Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 196

Gennifer's face froze. Who the hell had the nerve to ask that question out loud?

Fortunately, Renee jumped in right on cue, flashing Gennifer a bright, ingratiating smile. She was practically waving a flag to show whose side she was on.

The next moment, Gennifer put on a gracious, understanding smile. "There's no rush. Renee and I are happy to wait in line like everyone else. We're not looking for special treatment."

Renee quickly chimed in, laughing as she slipped her arm through Gennifer's, playing up their camaraderie for all to see.

Their little performance worked. The awkward, prying stares around them faded, replaced by polite admiration.

"Miss Gennifer is so poised," someone remarked.

"No wonder she's captured Mr. Veyne's heart," another added.

"But isn't it strange? Ruby got personally escorted inside by Mr. Veyne's own assistant. Why wouldn't Gennifer get the same privilege? That just doesn't add up."

Gennifer and Renee exchanged a look, both gritting their teeth behind flawless smiles.

Renee leaned in, lowering her voice. "Let her bask in the spotlight for now. Once you show up in that evening gown, Gennifer, she'll fade into the background, just another nobody next to you."

The words gave Gennifer a flicker of comfort.

As dusk settled in, the gates of Northridge Manor finally closed.

Northridge Manor was sprawling—besides the main residence where Cassian and Ruby usually lived, the grounds boasted everything from ballrooms and galleries to billiards rooms. For tonight's celebration, most of the long-unused entertainment wings had been opened for the guests.

Meanwhile, Ruby stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her phone in hand, gazing down at the crowd below as they mingled on the lawn.

"Well? Did it arrive?" came a voice through the phone, speaking in a language few would understand.

Ruby replied in the same tongue, her accent flawless. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

"No need for thanks. But when are you coming back? I'm running out of that fragrance you sent—I haven't been sleeping well lately."

"I'll visit when things calm down here."

There was a reluctant grumble on the other end, but eventually, they agreed.

Ruby set her phone aside and narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.

Down on the lawn, Gennifer strutted about like she owned the place, guiding guests and making introductions.

Ruby's gaze flickered away, her attention returning to the bed where a stunning evening gown lay spread out.

Knock, knock—

Suddenly, someone rapped on the door.

Cassian stopped and turned, frowning at her.

She met his eyes directly. "As the lady of the house, it would be rude not to attend."

Her lips curled in a cold smile. With a sharp bang, she shut the door.

"I'll be there on time," she called out from behind it.

Cassian stood frozen, staring at the closed door, unable to make sense of Ruby's intentions.

She had agreed to attend the celebration, exactly as he'd hoped, and yet her indifferent attitude left a heaviness in his chest. There wasn't a hint of satisfaction in it.

His expression dark, Cassian stalked away.

He had barely stepped out of the main house when Renee intercepted him.

Cassian's eyes narrowed, irritation plain on his face. Renee, however, only managed a glimpse of his impossibly chiseled features before she was completely flustered, forgetting everything Gennifer had told her to say.

"If you have nothing to say, move," Cassian snapped, his patience worn thin.

The chill in his voice was like a bucket of ice water, snapping Renee out of her daze. She summoned her courage, wanting to sneak another look at him, but the moment her eyes caught the sculpted line of his mouth, her breath caught. A shiver ran down her spine.