Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 291

Caught off guard by Ruby’s stunned gaze, Frieda awkwardly touched her nose, but a moment later she shrugged it off.

After all, who was she in Quinborough, really? Nobody knew her here—what did it matter? But deep down, the whole situation still stung, so she channeled her frustration at Ruby. “You ungrateful child! Are you trying to send me to an early grave? I carried you for nine months and raised you, and this is how you repay me? Not only are you heartless, but now you want to raise a hand against your own mother!”

No matter how hysterical Frieda became, Ruby remained perfectly still, arms crossed, watching Frieda’s tantrum as if it were a passing storm. She decided to put aside her plans to look for Fanny for now.

Seeing the icy indifference in Ruby’s eyes, Frieda’s anger deflated. She felt hollow inside, as if even making a scene had lost all meaning.

Sensing the tension in the air, Elin quickly stepped forward, gently pulling Frieda up and pouring out her sympathies. “Sister, none of this is your fault. You went through so much to bring her into this world, and who could have guessed she’d treat her own mother this way? Are you hurt? Come on, let’s get you up.”

Their voices bounced back and forth, not caring who overheard, and Ruby couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter.

Frieda’s face turned a dangerous shade of red, anger coloring her cheeks. “What’s so funny?!”

Ruby’s eyes drifted across her mother’s furious face. All the old hurt and longing vanished into thin air.

“You raised me?” she replied, her voice cold. “As Elin said, I grew up far from home—my grandmother raised me, not you. I never had the privileges your precious Gennifer enjoyed, so spare me your talk of rules and respect. As for being your daughter…”

She let out a sharp laugh, staring at both women as their faces went rigid. “You remember I’m your daughter only when it suits you. But in your heart, the one you truly care about is the child you adopted, not the daughter you gave birth to.”

How many times had she longed for her mother’s affection? Why did it always turn out this way…

Ruby forced down her lingering bitterness. “Besides, I cut ties with you ages ago. All this righteous posturing—let’s be honest, you’re just upset because Gennifer got her feelings hurt. Did you even bother to ask what she did? And one more thing: I told you last time, you’re not allowed to enter Northridge Manor without permission. If you don’t leave now, I’ll call the police and have you arrested for trespassing.”

The mention of the police drained all bravado from Frieda and Elin in an instant.

“You—!”

Frieda’s finger trembled as she pointed at Ruby, her chest heaving, face flushed with rage.

Ruby, on the other hand, only watched with a faint, chilly smile.

“Gennifer would never do anything wrong! Don’t you dare slander her!” Frieda sputtered after a long silence.

The absurdity of it all washed over Ruby—a wave so strong even Elin glanced at her sister in disbelief.

Threatened with the police, and all Frieda cared about was Gennifer?

The mocking curve of Ruby’s lips faded. “You too,” she said to Elin, voice flat. “If you can’t get these two out, you can leave with them. Don’t bother coming back.”

She shot a look at the security guard stationed nearby—a new face, probably just hired.

Elin, thoroughly confused, trailed after her to the car.

Only after their car disappeared down the street did Ruby emerge at the door.

She was practically incognito—fully covered, mask obscuring most of her face. Considering the online outrage swirling around her, she had no doubt some lunatic might try to egg her in public.

Ruby adjusted her mask and showed the driver an address on her phone. It was just an ordinary little eatery.

When she arrived on the bustling, noisy street, she couldn’t help but be surprised by the lively atmosphere. Fanny actually wanted to meet her here?

Puzzled, she stepped inside.

Even with her face mostly hidden, her slender figure drew plenty of attention. It was obvious—even without seeing her face—that she was a stunning woman.

The owner’s eyes lit up and he hurried over to greet her, but Ruby had already spotted Fanny in a corner booth and walked straight past him, leaving the disappointed owner wringing his hands.

Ruby slid into the seat across from Fanny, who had a simple meal in front of her—a plate of roast chicken with rice.

“You’re eating this?” Ruby asked, raising an eyebrow.