Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 173

To Ruby, Quinborough had truly become a city out of time—an old relic of her past.

Her lashes quivered, betraying a rare vulnerability. "When?" she whispered.

If Victor was really coming back, she supposed she owed him a visit.

"When the date's set, I'll let you know," Cassian replied.

For once, Ruby didn't refuse.

Knock, knock—

Suddenly, a sharp rap on the door shattered the fragile quiet.

Cassian shot a glance at Ruby, her expression unreadable, then went to answer it.

Before the door even opened all the way, a radiant face pushed through the gap.

Gennifer stood on the threshold, her smile blooming with practiced sweetness. "Cassian, I heard from Bennett you got back to Northridge Manor early."

She stepped inside as if the house belonged to her, her tone breezy. "We just had a breakthrough in the Legal Division, and I was hoping to run it by you. But since you weren't at the office, I figured I'd find you here."

Gennifer leaned in, peering over Cassian's shoulder. "And I heard my dear sister is back in Northridge Manor too. Is she inside?"

Cassian's face hardened. "The day's over, Gennifer. If it's work, it can wait until tomorrow. It's personal time now."

He began to close the door.

Gennifer's smile froze, her eyes clouding with disappointment.

She looked up at Cassian, silent and pleading, but he was unmoved.

Then Ruby appeared behind him, drawing herself up with quiet dignity.

Gennifer's eyes lit up, and suddenly she found the nerve to slip past Cassian into the foyer.

"Sis! You're really back!"

Cassian watched the now empty doorway, a headache blooming behind his temples. He rubbed his brow and turned to see Gennifer clutching Ruby's hand, her excitement almost theatrical.

He didn't bother trying to eject Gennifer—at least, not yet. Instead, he quietly closed the door.

Ruby looked at the woman in front of her, who was beaming like a rose in full bloom, but all she saw was a carnivorous plant hiding its stench behind a pretty facade.

Her expression iced over. She jerked her hand free, not bothering to hide her disdain. "Sister? Funny. Grandma never mentioned I had a little sister."

She turned her face away.

Gennifer's hand hung awkwardly in the air. She forced a brittle smile. "Ruby, I know there's been some misunderstanding between us—"

"There's no misunderstanding," Ruby interjected coldly.

With the tension crackling in the air, Cassian finally spoke up. "Gennifer, whatever you need, say it quickly and then let us be."

Gennifer hadn't expected Ruby's repeated rejections, nor that Cassian's words wouldn't be in her favor.

She blinked away her hurt, but a flash of something darker flickered in her eyes.

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