Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 134

Morgan's eyes glimmered with something unreadable, but she still arched a brow, fixing Gennifer with a look that was equal parts amused and mocking. There was a sharp, almost theatrical glint in those striking eyes—she was clearly enjoying the show.

Gennifer glared back, cheeks flushing a furious red. The moment their gazes collided, her anger only deepened.

"They're all talking nonsense!" she spat. "Cassian never cared about Ruby, even before she went to prison. Now she's just a washed-up ex-con—why would he want anything to do with her?"

The jealousy burning in Gennifer's eyes was impossible to disguise. But as soon as the words left her lips, the atmosphere in the car turned cold, thick with something almost menacing.

The only sound was Morgan's lazy tapping on the armrest.

Gennifer swallowed hard. She'd let her temper get the better of her, and her words had crossed a line.

After all, Morgan had always had her own feelings about Ruby.

But still…

Gennifer clenched her fists, frustration knotting in her chest. She couldn't understand it. Ruby was an ex-con, a single mother—what on earth made her so special? How could she have all these high-and-mighty men wrapped around her finger? What did they see in her?

Grinding her teeth in silent rage, Gennifer had no choice but to gather up her trailing evening gown and step out of the car, splitting off from Morgan as they made their separate entrances.

Cassian hadn't invited Gennifer to accompany him this time, and the organizers hadn't sent her a personal invitation either. As the lead designer for Veyne & Co., her status alone should have guaranteed her entry. But in the past, Cassian always brought her along, so the organizers hadn't bothered to send her an extra invite.

If she hadn't begged Morgan for help, she probably wouldn't have even made it through the door tonight.

Gennifer clutched her skirt tightly, then forced her hands to let go as she stepped into the light, schooling her features into a polite, practiced smile.

The expensive fabric, crumpled in her grip, smoothed out again as she walked.

Her appearance at the entrance drew surprised glances from the small crowd gathering to go inside. People paused, then quickly looked away.

Gennifer bit her lip, saying nothing, and strode toward the main hall, refusing to let her composure slip.

As soon as she disappeared from view, the groups at the entrance exchanged looks, silent messages passing between them—everyone understood the awkwardness of the scene.

Gennifer was no fool; she knew all too well the stares prickling her back. The humiliation burned inside her.

Ever since she'd taken Ruby's place a year ago, she'd been greeted everywhere with admiration and respect—never had she faced such a bitter, public snub.

She made a mental note to blame it all on Ruby.

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