Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 488

Grace’s face darkened the instant she heard those words.

She looked up at Sylas, and sure enough, there was that familiar, mocking arch of his brow.

Ungrateful brat. He really thought he could do whatever he pleased now, didn’t he?

Sylas, on the other hand, was in far too good a mood to care. He hummed a tune, skipped his office altogether, and hailed a cab straight back to the Cunningham estate.

…

The Gilded Fork.

A spread of elegant, expensive dishes sat before Morgan, each one plated with care—a silent testament to how much he valued the person he was waiting for.

But as the steaming entrées cooled and an hour ticked by past their agreed meeting time, Morgan’s jaw tightened. The easy warmth that usually lingered in his eyes had turned to frost.

Just as he’d resigned himself to the idea that Ruby had decided to stand him up, he rose from his seat—only to see a figure in black approaching.

Ruby strode in, dressed in a simple, perfectly tailored black pantsuit. She was late, but her expression was calm, unhurried, as if time itself bent to her will.

Morgan sat back down, any trace of irritation dissolving in an instant.

“I thought you weren’t coming,” he said.

“I almost didn’t,” Ruby replied, her tone edged with sarcasm and thorns.

Morgan just smiled, unfazed by her hostility.

“Try this,” he offered, serving her a piece of fish.

Years ago, he’d lived near Ruby’s grandmother. He’d often been lured by the scent of her grandmother’s famous fish stew, hanging over the neighborhood like a promise. He’d stand at their fence, mouth watering, hoping for an invitation inside.

She locked eyes with him, her tone measured, her gaze sharp.

She didn’t miss the flicker that passed through his eyes—the faintest tremor.

But Ruby only sneered. She knew Morgan’s darkness ran deep. Anyone fooled by his act was a fool indeed.

“A year ago, I did use the Veyne & Co. secrets you stole to strike at them, and yes, I took that chance to launch The Blackwood Group to the top. I’m a businessman—how could I pass up the opportunity?”

He paused, then leaned in, his voice low and earnest. “But Rue, the ones who truly hurt you were Cassian and Gennifer. I’ve always tried to help you break free from Cassian and the Grayson family.”

Ruby looked up, meeting his gaze. Morgan’s eyes were full of conviction, as if he was desperate for her to believe him.