When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 561

**TITLE: HereSelf 561**
**CONTENT: 561 I Can’t Love Him**

Baron’s brow knitted together with a hint of concern, though it was quickly masked by his usual stoicism. “Understood. Make sure to send me all the evidence without delay.”

“Of course, Mr. Baron. I already have a team gathering everything we need,” Shauna replied confidently, having anticipated this moment long before she stepped into the room. Her organizational skills were not just a part of her job; they were her lifeline in this cutthroat environment.

Baron offered a brief nod, his mind already racing through the implications of the evidence they were about to receive.

In a nervous rush, James interjected, his voice trembling slightly. “I’ve shared everything I know with you. About the high-seas cruise, I have the ledgers, but the profits aren’t solely mine.” His hands fidgeted, betraying his anxiety.

“Where exactly are those ledgers?” Baron’s sharp gaze swept over James, assessing him like a predator sizing up his prey.

James felt a chill run down his spine, but he steeled himself, summoning the remnants of his courage. “Mr. Baron, I can get you the ledgers… but could you possibly spare my life in return?”

“Are you attempting to negotiate with me?” Baron’s voice dripped with a casual indifference that only heightened James’s fear. The casualness of it was terrifying, a reminder of the power imbalance that hung heavily in the air.

“No, no! That’s not what I meant! I was just—just asking!” James stammered, his heart racing.

Baron leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing. “So, where are the ledgers?”

Ignoring the question, James felt a wave of despair wash over him. It was as if he were standing on the precipice of a great abyss, teetering on the edge of hopelessness. This was nothing short of blatant bullying, and he felt utterly powerless. The thought of defying Baron was laughable; he knew he stood no chance against such a formidable opponent. What could he possibly say that would change anything?

“Can I take you there?” he finally managed to ask, desperation creeping into his voice.

“You really aren’t concerned that I might kill you, are you?” Baron’s tone was deceptively calm, but the underlying threat was palpable.

Baron flexed his arm in a casual motion, and the sight sent James into a panic. “Ah! Please, don’t hit me! I’ll talk! I promise I’ll talk!”

Baron couldn’t hide his disdain for such cowardice.

With a shaky breath, James finally divulged the location of the ledgers, and Baron wasted no time in instructing Shauna to send a team to retrieve them. Realizing they had extracted all the information they could from James, Baron signaled for the lawyer to bring in the documents.

When James caught sight of the lawyer, his expression drained of color. “Mr. Baron, I truly didn’t mean to cross you. I beg you, spare me,” he pleaded, his voice cracking under the weight of his fear.

The towering man before him erupted into tears, his wails echoing throughout the room.

Baron struggled to maintain his composure in the face of such a pitiful display. “Enough! I never claimed I would kill you. Why are you crying? It’s pathetic.”

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