Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 167

The man's fingers, adorned with a diamond-studded ring, tapped lightly on the tabletop—a quiet, gentlemanly gesture as he asked his question.

Across from him, Gennifer struggled to maintain her stubborn facade. Morgan's words from the earlier phone call swirled relentlessly in her mind.

Anyone could see how Cassian had changed since Ruby's release from prison. Despite all the strikes against her—going from a star attorney to an ex-con, showing up with a child whose origins were anyone's guess—Cassian only seemed more invested in her than before.

Morgan had suggested she take a page out of Ruby's book, maybe try showing a little more backbone.

Gennifer's lips curled in disdain, but inwardly, she began to consider the idea.

"Cassian, I heard there's trouble with the company's patents. Shouldn't you be dealing with that instead of having dinner with me?"

She looked up, her gaze unwavering.

Her uncharacteristic display caught Cassian off guard; his tapping paused mid-beat, and something new flickered in his eyes—a mix of intrigue and curiosity.

His gaze lingered on Gennifer's face, and, inexplicably, a wave of déjà vu swept over him. His chest tightened in a way he couldn't explain.

"We'll take one of each of your signature dishes. And bring her a passionfruit mousse for dessert."

Cassian's voice turned cool as he handed the menu to the waiter who had hurried over to serve them.

Gennifer noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor. Beneath the table, her hand clenched tight; for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.

"Gennifer, you're important to the company. Besides, it's just one dinner."

Cassian's expression softened, and a smile tugged at his lips.

A flush crept up Gennifer's cheeks; her heart raced as she shyly dropped her gaze.

Cassian glanced at her again, his eyes lingering, but his mind wandered elsewhere. He saw flashes of Ruby, Mira, and Sylas together, close as family. The thought sent a heat behind his eyes. Almost absently, he reached over and cut Gennifer's steak for her, an uncharacteristic gesture of care.

"After dinner, come back to the office with me, will you?"

His tone was gentle, his usually icy eyes now warm—almost tender.

Gennifer nodded immediately, her voice earnest. "Cassian, I'll do everything I can to help you!"

Cassian smiled, nodding back. He picked up a napkin and gently wiped a smear of cream from the corner of her lips.

Neither of them noticed the camera in the far corner, quietly capturing their every move—each gesture, each smile, preserved in a frame that spoke of intimacy.

Meanwhile, an unexpected visitor arrived at Northridge Manor.

Inside, Ruby sat holding Mira, gazing absently out the window.

"Help?" Ruby's voice was sharp with sarcasm. "You mean like you and Gennifer helped me—right into a jail cell?"

Morgan flinched, wounded. "Rue, why can't you just believe me?"

He glanced around the elegant, immaculate room, then turned back to her, frustration clear in his voice. "Rue, it was Cassian who insisted on sending you to prison. Compared to him, I—are you really choosing to stay here at Northridge Manor rather than come with me?"

"You're all cut from the same cloth!" Ruby spat, her face emotionless. "Leave. I don't want to see you again."

Her rejection hit Morgan hard; resentment and helpless anger welled up inside him, threatening to spill over.

He composed himself, his expression shifting to something bittersweet as he looked at her—still longing, but with a trace of mockery. "I told you before. I've built a stable business. I could give you and your child a good life. But you'd rather depend on Cassian, even though you can't stand to see me for a single moment."

He let out a cold laugh, pulling out his phone. "This is the man you trust—Cassian. Want to see what he's been up to since he rescued you?"

He tossed a stack of photos in front of her; they fluttered to the floor like snowflakes, some carried by the afternoon breeze into the room.

Ruby's gaze fell on one that landed at her feet. She recognized Gennifer and Cassian immediately—it was unmistakably them.

The photo showed Cassian gently wiping cream from Gennifer's lips. Gennifer looked bashful, Cassian tender; together, they were the picture of a perfect couple.

Ruby felt as if something hard was lodged in her throat. She couldn't utter a single word.