Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 256

A pair of long, straight legs appeared first, followed by a tall figure that cast a commanding shadow over the room.

Just moments ago, Ruby had been laughing and chatting with Garrison, but now her expression turned cold in an instant.

Cassian’s sudden arrival was clearly uninvited.

Garrison, always the gentleman, didn’t let any emotion show on his face. The corners of his mouth held the same polite, reserved smile. “What a coincidence, Mr. Veyne.”

But Cassian ignored Garrison’s greeting completely, his burning gaze fixed on Ruby, shifting only briefly to the little girl cradled in her arms.

She actually brought Mira out with her?

“Not a coincidence,” he snapped, his tone icy and impatient.

Garrison seemed unsurprised by Cassian’s rudeness; he simply arched an eyebrow, unfazed.

Ruby, however, furrowed her brow. “What exactly do you want?”

Only then did Cassian’s expression shift, though he still looked stormy. “Remember who you are. Come home with me, now.”

His words were so forceful, even Garrison found them hard to listen to.

“Mr. Veyne,” Garrison said, his face slightly puzzled but still courteous, “Miss Grayson just invited me to thank me for my help yesterday. Is that something you need to control?”

Cassian’s eyes remained cold and predatory, locked on Ruby. “Someone from the Grayson family is here. Are you sure you want to stay?”

The words landed like a bomb. Even with her practiced composure, Ruby’s fingers twitched around Mira.

She finally looked up at Cassian, her stormy eyes searching his face, trying to judge if he was telling the truth.

His gaze was cold, but there was no trace of deception.

Ruby’s grip on Mira tightened involuntarily.

No use pretending—he was telling the truth.

Why would someone from the Grayson family suddenly show up? Something was off—there had to be a reason.

Who was it? What did they want?

A thousand questions raced through her mind.

She couldn’t afford to let her anxiety spiral any further. Instead, she forced herself to keep her face composed, apologized to Garrison with a dim smile, and called a cab back to Northridge Manor.

Garrison felt a pang in his chest at the sight of her downcast eyes, but though he was disappointed, he didn’t try to stop her. He simply smiled and said, “We can catch up another time.”

The words “another time” drew a cold, mocking laugh from Cassian.

He didn’t stop scowling until Ruby turned away and disappeared into the waiting taxi with Mira.

With Ruby and the child gone, Cassian lingered, his eyes turning from the departing car to fix Garrison with a frigid glare.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

“If I hadn’t mentioned the Graysons, were you planning to keep making eyes at Garrison all afternoon? Another few minutes and you two would be off to get a marriage license, I suppose?” Cassian’s voice dripped with sarcasm and contempt.

Ruby shot back without missing a beat. “Why not? Let’s sign the divorce papers first, at least then I won’t be guilty of bigamy.”

She turned smartly, heading for her room to fetch the divorce agreement.

Cassian’s expression turned to stone as he caught her wrist in a vise-like grip. “Ruby, must you push me like this?”

The words came through gritted teeth, thick with stubborn pain.

Ruby stared him down. “You’re the one forcing me.”

“There’s nothing left between us. Why keep dragging this out? Divorce is better for both of us.”

Her face was drawn tight as she tried to pry his fingers loose.

Cassian felt something snap inside him.

No feelings left? How could that be?

She used to love him so much.

His chest heaved with emotion. Without another word, he pulled her into his arms, refusing to let go.