Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 495

Ruby Grayson crossed her arms, her expression devoid of any emotion.

Morgan Blackwood fixed his gaze on her, shaking his head. “You were never going to stay away.”

“Oh?” For the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed Ruby’s face. She frowned, but still kept a safe distance from Morgan.

Morgan’s eyes lingered on her with a hunger he no longer bothered to hide. Every sordid intention was laid bare; he was done pretending.

“You know exactly who I am,” he said. “Asher was just a warning. I could take him once—I could take him again. The only way any of this stops is if you come to me.”

For once, Morgan was almost honest. He spread his hands, showing not a hint of shame for his actions.

Ruby’s lips curled into a smile—bright and sharp, like a crimson bloom cutting through a field of winter white.

It was hard to tell if that bloom was a flower, or a splash of blood.

“So you were sure I’d show up. Had your people spike the drinks in advance, didn’t you?” Her tone dripped with sarcasm. “Morgan, I always knew you were twisted. I just didn’t realize you’d stoop this low.”

Morgan’s smirk didn’t falter, but the hand hidden in his pocket stilled and slowly clenched into a fist.

“Ruby, I don’t have a choice.” He looked up at her, and obsession burned in his eyes. “You divorced him, but you still won’t have me. You had his child—after everything he did, you still chose to keep that baby, to raise her like she was made of glass.”

A flicker of pain and confusion crossed Morgan’s face. He could never understand—what did Cassian Veyne have that he didn’t? Once, it had all been about power and status, but now he was catching up. In every clash between Veyne & Co. and the Blackwood Group, Cassian was no longer the clear winner.

Ruby’s voice was cold and unyielding. “Let me make this clear. I feel nothing for you. When you and Gennifer Grayson betrayed me, you should’ve worried whether I’d hate you. And don’t you dare bring up my daughter. Mira is my child. Ever since our divorce, she’s had nothing to do with Cassian.”

Each word was sharp, final.

Out in the hallway, a tall figure flinched.

“Mr. Veyne, should we head back?” Bennett stood at the door, voice barely above a whisper, concern etched on his face as he glanced at Cassian.

Cassian’s lips pressed into a thin, bloodless line.

Just moments earlier, Gennifer had blasted Ruby’s name all over the media, sending every tabloid in the city into a frenzy. Out of worry, Cassian had dragged Bennett here, rushing to the hotel.

Ruby, what am I supposed to do?

He lifted his head, casting one last, lingering look at the closed door before walking away.

Everything that happened—he had brought it on himself. All that was left now was to try to make things right for her and for their child.

As soon as Cassian and Bennett left, Ruby pushed open the door and strode out, leaving Morgan alone in the room.

“Including you.”

Her voice was cold, resolute—unyielding.

Morgan stared after the sweep of her dress as she disappeared, her parting words echoing in his ears and leaving a hollow ache in his chest.

As Ruby left, she couldn’t help glancing down the hall, a strange feeling tugging at her. It was as if someone else had been there, just moments before.