Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 216

A sudden chill ran down Gennifer’s spine.

Just then, Bennett came rushing down from the top floor. The moment he caught sight of the chaos and tension in the lobby, he strode forward and planted himself squarely in front of Cassian, his expression grave as he spoke with authority. “Our company is currently investigating the recent rumors about Mr. Veyne and his wife. For now, we won’t be responding to any related questions.”

The commanding presence of the CEO’s chief assistant had an immediate effect; the chattering journalists fell silent.

They glanced at Cassian and the people behind him, nervously swallowing, no one daring to ask another question.

Bennett had anticipated the media frenzy on his way down and had already called ahead for security.

Two lines of tall, broad-shouldered men in tailored suits flanked the crowd, exuding a quiet menace that was impossible to ignore.

No one had the nerve to push their luck under that watchful gaze.

Gennifer discreetly took in the scene, biting back her frustration.

Her eyes darted toward Bennett, and a wave of resentment tightened in her chest.

But she managed to swallow her complaints and quickly replaced them with a bright smile. “Bennett is right. Perhaps everyone could focus on Veyne & Co.’s recent charity work with the local children’s shelter.”

Her smile was radiant, her eyes curving with warmth and charm.

With no more scandalous scoops to dig up, the reporters’ enthusiasm waned, but they still asked a few polite questions out of courtesy.

As the main organizer of the event, Gennifer answered with perfect professionalism.

Then, just as the cameras panned to her, she winked. “At that time, Cassian and I will both be attending. We’re planning to adopt a child with special needs and raise them together.”

Her words landed like a drop of blood in a pond of hungry mosquitoes—the reporters’ eyes lit up instantly.

“Miss Grayson, you’re planning to adopt a special needs child? Most CEOs just donate money or supplies at charity events. Why is Mr. Veyne considering adoption? Is this a reaction to Ruby’s recent betrayal?”

“Will Mr. Veyne’s adoption plans create conflict with his wife’s rumored child from another relationship?”

The press surged forward once more.

Bennett shot a look at the security team, and at once, the bodyguards stepped in to block the excited reporters, herding them firmly out of the building.

A wall of imposing suits forced the crowd to retreat all the way to the sidewalk.

Cassian watched with a cold, stony expression.

Bennett risked a quick glance at him, then mustered his courage. “Mr. Veyne, I’m afraid this isn’t so simple. We’ve tried to suppress the trending topics, and most of Miss Mira’s photos have been wiped online, but the stories about your wife are still spreading.”

“Go back to your office,” Cassian ordered, not bothering to explain further.

Gennifer froze, a flash of hurt in her eyes.

It was obvious he was telling her to step aside.

She looked up, unwilling to back down, but Cassian didn’t even glance at her. Instead, he strode away, Bennett following close behind.

Gennifer’s face darkened immediately.

Without hesitation, she gave the cab driver the address of the trust that managed her grandmother’s estate.

Her grandmother had left a considerable fortune. Though Ruby’s knowledge of business was limited, there was still a solid foundation to build on.

She specifically asked to withdraw the deed of a particular property.

“These are the documents you requested,” the clerk said respectfully, handing her a stack of paperwork.

Ruby nodded politely and accepted them.

The next stop, she had the taxi drop her off at the grocery store where Nona worked.

“Nona! What happened to you?” Nona exclaimed the moment she saw Ruby, her eyes lingering on Ruby’s pale face.

“There’s been some trouble,” Ruby said, shaking her head to reassure Nona, then reached out to grip her friend’s hand. “Nona, I need your help with something.”

The tension in Ruby’s voice made Nona’s heart race.

“Just tell me!” Nona swallowed nervously, her tone solemn.

Ruby handed her the folder of documents. “I need to open a shop here in Quinborough, but it’s not convenient for me to run it myself. I’m hoping you’ll take charge. I’ll pay you triple what you earn now—and if the business goes well, there’ll be even more in the future.”

Nona stared at her in shock, the papers suddenly feeling hot in her hands.

“You want to open a shop? But you’re Mrs. Veyne, the wealthiest woman in town. Why go through all this trouble?”