Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 480

She suddenly stepped forward. “Why are you so certain you can clear my name? Even about what happened a year ago—you’re so sure you can explain that too?”

Morgan was caught off guard by Ruby’s boldness, her determination burning in her eyes. For a moment, he almost blurted out the truth, but the look in her narrowed eyes made him swallow his words.

He moved closer, reaching for her hand. “Just come with me. I’ll take you to your son first, and then… I’ll answer everything about last year.”

Ruby immediately jerked her hand free. “Get lost.”

Her eyes were icy as she stared him down. “If you don’t tell me where my son is, I have a recording right here. I’ll take it straight to the police and press charges for child abduction.”

She lifted her right hand, the glow of her phone screen illuminating the recording app for all to see.

Morgan’s face darkened instantly. “You’ve been recording? Since when?”

“Since you showed up,” she replied, her voice as cold and sharp as frost on a mountaintop.

“Fine. Fine. Ha—fine!” Morgan suddenly let out a harsh, brittle laugh, each word and each laugh edged with barely controlled anger.

He glared at Ruby. “After all the years we’ve known each other, you really think I’d hurt you? You’ve been this suspicious of me all along?”

Ruby didn’t bother responding to his wounded outrage. “If I don’t see Asher before sunrise, I’ll meet you at Blackwood Headquarters. That’s the only warning you’re getting.”

With that, she turned and walked away, taking Landon and Fanny with her, leaving Morgan standing there—his expression twisted, his whole presence like a gathering storm.

Landon trailed behind the two women, the last to leave. As he crossed the threshold, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder, a flicker of sardonic amusement glinting in his blue eyes.

—

In the car.

“Childhood friends? Seriously? That’s the most shameless thing I’ve ever seen!” Fanny snapped, the outrage clear in her voice.

“I honestly have no idea what he’s after,” Ruby murmured, half-reclined against the plush seat. Her eyes narrowed, but an icy edge still clung to her, tension coiled tightly around her.

Ever since she’d gotten out of prison, Morgan had harassed her time and again. But since she’d moved into Northridge Manor, his appearances had become less frequent. He’d faded so far into the background she’d nearly forgotten he existed—until tonight, when he suddenly reappeared, dredging up all her disgust.

Ruby pressed her fingers to her brow, rubbing away a headache.

The car started up. The window was cracked open, letting cool night air drift in. Ruby blinked, a little dazed, and opened her eyes wide.

They betrayed her.

Ruby’s hands curled into fists.

Back then, when she’d been arrested and thrown in jail, she’d felt nothing but shock and fury.

Why had they done this to her?

She’d never found an answer.

Gennifer had enjoyed every scrap of love and privilege Ruby never had, and no matter how much Ruby gave up, it was never enough. Morgan had claimed to care about her, and yet, when it mattered most, he’d stabbed her in the back without hesitation.

Those bitter, lifeless days in prison… at least she’d had Mira’s friendship. Over time, the hatred faded, replaced by a cold kind of contempt.

Now, faced with her old enemies, all she wanted was the truth to come to light, and for everyone who’d hurt her to pay for what they’d done. That was her only purpose now.

Ruby forced herself to shake off the memories, her gaze clearing, no longer clouded by grief.

“We’re here,” Landon said quietly.