Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 42

Ruby took a step back, a chill running down her spine.

In an instant, the distance between them widened. Morgan's eyes dimmed, his voice sounding rough with disappointment. "You just quit your job. Even if you can't find a place to stay, are you really so proud you can't ask me for help?"

His words were low, and by the end there was a bitter edge to them.

Ruby had already made up her mind to sever all ties with these people. She turned her face away, lips pressed tight, determined not to waste another word. But the last thing Morgan said struck a nerve. She snapped her head up, eyes blazing. "Have you been spying on me? Or did you send someone to follow me?"

She glanced around the street, searching for any suspicious "passersby," her alarmed expression like that of a startled rabbit.

Morgan watched her and felt his chest tighten, a thousand tiny needles pricking at his heart.

"So this is really what you think of me?"

Ruby's gaze remained wary, but at his reply, she relaxed—if only slightly.

She'd jumped to conclusions. But she felt no guilt when it came to Morgan.

"Ms… Ms. Grayson?"

Suddenly, a tentative voice called out.

Ruby looked up. Across the street, the law office doors swung open, and a pale, slender hand appeared, followed by a face she hadn't seen in years.

Their eyes met midair. The man's expression lit up, his excitement at odds with the sober black suit he wore.

He looked both youthful and earnestly sincere.

"Ms. Grayson! It really is you!"

"Cameron Lockridge?" Ruby's surprise gave way to genuine delight as she looked him over.

He was different from the shy, awkward young man she remembered. The thick black glasses that once obscured half his face had been replaced with gold-rimmed frames, giving him an air of gentle sophistication.

They seemed like old friends reuniting after a long absence. Ruby felt her eyes sting.

She truly hadn't expected to ever run into Cameron Lockridge again.

Before her life fell apart—back when she'd been one of the top attorneys in the city—Cameron had been a rookie in her team, always hiding in the corner, never saying a word. He'd struggled with every assignment, and everyone assumed he'd be the first intern to get the axe.

But Ruby saw something in him. While he wasn't outgoing, he was sharp and meticulous—rare traits in a world that moved too fast. She'd gone out of her way to mentor him, bringing him along to observe her in court.

And now, a mere year and a half later, he had his own private practice?

Ruby couldn't quite put her feelings into words—part pride of a mentor, part a bittersweet sense of distance from a profession that once defined her.

She, once a legal legend, had gone to prison a year ago for stealing corporate secrets—a disgrace she could never erase. Now, facing one of her former protégés, she couldn't help but feel a little out of place.

"Congratulations," she managed, quickly composing herself. She extended her hand, offering sincere congratulations.

Cameron stared at her outstretched hand, caught off guard, his heart pounding.

From the moment he'd seen Cassian's and Ruby's baby, he'd felt nothing but resentment. But now, it was the only leverage he had.

Ruby's warmth vanished in a heartbeat. Her expression grew cold, eyes hard as steel. "Let go. I don't want your touch."

Cameron reappeared, now dressed in a simple, comfortable sweater and jeans.

Ruby wiped away her scowl, shook off Morgan's hand, and nodded to Cameron.

His car waited outside the office. He helped load her suitcase into the trunk; neither of them spared Morgan a backward glance as they drove away.

Morgan watched the car go, his eyes burning holes in the vanishing taillights.

Only when the vehicle had disappeared did he lower his head, his dark, tousled hair shadowing his face, leaving him looking brooding and lost.

Ruby sat in the back seat, Mira in her arms. Cameron's cheeks were still tinged pink all the way down the street.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, he hesitated before asking, "Ms. Grayson… the baby… is she yours?"

At Mira's name, Ruby's tense features softened. She gently brushed her daughter's chubby cheek. "Yes. She's my daughter."

Cameron's hands froze on the steering wheel. He'd guessed as much from the way Ruby held the child, but hearing her say it aloud still left him stunned.

"Ms. Grayson… you have a daughter?"