Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 652

Watching Grandma's theatrical performance, Ruby couldn't help but think to herself that someone with such a lively and commanding presence easily had decades left in her.

But she was still an elder, and Ruby reluctantly caved.

"Mira and I will stay the night, but we're leaving at first light."

Ruby's expression was stern, setting a firm boundary.

Grandma instantly beamed, grabbing Ruby's hand and patting it affectionately. "I knew you had a soft spot for this old woman!"

While Grandma was practically glowing, Ruby remained collected. Mira, as if realizing the woman was her great-grandmother, giggled and waved her tiny fists, trying to grab her fingers.

Despite the lingering unease in her chest, Ruby maintained her polite facade.

Far away from Ruby and Grandma's dynamic, Cassian and Garrison were locked in a standoff like two rival generals on a battlefield.

"Is there something you needed, Mr. Veyne? Because I don't recall C Collective having any recent partnerships with a company under your name."

Garrison took the first shot. His eyes crinkled in a polite smile, and his tone was casual, yet the words carried a distinct, icy edge.

Cassian merely tapped his expensive fountain pen against the desk, then sat back aggressively on the leather sofa, spreading his arms.

"Playing dumb?"

Cassian's voice was a low, freezing demand, his dark eyes brimming with hostility.

Garrison smiled, maintaining a flawless mask of confusion. "Playing dumb? I have no idea what you're talking about."

Cassian felt an overwhelming urge to punch the man's perfectly calm, smiling face.

He stood up with a predatory sneer, leveling himself with Garrison.

Both men were of similar height, their gazes locking in a high-voltage clash.

One was dominating and aggressive; the other was cool and unshakable.

"Do you honestly think I don't know why you're getting so close to Ruby?"

Cassian leaned in, his voice dropping into a lethal, low whisper right by Garrison's ear.

Garrison felt an immediate wave of revulsion.

He took a step back, his smile deepening. "What exactly is that supposed to mean? Ruby and I met by chance. There's no ulterior motive."

Cassian stared at that unwavering smile, feeling like he was punching a brick wall.

"Is that so? Met by chance..."

Cassian chewed on the words before letting out a dark scoff. "Does she know you're incapable of fathering a child? Or better yet—why would a famous designer and CEO waste his precious time playing nanny to a baby he has absolutely zero blood relation to?"

"Ruby is my friend. She's busy, and stepping in to help her is simply the right thing to do."

Suddenly, Garrison's lips curled into a mocking smile. "A washed-up loser from her past doesn't even have the right to stand in the same arena as me."

The insult poured gasoline over the fire in Cassian's chest. Without a second thought, he lunged forward, grabbing Garrison by the collar with blazing eyes.

Cassian's face twisted with pure rage. "Say that again."

He shoved Garrison forcefully against the wall, his arm pressing against the man's throat. Within seconds, Garrison's airflow was critically restricted.

Garrison's usually handsome face flushed a deep red, yet even in this suffocating position, he continued to smile defiantly. "A loser... has no right... to tell me to stay away from her."

He smiled, his eyes calm but loaded with absolute provocation.

Blood roared in Cassian's ears. He shoved Garrison's neck harder, slamming him violently against the heavy oak door of the study.

Garrison let out a muffled groan, a flash of genuine pain crossing his face.

Outside, the evening sky had turned into a suffocatingly dark canvas.

Ruby and Grandma were just returning from their walk. Seeing the lights still on in the study, Ruby's ears caught the distinct, muffled groan of someone trying desperately to suppress their pain.

It was... Garrison's voice!

Panic surged through her. Ruby sprinted toward the study doors.