“Ruby’s living at Southgarde Estate now—everyone, follow me!”
With a sweep of his arm, Hanley led a crowd marching purposefully toward Southgarde Estate.
On the way, those in the know kept their distance from Cassian and whispered quietly among themselves.
“Didn’t Ruby used to live with Mr. Veyne at Northridge Manor? Why is she suddenly moved into a regular flat at Southgarde?”
A few gossip-hungry souls exchanged glances, their eyes flickering with speculation.
“I heard Ruby and Mr. Veyne got divorced! Just recently, too! At first I didn’t believe it, but now that Ruby’s moved out, it seems pretty likely. Honestly—first she gets smeared, then kidnapped, and now Mr. Veyne chooses this exact moment to end things?”
“Mr. Veyne isn’t the impulsive type. Could it be the Graysons were telling the truth all along? Did Ruby really fool everyone online? Maybe he’s rushing the divorce to support Gennifer?”
One person tapped his chin, recalling how Cassian had just accompanied Gennifer back to the Grayson house; his eyes lit up, convinced he’d uncovered the truth.
As the rumor spread, the crowd buzzed with excitement, a sense of revelation passing from one to the next.
Lost in speculation, they soon arrived at Southgarde Estate.
“Call Ruby down! If she thinks she’s been wronged, let’s clear the air face to face!” Hanley said sternly, waving a hand.
But the security guard at the entrance shook his head: “Miss Grayson isn’t home.”
“Not home?” Frieda, already feeling slighted, was itching for a confrontation. The moment she heard Ruby wasn’t there, her patience snapped. “Don’t lie! It’s nearly evening—where else would she be at this hour?!”
As her words faded, Cassian glanced up at the sky, now streaked with pink and gold as dusk set in and a deepening blue pressed down from above.
“Maybe she’s just scared,” Hanley sneered, tilting his chin upward, eyes flashing with triumph.
At that moment, Ruby signaled the driver to stop.
She opened the car door, frowning as she looked out the window.
A black mass of people blocked the gates of Southgarde Estate, their voices loud enough to carry even from a hundred yards away.
Her eyes scanned the group, quickly picking out the ringleaders—Hanley, Frieda, Gennifer…
There was only one reason they’d come: her.
Her gaze paused on a tall figure at the edge of the crowd.
She narrowed her eyes: Cassian?
The moment she spotted him, her palms went clammy and her heart began to race.


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