Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 337

Ruby watched his every move, a wave of absurdity washing over her. The whole scene felt unreal, like a play where she didn’t know her lines.

She took a step back.

Cassian was completely spent, his limbs limp—Sylas barely had to flick his wrist to push him aside.

Without hesitation, Sylas stepped forward, planting himself squarely between the two of them.

Cassian tried to say something, but Sylas cut him off, pushing him firmly back into his seat.

Sylas quickly fished Cassian’s phone from his jacket, grabbed his hand, and unlocked it with his fingerprint.

“Bennett, get over to Starlight Bar. Now.”

There was a pause, then Bennett’s uneasy voice crackled through the speaker. “Mr. Cunningham? Why do you have Mr. Veyne’s phone? He asked me to stay with Miss Gennifer at the hospital—I really can’t leave her just now.”

Ruby’s lips curled into a bitter smirk as she glanced at Cassian, the whole thing striking her as even more ridiculous.

Of course. He’d sent his personal assistant to keep Gennifer company at the hospital. But when Mira was hurt—his own daughter—not a single bodyguard was dispatched to watch over Ruby or the child.

The comparison was laughable, almost painfully so. She felt like the punchline of some cruel joke.

Sensing Ruby’s sudden drop in mood, Sylas shot back with a dry retort before hanging up: “Then when the bar closes, your precious Mr. Veyne can sleep on the sidewalk.”

That did it—Ruby couldn’t help but let out a laugh, the tension in her chest finally easing.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Cassian, now completely passed out.

She had to admit, for all his faults, the man was undeniably handsome. Even slumped over the table, his profile had the kind of sculpted perfection you’d expect from an artist’s model.

And yet, here was Quinborough’s most powerful billionaire, about to spend the night on the street. The absurdity of it all made her want to laugh again.

Sylas, seeing her smile, relaxed a little himself. “Bennett should be here soon. Rue, I’m pretty tipsy too—are you really okay just letting a cab driver take me home?”

He arched his eyebrows, eyes wide and plaintive, playing the innocent.

But Ruby saw right through him.

“In that case, I’ll cancel your ride. You and your uncle can be homeless together tonight.”

She shrugged with a teasing grin, her tone light but edged with challenge.

Sylas pouted, his act failing spectacularly, and slumped in defeat.

“Alright, I’ve got to go. Mira’s waiting for me at home,” Ruby said, glancing at her watch, her smile fading.

At the mention of Mira, Sylas sobered up, regretful but understanding. “Go ahead. I’ll wait here for Bennett and the driver.”

He glanced sideways at Cassian, conflicted. For all his complaints, Cassian was still family—he couldn’t just leave him behind.

Ruby barely reacted. “Suit yourself.”

That one reckless, unforgettable night.

Cassian stirred, finally moving for the first time in hours. He blinked, still dazed, and realized he was alone.

“Mr. Veyne!”

“Are you the one who called for a ride?”

Two voices rang out at once.

Sylas stretched as he stood, nodding at Bennett. “He’s all yours—get him home.”

With that, Sylas swaggered off, following the driver out into the night.

The bar was almost empty now. Staff moved quietly through the main hall, cleaning up as closing time approached.

Bennett stared at his boss in disbelief. In all his years with Mr. Veyne, he’d never once seen him this drunk. The man was usually the picture of self-control; no one dared push him to drink. Yet here he was, utterly wrecked.

Bennett leaned in to help him up, catching the sharp scent of whiskey.

“Ruby…”

A faint murmur escaped Cassian’s lips.

Bennett froze, staring. On that perfectly sculpted face, a single tear traced down Cassian’s cheek.