When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 550

**TITLE: HereSelf 550**
**Chapter 550 Biological Mother**

“It’s really not your place to judge the way my mother raised me!” Jensen’s voice was a low growl, his eyes narrowing with intensity. “I’m warning you, we are merely partners in this situation. If you utter one more disparaging word about my mom, don’t come crying to me about the consequences.”

A storm brewed within Rachel, a fierce fire igniting in her chest. She felt the heat of her emotions spilling over, and before she could hold back, she blurted out, “In your heart of hearts, do you truly believe your mom is perfect? Have you ever considered the possibility that she might not even be your real mother? Your biological mother could be someone entirely different! If the woman who gave you life were to see you defending another person like this, how do you think she would react?”

“She can think whatever she wants!” Jensen retorted, his voice cold and dismissive, like ice cracking under pressure. “You really think I wouldn’t know if my mom is my real mom? You’re attempting to create a divide between us! And even if she wasn’t—so what? The debt of raising a child far outweighs the mere act of giving birth.”

His words were laden with conviction, each one striking like a hammer. “When I was just learning to talk, when I took my first steps, when I lay sick with fever, it was my mom who was there, tirelessly caring for me day and night. When Luke Corp faced its darkest hour, it was my mom who stood by me, unwavering. Even if she didn’t give birth to me, her love and dedication over two decades are what truly matter. Our bond as mother and son is genuine! And as for this so-called ‘real mom’ you keep mentioning—a woman who could abandon her own child—what right does she have to even show her face to me?”

Rachel was taken aback, completely unprepared for the passionate defense Jensen had just unleashed.

Her heart sank, heavy with sorrow.

“How can you be so sure that your real mother didn’t have her reasons for what she did?” she pressed, desperation creeping into her voice.

“I don’t need to know her reasons. What I do know is that if she was incapable of raising me, she should never have brought me into this world. Since she did, her abandonment is a reality I cannot ignore, isn’t it?”

Jensen’s gaze pierced through Rachel, sharp and unforgiving like an icy arrow.

For a fleeting moment, Rachel wondered if Jensen was aware of his origins, if he had pieced together the truth. But the clarity in his eyes made her doubt her instincts.

No! He couldn’t possibly know! If Jensen truly understood his origins, he wouldn’t be reacting this way.

“Jensen,” Rachel said, her voice trembling slightly, “there isn’t a mother in existence who doesn’t love her child. For a mother to abandon her own flesh and blood, she must have been in an unimaginable situation.”

“Maybe you have a point,” Jensen conceded, his tone still laced with skepticism. “But what does that have to do with me? I must be out of my mind, discussing this with someone who kidnapped me.”

With that, he coldly shifted the topic. “It’s almost eight PM. Shouldn’t we be heading to the airport?”

Rachel felt a pang in her chest as he so easily brushed aside her heartfelt plea. She had to suppress her sorrow, recognizing that Jensen was clearly resistant to this line of conversation. Should she reveal the truth about their relationship now, or wait?

Conflicted and hesitant, Rachel steeled herself, reminding herself of the plan for their escape tonight. “Are you absolutely certain there are no complications on your end, Jensen? I’ve been more than lenient with you. Don’t mistake my restraint for weakness. Don’t provoke me, or it could lead to our mutual demise. It wouldn’t be a loss for me.”

Her words hung in the air, and Jensen felt a wave of repulsion wash over him.

“Who wants to die with an old hag like you? You might be ugly, but your dreams are certainly beautiful,” he scoffed, a smirk playing on his lips.

Rachel nearly choked on her indignation at being labeled an “old hag” once more.

I can’t curse! He’s my son! My own son!

She repeated this mantra in her mind, trying to keep her composure.

Jensen observed her, noting how deeply his words had affected her, yet she still held her anger in check. He recalled the topic she had raised earlier, and a flicker of concern sparked in his heart.

This old woman wasn’t going to claim to be his real mother, was she?

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