Chapter 23
Chapter 24 Brewing Schemes
Minnie kept fanning the flames, desperate to stir trouble.
But Marilyn only said, “Keep yourself in check for a while. Don’t cause trouble. Your brother’s watching you don’t give him headaches p>
Though Marilyn had always doted on her adopted daughter, she was clear–eyed enough to know that Minnie could never compare to her own son.
When she gave birth to Jasper, she nearly bled to death. Afterwards she could no longer conceive. Fortunately, her son was talented. At a young age, he caught the eye of the family patriarch, who took him away to raise as heir.
Marilyn’s status rose with her son’s. To ease her loneliness, she adopted a girl and named her Minnie.
“Mom! I didn’t p>
“Enough. Let it go. From now on, if you see Tatiana, just avoid her p>
Marilyn didn’t think much of Tatiana, but she didn’t harbor murderous intent either.
Minnie bit back her frustration, agreeing outwardly while secretly stewing.
That very night, she called Bianca, her voice shrill with outrage. “Bianca, I almost got my face ruined! I can’t swallow this p>
Bianca soothed her for a while before hanging up, but her face darkened.
“Why would Jasper step in for her? He should hate her, target her! Damn it p>
“No, this can’t go on p>
After brooding a moment, she sneered. “Tatiana, you asked for it. Don’t blame me. Blame yourself for not being good enough for him p>
Tatiana picked vegetables carefully and prepared a full meal.
Zion had been discharged and was recovering at home. Linda looked after him. Though the couple still cursed constantly, they didn’t dare take real action.
When they saw Tatiana start using the fork, they followed suit, only eating the dishes she touched first. Anything she hadn’t eaten, they refused.
Why didn’t Linda just cook herself?
Because Tatiana’s cooking was too good – good enough that they’d risk poison for a taste.
After the meal, she obediently cleaned up and washed the dishes. The house was spotless.
Linda couldn’t even find a pretext to scold her. She pulled her husband aside and whispered, “Why don’t we keep her here? The girl works fast and keeps everything neat. It’s comfortable p>
They’d been lazy their whole lives, never once pampered like this.
Zion warned her, “Did you forget she almost poisoned me p>
Linda looked awkward. “But we’re planning to sell her, right? If we don’t, she’s at least obedient p>
Before Zion could answer, his phone rang. Bianca was calling. He motioned for Linda to shut the door.
When Tatiana finished tidying, she trudged back to the storage room where a small cot had been set up for her.
She pulled out a plastic box. Inside were the pills she’d picked up last time. Without proper packaging, they’d gone damp. Useless.
Suppressing a cough, her eyes dulled.
She needed to find work, earn money, buy medicine.
And preferably without Jasper knowing.
She slipped on her shoes and headed out, unaware that in another room, Zion and Linda were plotting.
At Jackson Corp headquarters, the boardroom atmosphere was tense.
The manager finished his report and waited for the chairman’s verdict.
But Jasper remained silent, expression unreadable. Everyone grew restless.
Was he displeased with the last six months‘ numbers?
In truth, Jasper was lost in thought.
He kept seeing her crouched on the ground, picking up those pills.
The more he thought, the more agitated he felt. His expression darkened further.
The manager was near tears, blurting a vow. “Chairman, in the second half we’ll work twice as hard and double our results! ”
Jasper snapped back to the moment, realizing he hadn’t heard a word. His mood soured further. He stood abruptly. “Meeting’s over.” Then walked out.
Back in his office, he stood before the tall windows. His reflection in the glass showed only frustration.
After a long silence, he said slowly, “Felix p>
“Yes, Chairman p>
“Notify Somerton Reform Institute. Have them pick her up in a month. Add another three million in sponsorship.” He paused, then added, “And tell them to treat her better p>
Felix froze, wanting to speak but swallowing the words. “Yes, I’ll arrange it right away p>
Better for her to stay inside, away from constant humiliation and Minnie’s revenge. Quieter that way.
At least she wouldn’t appear in front of him, disturbing his mood.
Convinced he had resolved the matter, Jasper buried himself in work again.
Though a golden boy by birth, he spent nearly all his time at the company, a workaholic through and through.
Until a call interrupted. Fresh chapters posted on.net
“Jasper, dinner tonight? It’s our four–year anniversary since we met! Did you forget p>
He froze for a moment, checked the date
“I didn’t forget. I’ll pick you up
later p>
it really was.
After hanging up, he set work aside, instructing Felix to order flowers, reserve a hotel, and buy the newest jewelry as a gift.
He rarely went to pick anyone up himself. But for Bianca, he made an exception.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.