Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 264

Victor didn’t seem at all surprised by Ramsey’s reaction. Instead, he grinned and confirmed on her behalf, “That’s right—she’s the very same Ruby Grayson, the young attorney who’s already made a name for herself all over Quinborough!”

Ramsey nodded eagerly, reaching across the table to shake Ruby’s hand with a reverence that was almost comical, his eyes shining with emotion Ruby couldn’t quite decipher—something caught between excitement and awe, with just a hint of hesitation.

Ruby could only muster a polite, slightly embarrassed smile in response.

Soon enough, the three of them were huddled around Ruby’s desk, going through the files Victor had brought. It didn’t take long for Ruby to get a handle on the situation. The case itself wasn’t especially complicated, though handling it in Veytura’s local courts added a layer of complexity. Still, nothing she couldn’t handle.

Whenever Ramsey hit a snag or got confused, Ruby offered gentle, tactful pointers—never condescending, always gracious. Just a few words from her were enough to light up his face with understanding, and his admiration for Ruby only deepened, making her a little self-conscious.

The three of them worked steadily at their respective tasks until lunchtime rolled around. Victor suggested they grab a bite at a restaurant in the nearby shopping district.

Ruby’s stomach was already starting to feel a bit empty, so she didn’t hesitate to agree.

As soon as they settled into their seats at the table Victor had reserved, Ruby caught sight of an unexpected guest out of the corner of her eye. There, not far away, sat Gennifer, facing an elderly man Ruby recognized as her former mentor.

Ruby narrowed her eyes, watching as the two seemed to be locked in a tense conversation. The old man’s face was twisted with anger and a mocking sneer, while Gennifer responded in a detached, perfunctory way, passing him water with a show of polite concern.

Ruby had no intention of prying into their business. Just then, Victor leaned over and asked quietly, “Is something wrong?”

She lowered her gaze. “Nothing. It’s fine.”

Victor followed her line of sight, and when he caught Gennifer’s eye, she quickly looked away. He didn’t press the matter.

“Miss Grayson, you simply must try this dish—it’s what this place is famous for!” Ramsey’s booming voice, coupled with his enthusiastic gestures, drew several glances from nearby tables.

Grinning, Ruby took his recommendation and sampled a piece of the fish. “It’s wonderfully tender and not at all greasy. Mr. Blake, you really do know your food!”

Ramsey beamed at the praise, launching into an animated explanation of the other dishes on the table. Ruby played along, tasting each in the order he suggested, offering appreciative feedback every time.

But she’d barely reached the third dish when two figures appeared at their table.

Gennifer and her mentor stopped right beside them.

Ruby didn’t miss a beat, continuing to eat as if nothing had happened, while Ramsey froze mid-bite.

Gennifer’s face shifted from pale to flushed with frustration, obviously finding Ruby harder to handle than she’d expected.

Victor, catching sight of Ruby’s slight discomfort and the old man’s hostile glare at Ramsey, couldn’t help but add, “Miss Grayson, perhaps you and your mentor should find another table. You’re spoiling the appetite.”

This time, it was Ruby’s turn to cough, caught off guard. She quickly grabbed a napkin to stifle the sound, while Victor reached over to gently pat her back, concern flickering in his gaze as he felt how thin she was beneath his hand—a realization that stirred something complicated within him.

Ruby, oblivious to Victor’s thoughts, shot him a teasing look as she straightened up. Who would’ve thought Mr. Hargrove, usually the picture of restraint, could be so biting?

Victor met her eyes and raised his brows in playful agreement.

“Victor, don’t overestimate yourself. Veyne & Co. doesn’t need your help, and who are you to tell me where I can stand? This is a public place,” Gennifer snapped, her cheeks flushed with anger, words tumbling out before she could stop herself.

Ruby frowned, her expression making it clear she found Gennifer’s antics exasperating.

Some people, she thought, really were too foolish for words.

“Gennifer’s practically Mr. Veyne’s golden child now. She could have you both thrown out of this place if she wanted to!” the old man blustered, puffing himself up with a smug satisfaction that made it obvious he’d recently benefited from her favor.