Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 286

That loud outburst drew even more curious stares in Gennifer’s direction, as if everyone was waiting for the next act in a public spectacle.

With nowhere to hide, Gennifer forced herself to swallow her pride and put on a diplomatic smile. “Look, I know things didn’t end the way you wanted, but you haven’t really lost anything yet. I’ll represent you at the next hearing for free. Why don’t we go to my office and talk about how to move forward?”

Farrar’s eyes raked over her with open disdain. He straightened his shoulders, making a show of his irritation. “This was your blunder to begin with. Honestly, I’m doing you a favor by not holding you accountable. I wouldn’t get too excited about that ‘free’ defense—you call yourself the top attorney, but I’m starting to wonder if that’s just empty hype! Frankly, I might not even want you anywhere near my next hearing.”

His words were meant to humiliate, and Gennifer could feel her face flushing with anger and shame.

The sidelong glances from the crowd only made her more tense, her nerves stretched to the breaking point.

She dropped her polite facade, but with so many witnesses, she couldn’t risk an outburst. Gritting her teeth, she forced out, “So what exactly do you want?”

Her fingers clenched tight around the hem of her skirt, the small gesture not escaping the notice of a newcomer standing nearby.

Bennett stepped forward, his smile easy as he placed himself squarely between Gennifer and Farrar.

“Well, if it isn’t Mr. Blake! What brings you to Veyne & Co. today?”

His tone was friendly and calm, but there was no mistaking the steel beneath it—a confidence sharpened from years working beside Cassian Veyne.

Farrar recognized him instantly and understood the unspoken warning in Bennett’s manner.

He snapped to attention, the reality of the situation suddenly hitting him. Veyne & Co. was Cassian’s domain, and Gennifer was known to be one of Cassian’s favorites. There’d been endless online speculation about whether Mr. Veyne favored Gennifer or Ruby, but no one could deny the rumors swirling around Cassian and Gennifer for the past year. Nothing like this had ever happened before.

Sweat broke out on Farrar’s brow.

Still, with so many people watching, he had to maintain at least a semblance of dignity.

He cleared his throat. “Fine, let’s go talk in your office.”

Gennifer hadn’t expected Bennett to intervene, but she immediately suspected Cassian had sent him.

Noticing how quickly Farrar’s attitude softened, a flicker of contempt and mockery flashed in her eyes—though her face remained as composed and polite as ever. “This way, please.”

Bennett didn’t follow. Instead, he stayed behind and addressed the onlookers, “Back to your desks, everyone. And no recording—audio, video, or otherwise.”

His sharp gaze swept the room. Those who’d been sneaking videos hurriedly lowered their heads and discreetly deleted their footage.

Once he was sure the situation was under control, Bennett stepped into the elevator.

Farrar was notorious in legal circles for being difficult and quick-tempered. How had Miss Gennifer ended up with his case?

Bennett frowned. Mrs. Veyne had been the target of fresh rumors lately, and Cassian had assigned him to keep track of anything trending. He’d only just opened his computer when news of Gennifer’s latest case result popped up.

He guessed instantly that Farrar would show up and cause trouble.

Farrar shot her a lazy glance. “If not you, then who? I had rock-solid evidence—any halfway decent lawyer could’ve won this case, but somehow you managed to blow it completely!”

Gennifer’s tone was soft, almost hypnotic. “Exactly. With evidence that strong, how did things end this way?”

Farrar gulped down the water in one go, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Isn’t it obvious? You’re all talk—fancy title, no substance!”

Gennifer’s smile faltered, her face darkening. But she pushed ahead with her plan, forcing her lips into another smile. “Or maybe… someone on Ruby’s side pulled some strings?”

She leaned closer, her voice low and full of implication.

Farrar’s eyes widened in shock, meeting Gennifer’s meaningful gaze.

“What are you saying?”

Seeing the hook set, Gennifer’s smile grew. “There’s something you don’t know. Normally, judges, plaintiffs, defendants, and their lawyers are supposed to have no prior connections. But Ruby and the judge from the last trial? Let’s just say their relationship isn’t exactly professional.”

Farrar’s eyes went wide as her words sank in. “Are you saying…”

They locked eyes—his full of disbelief, hers brimming with intrigue.

“Exactly.”