Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 14

"It was just a bit of water splashed on that janitor, and suddenly Cassian's shelling out from his own account."

"A thousand dollars every month, can you believe it? Does she really deserve that? Bet she was waiting there on purpose, playing the victim for sympathy—trying to get a payout."

Why should some cleaning lady get something even she herself had never received?

Gennifer's eyes narrowed in thought. After a moment, she picked up her phone and stepped aside to dial a number.

The call connected almost immediately. A chill flashed in Gennifer's eyes.

"Cliff, I need a favor."

"There's a cleaning woman—this morning she tried to cause a scene by Cassian's car. Yeah, Cassian couldn't be bothered with her, so he just had someone give her a little charity."

"You know Cassian, a prince among men—he'd never stoop to deal with petty thieves like that. But I can't stand it, so I'll do what he won't. Just teach her a lesson, but don't let Cassian find out. This is beneath his attention."

"How? She's got a kid, right? Cut her wages, let her go hungry for a few days. That should be enough. If she tries anything again, fire her. I don't care if she and her brat freeze on the street."

Gennifer hung up. The cold expression melted instantly from her beautiful face.

She tossed her hair with a sultry smile, then turned and headed for Cassian's office.

Knock, knock, knock—her hand rapped lightly on the door.

"Cassian~"

"Come in."

A man's cool, elegant voice floated from inside. Gennifer pushed open the door with a sparkling laugh. The sight of Cassian's striking figure made her lips curve in a confident, satisfied smile.

Whether it was Ruby, or that cleaning lady—no woman was going to get the upper hand with Cassian.

Cassian belonged to her. No one else would ever steal his attention.

The clouds had cleared, and sunlight poured across the city.

That afternoon, Mr. Shaw, the supervisor, called all the janitors together for a meeting.

Several trucks rolled up outside.

Workers came and went, unloading crates and boxes. Soon, the shabby little courtyard was packed with supplies.

In the rows of cleaning staff, a few older women whispered to each other.

"I overheard Mr. Shaw say some rich guy drove by while we were working this morning—decided to play philanthropist and donated all this stuff to us."

Ruby looked up just in time to see the supervisor, with his chunky gold chain, glance away quickly.

A chill crept up her spine.

When the supplies reached them, Pamela pressed a coat into Ruby's hands.

"Here, Ruby. My son just sent me a new winter coat, so you take this one."

Ruby snapped back to attention, shaking her head. "Pamela, I can't—"

"Don't argue. It's not for you, it's for Mira! Take it up and tailor it for her—she'll need it."

Ruby was stunned, about to protest further, but Pamela was already heading off. "I'll put it on your bed. Once you've got your things, come upstairs—if Mira wakes up and you're gone, you know she'll cry."

Watching Pamela's retreating figure, warmth seeped through Ruby's heart.

They'd only known each other half a day, but Pamela already felt like family.

Soon, everyone had collected their supplies and left—except for Ruby, who was told to stay behind.

"Hey, Ruby, hold on a minute."