Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 318

“Let her in.”

Cassian’s eyes held a flicker of confusion, but he nodded.

Fanny?

Wasn’t she that judge who seemed to have some connection with Ruby? What was she doing here?

He masked his thoughts behind a cool expression.

“Keep digging. She hasn’t been at the manor recently; activate the cameras, but don’t tip anyone off.”

His voice was cold as steel, and with a wave of his hand, he dismissed the others.

At that, the staff practically bolted from the room, as if they’d been granted a royal pardon.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Come in.”

Fanny entered, dressed impeccably in a crisp white shirt and tailored black slacks, her hair pulled back into a severe bun. She looked every inch the consummate professional—composed, dignified, and sharp.

“This is the directive my superiors handed down before the trial,” she said, her voice even. “I’ve put it into writing for your review.”

Cassian’s gaze darkened as he took the folder from her and began to leaf through it. The contents were unsavory—page after page of damning behavior.

“Someone intervened before the hearing even began. Victor was supposed to lose by default.”

“But you didn’t play along.”

Cassian closed the file and looked up.

Fanny’s expression didn’t waver. “I know your influence in Quinborough is… unique. I’ve also heard about what’s happened to Ruby. As a lawyer, she’s faced the same malice and pressure that I have. My guess is, this time, the real masterminds may not be those people, but they’re definitely involved.”

There was no small talk between them. They went straight to business.

“What exactly do you want from me?” Cassian tapped his fingers against the desk.

Fanny met his eyes, unwavering.

“A clean slate.”

Cassian’s hand froze mid-motion.

…

The next morning.

Overnight, the internet had erupted into chaos once again.

Fanny had thrown herself into the fray, releasing all the evidence from her phone as proof.

Though the authorities tried to suppress such a sensitive subject, it became an open secret, whispered about in every corner of the web.

By dawn, the District Court of Quinborough was swarming with investigators. The original staff looked as if the sky had fallen.

It was only last night that Ruby noticed her phone on the bedside table.

She pored over the latest developments in the Starseek Research Institute and Farrar’s retrial, shocked by Fanny’s bold move.

Ruby knew Fanny had always been fiercely principled, but she’d never imagined she’d risk everything so bravely, with no one at her back.

After reading through Fanny’s actions, Ruby couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect.

By the end of that night and the following morning, everyone involved was thoroughly investigated.

Ruby soon learned that those behind her recent ordeal were numerous—the majority being former rivals she’d crossed before.

She was still reeling from the revelation, stunned that people could harbor such malice.

Just as Fanny had predicted, the District Court of Quinborough underwent a dramatic shake-up.

Yet Ruby couldn’t help but feel regret.

Cassian let out a bitter laugh but dialed Bennett’s number anyway.

Ruby had no idea what was going through Cassian’s mind. She just found his abrupt changes in mood baffling.

She furrowed her brow, set her phone aside, and tried to relax. Mira, curled in her arms, purred contentedly while sipping her warm cereal.

Ruby forced herself to let go of the earlier frustration, gently stroking the soft new fuzz on Mira’s head.

With the case against Victor and Farrar set for a new trial, Ruby finally let herself breathe.

Just as she’d hoped, things were moving in the right direction—the rotten branches were being pruned away.

Ruby lifted her chin slightly, her long lashes casting a shadow over her cool, guarded eyes.

Later, she asked the nurse if she could have a vegetarian meal.

The nurse was pleasantly surprised—she hadn’t expected Ruby to cooperate so willingly with her recovery and treatment that day.

She agreed at once, but had hardly left the room before doubling back.

“Ma’am, there’s a lady here to see you. She says her name is Fanny.”

Ruby was taken aback. “Send her in.”

The sudden movement pulled at her wounds, startling the nurse into fussing over her to make sure nothing had reopened.

Only after confirming everything was fine did the nurse reluctantly go to fetch Fanny.

Left alone, Ruby felt a pang of discouragement.

Everyone kept telling her she was fine, but her strength still hadn’t returned.

She needed to recover, and soon.

A few moments later, Fanny stood at her bedside, ramrod straight, still clad in her solemn judge’s robes. She instantly drew Ruby’s gaze.