Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 195

"This lady—"

Fitch frowned, ready to speak, but his words were cut off by a scathing glare from the socialite. "Careful what you say. I'm here at Gennifer's personal invitation. Don't forget that."

She took off her sunglasses with a flourish—revealing Renee's unmistakable face.

Fitch was momentarily stunned.

Ruby, however, eyed Fitch coldly, her gaze fixed on the remote control for the front gates clutched in his hand. She didn't spare Renee so much as a glance. To avoid getting dragged into the mess, she buried her face deeper into the silk scarf wrapped around her neck.

Renee, realizing she was being blatantly ignored, felt her temper flare.

"And who do you think you are, exactly?" she snapped, eyes wide, reaching out to grab Ruby, who stood between her and the entrance.

But the moment Renee's hand extended, Ruby knocked it away with a sharp slap. "Back off."

Her mouth covered by the scarf, Ruby's voice was barely a murmur, almost inaudible—except for the single, unmistakable word: "Off." Even the bystanders, who'd gathered for the spectacle, raised their eyebrows in surprise, glancing at the woman who'd dared to speak so bluntly.

Everyone knew the Sutherland family had seen better days; Ruby would have to be out of her mind to cause a scene at Northridge Manor. Except, of course, for one inconvenient fact: Renee and Gennifer were famously close.

And Gennifer? She was Cassian's darling—no one dared cross her.

The realization only made Ruby's defiance all the more shocking.

Renee froze for a second, then exploded. "You little tramp! How dare you speak to me like that!"

She lunged forward, hand outstretched for Ruby.

"What's going on here?"

The commotion at the door was making a mess of the check-in line, and a chorus of impatient complaints was rising from the guests. It also drew the attention of Gennifer herself, who arrived fashionably late.

She was dressed in a simple, elegant Chanel-style suit—a refreshing contrast to the sea of floor-length gowns swirling around her. She looked effortlessly poised.

Ruby's jaw tightened at the sound of footsteps behind her.

Fitch grew increasingly anxious, quickly shielding his phone at his side as he fired off a desperate text to Bennett for help.

"Sis?"

Gennifer's voice rang out, her eyes landing on Ruby.

The single word sent a ripple of shock through the crowd.

Sis?

Gennifer's sister was Ruby.

Ruby—the original Mrs. Veyne? What was she doing here?

Wait—weren't she and Cassian still technically married?

The crowd buzzed in silent speculation, eyes darting between the two women.

The legitimate wife and Cassian's new flame…

Suddenly, Bennett rushed out of the house, breathless.

To Gennifer, his voice sounded like salvation.

"What are you doing standing around? How dare you block Mrs. Veyne!" Bennett shot Fitch a glare.

Fitch swallowed his protest, feeling utterly miserable.

Bennett had always been Cassian's right hand—a smart man who'd already sized up the situation from afar.

Seeing the crowd craning their necks for more drama, Bennett hurried over, planting himself between the two women with a bright, reassuring smile for Ruby. "Ma'am, it's crowded out here. Let's go inside."

The gate opened with a click.

Ruby, never one to linger where she wasn't wanted, straightened her back and strode through.

As she and Bennett disappeared inside and the gate swung shut again, order was restored—at least outwardly. But a strange, electric tension lingered in the air.

Many guests couldn't help sneaking glances at Gennifer.

Ruby had gone home, personally escorted by Cassian's assistant, Bennett.

Yet Gennifer—Cassian's supposed new favorite—had been left outside, waiting in line with the rest.

No matter how you looked at it, something was off.

"Gennifer, didn't Mr. Veyne say you could go right in? Why are you out here in line with us?"