Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 262

Frieda and Elin both jumped at the outburst, but quickly recovered and shot Sylas a fierce glare. “This is a conversation for your elders, young man. Show some respect.”

The moment the words left her lips, Frieda regretted it. She knew perfectly well that Mr. Veyne was Quinborough’s wealthiest man. And this stranger—she had no idea who he was, but anyone who could come and go from Northridge Manor so freely had to have a close relationship with Mr. Veyne.

She couldn’t help but sneak a glance at Cassian’s expression.

His icy glare could have frozen the room. “Bastard? Is that what you just called her?”

His voice was low, cold, and carried an unmistakable edge of menace.

Frieda and Elin shuddered, exchanging a nervous glance. Frieda mustered her courage to speak up. “Gennifer’s just spoiled. She’s always been quick-tongued—Mr. Veyne, please don’t take it to heart. For Gennifer’s sake, could you let this slide, just this once?”

After all, she was born into high society and knew when to swallow her pride. She immediately softened her tone and lowered her stance.

But deep down, she was confused. Ruby’s child was illegitimate; that was simply a fact. The only real problem with saying it aloud was that it sounded harsh. Weren’t they ultimately defending Cassian anyway?

“If you’d like to see more of Gennifer, I can arrange for an apartment near hers. It’ll be convenient for both of you,” Cassian said suddenly, his brow furrowed, shifting the subject entirely.

But the offer was as good as a response.

Gennifer stood frozen, looking up at Cassian in disbelief.

Ruby had always treated her, and even Cassian, with open hostility. So why was he not angry? Why, just because of one unpleasant comment from her aunt, was he sending them away?

Frieda and Elin were equally stunned.

Sylas leaned back against the wall again, but this time he wore the ghost of a smile. His eyes, however, were anything but friendly as he fixed them on the women—like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, his chill impossible to ignore.

The atmosphere grew tense. The women glanced nervously toward the corner and quickly averted their eyes.

How could Cassian’s nephew be just as intimidating?

Cassian checked his watch and rubbed his brow, ready to leave. Before stepping out, he glanced once more at Ruby’s closed bedroom door, then turned to Fitch. “If the ladies want to rent an apartment, help them find one. Bennett will take care of the expense.”

With that, he strode out without another word.

What stung Gennifer the most was that during this entire visit, Cassian had barely looked at her. Not even three times.

A restless unease pressed at her chest. She was certain—something had happened between Ruby and Cassian that she had no idea about. Even if they seemed at odds right now, what if someday the rift vanished?

She tried not to imagine it.

After a while, he quietly turned and slipped away.

Ruby had no idea about the confusion and torment outside her door. After she managed to get Mira to sleep, her phone buzzed with a message from Victor.

It struck her that, come to think of it, she hadn’t heard from him since their last meeting, days ago.

Victor’s message was direct: Rue, I could use your help.

In the cab, Ruby left careful instructions with the nanny to change Mira’s diaper and feed her on schedule, then headed out.

Victor’s messages kept coming in, explaining his situation.

“There’s trouble at the lab. I had to rush back to the main office overseas recently, but there’s still one major issue unresolved.”

Now it made sense. No wonder she hadn’t seen him the past couple of days—he’d been busy abroad.

“Tell me,” she said, calling him up.

Victor’s voice was as steady as ever, tinged with the calm logic of a seasoned academic. “It’s actually a typical problem. Our research center has competitors, but I never expected they’d stoop so low as to steal our reports and get their version to market first. We’ve poured over half a year’s effort into this—it’s one of our top projects. Yesterday, I finally finished the improved design at headquarters, but now the bigger fight is ahead: we have to take them to court.”