Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 280

“You’re serving as the defense attorney?”

Cassian’s gaze was unreadable, his dark lashes casting a shadow that concealed whatever emotion flickered in his eyes.

Ruby ignored him entirely, signaling to Victor that it was time to leave.

Her stance was clear. Picking up on it, Victor didn’t bother with pleasantries; he simply opened the car door for her.

Ramsey’s expression shifted. He lowered his head, then quickly followed them into the car.

“Ruby!”

Cassian finally lost his composure. Though his voice remained low, it was charged with simmering anger that threatened to break loose.

Ruby paused, halfway into the car, and shot him a glance—cold, flat, and utterly devoid of feeling.

Cassian narrowed his eyes, striding forward to seize her slender wrist.

He had held her hand countless times before, but somehow, feeling her delicate bones beneath his fingers again made his heart falter.

He quickly masked the flicker of emotion and spoke, his tone dark and intense. “Is seeing me really that unbearable for you?”

“Mr. Veyne, not everyone has the luxury of wasting time on romance—or being forced to watch you parade around your happiness.”

Ruby’s lips curled in a frosty smile as she cast a scornful glance at Cassian and Gennifer. There was not a trace of warmth in her eyes.

“Ruby, you’ve got it wrong about Cassian and me—”

“You’d love for me to get it wrong.”

Ruby cut her off with a raised hand.

“Rue, dinner’s booked for tonight—a little celebration.”

Victor’s voice drifted from the half-open window, gentle but firm in its encouragement.

Gennifer stared at Cassian, confused and hurt. What was he implying? Was he accusing Ruby of stealing credit for her work? She knew exactly how much she’d sacrificed to earn her place. In an environment that constantly belittled women and newcomers, Ruby had fought for every scrap of respect with sheer competence. Now, in Cassian’s eyes, her achievements were something to be ashamed of?

Gennifer noticed Ruby’s sudden, icy expression and panicked, afraid of where this might go.

She quickly reached for Cassian’s arm, trying to smooth things over. “Cassian, don’t say that. Ruby worked hard for everything she’s achieved.”

The moment of tension shattered, and a wave of exhaustion washed over Ruby. She didn’t have the energy for this endless back-and-forth. Without another word, she pulled open the car door and slid inside.

The car roared to life, kicking up a cloud of dust as it sped away.

Gennifer exhaled in relief, but then felt Cassian’s intense gaze settle on her.

“You really don’t want to talk about the past, do you? She took what should have been yours—doesn’t that bother you?”

Gennifer’s fingers trembled as she forced herself to maintain a calm, pleasant smile.

She tilted her head, eyes wide and innocent as she looked up at Cassian. “What are you talking about, Cassian? She’s my sister. Sure, she’s never really liked me, but I’ve always thought of her as family.”