Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 244

The internet was once again in an uproar over Ruby, and this time, her decision to speak out only poured fuel on the fire.

None of this had been part of Ruby’s plan.

“You’re really going to blow Selina’s cover?”

Townsend’s voice crackled with surprise through the phone.

“That’s right. If I don’t step forward now, things will only get more out of hand. The rumors are already dragging C Collective and Mr. Cloud through the mud. I can’t stay silent any longer.”

She answered Townsend’s question calmly.

Townsend’s excitement was immediate. “I’ll get in touch with your private studio and the staff who’ve been running your social media accounts.”

Years ago, before her investment, Ruby had made it clear she wasn’t interested in design or managing shares. She only wanted to focus on her work as a lawyer. So, C Collective had hired professionals to handle everything for her.

Still, her reputation as chief designer wasn’t just for show; she insisted on using only the best materials in her designs. The company’s dividends for her had quietly stacked up over the years.

Eventually, C Collective had even hired a trust company to manage her shares, and by now, her earnings had grown into a small fortune.

“Since I couldn’t get in touch with you before, I was waiting for you to reach out first. I never got the chance to tell you about this money sitting in your account all this time.”

So even when Ruby was nearly penniless—walking the streets with Mira, worrying about rent—she never realized that a casual investment years ago had already made her a wealthy woman.

Thinking back on those lean days, sharing cheap takeout with Mira and scraping together change for the next month’s rent, Ruby was stunned by Townsend’s words.

“…”

“I’ll send you the contact for the trust fund manager who’s been handling your assets, and I’ll also put you in touch with your account manager.”

Her phone buzzed with a few new messages as Townsend followed through.

Even though Ruby had inherited a small fortune from her grandmother, she couldn’t help but find the situation a little absurd.

When you’re broke, you’re so broke you can barely keep a roof over your head. Then, when money’s no longer a problem, someone suddenly tells you you’ve always been rich.

Ruby pressed a hand to her forehead, torn between laughter and disbelief.

Changing the subject, Townsend added, “Still, I doubt Mr. Cloud would want you to distance yourself from him over all this.”

At that, Ruby paused, a modest smile curving her lips. “I don’t think I’m important enough for that.”

Townsend heard her self-deprecating denial and opened his mouth to protest, but the words died on his lips.

She was always like this.

Guarded, distant, never fully believing in her own brilliance.

“What are you waiting for?” Townsend nudged her. “He’s offering you the perfect stage to clear your name. Do you really want these rumors to keep spreading?”

Ruby blinked in surprise.

Townsend was a fellow design enthusiast and C Collective’s star designer, but the casual way he referred to Garrison was unexpected—almost reckless, really.

She brushed aside her thoughts and, after a moment’s consideration, nodded. “All right. Please thank Mr. Cloud for the opportunity. I’ll be there.”

“Wait, Miss Grayson.”

She was about to hang up when Garrison’s deep, velvety voice stopped her. “If you really want to clear your name, the most convincing way would be to wear a never-before-seen gown—one personally designed by Selina. Something unforgettable.”

Ruby hesitated, exactly as Garrison had predicted.

Townsend was growing impatient, ready to snatch back his phone, but Ruby spoke up just in time. “Thank you, Mr. Cloud, for your help. For the next quarter, I’ll give you and C Collective a five percent discount on my designs.”

It might have been a drop in the ocean for C Collective, but Garrison responded with sincere gratitude. “Then allow me to thank Miss Grayson on behalf of C Collective for your generosity.”

Every word from him was gentle and thoughtful, making everyone feel at ease.

Ruby finally allowed herself to breathe.