Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 493

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In the past, she’d partnered with Morgan to steal Veyne & Co.’s trade secrets, all for the sole purpose of dragging Ruby down into ruin. But against all odds, Ruby was like some stubborn weed that refused to die. Even after being branded a convict, she somehow managed to slip through every trap Gennifer had so carefully laid. Now, instead of being disgraced, Ruby had become a special guest designer for C Collective and was the new darling of high society—admired by the likes of Sylas, Garrison, and other luminaries.

How could she possibly deserve this? She didn’t. She never did.

Gennifer burned with jealousy and resentment.

Sure, she hadn’t been born into the perfect family, but her father had truly loved her mother, and she’d always been the favored child—more cherished than Ruby ever was. And if it hadn’t been for Ruby’s meddling mother breaking up her parents, Gennifer would have been the legitimate heiress of the Graysons. Ruby had stolen her place, her life. If not for Ruby, she wouldn’t have that stain of being detained on her record.

The more Gennifer thought about it, the more a wild fury twisted inside her, threatening to drive her upstairs and tear Ruby apart with her bare hands.

But then a different image flickered through her mind, quelling her rage. Her lips curled into a strange, satisfied smile.

No, she just needed to wait a little longer. As long as her plan stayed on course, Ruby’s downfall was inevitable. Soon, the whole of Quinborough would turn on her—she’d be the pariah everyone loved to hate.

Outside the hotel, a crowd had gathered. As if by silent agreement, they all slowed their steps ten feet from a particular door, shuffling closer with deliberate care. One by one, they pressed themselves against the door, glancing at their phones, waiting for the signal.

Inside, oblivious to the commotion, Morgan was completely captivated by the woman before him.

He leaned in slowly, drawn by the person who’d haunted his thoughts day and night.

He was only a breath away when a sound—louder than the frantic pounding of his heart—sliced through the air.

In an instant, Ruby, who had seemed as pliant as a porcelain doll, shot to her feet with swift, decisive movement.

Before Morgan could even react, she pressed a button on her watch. A sharp blade flicked out, gleaming in the light. She leveled it at his cheek, unwavering.

“Morgan, care to guess who’s the hunter and who’s the prey right now?”

She rolled her neck, a crisp crack sounding in the silence.

Morgan’s dazed eyes snapped into focus.

He scowled, staring at Ruby—no trace left of the woman who’d seemed barely able to stand a moment before. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Where was the weakness from before?

“How could this be? Didn’t the drug work?” he muttered, disbelief etched on his face.

A derisive laugh floated down from above.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he repeated, this time with a tremor in his voice.

Ruby’s lips curled into a cold, dangerous smile. She stepped in, bringing her wrist—and the blade—so close that every pore on his face was exposed in the harsh light.