Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 332

“This is C Collective’s latest project proposal—take a look.”

Garrison pulled a folder from his briefcase and handed it over.

As soon as work was mentioned, Ruby immediately shifted into a more serious demeanor and leaned in closer to where Garrison sat.

“Victor’s case will finally wrap up in the next couple of days. During all this, C Collective has definitely felt the ripple effects because of me. I’m really sorry about that,” she said, her tone apologetic, though her hands never stopped flipping through the document.

Garrison simply shook his head. “These things always have a time lag. True, at the very beginning, the company took quite a hit. But honestly, the public’s opinion has swung back around hard lately. Supporters and clients—many of them feeling guilty—have gone out of their way to help C Collective. We’re seeing a renaissance. In fact, our recent revenue numbers have hit a ten-year high. The buzz is even bigger than when you first launched your designs with us.”

Hearing this, a wave of nostalgia washed over Ruby.

Back then, she’d joined C Collective with the simple idea of investing, carrying a handful of her own sketches—just testing the waters, really. Who would’ve thought the company’s renowned creative director would spot her work and advocate for her at headquarters? She hadn’t let them down, rapidly becoming C Collective’s rising star.

She still remembered how explosive the response had been when C Collective debuted her first collection. The internet was awash with their ads. Actors took the stage in Selina’s gowns, celebrities dazzled on the red carpet draped in her creations, stealing the spotlight… Her name had been everywhere overnight.

“The board—and honestly, myself included—are hoping you’ll design a new collection for us soon. As they say in Veytura, we should ‘strike while the iron’s hot.’”

Garrison’s tone was earnest.

Ruby nodded along, listening intently. He was right—the buzz around C Collective hadn’t died down. It really was the perfect moment to seize.

She closed the folder with a gentle snap. “Of course.”

Garrison’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. “Then let me thank you on behalf of everyone at C Collective.”

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before diving into the details of their upcoming collaboration.

Ex-husband’s nephew? That was some far-flung connection if she’d ever heard one. As for the so-called “business partner,” Pamela had seen the way he looked at Ruby—it was clear there was more than just business on his mind.

Pamela stroked her chin, eyes glinting with mischief.

No wonder Ruby always hesitated whenever she encouraged her to start dating again. Turns out, she had suitors circling already.

Her mind was still busy speculating when Ruby nudged her arm. “Hey?”

“Mira’s probably hungry.”

That snapped Pamela out of her thoughts. She hurried off to the kitchen to prepare a bottle.

While she waited, Ruby carried Mira into the study.