When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 508

Chapter 508: The Secret Exchange

“I’m so sorry, truly sorry!”

The voice belonged to a young nurse, clad in the crisp white uniform typical of her profession. Yet, despite her words, she couldn’t bring herself to meet Loretta’s gaze directly. Her eyes darted nervously to the floor, betraying her unease.

Rachel’s eyes flicked to what the nurse was carrying—a small bundle wrapped tightly in a blanket. At first glance, it was hard to tell it was a baby at all.

“Are you not worried that the child in your arms might suffocate?” Rachel asked, her voice calm but probing.

The infant’s head was completely swaddled, hidden beneath layers of cloth. Without Rachel’s keen observation, one might have mistaken it for just a bundle of linens.

Hearing Rachel’s question, the nurse’s face paled, panic rising quickly. “This baby was stillborn,” she blurted out, her voice trembling. “The family is devastated, so they asked me to take the body to the morgue. I didn’t mean to bump into you—I’m so sorry.”

Upon hearing this, Loretta’s expression twisted instantly into one of disgust and anger.

“Ugh, what terrible luck!” she exclaimed loudly. “I haven’t even given birth yet, and you come crashing into me carrying a dead child? What kind of sick game is this? This is unacceptable! Come on, I’m going to find your head nurse and demand an explanation right now!”

Without hesitation, Loretta grabbed the nurse’s arm, tugging her forward. The young nurse’s composure broke completely, and tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Please, madam, it wasn’t intentional! I’m so sorry. Please, let me go—I’ve already apologized!” she pleaded, her voice cracking.

Rachel quickly intervened, placing a gentle hand on the nurse’s arm to stop her from speaking further.

“Look, the nurse didn’t do this on purpose,” Rachel said softly but firmly. “Let’s just let it go. Your stomach is fine anyway,” she added pointedly, her eyes narrowing slightly with a hint of sarcasm.

Loretta was furious, but Rachel’s words left her momentarily speechless. She didn’t want Rachel to reveal anything more.

“Fine,” Loretta spat out, forcing a smile. “You’re so kind and beautiful. Hurry up and let her go then!”

With that, she turned to walk away, but Rachel called out suddenly, “Wait—I just remembered I have something unfinished. You go ahead. Let’s meet back here in ten minutes.”

“What do you mean?” Loretta asked suspiciously, her eyes narrowing.

Rachel waved her hand, signaling the nurse to leave. Once the hallway was clear, Rachel lowered her voice.

“I don’t know if you have people watching on the second floor, but I’m cautious. I wouldn’t hand over my own son lightly unless I had no choice. This is the stairwell on the third floor at least. If anything goes wrong, I doubt the Stone family would just stand by silently. Don’t blame me for being suspicious. If you really want this deal to happen, let’s do it right here. Otherwise, forget it.”

Loretta’s face darkened, her anger simmering beneath the surface.

“What are you afraid of?” she snapped.

Determined, she stepped forward and intercepted the nurse.

The young woman startled, eyes wide. “Madam, what do you want?”

“Nurse, I need a favor,” Rachel said quickly, pulling out the last fifty dollars she had. “I’ll pay you fifty dollars if you come with me downstairs to get my son.”

The nurse barely glanced at the money before shaking her head firmly.

“I’m sorry, I’m busy. You can go down yourself—the hospital is very safe.”

She started to push the cart away, but Rachel blocked her path again.

“Wait. I saw you put that dead child under the cart and take it into the hospital room. Do you really think the Stone family wouldn’t be disgusted if they found out?”

“Stop talking nonsense!” The nurse’s face twisted with anger and fear as she suddenly reached out to cover Rachel’s mouth.

Seizing the moment, Rachel lifted the cloth covering the cart’s lower shelf, revealing the hidden infant beneath.

Her expression shifted dramatically as she took in the sight.