Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 444

Fanny knew Hayley’s temperament all too well, and she’d always indulged her. Now, she shot Hayley a look and gently nudged her arm under the table, signaling her to keep quiet.

Hayley slumped back in her seat, listlessly grabbing the menu. But the next moment, she perked up, waving down the waiter with renewed enthusiasm.

Before she stepped out the door, she poked her head back in. “What do you all want to eat?”

“Anything’s fine. You choose,” came the reply.

Garrison smiled warmly, the perfect gentleman.

Hayley gave a quick “Okay!” and disappeared.

“Townsend, go with Miss Hayley,” Garrison said, glancing meaningfully at his younger brother.

The moment Townsend realized he’d have to accompany Hayley, he shook his head furiously. But when he met Garrison’s eyes, he shrank back, resigned to his fate.

Soon, only three people remained in the private room.

“Stormhaven, are you going? I can come with you,” Garrison offered, turning to Ruby with genuine concern.

Ruby smiled, politely declining. “I probably should go. Sure, Cassian could use his influence to put pressure on the media for me, but that kind of tactic chips away at my credibility over time. I’m preparing to take Apex Legal Partners public in a few months, and this could hurt my reputation. Besides, I’m your designer at C Collective, Mr. Cloud. Aren’t you worried I’ll drag your company into the storm?”

She kept her tone light and teasing, trying to ease the tense atmosphere that had settled ever since Cassian left.

“Not worried,” Garrison replied, shaking his head.

He met Ruby’s gaze, and though his answer was brief, the sincerity behind it was unmistakable.

Ruby was caught off guard, but a warmth spread through her chest.

“Then I’ll go with you. There’s nothing at stake for me,” Fanny volunteered.

This time, Ruby didn’t refuse. Ever since Fanny had secured her position at the Quinborough District Court and climbed into senior management, her independence and influence had grown considerably.

And, judging by everything Fanny had confided, she was as sharp and experienced as they came.

“All right. Let’s get ready tonight,” Ruby said with a determined nod.

“I said I’m not eating, I’m not eating! But you had to order it anyway!”

“If you won’t eat it, I will! Stop being so selfish!”

Suddenly, the sound of bickering drifted in through the door. Townsend and Hayley burst in, still squabbling, jostling one another.

The three inside couldn’t help but pinch the bridges of their noses in exasperation.

Still, they had to admit—the restaurant was not just beautifully decorated, the food was wonderful as well.

After a satisfying meal, the group got up to pay, but the hostess shook her head, greeting them with a polite smile. “Mr. Veyne has already taken care of the bill.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify