Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 108

Gennifer materialized from the shadows, her eyes burning with a feral red glow.

Why on earth would Ruby be leaving Northridge Manor at the crack of dawn?

Her hands clenched the hem of her skirt so tightly her knuckles turned white. She yanked her phone from her purse and dialed.

The call connected almost instantly.

She demanded sharply, "Why was Ruby at Northridge Manor overnight?"

There was a pause on the other end before Morgan's chilly, mocking laugh cut through the line. "Gennifer? Are you interrogating me now?"

The iciness in his voice jolted her back to her senses. She snapped her mouth shut, suddenly aware of the cold sweat prickling down her spine.

For a moment, Gennifer had almost forgotten just how ruthless the man she was dealing with could be.

Her heart hammered twice in her chest before she forced herself to steady her breathing. "Ruby was at Northridge Manor. You told me to spread rumors about her being pregnant to force her out—so why is she back?"

She worked hard to keep her voice even.

Morgan's tone was harsh. "Maybe you should ask your Mr. Veyne about that."

He let out a cold snort.

Gennifer froze.

What was that supposed to mean?

Could it be… Cassian himself invited Ruby back?

The possibility shot through her mind like a bolt of lightning, sending a slow, creeping dread up her spine.

Her fingers trembled as she pressed, "What do you mean?"

Morgan tossed his phone to his assistant. "Tell her everything that happened last night."

The assistant dutifully recounted how Cassian had shown up at The Blackwood Group's headquarters late at night, demanding his child.

Gennifer's fingers spasmed.

Her sharp nails tore straight through the expensive fabric of her dress.

Her breath came faster, almost ragged.

"Gennifer, Ruby spent a year behind bars and you still can't win Cassian over?" Morgan's voice oozed contempt through the phone.

Gennifer was nothing but a pretty face riding on Ruby's accomplishments. Without his backing, she was nobody—and she wanted to challenge him?

"She'll be back before long," he scoffed.

Meanwhile, Ruby had no idea that two people were keeping such a close watch on her. Her only concern now was settling in with Mira as quickly as possible.

The cab dropped them off near the address the landlord had sent.

As Ruby arrived with her luggage, a kindly old lady bustled out to greet her, face beaming with warmth.

The woman took Ruby's suitcase in one practiced motion, practically radiating hospitality. "You must be Miss Ruby!"

Ruby dipped her head politely. "That's me. Thank you so much for your help."

The landlady gave a hearty pat to her own chest, as if to say it was no trouble at all.

She grinned. "Make yourself at home, dear. If you need anything, just call out."

A wave of relief washed over Ruby, easing the tension she'd carried all morning.

"And here's your place!" the landlady announced with excitement, throwing open the door.