When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 549

**TITLE: HereSelf 549**
**Chapter 549: The Ring**

Natalie nodded in agreement, her expression a mix of understanding and concern. “Yes, at this moment, I fear that many people are struggling to find sleep.” She poured herself another glass of cool, refreshing water, the sound of the liquid filling the glass echoing in the quiet room.

Beth observed her carefully, her brow furrowing slightly as she processed her thoughts. After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke up, her voice steady but laced with emotion. “Natalie, do you genuinely need more help at the studio? I appreciate all that you’ve done for my son and me, and I’m endlessly grateful that you’ve taken him under your wing as your apprentice. However, I wouldn’t want to impose on you further. If I were to let you shoulder another expense without just cause, I would feel utterly shameless. As long as Holt is alright, I can manage. I can go out and find work myself.”

Natalie gazed into Beth’s sincere eyes, feeling a wave of empathy wash over her. It was fascinating how multifaceted people could be. On the ship, Beth had exuded a calculating demeanor, always weighing her options. But now, there was no trace of that calculation; instead, all Natalie saw was raw honesty and vulnerability.

This version of Beth was much more appealing to Natalie.

“My studio does, in fact, need a cleaner,” Natalie admitted, her tone softening. “But if you have other opportunities in mind, I completely understand. I can always find someone else to fill that role.”

The moment Beth heard that Natalie genuinely needed help, a breath of relief escaped her lips.

“No, no, no! I can handle the cleaning. Really, I can. I may not be educated or refined, but I can certainly keep things tidy. I was just worried about burdening you with extra expenses for our sake. But since you genuinely need assistance, I can do it. I promise I’ll give it my all.”

A warm smile spread across Natalie’s face as she nodded in agreement. “Alright then. But it’s getting late. You should get some rest. Holt’s condition isn’t great, and he needs all the energy and care he can get.”

Upon hearing Natalie’s words, Beth nodded, her expression shifting to one of determination.

“Okay, I’ll head to bed now. You should try to get some rest as well, Natalie. They will be fine.”

“I know,” Natalie replied, her voice tinged with a hint of anxiety. “I’m just a bit worried. But you’re right; I need to have faith in them. Let’s go and rest together, then.”

With that, Natalie stood up first, and Beth followed her down the dimly lit hallway toward her own room, the weight of the day slowly lifting from their shoulders.

Meanwhile, Jensen sat in silence, a storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. He had no clue whether Hansel had delivered his message to Natalie. Given the Stone family’s current power, capturing Rachel would be a piece of cake. Yet, he couldn’t shake the nagging worry that this incident might prompt Natalie to reminisce about the good times they once shared.

He recalled a time when he felt so fortunate and blissful. Natalie’s heart had been solely his, her eyes sparkling with affection just for him. If only he had developed LN-380 sooner and given it to her, would she still have left him with such finality?

Jensen absentmindedly stroked the platinum ring that adorned his finger, lost in memories.

This ring was a token from the moment Natalie first tasted success with her designs. He had given her a portion of his earnings, and she had used that money to purchase a pair of platinum rings.

Back then, Natalie had envisioned designing them herself, but he had urged her not to overexert herself—partly to soothe her and partly because he couldn’t wait to have a matching ring alongside hers. It was only after his insistence that she decided to buy the pair.

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