When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 216

Chapter 216 Oh Look Who’s Bitter

Ever since she had been with Baron, Natalie hadn’t had the chance to cook.

For one thing, there were servants in the house; for another, Baron never let her step into the kitchen. Every time, he insisted her skin was too delicate for the smoke and grease.

But Natalie knew–her skin had long since recovered.

That was just Baron’s excuse to keep her away from the fumes.

Sometimes, whether a man truly cared for you could be seen in the smallest details.

Unfortunately, she had only realized this after brushing so close to death.

When Baron caught the trace of tenderness flickering in Natalie’s eyes, he knew she’d softened toward him again.

He couldn’t stop grinning, almost giddy.

“Take Chris with you, otherwise I won’t be at ease.”

“Alright.”

Natalie rose, changed into a different outfit, and headed out with Chris.

By the time she arrived at Swanson Café, Loretta was already there.

For the first time, Natalie looked at Loretta not as family, but as an outsider would. Only then did she notice the arrogance and disdain shimmering beneath Loretta’s refined facade.

When a society lady came over to greet her, Loretta tilted her chin, gave a dismissive hum, and said nothing more. The poor woman, embarrassed, slunk away.

Natalie suddenly felt she must have been blind all these years. If even highborn ladies were treated this way, how could I, a girl the Summers family cast out five years ago, ever expect acceptance? Even with Jensen’s kindness in saving me, why would Loretta ever truly welcome me?

No wonder she and Jensen had been together for five years and he had never once mentioned marriage; no wonder Loretta had never interfered.

Perhaps Loretta had known from the very beginning, someone like Natalie would never step through the Luke family’s doors.

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Chapter 216 Oh Look Who’s Bitter

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The realization drew a self–mocking smile from Natalie. Then she lifted her chin and walked into the café.

“Loretta, I’m here.”

The form of address startled Loretta.

She instinctively looked up and saw Natalie walking in.

The old Natalie had always carried a trace of flattery and humility. Beautiful as she was, she’d seemed soulless, like a porcelain doll without life.

She was more beautiful than ever, but it was her commanding presence that truly stunned the

room.

The timid, pitiful girl had vanished completely.

Natalie’s presence dominated the room; she stood unyielding, her confidence pressing down on Loretta like a weight.

With Chris and four bodyguards in black at her back, she had the confidence to face Loretta head–on.

Loretta’s brow furrowed.

“Natalie? Did you have plastic surgery?”

Her voice carried uncertainty.

At last, Natalie saw a crack in Loretta’s calm, unruffled eyes.

She gave a faint smile, sat down across from her, and said, “Didn’t you know? Three months ago, your daughter–in–law framed me; I nearly died in a fire.”

“Nonsense!”

Loretta’s face immediately darkened.

“Natalie, I’ve watched you and Jensen for five years. I thought I knew you well; but clearly, you’re just good at pretending. You fooled both me and Jensen.”

Natalie’s

eyes

stilled for a moment.

“Oh? What exactly did I deceive you about? Or what did I deceive Mr. Jensen about? I was with him for five years; when I said it was over, it was over. Unlike Mr. Jensen, who married another

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Chapter 216 Oh Look Who’s Bitter

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