When She Rose From the Ashes

Chapter 3 So This Is What Favoritism Looks Like

Chapter 3 So This Is What Favoritism Looks Like

Natalie froze, glancing at the incoming call. Her heart dropped.

That number—it was from the Witch Doctor.

But why was he calling her? Their transaction had ended five years ago.

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Instinctively, she pressed a hand to her side, where the pain of having her rib removed still echoed deep in

her memory

She quickly rejected the call and said flatly, “Spam. Probably a scam number.”

Jensen glanced at her, then nodded, thinking of the recent scam warnings involving foreign numbers.

Scam calls are getting through? That means your number’s probably been leaked. I’ll have my assistant get you a new number tomorrow.”

Before Natalie could respond, Jensen’s own phone rang–with that distinct ringtone.

She instantly knew: it was Sharon.

Jensen shot Natalie a guilty glance, quickly declined the call, and mumbled, “Assistant calling about work. I’ll take it in the living room.”

Without waiting for a response, he rushed out.

Natalie’s eyes drifted to her phone.

It was still linked to the smart voice assistant in the living room–Alexa. Jensen thought it was just a Bluetooth speaker. He had no idea it had a built–in surveillance camera.

Natalie had never used it to spy on him. But today, with Sharon calling, something twisted inside her. She wanted to know how he acted with Sharon when she wasn’t around.

She lowered the volume and opened the Alexa app.

On–screen, Jensen sat at the bar, holding his phone. His eyes gazed out the window, completely unaware that the wind chime–symbol of their love–was gone.

His voice was soft and gentle. “I’ll come back to you in a bit.”

Sharon’s voice came clearly through the mic.

“Jensen, you’re the sweetest. Hey, the new Luke Corp jewelry line is launching tomorrow. Can I come? I heard it’s the Devotion series by Sunny–it’s perfect for our honeymoon vibe! You designed it, didn’t you? You’re Sunny, right?”

Jensen paused, slightly startled.

“I’m not-

on, don’t lie to me. Back when you stood

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7:17pm

3 So This Is What Favoritism

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of the Ocean design. Nobody knows who Sunny really is, but every time Luke Corp has a breakthrough. Sunny designs something in perfect sync. Who else

gave a cold,

had poured her heart into every piece she designed, each one a tribute to Jensen’s

stayed quiet for a

fate won’t give me the time. We’re married now–could you let me borrow Sunny’s identity, just once? Let me feel

grip on her

Sharon even understand what she

Natalie’s room, then said softly, “Okay. Tomorrow, at the conference, I’ll announce to the media that you’re

love you,

giddy laughter echoed

Natalie’s heart had

How could he?

press

with just a few sweet words from Sharon, he was willing to

is what favoritism

cut off the Bluetooth connection,

going to give Sharon what was hers–then she

she redialed

the Witch Doctor picked up, his voice cold

who finally grew a spine. Hung up on me, did you? Want me to take Jensen’s rib tonight

to do. Just help me

pause, then a snort

for

Do we have a

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7:17 pm

Is

dug into her

family, her only love,

one to tuum to–except the Witch

if the price was

“Deal

what she

then, Jensen

can’t come to the launch event