When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 445

Chapter 445 Don’t Ruin the Moment

“I’ll handle it later. For now, the kids shouldn’t go back to preschool.”

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Payne hadn’t wanted to interrupt Natalie’s reunion with her family, but when he heard that topic come up, he couldn’t stay silent.

“Ms. Stone, I’m Payne–Aubree and Rio’s father, Mason’s grandfather. This incident was my responsibility: I failed to maintain proper security in Ocean City, and I’m truly sorry you were put through that.”

Natalie didn’t really know who Payne was or what his position entailed, but when he mentioned Aubree and Mason, the names rang a faint bell.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Payne,” she said softly, wiping the tears from her cheeks, feeling a little embarrassed.

Was I too emotional just now? Waylon, however, wasn’t pleased that Payne had chosen this moment to step in.

“Brian, if you’ve got nothing else, you can go now. Natalie just got back–she’s been through enough. I’m taking her home.”

Payne could clearly sense Waylon’s irritation.

He gave a helpless smile. “All right, all right. I’m just glad Ms. Stone made it back safely. As for what you said about preschool, I’ll handle that. I’ll have your two kids attend the same one as my grandson, Mason; Ms. Stone, don’t worry–security will be airtight.”

Natalie hesitated, glancing instinctively at Waylon.

She really didn’t know how to respond.

Waylon waved a hand dismissively.

“Go on, go on–we’ll talk about it later. Don’t ruin our family reunion.”

“Fine, fine, I’ll leave you be,” Payne said with a laugh before heading off. Still, he left several men behind to escort and protect the family on their way home.

Natalie didn’t question it; she only looked around and asked, “Dad, Flynn–where’s Mom?”

“She’s waiting for you at home.”

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Chapter 445 Don’t Ruin the Moment

Waylon’s tone softened when he mentioned his wife, though a shadow passed across his face,

Natalie froze for a moment.

She knew how deeply Ruby loved her–how much she depended on her. Given Ruby’s nature, it she’d known Natalie was safe and returning home, she would’ve rushed to the airport immediately.

But Ruby hadn’t come; and Waylon’s expression when he mentioned her wasn’t quite right, making Natalie’s heart sink.

“Dad… mom, is she…”

The concern in her eyes warmed Waylon’s heart.

This daughter of his was truly a good one.

“She’s fine,” he reassured her gently. “Your mother’s just been emotionally overwhelmed; her condition isn’t great right now. I didn’t tell her you were coming home–thought it’d be better to surprise her. When she sees you, she’ll be overjoyed.”

Waylon clearly didn’t want to say more, and Natalie didn’t press him.

They all climbed into the car quickly.

Waylon already knew, from his earlier call with Baron, that Baron wouldn’t be returning with Natalie just yet, so he didn’t ask about him.

Flynn was worried about Natalie, but he held back from asking questions; he didn’t want to bring up painful memories.

Seeing how careful her father and brother were being with her, Natalie felt a deep warmth settle in her chest.

She took the initiative to tell Waylon and Flynn everything that had happened after she was kidnapped.

By the time she finished, both men were livid.

“What kind of scumbag does that? So brazen, killing people in broad daylight!”

Waylon’s fury boiled over; he slammed his fist down on the armrest.

Natalie immediately reached out, taking his hand.

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Chapter 445 Don’t Ruin the Moment

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“Dad, it’s over. I’m home now, aren’t I? But honestly–if it weren’t for Baron, I might have drowned out there in the middle of the ocean. Oh, and Dad… Sharon was taken too.”

Natalie then told them about Sharon’s death at sea.

After hearing what Sharon had done, Flynn’s jaw tightened in anger. “That woman deserved it. She was vile to the core. Even if she had survived, the Stone family wouldn’t have spared her.”

Waylon nodded in agreement.

As they talked, the car pulled into the driveway of the Stone family estate.

Flynn was the first to step out; he hurried around to open Natalie’s door.

“Natalie, watch your head,” he said, shielding the top of the frame with his hand, his tone full of quiet care.

It was the first time Natalie had experienced this kind of warmth from Flynn, and her heart softened.

“Thanks,” she said with a small smile.

Sunlight spilled over her face, and the shimmer in her eyes seemed to pierce straight into Flynn’s heart.

The big, stoic man suddenly found his own eyes growing red.

“Natalie… everything I missed before—I’ll make up for it from now on.”

“Okay.”

Natalie’s eyes grew misty again.

Waylon quickly turned away, afraid he might start crying too.

Shauna, who had been quietly following behind, recorded everything–the tears, the smiles, the hugs–and secretly sent the video to Baron.

“Mr. Baron,” she whispered into the phone, “I think your position’s in danger. With how much her family spoils her, do you think she even needs you anymore?”

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Chapter 446 Baron’s Jealous