Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 395

Violet wrapped her daughter’s hand in hers, gentle and reassuring.

Gennifer blinked in surprise, looking up just as Violet beckoned her closer with a subtle wave.

As soon as she leaned in, Violet narrowed her eyes, her voice low. “Gennifer, are you sure Cassian really likes you?”

Her gaze flicked briefly between Cassian and Ruby.

Stung by her mother’s doubt, Gennifer’s face cycled through shades of red and pale, but she bit her lip and insisted, “Of course, Mom! Cassian’s just gotten divorced from Ruby—he’s bound to be a little down, but give him some time. He’ll be fine.”

Violet nodded, half convinced, but couldn’t help offering some advice.

“You silly girl. If he wants to drink, why are you stopping him?” she chided, shooting Gennifer a pointed look.

Gennifer looked confused. Violet tapped her lightly on the forehead with a manicured finger, leaned in, and whispered conspiratorially, “Men are most vulnerable when they’re halfway drunk. That’s when you make your move.”

Their eyes met, and Gennifer’s uncertainty melted away, replaced by sudden understanding.

Violet’s smile deepened, satisfied that her daughter had caught on.

“Good girl. Go on, then,” she encouraged, giving Gennifer’s shoulder a supportive pat.

“Cassian, let me get you another bottle,” Gennifer called out, her heart fluttering as she noticed his glass nearly empty. She eagerly flagged down a waiter.

Cassian didn’t argue. He just kept drinking in silence, the burn of the liquor mixing with the ache in his chest, setting both his throat and heart aflame.

Hanley watched from across the table. He didn’t know exactly what Violet and Gennifer were plotting, but he understood that if Gennifer managed to win Cassian over, it would be a serious advantage for the Grayson family. No—more than an advantage. It would be the kind of opportunity that could send their whole family straight to the top.

Ruby, meanwhile, kept glancing over at Hanley’s table, her gaze lingering on Cassian’s face, whose eyes were growing unfocused and dark, like a mysterious, fathomless void.

A strange suspicion crept through her.

Sylas, with a mischievous glint in his eye, shifted his seat just enough to block Ruby’s view.

With no choice, Ruby drew her attention back to Sylas.

He looked the picture of innocence as he placed a piece of shrimp into her bowl. “Try this. I had to scoot closer just to make sure you got it.”

Ruby saw right through him, but she just smiled helplessly, popping the shrimp into her mouth and offering a polite compliment, playing along with his little game.

It was all Sylas needed to beam with delight—he looked like he’d wag his tail if he could.

Cassian, noticing this, grew visibly displeased.

Watching Sylas block most of Ruby from his sight, Cassian couldn’t tell if it was the alcohol or his own emotions taking over, but he braced his arms on the table, getting ready to stand up. Before he could rise, though, his legs gave out, and he slumped back into his chair, suddenly weak.

Gennifer, quick on her feet, reached out to steady him, a flicker of triumph in her eyes.

But—

Her mind flashed back to her mother’s advice. Gennifer leaned in close to Cassian’s ear, forcing a smile. “I’m Ruby. You’ve had too much to drink—let me take you back to your room.”

Sure enough, Cassian didn’t resist this time. He even leaned into her, as if seeking comfort.

Gennifer’s expression was strained, and Violet noticed. She shook her head slightly. “Gennifer, remember—sometimes the result is more important than the process.”

Gennifer’s eyes flickered, but she managed to help Cassian to his feet. “Dad, Mom, Cassian’s drunk. I’ll take him to the hotel to rest.”

Hanley had no objections—he waved her off without a second thought.

Violet watched as they left, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips. Then, as if remembering something, she pulled out her phone, sent a quick message, and slipped it away.

“Check, please,” Sylas called to the waiter at the next table, snapping his fingers with a cocky flourish.

Ruby kept her eyes fixed on the direction Gennifer had taken Cassian, while Sylas’s gaze lingered over her.

After paying, they asked for directions to the movie theater at the front desk, intentionally heading the opposite way from Gennifer and Cassian.

With the younger group gone, Hanley and Violet both seemed to relax.

But, just out of sight, two figures who should have already left quietly circled back, following after Gennifer.