Chapter 18
Chapter 19 The Old Man’s Favorite
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But he misunderstood the look in her eyes, saying bluntly, “What, you planning to tattle p>
She shrank back and shook her head.
Yet that reaction clearly didn’t convince Jasper.
Among the Jackson family’s high–ranking household, no one held more authority than Gordon. He was deeply respected, even Jasper treated him with unusual reverence.
Every younger member of the Jacksons feared the old man, but no one ever understood why he doted on Tatiana.
It was because of that favoritism that Tatiana had once been able to cling to Jasper so freely, often running to Gordon to complain whenever Jasper ignored her, leading to Jasper being scolded more than once.
Especially after that incident, Gordon had directly ordered them to marry, leaving Jasper no choice but to take her as his wife.
“Remember, keep your mouth shut about things you shouldn’t say. Grandpa hasn’t fully recovered, he doesn’t have the strength to handle more p>
A warning.
She answered softly.
Soon, they arrived at the Jackson family estate.
The gate stood tall and imposing, with a plaque beside it: Historical Site. Beneath it read: Private Residence.
The Jackson ancestors had been high officials. They had purchased this five–courtyard estate, once the residence of a prince, passing it down through generations, pouring fortunes into its Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn ͟.net
restoration.
As a child, she often played here. Every tree and stone was familiar.
But now, things had changed. She wasn’t even considered a guest.
Jasper walked quickly, while she trailed behind, struggling to keep pace.
The faster she walked, the more obvious her limp became, her knee aching sharply.
She gritted her teeth and forced herself to keep up.
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Chapter 19 The Old Man’s Favorite
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Inside, Gordon sat anxiously, pouring tea again and again as he waited. “Why aren’t they here yet? Did someone call them p>
The butler at his side reassured him. “Yes, sir, they’re on the way p>
“Never mind him, is the girl here p>
The people present exchanged uneasy looks. No one could understand why the old man valued the fake daughter of the Lowell family so highly.
“Ms. Steele has come too. They should be arriving any moment p>
Gordon paused, then sighed. “Henry really doesn’t know how to handle things. A mistake is a mistake, but after raising her all these years, how could he be so cruel as to send her back? And even change her surname? How shameful if word spreads. It’s not as if they couldn’t afford another daughter p>
Though he cared for the girl, Gordon had never interfered too much in the Lowell family’s affairs. He had only intended to make it up to Tati later, to stand behind her.
But his health was poor. Four years ago, he’d undergone major surgery and had been recuperating abroad, unable to oversee matters at home.
He had assumed Jasper, being married to her, would protect her. So he hadn’t worried.
Clearly, he had been wrong.
When Jasper stepped into the parlor, everyone turned their eyes to him.
He greeted calmly, “Father, Mother, Grandpa p>
With Gordon’s return today, the entire Jackson family had gathered, though there was little warmth among them.
Gordon’s eyes immediately sought behind him. “Where’s the girl p>
The next moment, Tatiana steadied her breathing, stepped inside, and forced herself to say, “Mr. Gordon p>
Gordon’s face lit up with joy. He beckoned her eagerly. “Come here, child, come to me p>
Feeling all the eyes on her, Tatiana walked forward slowly.
But her body was too weak, fever heating her skin, her steps unsteady. That lame foot nearly gave way, and at the last moment a strong arm circled her waist.
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Chapter 19 The Old Man’s Favorite
“Watch where you’re going p>
Jasper’s tone was even. After helping her steady herself, he didn’t release her.
Finished
Tatiana tried to pull away, but he held her firmly, leaning close, his voice low with warning. “Don’t move. Grandpa hasn’t recovered. You’d better give up on winning his sympathy and begging him to take your side p>
She froze, then obediently stilled, letting him support her as they walked toward Gordon.
Thanks to Jasper’s cover, the old man didn’t notice her limp. Instead, he grew even happier, thinking the young couple seemed affectionate – Jasper was actually being considerate!
But Marilyn’s expression soured. The look she gave Tatiana was full of disdain. She had always despised the girl’s shameless pursuit of her son, and after the truth of her identity came out, her dislike had only deepened.
Yet under Gordon’s authority, she had no right to speak. As Jasper’s mother, she was still an outsider by blood.
Barry Jackson gave her a sharp glance, lowering his voice. “Keep it together in front of Grandpa p>
Marilyn bristled. “I just can’t stand her p>
“Then swallow it. We can’t afford a scene today p>
She bit back her anger, but watching Tatiana stand beside her outstanding son made her seethe.
Gordon didn’t care what anyone thought. Delighted, he looked at the pair, beaming. When they finally reached him, he eagerly pulled out a stack of cash.
“Girl, when you and Jasper married, my health kept me from attending your banquet. Today, let me make it up to you p>
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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.