Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 400

“What should we do about Gennifer next, Mr. Veyne?”

Bennett set down the phone after relaying instructions, bowing respectfully to Cassian.

The events of just moments ago flickered through Cassian’s mind. His eyes narrowed, a glint of icy malice flashing in their depths.

He still couldn’t fathom why Gennifer had suddenly invited him to that so-called party—let alone the scheme she’d tried to pull. The absurdity of the whole scene replayed itself in his head.

Just imagining Gennifer imitating Ruby made his skin crawl. The two were half-sisters, and there was indeed a faint resemblance in their features, especially the eyes. But where Ruby’s gaze had grown cold and impenetrable, Gennifer’s was always tinged with something hollow and greedy.

He’d been drinking, yes, but he hadn’t lost his senses. He remembered everything that happened at the hotel. For a split second, when he caught a glimpse of those familiar eyes, maybe it was his own foolish longing that made the two women’s silhouettes seem to overlap.

But he was never really fooled. He knew who stood before him—and who didn’t. The rest of it was nothing but a half-hearted performance.

“Release the video,” Cassian said.

He lifted his gaze, fixing it on a faintly glowing dot in the ceiling—a hidden camera’s lens.

His thoughts were in turmoil. He clenched his fist, fighting for control.

Ruby, why won’t you believe me? I’ve changed—truly. I’ll do everything I can to protect you and Mira.

Bennett hesitated. “Mr. Veyne, the footage… it includes you as well—”

“Release it.”

Cassian’s voice was cold, each word heavy and unyielding, leaving no room for argument.

Bennett froze for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Cassian rubbed his brow. “You can go. Have someone leave my clothes outside the door.”

His tone had an absent, drifting quality, as if he might vanish any moment.

Sensing Cassian’s strange mood, Bennett didn’t linger. He quietly slipped out and pulled the door closed behind him.

Left alone, Cassian seemed to deflate in an instant. His posture lost all its usual stiffness, and he staggered a little on the plush carpet.

After a long while, a thin ribbon of smoke curled up by the window.

In the shadowy room, his handsome features were hard to make out, but loneliness clung to him like a second skin.

Meanwhile, Sylas and Ruby had only just stepped out of the building when a group blocked their way.

A small crowd lingered outside, whispering and craning their necks for a better view.

Ruby guessed immediately—Gennifer’s arrest must have caused a commotion.

She was surprised Bennett hadn’t bothered to protect Gennifer’s reputation. She wouldn’t have expected him to be so ruthless.

Her words were flat and emotionless, carrying the chill of deep winter beneath their calm.

Hanley ignored her, his voice sharp. “You’re going to the station to bail Gennifer out. You’ll make a public statement that it was your fault she was arrested. Otherwise, don’t expect your new company to last a week in Quinborough.”

His threat hung heavy in the air.

Ruby suddenly let out a short, incredulous laugh, as if he’d just told her the world’s worst joke.

Hanley’s face twisted in rage, about to launch into another tirade—but he stopped cold when an icy touch pressed against his throat.

A gloved hand appeared out of nowhere, silk pressing firmly to his neck.

“Who are you threatening?”

The man’s voice was dangerously soft, each word laced with mocking amusement. Yet the deep timbre sent a shiver down everyone’s spine.

Hanley tensed, head turning stiffly.

Sylas stood behind him, nearly six foot three, gazing down with a faint, cold smile.

Hanley’s heart thudded in his chest. He’d made sure Sylas wasn’t with Ruby before confronting her—how was he here now?

“I believe you meant me,” Ruby said, seizing Violet’s momentary distraction to twist her finger sharply behind her back.