Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 446

“You told me to wait before, and now the funeral’s over, Ruby’s drowning in gossip, and you’re still making me wait.”

Violet clung to Hanley’s arm, her voice sharp with resentment.

Hanley felt his irritation rising, but he forced it down. “Violet, the baby’s not due for months. What difference does a little more time make? Besides, don’t forget—even if Ruby’s in trouble, the price for that wedding dress hasn’t come through yet. We can’t just bolt right now. It’s better to be cautious.”

He shot her a look, a silent warning in his eyes.

At the thought of those millions, Violet’s grip on his hand tightened. But after a moment, she let out a frustrated sigh and released him.

Hanley’s face finally softened. Pulling her close, he spoke in a gentler tone, trying to placate her. “Look, didn’t I hire you a housekeeper? You don’t have to worry about a thing right now. I’ll have the doctor come by again tomorrow, and in a week or two, I’ll take you to the hospital for your check-up myself.”

With Hanley’s sweet talk, Violet’s expression finally eased into satisfaction.

Meanwhile, in the next room, the housekeeper stood to the side, her eyes fixed on Ulysses, who sat cross-legged on a plush mat, surrounded by expensive building blocks.

“You’re in my way!”

Ulysses, wide awake now, scattered the blocks around with quick little hands, glancing up at the housekeeper with a sly glint in his eyes.

The housekeeper quickly stepped back, nervous.

But Ulysses didn’t let it go. He grabbed a heavy wooden block and hurled it at her feet. “Move! Move away!”

Thankfully, the housekeeper dodged just in time and wasn’t hurt.

She stared at the boy, heart pounding, as a cold sweat broke out across her back. He looked completely unrepentant—if anything, he seemed to relish her discomfort.

That woman—his mother—was like a wanted criminal on TV, and yet the boy, so young, was already this vicious.

A sense of unease, resentment, and even a touch of hatred began to fester in the housekeeper’s heart.

Ulysses grinned in triumph, waving a giant toy menacingly. “Don’t even think about telling my parents. They won’t believe you. And even if they do, there’s nothing they’ll do about it.”

He looked, she thought, like a little demon.

“You—” she managed, swallowing hard.

“If you keep hurting people on purpose, aren’t you afraid I’ll call the police?” she threatened, her voice trembling.

At the mention of the police, Ulysses seemed to snap. He tossed the toy aside, his eyes blazing, and lunged at her.

Hanley followed close behind, scooping Ulysses into his arms. “Ulysses? What happened? Tell me, son.”

Ulysses curled up in Hanley’s embrace, shoulders shaking with fake sobs. “The housekeeper pushed me! She said I was a bad boy and threatened to call the police on me!”

Tears soaked the collar of Hanley’s expensive suit as Ulysses sniffled pitifully.

The housekeeper stood frozen, scrambling to explain. “Sir, ma’am, that’s not what happened, I—”

Smack!

Violet struck her across the face before the words could even leave her mouth.

Violet’s expression was cold and vicious. “Gayle, remember your place. You’re nothing but a housekeeper here, and you dare talk about calling the police on my son?!”

Violet’s slap was far harsher than Ulysses’s shove—Gayle could feel her cheek swelling, burning hot beneath her hand.

“Ma’am, he tried to hit me with a toy, I just wanted to scare him a little—” she stammered, shrinking into herself.

Violet only grew angrier, stepping closer. “Scare him? Who do you think you are? If my son wants to throw his toys, let him. We have more than enough money to buy new ones, or cover any damage. You’re here to serve, not to frighten him!”