Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 106

The secretary rubbed his nose, looking awkward.

Of course, that was Cassian—the wealthiest man in Quinborough. Who could possibly stand in his way?

Morgan felt a tightness in his chest that wouldn't let up.

Just a year ago, he had led the Blackwood family to become one of the city's top business groups, hoping to use that momentum to deal Cassian a devastating blow. But he was forced to admit: Cassian's business acumen was extraordinary. In a matter of moments, Cassian had spun a counter-strategy, minimizing his losses to almost nothing.

Even now, Morgan was still a step behind him.

And then there was Ruby. Morgan had assumed that once she was released from prison, he could bring her close and keep her by his side. He never imagined things would turn out like this…

A thought struck Morgan, making him narrow his eyes in suspicion.

Ruby had spent a year in prison—and come out with a child.

From what he knew, Cassian didn't seem to realize the child was his.

Putting the pieces together, Ruby's status as an ex-con and the existence of an "illegitimate child" should've made Cassian want nothing to do with her.

So why…?

Morgan couldn't help but recall Cassian's recent interaction with Mira. There hadn't been a trace of disgust toward the little girl. If anything, there'd been an almost indulgent tenderness.

All the recent news pointed to the same thing: Cassian valued Ruby. He'd rejected her divorce requests several times, each time insisting she and the child return with him to Northridge Manor.

A chill crept down Morgan's spine. A startling possibility began to take shape in his mind.

Cassian, of course, was oblivious to Morgan's spiraling suspicions. He was focused on getting Bennett to drive them back to Northridge Manor as quickly as possible.

Ruby had agreed to come back and rest, but Cassian knew she wouldn't be able to sleep.

As long as Mira was missing, Ruby would lie awake all night, eyes open, waiting.

If two days passed and Mira was still gone, Ruby would wait two days.

She was stubborn like that.

"How much longer?" Cassian pressed, brow furrowing.

Bennett let out a nervous breath, hurrying to answer. "Five more minutes, sir."

The child had already been found, and Miss Grayson would see her daughter in just a few minutes. Why was Mr. Veyne still so anxious?

He didn't understand, but his hands didn't dare slow down.

Finally, five minutes later, Cassian carried the child up to the door and knocked.

Knock, knock.

The moment Ruby heard the sound, she leapt out of bed.

She opened the door and immediately saw her little girl nestled in Cassian's arms.

"Mira!"

She cried out, and tears streaked down from her bloodshot eyes.

"Like this," Cassian said gently.

He balanced Mira in one arm and, with the other, lifted the kettle off its base and poured the hot water.

As the water gurgled into the bottle, Mira realized her meal was on the way and began clapping her hands, giggling.

The sound of her laughter broke the chilly, awkward tension in the kitchen, filling the space with unexpected warmth.

Ruby shook her head, pushing aside the strange feeling in her chest.

She gave the bottle a shake, then pressed it to Mira's lips.

Mira opened her mouth eagerly, sucking at the bottle with noisy gulps.

The kitchen fell silent, save for the steady sound of Mira swallowing.

Never one to sit still, Mira started wriggling, grabbing at anything within reach. With Ruby helping her hold the bottle, one tiny hand latched onto Cassian's thumb, the other onto Ruby's finger.

She giggled and played, tugging at both of them.

Their hands brushed, and every time their fingers met, Ruby felt a jolt of discomfort.

Cassian, on the other hand, seemed unaffected. He simply watched Mira with a gentle look in his eyes.

Ruby wondered if she was being overly sensitive, but said nothing. When Mira finally let go of their hands, she allowed herself a small sigh of relief.

Come morning, she was determined to find a new hotel—one with proper security measures—for herself and Mira. Every minute she spent in Northridge Manor left her feeling uneasy.