Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 353

“That’s hilarious!”

She bared her teeth in a wide grin as she spoke.

The taxi Ruby had called was already waiting outside, but there was someone else inside it—someone Pamela hadn’t expected at all.

Fanny rolled down the window with a tap of her hand. “Well? Are you getting in or not?”

Her face was as composed as ever, but her tone was so casual it was as if they were old friends reunited.

“Coming,” Pamela replied.

The three of them got in, heading straight toward the Grayson family’s estate in Quinborough.

Pamela had always assumed the Graysons didn’t own any property in Quinborough, but to her surprise, Hanley had bought up real estate there ages ago. Sylas had let her in on that little secret just last night.

During the ride, Ruby asked Fanny about how the Victor Hargrove case had finally wrapped up.

“Farrar Blake was fined five million dollars and ordered to make a public apology to Starseek Research Institute across every media platform for the damage to their reputation.”

“And Victor? He countersued Farrar for slander—and, as expected, he won.”

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Fanny’s lips; she looked as poised and elegant as a wild orchid swaying in the breeze.

Ruby couldn’t help but sneak another glance at her. “Looks like things have been going well for you since you got back.”

Fanny arched an eyebrow and pulled a set of credentials from her sleek leather briefcase. “Of course. I’ve been promoted several times in a row. If you were me, you’d be riding high, too.”

There was no false modesty in her voice—just confidence, her eyes bright and captivating.

Ruby laughed, genuinely happy for her friend.

But then her gaze drifted out the window, watching the endless rows of trees slip by.

A quiet sigh welled up in her chest.

She was glad for Fanny’s success, truly. But when would she get her own chance to return to the career she loved? Her mind wandered to her law license, probably gathering dust in some forgotten drawer.

“You’ll get back there, too.”

Fanny’s gentle voice broke into Ruby’s thoughts.

Ruby looked up, startled, meeting Fanny’s gaze. In her friend’s eyes was not just encouragement, but unwavering belief.

“I will,” Ruby said, nodding firmly.

Their eyes met in midair—a silent handshake, a promise exchanged.

Pamela, meanwhile, was poring over Fanny’s badge with barely contained excitement, showering her with praise. She didn’t forget to nudge Ruby, either: “Girl, your connections are seriously impressive!”

Ruby chuckled.

In this warm, easy mood, they soon arrived at the Grayson estate.

Ruby lifted her chin. “Besides, for as long as I can remember, I lived with Grandma—not you. So don’t expect me to have picked up your family’s twisted sense of right and wrong.”

Hanley was livid, but forced himself to keep his temper—he settled for slamming his palm down on the nearest side table. “You ungrateful brat! Spouting nonsense, barging in to make a scene at home!”

“Gennifer, go fetch the riding crop from my desk. Let’s see if she remembers how she hurt you last time—let her return the favor.”

His face was tight with anger, eyes glittering with malice.

Ruby watched him coldly.

The first thing out of his mouth when he called for the crop wasn’t to teach her a lesson, but to help Gennifer get revenge on her. She stifled a bitter laugh, waiting for Gennifer to start her performance.

Sure enough, Gennifer’s face went pale as she tugged at Hanley’s arm, pleading, “Dad! She only hit me before because she lost her temper. I’m just the adopted daughter here—it’s only natural my sister was upset with me… Please, don’t do this!”

Her voice trembled with wounded innocence, then grew urgent as she tried to talk him down.

But her words only made Hanley angrier.

“Adopted? You’re our daughter in every way that matters—a true Grayson!”

Frieda quickly chimed in, “Exactly! Someone as disloyal as Ruby isn’t fit to be our daughter!”

Gennifer dropped her gaze, sneaking a triumphant glance at Ruby—only to find her staring right back, her smile dripping with mockery.

Gennifer faltered, a strange ache running through her old bruises. She instinctively took a step back, realizing with a jolt that Ruby was different now—no longer the girl she or the Graysons could push around.