her glass. “As for a deep exchange, let’s skip it. I have a sensitive stomach, and I’m terrified I

Finished

ught throw up

Logan opened his mouth to push further, but Tatiana farned her back to him without a single second of hesitation, making her refusal absolute.

Watching the entire display from a distance, Froy found the interactions thoroughly entertaining. He noted that every time Tatiana issued a rejection, she did so without a single trace of hesitation or a polite apology, acting as though these men’s grand overtures weren’t worth a single moment of her consideration.

Over the next hour, several more self-important gentlemen attempted to close the distance, but every single encounter ended in an identical, unyielding refusal. Some attempted to mask their intentions under the guise of corporate alliances, others flaunted their vast fortunes directly, and a few tried to establish common ground through shared artistic interests. Yet Tatiana saw through their superficial strategies instantly, dismantling their advances without mercy.

Vivian finally extracted herself from her conversation and walked over. Having witnessed the entire sequence of events, a teasing smile broke across her face. “Well, if it isn’t the little piece of cake.”

Tatiana let out a helpless sigh. “Please don’t mock me.”

“Are you truly not planning to find a partner?”

The lightness vanished from Tatiana’s expression. She remained silent for a long moment before responding in a quiet tone. “You already know the answer to that.”

“I do know,” Vivian countered gently, her voice turning serious. “But the Jackson family has completely fallen. There is absolutely no reason for you to tie yourself down to a sinking ship. You are young, highly successful, and your future is limitless. Your options are endless.”

Tatiana offered a soft smile, deliberately steering clear of the advice. “I heard that back when you married Mr. Chuck, he was nothing more than an ordinary clerk. Why were you so fiercely determined to stand by him?”

Vivian caught the hidden meaning instantly. A wave of profound pity washed over her, mixed with a deep sense of admiration. In a ruthless, high-stakes circle entirely corrupted by status, a heart this fierce and devoted was an absolute rarity.

Yet was that boy from the Jackson family truly worth such a massive sacrifice?

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Recalling the latest whispers circulating through the upper echelons, Vivian couldn’t resist dropping a quiet warning. “Have you had any contact with him recently?”

Tatiana’s perfect composure nearly shattered on the spot.

There had been absolutely zero contact. It was as though Jasper had vanished into thin air.

Driven by her own pride, she had refused to take the initiative to call him. Yet her heart had eventually softened, prompting her to hire private investigators to scour the city, only for the search to return absolutely nothing. The solitary fact she could confirm was that he remained somewhere within Dalliston.

But Dalliston was an absolute labyrinth, and searching for a man who was intentionally hiding from the world was a completely futile endeavor.

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