Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 388

“Mom, you should head home first!”

Gennifer pressed a reassuring hand to her mother’s shoulder, half-guiding, half-pushing her toward the waiting car.

Frieda looked bewildered, her confusion only deepening as she caught sight of Gennifer’s anxious face.

“Gennifer, after the shares are transferred, isn’t it just a matter of public notice? Why are you in such a hurry? Are you and your father hiding something from me?”

Gennifer quickly forced a bright smile. “What are you talking about, Mom? What could Dad and I possibly be hiding from you?”

She made her promise sound casual as she buckled Frieda’s seatbelt, almost as if she were afraid her mother might make a break for it.

“Just wait at home for Dad and me, okay? There’s no need for you to come by the office!”

Gennifer positioned herself so Frieda couldn’t see out the window, glancing discreetly at the familiar car disappearing into the underground garage. Only then did she let out the breath she’d been holding.

Dad really was too much—he’d barely signed the transfer paperwork and already wanted Mom at the office! Even if there was no need to keep Frieda sweet anymore, now was hardly the time to mess up.

Frieda felt a strange tightness in her chest, but years of quietly going along with things made her swallow her doubts.

“All right, you get back to the office and help your father,” she said, forcing herself to ignore her unease.

Gennifer’s smile grew more genuine as she stood there watching Frieda’s car pull away. Once it was gone, she headed down into the parking garage.

She’d barely stepped into the cool shadows when her phone buzzed. Hanley’s name lit up the screen.

“Gennifer, did you see her off? I just told your mother the shares had been signed over, and now she’s desperate to come to the office. Go meet her in the garage, would you?”

Gennifer’s reply carried a playful scold. “I saw her. If I hadn’t covered for you, she might have figured everything out! Why are you two in such a rush?”

“Of course we’re in a rush! I’ve already booked plane tickets for all of us. Today, you and your mom and your brother finally get to spend time together as a family. We’re all going abroad for a real vacation.”

Hanley’s laughter rumbled warmly through the phone.

Gennifer couldn’t help but smile, seeing a bright future laid out before her.

“Forget it, you haven’t even seen your mother yet. I’ll come get you myself,” Hanley added, the rustle of papers in the background betraying his excitement.

By the time she arrived, Violet was gripping Gennifer’s hand, her eyes brimming with tears. “Gennifer, after all these years, I finally get to see you.”

The face before her was both familiar and strange; Gennifer felt a little awkward, but she stepped forward to hug her. “Mom, now that you’re moving abroad, you won’t have to struggle anymore.”

“What struggle?” Hanley teased, crossing the room. He draped his coat over Violet’s shoulders and rubbed her hands. “It’s getting cold—you should dress warmer.”

Violet glanced at him shyly, pressing herself into his embrace. “I was shopping at the mall nearby, and as soon as I got your message, I rushed over. Didn’t even have time to think about what I was wearing.”

Hanley looked down at her fondly, whatever annoyance he’d felt evaporating at her gentle, affectionate manner.

“Got everything,” he replied.

***

Rooftop Restaurant.

Night had settled over Quinborough, the city wrapped in darkness save for a few streaks of sunset glowing like ribbons on the horizon.

“Dad, try this,” Ulysses said, his earlier tantrum forgotten. He carefully placed a slice of salmon on Hanley’s plate.

Hanley grinned from ear to ear, showering his son with praise.

Violet watched them, chiding them softly to keep their voices down.

“Gennifer, here, taste this,” Violet said, her attention fixed on Gennifer as she offered her a delicate glass of nourishing dessert.

Living abroad, Violet’s days had been filled with simple pleasures, but whenever she visited Quinborough, her favorite thing was dining at this rooftop restaurant, especially enjoying their signature dishes.

“You know, for women, nothing is more important than a beautiful face,” she mused, lowering her head so her soft curls fell gracefully around her face, the very picture of elegance.

Gennifer watched Violet’s every move, taking it all in.