Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 231

Seeing Ruby’s furrowed brow, Bennett quickly added, “With Veyne & Co. stepping in, the tabloids in Quinborough will back off for now. It’s just a temporary fix, but at least you and Miss Mira won’t be dragged through the mud any further.”

Ruby pressed her lips together, her eyes shadowed with a silent struggle.

As long as Mira’s real origins remained secret, there would always be a flood of malicious speculation. But if the truth—that Mira was Cassian’s biological daughter—was ever revealed, then Cassian would never agree to divorce her.

Ruby swallowed, forcing down the words she almost let slip.

She clenched her fists, a wave of frustration rising inside her.

Cassian wielded overwhelming influence, enough to force the gossip rags to back off and keep the rumors about Mira from spiraling out of control. She’d spent so long trying to break free from Cassian, yet when she was kidnapped, it was Cassian who saved her. When the entire internet heaped scorn on Mira, it was Cassian who intervened. Compared to that, what kind of mother was she? Powerless, ineffectual.

A tightness gripped her chest, making every breath a struggle.

With her eyes downcast, Ruby’s voice was so soft it was nearly lost to the breeze. “I understand. You can go now.”

Bennett watched as her expression clouded over, assuming she was dissatisfied with his “temporary solution.” But given the circumstances, there was nothing else he could offer.

He left quietly, returning to Veyne & Co.

The sound of the car engine faded into the distance.

Only then did Ruby lift her gaze, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes.

If she was determined to keep Mira’s identity a secret, then the responsibility for raising and protecting her daughter would fall solely on her shoulders. Once the divorce was final, she would have no reason to depend on Cassian any longer.

That meant she needed to become stronger.

With the relentless scrutiny online and the string of deliberate attacks, Ruby finally understood—her hope for a quiet life was nothing more than a fantasy.

His voice was light, down-to-earth, and carried a note of pride. “See, didn’t I tell him to trust me? Rue’s talent is every bit as good as mine!”

Then a brief rustle on the other end, followed by a steadier, deeper voice.

“I heard you’ve run into a bit of trouble?”

Ruby froze, realizing that Townsend’s brother was right there and had already taken the phone.

Unlike her casual rapport with Townsend, she instinctively straightened up, her tone turning more formal.

“I heard Townsend jumped in without warning, and now you’re caught up in a public spat about the authenticity of a C Collective gown?”

The man’s words were courteous, but his commanding presence was unmistakable. The emphasis he placed on “public spat” sent a chill through the conversation.