Chapter 53
Chapter 54 An Unwelcome Guest
After her wound was treated, they returned to the private room, only to find an unexpected guest sitting inside.
It was Minnie.
She put on a bright smile and called out sweetly, “I’m so sorry I’m late. I had a full day of classes and got held up p>
After speaking, her smile faded slightly, and she gave a perfunctory, “Hello p>
Her grandfather was indifferent to this adopted granddaughter. If his daughter–in–law wanted to raise her as a diversion, so be it. She was just a mascot, nothing more.
Marilyn took the initiative to ask, “How is Tatiana’s hand p>
Jasper replied, “It’s nothing serious. It’s been disinfected p>
“That’s good. Be more careful next time p>
When Minnie heard this, she immediately asked, “Oh, did you hurt your hand, Tatiana? How careless! That’s your violin hand, isn’t it? It would be terrible if you damaged it p>
She was deliberately rubbing salt in the wound.
Tatiana lowered her head and didn’t respond.
Minnie added, “I haven’t heard you play in so long! Why don’t you play something for us? Grandfather would certainly love to hear it, right p>
She was deliberately dragging him into it, just to trap her.
Her grandfather was indeed tempted. He hadn’t heard her play in a long time. Before he could speak, however, Jasper said curtly, “Her hand is burned. She can’t move it p>
Minnie seized the opening. “Then you can play for Grandfather once your hand is better! His birthday is in a few days. You wouldn’t refuse that, would you p>
Tatiana’s face turned visibly pale.
Her hands… she couldn’t play the violin at all.
Her grandfather, unaware of the truth, agreed happily. “Yes! My whole circle of old friends has been asking about it. I’ll finally have something to brag about p>
Completely trapped, Tatiana looked at Jasper. He knew she could never play the violin again, but he remained silent, offering no help.
Faced with her grandfather’s expectant gaze, she gritted her teeth. She was just about to refuse when she heard Jasper agree, “Fine. She’ll have something prepared p>
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WEICONIC DUC
Her eyes widened. She stared at Jasper, her eyes turning red. He was doing this on purpose. Just like Minnie, he just wanted to humiliate her in front of everyone.
They really were siblings.
Her grandfather, unaware of the undercurrents, ushered them to sit down and eat.
One after another, exquisite and delicious dishes were served, each plated like a work of art.
Because her hand was injured, it was inconvenient for her to cat. She could only use her left hand to hold a spoon, clumsily cating the plain rice in her bowl.
Her grandfather was just about to call someone over to serve her, when Jasper, quite naturally, put several helpings of food into her bowl.
Tatiana froze. She looked at the food in her bowl, then met his gaze, which was, for once, almost gentle. “What do you want to eat p>
She almost dropped her bowl.
Jasper had never looked at her like that, let alone served her!
Glancing to the side, she saw his grandfather secretly watching them. She instantly understood. She said nothing and just ate the food in her bowl.
When she went to pick up a green bean, she hesitated for a moment, but then ate it.
Minnie watched this, a flash of jealousy in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it and smiled. “You two ar so close. You’ve never even served me p>
Jasper ignored her, not even sparing her a glance.
Marilyn frowned. “We don’t talk at the table p>
Minnie looked slightly aggrieved, but she was furious that her grandfather thought so highly of Tatiana. Even her aloof brother was willing to put on an act for her.
She changed the subject, saying pointedly, “Mom, I’m just so happy. I’ve officially secured my spot in the graduate program at Capital University p>
This news did make Marilyn’s expression soften. “The acceptance came through p>
“Yes! Just today. I was so excited I had to come and tell everyone p>
Barry, who had been silent, offered a rare compliment. “Well done p>
Anything that brought honor to the Jackson family was a good thing.
Her grandfather was also generous. “Very good. As is tradition, I’ll have the butler transfer you one million p>
Minnie was visibly thrilled. “Thank you, Grandfather!” Then she added, “Tatiana was also a top student back then. If… she would have been my senior, right p>
The implication of her unfinished sentence was obvious.
Her grandfather caught the implication and asked, “Dear, did you not pursue further studies after university p>
She hadn’t graduated at all.
She had spent half of her best university years in the rehab center, in total darkness.
She couldn’t answer the question.
Jasper said flatly, “She’s studying privately with a master. She’s in advanced training and doesn’t need to attend a university.” ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ.net
Not suspecting a thing, her grandfather was very satisfied. “You study hard, dear. If you run into any trouble, just have Jasper solve it for you. If he can’t, you come to me p>
Tatiana nodded, not daring to meet his gaze.
Sometimes she really wondered how Jasper could lie so calmly, without even flinching.
Minnie listened to the lie, desperate to tell the truth and expose Tatiana’s facade in front of their grandfather. But just as she was about to speak, she caught Jasper’s eye and was frightened into silence.
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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.