Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 421

“She’ll pay for this.”

Hanley let out a cold snort and rose from his chair. “We should go clarify things at the funeral.”

Though a fire still smoldered in Gennifer’s chest, she had no choice but to nod obediently and follow closely behind.

At the funeral, the arrival of Ruby and Sylas put the normally relaxed guests on edge. The only ones who seemed completely unfazed were the two of them, their behavior almost defiantly bold.

Ruby had long grown used to stares of every kind, and barely reacted to the curious glances occasionally thrown her way.

Sylas, even more nonchalant, went so far as to lean in close to a camera, smoothing his hair with an exaggerated flourish.

He’d gone all out today, adding streaks of red to his jet-black hair—a look that was equal parts rebellious and striking.

“Ahem.”

Just as Sylas was checking himself out in the reflection, a soft cough sounded behind him.

He turned, brows furrowing in irritation, to find Bennett standing there, bowing slightly. “Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Veyne would like to see you.”

Sylas’s easygoing arrogance slipped away, his expression sharpening, the air around him growing colder.

He arched a brow. “What does my uncle want?”

“I’m afraid you’ll have to speak with Mr. Veyne yourself to find out.”

Bennett kept his head down, every inch the dutiful aide.

Sylas stared at him for a long moment, then, clearly annoyed, swept the loose strands of hair from his forehead. “Where is he?”

“This way, please.”

Bennett gestured toward a nearby stretch of lawn, where a sleek, understated, limited-edition stretch Lincoln waited.

A flicker of impatience passed through Sylas’s eyes, but he composed himself and made his way over to Ruby first.

“My uncle’s here. I’ll go see what he wants, but you should be careful on your own.”

He gave her a warning glance.

“And since when is she alone?” came a voice, low and androgynous, tinged with indignation.

Sylas and Ruby turned to find Hayley and Fanny approaching together.

Hayley grabbed a piece of Black Forest cake and took a huge bite, her face immediately scrunching up in disgust. “Hanley is such a cheapskate. Throws a fancy funeral for someone who died over a decade ago, but can’t even spring for decent food. Who’s supposed to eat this stuff?”

Her voice, naturally loud and carrying, reached Hanley’s ears just as he entered the hall. His face darkened, but with so many guests around, he was forced to keep up a facade of cordiality.

Fanny covered her mouth, trying desperately not to burst out laughing. She subtly gave Hayley a thumbs-up.

Clearing his throat, Hanley put on a bright smile and addressed the guests. “Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here today. This memorial is for Miss Violet, the woman who saved my wife’s life many years ago.”

“Recently, rumors about Miss Violet’s ‘miraculous return from the dead’ have been making the rounds—even I, someone directly involved, was left bewildered. With this service, I’d like to take the opportunity to formally set the record straight.”

Hanley’s voice carried clearly through the room.

Hayley pursed her lips again, muttering, “What a fraud.”

Her comment was just loud enough for several nearby guests to hear, and a few glances landed on her—but she met every stare with a defiant glare of her own.

Meanwhile, Sylas, under Bennett’s guidance, climbed into Cassian’s car.

The moment he pulled the door shut, he was greeted by a blast of icy air.