Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 267

Pamela patted her chest in reassurance, urging her not to feel awkward, then swiftly gathered up all her purchases and lugged them off to the storeroom.

In an instant, the spacious office was left with only Ruby and Nona.

Ruby’s gaze drifted, landing on Nona with a subtle, almost imperceptible scrutiny.

For Nona, it felt like sitting on pins and needles.

Ruby’s eyes darkened a shade.

It was strange, really. Ever since she’d seen Nona after her release, something had felt off.

Nona looked wizened, more haggard and aged than she remembered. At first, Ruby had chalked it up to hard times at the old estate, followed by unemployment and a sharp drop in living standards. She hadn’t thought much of it.

But now, thinking carefully, Ruby realized Nona herself seemed fundamentally changed. She was always skittish and anxious, like she was constantly afraid something terrible might happen. No wonder Pamela kept telling her to be more open.

“I just stopped by on my way,” Ruby said with a casual smile.

Nona nodded, doing her best to match the lightness in Ruby’s voice.

“Let Pamela know I’m heading out now,” Ruby added, fingers already guiding her mouse across the screen.

As soon as her words faded, the sound of her computer powering down filled the silence.

Nona visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

Before leaving, Ruby looked up at the ceiling, staring for a long moment before finally walking out.

She made a point of switching on another of the studio’s tiny security cameras. It had originally been for show—just one by the door—but with a traitor in their midst, she’d had to take extra precautions.

With no hesitation, Ruby strode out.

Nona, meanwhile, saw her out with exaggerated politeness, then shot a nervous glance toward the storeroom. Seeing Pamela was still busy, she quickly slipped into a corner to hide.

Meanwhile, Ruby, now settled in the back of a cab, pulled out her phone. The screen showed a live feed—Nona’s image clear as day.

“Hello? Mr. Blackwood!” Nona’s voice came through, startling Ruby so much her hand shook.

Mr. Blackwood?

A face she hadn’t seen in years flashed through her mind, sending a chill down her spine. She listened intently.

“Madam came back all of a sudden today. It’s strange—something just feels off…”

“What? You want me to go through with it? Well…”

“…Alright. I’ll keep an eye out.”

Ruby couldn’t hear the voice on the other end, couldn’t be sure if it was who she suspected, but Nona’s tone was unmistakable—hesitant, conflicted, yet ultimately submissive.

Ruby’s eyes flickered, her gaze turning cold.

Nona ended the call. There was nothing more to see.

Ruby set her phone aside, her face drained of color.

Betrayal by someone you’d trusted—it never got easier.

With a theatrical sigh, he sank back, indulging in his own little world—until a gentle tap on his arm snapped him out of it.

“Excuse me!”

A flight attendant knelt beside his seat, cheeks flushed. “Are you Townsend Caldwell, the designer?”

Townsend blinked, suddenly realizing he’d forgotten his sunglasses. He scratched his head and grinned. “That’s me.”

“Would you mind signing something for me after we land? My sister goes to your alma mater and you’re her absolute idol!”

Townsend agreed instantly, always happy to oblige a fan.

Their conversation soon caught the attention of those nearby.

Renee Sutherland glanced over at Townsend’s seat.

Townsend Caldwell—the young genius who’d made waves among the world’s top designers?

Now he’d pulled on an eye mask, settling in for a nap. From Renee’s vantage, she could just make out his sharp nose and tousled brown hair, the expensive wool shirt bearing a discreet C Collective label.

Renee’s heart skipped a beat, a spark of excitement in her eyes.

She’d stuck her neck out for Gennifer recently; Gennifer had come out unscathed, but Renee’s own family had been warned by Mr. Veyne. Her father had even sent her out of Quinborough overnight, supposedly to “gain some perspective”—but really, it was just to show Mr. Veyne where their loyalties lay.

She never expected to run into the famous Townsend on her way back…

A subtle, calculating glint appeared in Renee’s eyes.