Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 4

Ruby watched as the crabapple blossoms drifted down in the chilly wind, and an inexplicable shiver ran through her. Even Mira, nestled quietly in her arms and fast asleep, puckered her tiny lips as if she might cry at any moment.

Ruby instinctively tightened her embrace, holding Mira closer.-

She hurried her pace, walking several blocks until she was clear of any security cameras. Only then did she slip into the rideshare waiting by the curb, never once glancing back.

Inside the car, Mira slept soundly against her mother's chest. Ruby's eyes flickered for a moment to the wrought-iron gates of the mansion as they drove past.

Cassian, let's hope we never cross paths again in this lifetime.

She had no idea that, at that very moment, back at Northridge Manor, the search was still on.

One of the men returned to Cassian's study and reported, "Sir, we've checked the security footage and searched every corner of the estate. There's no sign of your wife. But we did find this."

He handed Cassian a memory stick. "We've already taken the person involved into custody. Here's her background file."

A short while later, two security guards knocked on the door of the maids' common room, where Nona had just returned.

"Nona, the cameras show you were the only one headed toward the master's wing. Ten minutes later, the room was robbed."

Their expressions were icy as they twisted her arms behind her back. "Mr. Blake is being generous. You have two options: confess and hand over what you took, or…"

Nona's heart dropped. But before she could react, the guards abruptly stepped aside.

A tall, imposing figure emerged from between them, his features shadowed and severe.

Cassian rubbed his temples, glancing at the aging maid before him. He couldn't care less about what had been taken—he only cared about one thing.

He stooped low, his demeanor majestic yet seething with rage, as he locked his intense gaze onto the frightened woman. "Tell me—was she here? Where did she go?"

Sweat poured down her forehead, soaking the back of her blouse. She stared up at the man before her—a man who could crush a family as easily as stepping on an ant. Her teeth chattered uncontrollably.

"I—I…"

"Where did my wife go? Did you help her leave?"

Cassian's smile was icy and ruthless, making it evident that if Nona hesitated even for another second, there wouldn't be a third opportunity.

Facing Quinborough's most powerful man, a man whose moods and methods were both unpredictable and dangerous, Nona's wrinkled hands shook as she pressed them together in a pleading gesture. She knew she had no choice at all.

Choking back tears, she begged, "Please… don't hurt my daughter. I'll talk. I'll tell you everything…"

Cassian's footsteps slowed.