When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 498

Chapter 498 Smoke and Silence

Chapter 498 Smoke and Silence

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Flynn’s eyes reddened slightly as the weight of everything they’d endured finally sank in.

Payne noticed but said nothing. Instead, he motioned toward the sofa. “Sit, sit-don’t just stand there. I saw the news on my phone earlier. Your villa’s been set on fire? How did you get out? Do you want me to send someone to check it out for you?”

Ruby glanced at Natalie, who still looked pale but calm enough to handle a conversation. She opened her mouth to reply, but Baron spoke first.

“Brian, when we left home, everything was fine. We only just found out about the fire from the news ourselves. We haven’t even had time to call the police yet.”

Ruby blinked, startled. Baron had never interrupted an elder before, let alone taken the lead like this. He was usually respectful to a fault. Why would he suddenly cut her off now, especially with Payne?

Still, she held her tongue.

Natalie’s heart gave a small jolt. It had been Baron’s idea to come here, but now that they were sitting in front of Brian, he clearly didn’t want him knowing the full story.

Did he suspect something?

Flynn, sharp from years in business, also sensed something off about Baron’s behavior-but he stayed composed. Yvonne, however, remained utterly trusting, watching her brother-in-law without a flicker of doubt.

Payne frowned slightly. “So you just found out too?”

“Yeah,” Baron said, his tone steady. “Our kids were here playing. My wife and I just got back from Ocevaris-barely made it home alive, honestly-and we couldn’t relax without seeing them. So we decided to come pick them up. My mom and brother tagged along. The family doctor said it’d be good for my mom’s recovery if she got some air. Who knew the house would catch fire right after we left? It’s… unbelievable.”

He sighed heavily, eyes clouded with just the right touch of sorrow.

Payne nodded sympathetically. “It’s lucky you left when you did. Who knows what might’ve happened otherwise? Do you have any idea who could’ve done this? Someone targeting your family, maybe?”

Flynn took over quickly, playing along. “Who knows? We were doing fine overseas. We come

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Chapter 498 Smoke and Silence

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back, and it’s one thing after another. First the old estate gets sealed off, now this. It’s like we’re

cursed.”

His tone turned a little too sharp, and Payne shifted uncomfortably. “That’s… unfortunate. Maybe I should’ve handled things better.”

Realizing his slip, Flynn raised his hands. “Brian, no, no, that’s not what I meant. Of course this isn’t your fault. I’m just venting. My sister finally came home-it should’ve been a happy time for our family. But instead, some bastard keeps coming after us. It’s infuriating.”

Payne gave a polite laugh, trying to ease the tension. “Anyone would feel that way. Come on, at least have a cup of tea before you go. Aubree, get someone to bring it in.”

Baron shook his head. “No need, Brian. We don’t even know how bad the damage is yet. We should get back and see for ourselves. With the old house sealed and now the villa on fire, we need to make sure no one got hurt.”

Ruby immediately nodded in agreement. “Yes, and Waylon’s still at the police station. There are servants back at the villa-if anyone was inside, we need to make sure they’re safe. We should hurry back.”

Though Ruby’s social anxiety often made her quiet in public, she wasn’t foolish. Baron’s tone left no room for misunderstanding-he wanted to leave immediately. Whatever reason he had, she trusted his instincts. He hadn’t survived as long as he had in the underworld by ignoring them.

Baron caught her look and gave her a small, approving nod.

Payne, seeing Ruby speak up, didn’t try to stop them. “All right. I won’t keep you, then. Once things settle down, we’ll arrange another day to sit and have tea-with Mr. Waylon too.”

He turned to his daughter. “Aubree, you and Ms. Stone are friends, right? See them off for me.

“Yes, Dad.”

Aubree looked disappointed. She had wanted to give Natalie the gift she’d prepared, but now clearly wasn’t the right time. The fire at the Stone Villa came first.

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