Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 232

Ruby listened to the magnetic timbre of the man’s voice, her expression shifting to one of quiet confusion.

She’d especially caught on the word “reckless.”

It had been her idea to ask Townsend for a dress in the first place. Townsend was his younger brother, yet this man spoke to her so courteously, his tone gentle, almost as if placing the blame for the whole situation on Townsend’s shoulders.

The more Ruby thought about it, the more surreal it seemed. Still, she chalked it up to good manners and proper upbringing.

She answered honestly, adding in a gentle explanation, “Mr. Caldwell, I specifically requested a custom dress from C Collective. That gown was never meant to be released to the public, so it’s no surprise it’s stirring up so much talk online. If anything, I should be the one to apologize—the controversy is drawing attention to the brand, and that was never my intention.”

“It’s nothing.”

His voice was low and smooth—like the calm surface of a deep sea, hiding unknown depths beneath.

If she listened closely, she could almost detect a hint of indulgent amusement in it.

Ruby blinked in surprise, wondering if she’d imagined it.

Townsend was such a live wire; how could brothers be so different? Were they really related?

Her musings were cut short as Townsend, voice raised, snatched back his phone. “You’re unbelievable! The moment you see a VIP, you forget all about your poor brother!”

He grumbled, half-joking, half-complaining, shooting Ruby a conspiratorial look as if appealing for backup.

Ruby couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head, but she wisely stayed out of their sibling squabble.

She took the opportunity to glance at her watch. Less than an hour left before her meeting with Pamela.

She was already mentally moving on as Townsend, flustered, reached for his phone again, ready to protest. But his brother simply ended the call with polite finality, handing the phone back to him.

Townsend stared, eyes wide. “Travis Caldwell, what are you up to?”

Travis just arched a dark eyebrow. “I’m flying into Quinborough tomorrow. Want to join me?”

Townsend groaned. “I can’t. I’ve got a new collection launching in a few days. I need to stay here and oversee everything.”

Travis nodded, smoothing his navy blue tie with careful fingers. “Send Higham up to my office.”

He didn’t wait for a reply before striding away, long legs carrying his tall, broad-shouldered frame out the door. The silver at his temples only made him look even more sophisticated—part aristocrat, part rogue.