Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 202

When did she get here?

Had she been sitting there the whole time? Was it her playing the piano?

A flood of questions crashed through Cassian’s mind.

Gennifer’s first reaction was surprise, but when she recognized the newcomer, her expression twisted with discomfort. Still, no matter how unwelcome Ruby’s presence felt, Gennifer forced a polite, practiced smile.

“Sis? Where’s the pianist I hired? I can’t believe you went out of your way for this.”

She stepped forward, as if to greet Ruby.

But Ruby didn’t even glance in her direction. Without slowing, she brushed past Gennifer, gliding into full view of everyone in the ballroom.

Cassian and Sylas Cunningham both stared, their eyes wide.

From either side of the hall, a chill seemed to spread, snuffing out the earlier buzz of conversation.

Ruby casually tucked a loose curl behind her ear.

She wore a stunning, form-fitting evening gown that hugged her curves, its feathered mermaid hem trailing behind her. As she moved, the backless cut revealed flawless, porcelain skin. Her head was held high, and the dress boasted a daring plunge that ran all the way to her navel. Yet somehow, the look was less seductive than ethereal—like a swan preparing to take flight.

With her entrance, all eyes were drawn to her.

A moment ago, the crowd had clustered around Gennifer, dazzled by her own dress. Now, they could only stare, dumbstruck.

Silence fell—sometimes, the greatest compliment.

Gennifer immediately sensed the shift in the room. She guessed Ruby’s intention at once, and her face darkened.

But with so many eyes on her, she could only keep up the gracious act. “Ruby, I’m genuinely touched that you decided to come to my celebration tonight,” she said, emphasizing the word “celebration,” trying to drag the spotlight back to herself.

But in the presence of someone as radiant and self-possessed as Ruby, almost no one could look away.

“Is she an angel?”

“I thought after spending a year in prison, Ruby would be a shell of herself. How is she even more beautiful now?”

The murmurs and stunned glances swirled through the room.

Seeing everyone’s attention slip from her grasp, Gennifer clenched her jaw, her fists curling tight at her sides. There was nothing more she could do.

“It is touching, isn’t it?” Ruby finally spoke, her voice carrying easily over the crowd. “After all, it’s not easy to throw a party at Northridge Manor unless you have the right connections.”

She smiled, crossing her arms, and looked straight at Gennifer.

Gennifer blinked, momentarily thrown off.

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