Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 79

Bennett's words had barely left his lips when Ruby's eyes darkened. She let out a cold, mocking laugh.

Fine.

If that's what you all want, so be it.

After all, she was already someone who'd spent a year behind bars—a year ago, she'd lost all her dignity. If trading away what little she had left could keep her friend safe, it was a price worth paying.

Ruby clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug sharply into her palm, the sting echoing in her chest like a slow, relentless bleed.

"Big sister, you see—"

Gennifer leaned down, her breath warm against Ruby's ear.

It was like the hiss of a serpent, cold and venomous, determined to drag her into the depths.

"You sold out the company. You really think after crossing him, he'll ever feel so much as a flicker of pity for you?"

Ruby's eyes flew open, round with shock.

But Gennifer's hand pressed firmly on her shoulder, pinning down any hope that tried to surface.

Gennifer's laugh was low, her bright eyes brimming with scorn. "And if I said anything, do you really think Cassian would believe me? Would he believe you?"

Straightening up, Gennifer stood taller. Ruby had once been the taller of the two, but since her time in prison—and never having worn heels since—she seemed to shrink beside Gennifer, who now stood before her in high heels, chin lifted with smug satisfaction, looking down on her.

A chill swept through Ruby, regret crashing over her so fiercely she felt as if she might drown in it. Silently, she cursed herself for her earlier foolishness—she'd almost blurted out the truth from years ago. But… who would ever believe her?

She swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth, the brief flash of hope in her eyes fading back to a dull, lifeless gray.

Suddenly, she turned on her heel.

Bennett was startled, rushing after her. Gennifer hesitated only a moment before following as well.

The Veyne & Co. lobby sprawled out, vast and echoing, with a steady stream of staff and visitors weaving through the space. The place buzzed with the hum of conversation and movement.

Then—thud.

Ruby dropped straight to her knees.

The sound was sharp, but in the noisy lobby, it barely registered.

Bennett's heart lurched, tension snapping through his mind like a live wire.

He didn't dare waste a second—fumbling for his phone, he hurried to notify Mr. Veyne.

Gradually, people slowed their steps, their curious gazes settling on Ruby. Some stared outright, others whispered, their eyes glinting as if they'd stumbled upon the next big headline.

A woman kneeling in the middle of the Veyne & Co. lobby—what could it mean?

The gossip-hungry crowd lingered, phones appearing as more and more people stopped to snap photos of Ruby's face. Camera flashes flickered, forcing her to duck her head. But the crowd pressed in, their phones nearly in her face.

"What's she doing here? Does she even know where she is?"

"Is she trying to make a scene? Is this about to be some kind of scandal?"

"Wait—her figure, doesn't she look like—"

The rest was drowned out by the swell of voices.

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