Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 219

At Cassian’s words, Gennifer crouched down and peeled open the gift box. It was empty.

Her face darkened instantly, the veins on her hands standing out as she gripped the box tighter.

“What’s wrong?” Cassian leaned in, puzzled, and saw the empty interior for himself.

A surge of irritation rose in Gennifer’s chest.

So that showstopping gown Ruby wore at the party—it was supposed to be hers! Ruby had snuck off with the custom-made dress Cassian had ordered for her, just to steal the spotlight!

Gennifer clenched her teeth, her mind replaying the image of Ruby dazzling everyone at the event.

All those admiring glances that had once belonged to her ended up flocking to Ruby the moment she appeared. Everything she should have had was handed to someone else.

Cassian drew closer, the chill between them growing palpable. Gennifer quickly masked her true feelings, struggling to put on an expression that was equal parts troubled and disappointed. “Cassian, it’s empty.”

She looked up at him, her eyes full of wounded disbelief. “Yesterday, my sister wore a designer gown, and you said there was only one, that it was a special custom order…”

She dropped her gaze, her whole demeanor radiating hurt.

Cassian’s eyes darkened, a flicker of coldness flashing across his face, making his reaction even harder to read.

Gennifer seemed to summon all her courage, lifting her reddened eyes to him. “How could my sister do this? That dress was your gift to me, Cassian. It’s not just about the dress, it’s about your thoughtfulness. Now she’s caught up in all this drama because of it. If she’d only said something to me sooner, maybe things wouldn’t have gotten so out of hand.”

Her voice wavered, holding back tears. Every now and then, the sadness and guilt slipped through, painting her as the innocent younger sister, wounded but still full of concern.

Cassian watched her performance without the slightest sign of sympathy.

After waiting in vain for comfort, Gennifer felt a strange new unease creeping in.

Then, his hand landed on her shoulder with a light, steadying pat. “So that’s the story behind that controversial dress. Don’t worry so much about your sister—Veyne & Co.’s PR team knows what they’re doing.”

His low voice cut through the tension, and Gennifer’s expression froze for a beat.

That’s not what she meant at all.

She looked up, unwilling to let it drop, but Cassian took the box from her arms and set it back where it belonged.

“If the dress can’t be delivered right now, we’ll head back to the office.”

Without waiting for her response, he strode away.

As Gennifer watched his retreating figure, the gentle mask on her face cracked, piece by piece.

“Is there something else?” Cassian paused, sensing no footsteps behind him. He turned his sculpted profile toward her, his gaze lingering on her face with a look that was impossible to decipher.

Cassian’s stormy expression and the pressure in the air were a clear warning: trouble was brewing.

“Update Bennett about the situation. Contact the hospital, check the security footage. Find Mrs. Veyne—fast.”

His voice was cutting, each word like a blade.

Fitch nodded frantically and bolted off without another word.

“Cassian…” Gennifer called, seeing the worry etched across his face, a wave of anxiety rising in her chest.

She reached out to grab his sleeve, but Cassian pulled away before she could touch him.

“Get yourself a cab. You can leave early today.”

He picked up his pace, heading straight for the parking garage.

With Ruby’s name all over the news and everyone watching, this was the most dangerous moment yet.

The thought made Cassian’s heart pound. He didn’t even want to consider what might happen next.

He broke into a jog, the wind tossing his neatly styled hair, and didn’t stop until he reached his car, chest heaving, heart racing.