When She Rose From the Ashes

Chapter 131 The Portrait of Resemblance

Chapter 131 The Portrait of Resemblance

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The ward was silent, the only sound the soft scratch of Natalie’s pencil moving across paper. Ruby couldn’t take her eyes off her, lips curved with a faint smile, her gaze filled with nothing else, as though Natalie were her entire world.

Waylon and Flynn watched with damp eyes. In more than twenty years, it was the first time they had seen Ruby smile so happily. For two grown men, the sight was almost unbearable.

Baron, no longer in his Witch Doctor disguise, stood quietly at the doorway. His chest tightened as he watched. If–just if–the Stone family really was Natalie’s family, wouldn’t that be something?

Natalie had no idea what the others were thinking. For her, inspiration had struck. Ruby was beautiful, her features refined despite the traces of age, and Natalie felt an urge to capture her exactly as she was in this moment. As she sketched, she realized Ruby truly did look a lot like her. No wonder she had mistaken her.

She was so absorbed that she didn’t even notice Flynn slip up behind her and pluck a few strands of her hair. He slipped out quickly, but when he spotted Baron at the door, he faltered, embarrassed. “Mr. Gunn, I…”

“Go ahead. I want to know too–whether she has any connection to your family. Natalie was switched at birth, but the people who raised her aren’t her biological parents. I want to know if her real parents are you.”

“Ms. Summers doesn’t know who her

“She doesn’t.”

you, Mr. Gunn.” He hurried

wanted to break the quiet moment inside. Instead, they lingered and watched

a child showing a prize. “Look. What

“Your

little, nothing made me happier than losing

warmth. Ruby reached out and stroked the paper, flickering

hesitation

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The Portrait of

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maybe here–if the strokes were a little lighter- it would be even better. Don’t be upset

and suddenly felt clarity. “You’re right. That’s exactly what it needed. I could even use this touch for my Cocoon to Butterfly series.” Inspiration surged in her

up with delight, her smile the brightest it had been in decades. Soon the two of them were deep in discussion about painting techniques, Ruby animated and