Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 531

The old man and his wife walked ahead, but they couldn’t help noticing the playful bickering happening behind them. As they turned around, they caught Sylas gazing longingly at Ruby, his eyes full of hope.

Having just welcomed her granddaughter into the family, Pearl’s grandmotherly instincts kicked in immediately, her inner radar blaring.

Smack!

She brought her palm down squarely on Sylas’s forehead. “Young man, I heard you came all the way to Quinborough looking for someone. Don’t tell me you’re here for my Ruby, hmm?”

Standing with hands on her hips, Pearl glared at him, radiating pure intimidation.

The moment brought back memories for Ruby—she remembered how she’d first met Sylas, and despite herself, she had to stifle a laugh behind her hand. She sneaked another glance at him.

Sylas scratched his head awkwardly, grumbling something in Ruby’s direction.

She deliberately looked away, ignoring him.

Left with no choice, Sylas could only stare after her forlornly. But with Pearl’s formidable presence right there, he forced himself to plaster on a smile and said, “Grandma…”

That single word earned him another swift flick on the head.

The old man puffed up, glaring at Sylas. “Watch yourself, boy! My Ruby’s a good, decent girl. Don’t go calling her family just yet.”

Sylas mumbled under his breath, “What does it matter whose family? Sooner or later, we’ll all be one family anyway.”

“What was that?” Pearl’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

Sylas quickly grinned up at her. “Nothing at all.”

Ruby, standing closest, caught every word of his muttered comment. The whole group was clearly teasing Sylas, but Ruby couldn’t help replaying his words in her mind.

She glanced at him for a moment, then looked away. The heel of her shoe landed squarely on the toe of Sylas’s dress shoe.

He winced at the sharp pain in his toes, baring his teeth at Ruby. When he saw the barely-contained laughter on her face, he couldn’t help but smile, though he tried to hide it with a cough.

“Grandpa, Grandma, Auntie—Fanny, Hayley’s still waiting outside. If we don’t hurry, she’ll get worried,” Ruby blurted out, her eyes darting nervously, which did not escape Pearl’s notice.

Pearl gave the two a knowing look but said nothing more. “Let’s go, then.”

As soon as the five of them stepped outside, Hayley stuck her head out the car window. “What took you so long?”

She tapped her watch. “It’s almost dinnertime, you know.”

“Sorry about her—she’s a bit blunt and impulsive,” Fanny apologized with a smile, gently pulling Hayley back into the car.

When the door closed, Hanley looked over, confirming she’d gone, and immediately dialed Gennifer.

“Dad? What’s wrong?” Gennifer’s voice was still weak.

Hanley recounted what he’d just witnessed, scowling.

There was a long silence on the other end.

Gennifer, who’d barely had the strength to move before, suddenly clenched her fist with a surge of energy.

The Steeles’ heirloom? For Ruby? On what grounds? As far as she knew, this was the Steeles’ first time ever meeting Ruby!

“Are you sure it was their family heirloom? Not just some ordinary gift?” Gennifer asked, unwilling to accept it.

“No. Judging by Frieda’s face, I’m pretty sure those old folks didn’t just give Ruby a simple bracelet. It probably symbolizes the Steeles’ inheritance.”

Gennifer’s eyes widened as his words sank in. In a fit of rage, she swept a glass off her nightstand.

The Steeles’ inheritance… for Ruby?