When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 495

Chapter 495 Fire in the Shadows

Chapter 495 Fire in the Shadows

“Natalie?”

Jensen’s expression tensed instantly. “What happened to Natalie?”

20 Frms Coins

“I’m not sure,” Hansel replied. “But word is, they found a lot of bodies at the Stone residence. The police sealed off the old estate. Ms. Stone and Mr. Waylon went back to the Stone Villa afterward, but about ten minutes ago, the villa caught on fire.”

Hansel handed his phone to Jensen. “Someone recorded it. Look, Mr. Jensen.”

Jensen snatched the phone from him and stared at the screen. The video clearly showed the Stone family’s villa engulfed in thick, rolling smoke, flames climbing high into the sky.

Jensen’s heartbeat spiked. “Did anyone call the fire department?”

“I don’t know. The video was just uploaded. They say Ms. Stone went inside, but she hasn’t been seen coming out, so…”

Hansel didn’t even finish before Jensen bolted for the door. “Hurry! Get to the Stone family estate! Natalie’s already lived through one fire-she’ll be terrified!”

He jumped into the car and started the engine before anyone could react.

Lucy stood frozen for a second, then chased after him. “Mr. Jensen! What about the madam? She’s disappeared-aren’t you going to look for her?”

Jensen’s brows furrowed tightly. “Send someone to the police. Have them find my mother and report it immediately. I’m going to check on Natalie first-she needs me right now!”

He slammed the door and sped off, leaving a cloud of exhaust behind.

Lucy coughed and waved the fumes away. “She needs you? Please. You’re no one to her. It’s your mother who’s missing-you should be worried about her!”

But no one was left to listen. Lucy turned back toward the house, muttering curses, and hurried to organize a search party for Loretta.

Natalie, meanwhile, had no idea what was happening outside. As they made their way through the secret passage, a faint burning smell reached her nose.

She froze.

1/3

8:41 Tue, Oct 21 d.

…

Chapter 495 Fire in the Shadows

Baron immediately noticed. “What is it?”

“I think… something’s on fire.”

100

+20 Free Coins

Her voice trembled. The acrid scent of smoke clawed at her chest, and for an instant she was back in that hellish night years ago, trapped in a burning house, choking on fear and ash.

Baron pulled her closer, his voice low and steady. “It’s okay. The fire can’t reach us down here. I promise, it’s safe.”

“Okay,” Natalie whispered, though her hands were slick with sweat. She gripped his tightly, refusing to let go.

Baron’s heart ached for her, but he knew she needed to push through this on her own. He turned to Flynn. “That smell confirms it. Whoever was outside wasn’t just looking for us- they’re trying to burn us alive. Or destroy the evidence.”

Flynn’s eyes hardened. “Whoever they are, they won’t get away with this. I’ll hunt them down myself if I have to.”

“We will,” Baron said firmly. “But first, we need to get out of here before they have time to make another move.”

Flynn nodded. No one argued.

They kept walking through the tunnel, unsure how long they’d been underground. Natalie followed automatically, her mind fogged with fear and smoke memories. Ruby led the way with surprising strength, and Yvonne, though injured, pushed on without complaint.

Baron estimated that they’d been walking at least half an hour when Ruby finally stopped. “We’re here. This is the exit. I’m not sure where it comes out, or if anyone’s outside.”

“I’ll check,” Baron said immediately.

Natalie grabbed his sleeve. “Be careful.”

He smiled softly and brushed a hand through her hair. “Always.” Then he climbed toward the exit.

Flynn moved to stand protectively in front of the women. That was when Natalie noticed the dark stain spreading on Yvonne’s sleeve. “Yvonne! Your wound’s reopened! Why didn’t you say something?”

“It’s nothing,” Yvonne muttered, but Natalie was already pulling out bandages and antiseptic.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify