When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 604

**TITLE: HereSelf 604**

**Chapter 604: The Deal Is Done**

“Ruby, there’s something about you that feels different today.”

The words hung in the air, charged with an unspoken understanding.

“Yes, well,” Ruby replied, her voice steady yet laced with the weight of her experiences, “my eldest son nearly lost his life, and my youngest daughter was deceived and kept away from us for over twenty long years. If I hadn’t changed after all that, I would truly be a failure as a mother.”

A flicker of maternal strength ignited in Ruby’s eyes, illuminating the shadows that had lingered there for too long.

Waylon, feeling the warmth of her resolve, responded with heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you, Ruby. Thank you for finding the strength to pull yourself together, not just for me, but for our children as well.”

For years, Ruby had been ensnared in the depths of despair following the tragic death of Natalie’s twin brother. It was a wound that had never fully healed, leaving her in a state of emotional turmoil. Waylon and Flynn had stood by her side, offering their unwavering support, but the burden had been heavy, and the journey exhausting.

Returning home after a day filled with business intrigues, only to face Ruby’s melancholic episodes, had been a daunting challenge. Waylon and Flynn had managed to navigate this tumultuous sea with admirable grace, but it had taken its toll on all of them.

Ruby felt the weight of her family’s struggles pressing down on her. She gently placed her hand over Waylon’s, her touch reassuring. “From now on, I promise I will be fine. You and the children should focus on what you love, and I will become your strongest support.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Waylon wrapped his arms around Ruby, pulling her into a deep embrace. He kissed her tenderly, a promise exchanged between them—one of hope and renewed commitment.

As the older couple reveled in their moment of intimacy, Jensen was scurrying about like a rat in a maze, desperately searching for an escape route.

The apartment he had shared with Loretta no longer felt safe; it had become a trap he couldn’t bear to stay in.

Baron, the rightful heir to the Gunn family and the Chairman of Grant International Holdings, was a force to be reckoned with. Finding him in Ocean City would be as easy as pie, and Jensen could not afford to be caught.

But Jensen was no novice.

Having ruled as the King of Ocean City for years, he had learned the ins and outs of the city, including its hidden nooks and crannies where one could find refuge.

In a moment of desperation, he had taken the unconscious Natalie to a casino, an establishment that thrived on secrecy.

The basement of the casino was expansive and labyrinthine, a place known to few.

As Jensen carried Natalie down into the depths, he found Loretta waiting for him, her expression a mix of concern and impatience.

“Are you alright?” she asked, her eyes scanning him for any signs of distress.

Jensen felt a knot tighten in his stomach at the thought. He didn’t want to witness the chaos Loretta described, yet a flicker of conscience held him back.

This amnesia drug was unregulated, and the potential for harm loomed large in his mind. What if it damaged Natalie’s brilliant mind?

She was so gifted, so full of creativity and talent. Would he truly find happiness if she were reduced to a shadow of her former self?

His heart raced with conflicting emotions.

Noticing his hesitation, Loretta seized the moment, snatching the vial from his hand. She stepped forward, ready to administer the drug to Natalie.

“Wait! Mom, just give me a moment to think!” Jensen pleaded, panic rising in his chest.

“What is there to think about? By the time you come to a decision, Natalie will be awake. Can you really keep her from screaming? Even in this casino, if Baron and the Stone family decide to search, it won’t be long before they find us. Do you want to hand her over to them? Even if this drug has side effects, even if Natalie becomes an idiot, at least she will remain by your side, devoted to you alone. Isn’t that what you want? Or will you resent her for being less than she was?”

“I won’t! I could never despise Natalie, no matter what happens to her!” Jensen exclaimed, his denial fervent and desperate.

Taking advantage of his moment of weakness, Loretta pushed him aside and poured the amnesia drug into Natalie’s mouth.