Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 194

Early the next morning, Gennifer wasted no time contacting the country's top dress designer, handpicking a gown online to be delivered straight to her home.

By the time she received Cassian's invitation to the gala that afternoon, the dress had already arrived.

Gennifer had barely stepped through the door when she and her best friend, Renee Sutherland, eagerly unwrapped the elegant box together.

"Gennifer, is this an original by Brennan?" Renee's eyes sparkled as she traced her fingers over the fabric. Pearls and tiny crystals dripped from the gown's edges like raindrops clinging to a rooftop, scattering dazzling reflections even in the dull light.

Gennifer called for the housekeeper to hang up the gown, satisfaction shining in her eyes. "That's right. I had Morgan pull some strings to get in touch with Brennan. The Blackwood Group has a big name in the design world now, and since Brennan's come back to work with them, he's eager to make a mark. That's why I could get my hands on one of his original pieces so easily."

Renee's jaw dropped as she nodded, still caressing the silken fabric, pure envy in her gaze.

Once the dress was hung, they could finally take in its full glory—a floor-length gown, silk flowing like cream, adorned with sparkling gems that made it look as if Gennifer would be wearing the night sky itself.

"Gennifer, the party's at Northridge Manor," Renee gushed. "You'll be the center of attention in this! So what if Ruby is Mr. Veyne's wife? She won't stand a chance tonight."

Gennifer's pride was palpable. She lifted her chin, feigning indifference. "Ruby? Please, Renee. She's nothing but a washed-up ex-con. What makes her think she can compete with me?"

Ever since Ruby was released, the only time Gennifer had seen her make an effort was at that charity auction; every other time, she wore clothes so plain they bordered on dowdy.

Someone like her, trying to outshine Gennifer? The very thought was laughable.

Gennifer's lips curled into a disdainful smile. Renee nodded emphatically.

The upcoming celebration was shaping up to be a grand affair. Even with just a day's notice, Cassian had gone all out. News of the gala dominated the entertainment headlines, trending with hashtags like #Veyne&CoVindicated, #GenniferHeroineOfTheHour, and #MrVeyneThrowsGalaAtNorthridgeManor.

Scrolling through these updates, Gennifer's smugness was impossible to miss.

The next day arrived in a blur. After some deliberation, Ruby had agreed to help Victor out at his research institute, mostly handling a few legal matters.

That afternoon, as she returned from the lab, she found Northridge Manor's gates buzzing with activity.

A parade of luxury cars lined the entrance, unable to drive in any further. Well-dressed socialites and businessmen spilled out onto the curb, forced to walk the rest of the way to the manor.

"Ma'am, I'm afraid you'll have to get out here," the driver said, glancing at Ruby with a hint of suspicion.

This was the private estate that had been all over the news lately—the home of the city's wealthiest family, now the site of a high-profile gala. Most of his passengers today were dressed to the nines, but this woman wore the most ordinary clothes and had arrived by taxi.

He couldn't help but think of those wannabe influencers who snuck up to celebrity homes to snap photos for social media. The thought made him sneer inwardly.

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