Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 412

Ruby lingered in place for a long moment, her pupils shifting as she finally took a step back.

Cassian’s hand fell empty.

The air between them thickened, heavy with tension. Fanny, always perceptive, reached over Hayley to roll up the car window, sealing off the outside world.

“You’ve been buying up shares of The Grayson Group lately, haven’t you?” Fanny asked.

Cassian pressed his lips together, his gaze never once leaving Ruby.

“We’re already divorced. What exactly are you trying to do, Mr. Veyne?” Ruby narrowed her eyes, her stare cold and sharp as a blade, slicing right through him.

Cassian’s fingers curled slightly, but he didn’t withdraw the envelope he was holding.

“It’s compensation. I owe it to you—and to Mira,” he said quietly, lowering his eyes. His thick lashes cast shadows over his deep-set eyes, hiding words he couldn’t bring himself to speak aloud.

The truth was, his purchase of The Grayson Group shares had been less about business and more about finding an excuse to see her again.

“Fine. Then I suppose I should thank you on Mira’s behalf,” Ruby replied, taking the envelope with a steady hand and an icy expression.

The shares were important to her, after all. Since Cassian had called them compensation for her and Mira, she felt justified in accepting them. She’d endured enough hardship because of him—taking this reparation was hardly unreasonable.

Her attitude was direct, but as Ruby took the envelope, Cassian’s eyes lit up before he quickly reined in his excitement.

As long as she was willing to accept it, maybe it meant things weren’t truly beyond repair.

“Ruby, are you ready?” Fanny called from the car, tapping the window as a gentle reminder.

Cassian’s gaze flickered. He cleared his throat and took the initiative to step back. “Since you’ve got things to do, I won’t keep you.”

Ruby glanced his way once, then looked away without a word, climbing into the car.

The luxury sedan glided through the gates of Southgarde Estate, leaving Cassian standing alone on the curb.

His tall frame, seen from afar, radiated a chill that sent shivers down the spine of anyone who looked his way.

At last, he lifted his eyes, staring after the car that had already disappeared from view, his heart tangled with a mess of unease and resignation.

He lowered his head, his gaze lingering on his own fingertips.

Just now, when he’d handed her the envelope, their fingers hadn’t even brushed. Still, he found himself rubbing his thumb, a strange, unspoken longing welling up from somewhere deep inside.

Ruby hated him—Cassian understood that. He deserved it.

With a laugh, Ruby pulled both friends into the living room. “I’m divorced. He’s ancient history.”

“Let’s look at the sheet music!” she announced, reaching up to the shelf for the metal box.

The moment shifted as Hayley’s attention zeroed in on the box. She watched, transfixed, as Ruby opened it.

Inside, nestled beneath a layer of plastic wrap, lay the music score. With Ruby’s permission, Hayley scooped it up, barely able to contain her excitement.

Hayley, usually brash and quick with a comeback, sometimes even boyish in her mannerisms, softened as she carefully examined the music. The restlessness melted from her face, leaving only a rare serenity.

At first, her features brimmed with excitement and curiosity, but as she read the first few lines, her expression turned serious.

She didn’t immediately flip through the rest. Instead, she snapped her head up, staring at Ruby with wide, incredulous eyes. “Is this really your grandmother’s?”

Her voice trembled with shock and disbelief, like someone who’d claimed to love dragons only to find a real one standing before them.

Ruby met Hayley’s gaze, her own heart suddenly pounding.

“Isn’t this Antinus’s ‘Flourish Symphony’?” Fanny asked, picking up on Hayley’s reaction and leaning in to examine the ancient sheet music.

Hayley didn’t answer right away, seemingly oblivious to Fanny’s question. Instead, she clutched Ruby’s hand, unable to contain her excitement. “Is this the only copy?”