Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 448

He strode straight into the underground garage, and the Cayenne parked off to the side drew more than a few glances.

“Nice of you to finally come home.”

No sooner had Sylas pulled open the car door than a sharp female voice cut through the air.

The sound made his fingertips twitch. Annoyance prickled under his skin, but he bowed his head with rare obedience. “Hi, Mom.”

She scoffed. “Oh, didn’t you find a new mother in Quinborough? Now you’re back in the Capital, and we have to negotiate with your uncle just to get you home?”

The woman sitting across from him embodied elegance, but with a steely edge. Her gaze pinned Sylas to his seat, her tone unmistakably chastising.

He slid in beside her. “What’s so urgent in the Capital?”

“Even if it’s not urgent, you belong here. Don’t forget who you are.” She let out another huff.

“Sallie, tell Vernon to drive straight to the manor.”

Sallie Cunningham responded at once. After Vernon had loaded the luggage, she passed along the instructions.

Sylas’s expression darkened, tension filling the car. No one spoke as the vehicle pulled away.

Outside, the sky was awash with clouds, streaked crimson and gold—so vivid they looked almost like they might bleed.

Meanwhile, over in Quinborough, Ruby was in a whirlwind of activity.

After briefing her team on her plans, she hurried back to Southgarde Estate to pack. She’d barely started when Fanny showed up, suitcase in hand, ready to help.

“Take this with you.”

Hayley burst through the door, breathless and clutching a sleek black baton.

“What is that...?” Fanny’s mouth twitched as she reached out to touch it, only to realize it was a stun baton.

“What on earth are you planning?” she demanded, eyes wide with disbelief.

Hayley’s expression was deadly serious, her voice tinged with warning. “You’re investigating a case. Might run into trouble. Better safe than sorry.”

Townsend burst out laughing, pulling a face at Hayley. “Hayley, you’ve read way too many detective novels. Still living in a TV drama, are you?”

Hayley’s face darkened. She marched over in three long strides, grabbed Townsend by the ear, and yanked. “And who asked for your opinion, you spoiled brat?”

Townsend yelped theatrically, looking to Ruby for backup.

Ruby couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of the two squabbling, but she soothed them in a gentle voice. “We’re just going to check in on the Domingo family and try to meet some of their relatives. There shouldn’t be any danger.”

Townsend immediately perked up and shot Hayley a triumphant look. “See? I told you, you’re just paranoid from too many crime dramas.”

Hayley, already a bit deflated, only grew more determined to pinch him again.

Just as she was about to let loose, Townsend howled and shot a pleading look at Garrison.

Garrison smiled faintly and calmly pushed Townsend out of the room.

Click.

He closed the door behind him with a graceful little flourish, even turning the lock for good measure.

“You—” Ruby looked at Garrison’s “ruthless” act, a smile tugging unwillingly at her lips.

She pressed her lips together, guilt knotting in her chest.

After her release, Ruby had told herself she owed no one anything, that all her messy history with Cassian was finally over. But when it came to Mira, she was never free from guilt.

“Pamela’s staying at Southgarde. I’ll just have to trouble her a bit more,” Ruby murmured, lowering her head to hide her eyes.

Knock, knock.

“Hey, kiddo? You in there? Mira’s asking for you.”

Pamela’s voice came from the hallway, just in time.

Ruby dropped what she was doing and opened the door.

Pamela stood there, Mira in her arms. The little girl’s round, shining eyes were glued to Ruby.

“Mommy!” Mira chirped, reaching out with chubby hands for a cuddle.

A bittersweet warmth flooded Ruby’s chest as she scooped her daughter close.

Mira was all baby fat and milky sweetness these days, and just holding her made everything feel brighter.

Garrison’s eyes lit up at the sight of Mira. Usually so calm—some might even say cold—he seemed to glow.

He’d once been a daredevil in his youth, trying every extreme sport he could find. Now, in middle age, the consequences had caught up—he couldn’t have children of his own.

So when he learned Ruby had a daughter, he hadn’t felt even a flicker of hesitation—only happiness. In his mind, it just meant they were perfectly matched.