When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 523

523 /610

523 The Appointment

Hansel was taken aback, his mind racing.

The LN-380 jet? That wasn’t part of the Luke family’s fleet.

Although the Lukes were the undisputed elite of Ocean City and did own a private jet, they only had a single aircraft—and its registration number was nothing like that.

Having served Jensen for many years, Hansel had developed a certain level of understanding with him. Yet this detail unsettled him deeply.

He swallowed his suspicion and spoke quietly, “Understood, Mr. Jensen. I’ll handle it immediately. What time should I be ready tonight?”

Jensen glanced over at Rachel.

Rachel’s heart yearned to leave right away, but she knew that was impossible. The situation was far from simple.

“Eight o’clock,” she said firmly.

Jensen’s tone was crisp. “Did you catch that? Eight o’clock sharp. Make sure our people are prepared well in advance. And remember, don’t be rude to my honored guest.”

“Understood, Mr. Jensen. Would you like me to come pick you up?” Hansel asked, carefully avoiding any mention of how frantic Loretta had been searching for him.

He already knew who was with Jensen—it was Rachel.

Hansel recalled Jensen telling him that Rachel and Loretta had a history stretching back over twenty years, with some hidden secret binding them. Until he fully understood the truth, Hansel was unwilling to entrust Jensen’s safety to Rachel.

When Jensen heard Hansel’s question, he realized Hansel had caught on. He replied flatly, “No need. Just ensure my honored guest leaves Ocean City safely, and I’ll be able to return unharmed. Tell my mother I’m on a short vacation. She worries too much—she’s older now. Remind her to keep an eye on her blood pressure.”

Rachel’s chest tightened as she listened to Jensen’s concern for Loretta. A sharp pang of jealousy surged through her.

This was her son—her very own flesh and blood.

A son so exceptional should be showing this kind of care for her, not for that barren woman who couldn’t bear a child.

Unbeknownst to Rachel, Jensen saw the flicker of jealousy cross her face clearly.

*This Rachel really holds a grudge against my mother,* he thought, lowering his gaze as she composed herself.

He ended the call and reached for Loretta’s number. Just as he was about to dial, Rachel snatched the phone away, exactly as Jensen had anticipated.

“Now that everything’s arranged, there’s no need for you to keep your phone. Your body needs rest. Tonight at eight, you’ll escort me to the airport. Once I’m safely out of Ocean City, I promise I won’t go back on my word,” Rachel said softly.