Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 243

In that split second, Ruby seized her chance and slapped him hard across the face.

The sharp crack rang out, startlingly loud in the silent room.

Cassian’s head jerked to the side from the force of the blow, hair falling over most of his face and hiding his expression.

Ruby wiped her lips with the back of her hand, her voice icy. “Disgusting.”

Just that single word, spat out like a dagger, seemed to stab straight into Cassian’s heart.

He swallowed, forcing himself to look up at her.

Ruby had already moved several feet away, her bright eyes burning with contempt. There wasn’t a trace left of the longing or hope she’d once shown him—not even the fragile peace they’d managed just days ago. It all seemed like some absurd fairy tale now.

Panic twisted suddenly in Cassian’s chest.

He stared at Ruby, anger and desperation mingling in his eyes. His hand twitched, as if he wanted to reach for her, to stop her from leaving—but it felt impossibly heavy. The words he meant to say died on his lips.

A hollow, bitter laugh escaped him, barely more than a whisper. “I’m disgusting?”

“Oh, but Garrison’s not, right? That’s why you’re having dinner with him, checking into hotels together?”

Seeing Cassian still lost in his delusions, Ruby’s patience snapped. She didn’t bother with any more pretenses; she spun on her heel and strode away, her heels clicking sharply on the floor.

“Ruby, don’t test me,” Cassian warned, his voice cold.

Her steps slowed for a moment, but she didn’t stop. Even with her back to him, Ruby could feel his obsessive, scorching gaze following her every move.

She’d just reached the door when Cassian’s voice rang out, sharp and threatening: “If you see him again, I’ll buy out C Collective.”

That finally made Ruby freeze.

Her hand hovered on the doorknob, trembling with anger. She couldn’t hold it in—she whirled around to face him.

Cassian watched her, utterly unrepentant. “I mean it,” he said, his stare unwavering.

“Cassian, you are a petty, manipulative bastard!” Ruby snapped, remembering all too well how he’d once threatened Cameron Lockridge. The memory only fueled her rage.

Cassian’s face darkened, but he said nothing—just pressed his lips together and stared at her with that suffocating intensity.

Even in silence, his domineering presence filled the room.

As soon as Townsend sent over the number, he immediately messaged her, impatient to know how things had gone.

Only then did Ruby remember she’d forgotten to check on things after posting her statement. She sent Townsend her social media handle and logged into her account.

Townsend pulled up her profile at the same time.

There, just half an hour ago, she’d posted a single blog entry—and already it had racked up millions of views, likes, and comments.

“Hi everyone, this is Ruby. I want to clarify a few things regarding the recent rumors and controversy: 1. Mr. Garrison and I are simply business partners. I bought shares in C Collective a year ago and am now one of its shareholders. 2. The so-called leaked photos online were taken while Mr. Garrison and I were discussing work. In fact, I am C Collective’s lead designer, Selina, and our meeting was about the latest design plans.”

Her words landed like a boulder in a placid lake, instantly stirring an uproar online.

But the flood of responses was mostly ridicule.

“Is she crazy, tangled up with some old guy and now claiming to be Selina?”

“Her? Selina? Give me a break. Selina’s been a top, mysterious designer for years—tons of people have tried to claim that name, but Ruby’s the fakest of all.”

“She really has no shame. Trying to pass herself off as my favorite designer? I’ve already reported this to Selina’s official account!”