Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 217

Nona looked at her, puzzled.

In all her years with the family, she’d never seen Mr. Veyne truly care about his wife, but he’d never let her want for anything, either. The house was always warm, the pantry stocked, her wardrobe filled. So why had Ruby suddenly decided to start her own business?

“Call it a personal venture.”

Ruby forced a smile, but even with her lips curved and eyes bright, there was a flicker of uncertainty she couldn’t quite hide.

The storm online hadn’t calmed down.

Normally, with a company as influential as Veyne & Co., their PR team could bury any scandal by now. Instead, the outrage had only dulled slightly—a sign that whoever was working in the shadows was no ordinary adversary.

Ruby pressed her lips together, deep in thought.

Until now, she’d been sure Gennifer and Renee were behind all of it. But with things escalating, she had to consider whether someone even more powerful was pulling the strings. The idea of fighting an unseen enemy while she stood exposed made her skin crawl.

And Cassian’s cold indifference when she accused Gennifer—that was the final straw.

If no one was going to help her, then she’d become the one others begged for help.

Ruby clenched her fists, determination burning in her chest.

Nona, watching her closely, saw the resolve—and the anxiety—flashing in Ruby’s eyes. The complicated emotions made Nona uneasy.

“Ma’am, I know this is exhausting. But working at the grocery store, I deal with regular folks. The stress just isn’t the same. Let me… just think about it a little longer.”

Nona looked torn.

Ruby didn’t push. She nodded, offering a gentle understanding. “That’s fine. I’ll respect whatever you decide.”

Nona walked Ruby all the way out of the store. She stood on the curb, watching as Ruby’s cab disappeared down the street. Glancing around nervously, Nona ducked into the shadow of the building, crouched behind a trash bin, and quickly dialed a number on her phone.

Ruby, oblivious to the scene behind her, was already on her way to see Pamela.

“What? So I’d basically be working for you?” Pamela’s eyes widened in delight. “Just like in those shows—you’re the boss, I run the shop!”

“You could look at it that way…”

Pamela smacked her knee and let out a hearty laugh, her eyes shining with excitement. “Girl, I never pegged you for just a pretty face with a fancy background—you’ve got guts!”

Unlike Nona’s hesitation, Pamela had that big-hearted bravado, always willing to go all-in for her friends. She was the first to throw her support behind Ruby.

All the paperwork Ruby had been struggling to deliver found a steady home in Pamela’s hands.

“These are the property deeds, business permits, everything you’ll need. The address is 267 Cedarlia Avenue.”

Ruby felt a rare sense of fullness in her chest.

“I can’t stay long, but I’ll send you the blueprints for the renovation,” she said, getting down to business.

“Perfect! I’m no good with that technical stuff anyway!” Pamela grinned.

After a few more words, Ruby caught a cab and headed toward Northridge Manor. By the time she arrived, the sun was beginning to set.

She had barely stepped out of her taxi when another cab pulled up beside her.

The window slid down, and a man’s voice called out, “Need a ride, miss?”

Ruby shot him an odd look. She’d just gotten out of a cab—why would she need another?

“No, thank you,” she said, barely glancing his way as she turned toward the manor. She hadn’t seen Mira in days, and her heart ached with worry. Quickening her pace, she hurried toward the front door.

But then—footsteps thundered behind her.

Without warning, a rough hand yanked her hair, jerking her head back hard enough to make her scalp sting.

A cold, venomous voice hissed in her ear, “Thought you could run, you little bitch?”