When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 543

**Chapter 543 The Plea**

Beth found herself utterly speechless, the weight of Natalie’s words settling heavily upon her. The realization struck her like a cold wave; she had sacrificed her education for the sake of a man, choosing to bring a child into the world with James instead of pursuing her studies. Now, staring at the blank walls of her rented apartment, she felt the bitter sting of regret. She had no diploma to her name, no marketable skills to speak of, and the modest space she inhabited had been arranged by Baron. The looming costs of her son’s surgery were all fronted by him as well, leaving her feeling indebted and trapped.

The truth was painfully clear to Beth: she owed them far too much. Day after day, she scoured the job listings, but the search was an uphill battle for someone in her situation. If she sought a job that paid well, it meant long hours away from her son. Conversely, if she chose to stay home and care for him, her financial prospects dwindled to nothing.

Beth was caught in a tormenting cycle, her heart heavy with the weight of her circumstances.

Then, like a ray of light breaking through dark clouds, a single sentence from Natalie illuminated a possible solution. Her son had a passion for drawing, a talent that could be nurtured in the creative environment of a studio. If he could be immersed in the world of design blueprints, perhaps he would lose himself in his art, allowing Beth the chance to assist Ms. Stone with cleaning or odd jobs. It was a glimmer of hope in her otherwise bleak existence.

“Ms. Stone, thank you. Thank you so very much,” Beth exclaimed, her voice trembling with gratitude.

In that moment, her previous motivations for helping Natalie shifted. It was no longer just about her son; now, Beth felt a genuine desire to repay Natalie’s kindness.

Natalie shook her head, a soft smile gracing her lips as she watched the little boy. There was a warmth in her gaze that spoke of her affection for him, a tenderness that made Beth’s heart swell with hope.

Baron, observing the bond forming between Natalie and the child, paused for a moment, deep in thought. “What do you think about changing the child’s name to Avery? If my wife takes a liking to him, he might even become her star pupil. After all, it’s been a long time since she’s praised a child for their drawing skills,” he suggested, his voice thoughtful.

At those words, Beth’s heart soared, and tears of joy welled up in her eyes.

“Avery! What a beautiful name! Thank you so much!” she exclaimed, overwhelmed by emotion.

Without hesitation, Beth knelt down before Natalie, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Ms. Stone, I implore you. Please accept my son as your apprentice. I don’t need a salary; I can work for you without pay. All I ask is for you to provide us with a roof over our heads and food to eat. I may lack skills, but I know you are an accomplished artist. If my son has the fortune to learn from you, it would be a blessing beyond measure. Please, Ms. Stone, take him in,” Beth pleaded, her voice filled with desperation.

As she spoke, she began to bow her head repeatedly, a gesture of deep respect and supplication.

Beth recognized that her actions were perhaps inappropriate, but desperation clouded her judgment. She felt as though she had no other recourse. Even if Baron were to lash out at her, she would endure it all if it meant Natalie would take her son in.

“Ms. Stone, please. I know I deserve a thousand deaths for my ingratitude, but I truly have no choice. Avery is my only family left,” she implored, her voice cracking with emotion.

Baron felt a flicker of annoyance at the sound of his chosen name for the child. When he had named him, he had only thought of the pleasant meaning behind it, never considering how it would sound when spoken aloud. Now, hearing Beth call her son Avery, he felt a sense of awkwardness, despite the different characters.

Natalie noticed the discomfort as well, her gaze instinctively shifting towards Baron.

Baron scratched the back of his head, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his expression.

“Perhaps we should consider changing the child’s name again?” he suggested, attempting to ease the tension.

Beth was taken aback for a moment, but as she carefully pronounced her son’s new name, she couldn’t help but notice how it bore a resemblance to Natalie’s own name. Suddenly, she felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her as well.