Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 532

Gennifer’s chest heaved with fury, her eyes blazing with the kind of rage that seemed to stain even the whites red.

“Why? They’ve never even met before! How could she possibly be given the inheritance too?”

She nearly spat out the words, her voice raw with frustration.

Inside her, hatred festered—a beast named Jealousy, gnashing its teeth and claws, desperate to break free from the cage of her heart.

“I don’t know why the Steeles decided to do this,” Hanley said, his voice low and steady. “But honestly, it works in our favor. It’s even better than I’d hoped for.”

His calm, authoritative tone snapped Gennifer back to reality.

She forced herself to breathe, but her breaths were still ragged, unable to calm the storm inside.

Right.

If Ruby really did become an heir to the Steele family, it could end up playing right into their hands.

Gennifer dug her nails into her palm, welcoming the sting. The pain numbed her, a desperate attempt to keep herself grounded.

She bit her lip, hatred still roaring in her chest.

“Oh, and the Steeles reached out. They want every single article and headline about Ruby scrubbed from the news. Take care of it.”

“What?” Gennifer gripped her phone tight. “If we do that, all of our scheming—the months of work—will be for nothing!”

“Just do as you’re told,” Hanley snapped. “What could possibly matter more than getting your hands on the Steele fortune?”

His dismissive scoff made it clear the conversation was over.

Gennifer’s protests caught in her throat.

With Hanley’s tone, there was no room for argument.

“Dad, I’ve already made enough of a fool of myself lately. And I’m injured—how am I supposed to deal with the press right now?”

“Handle it in the next few days. Make your calls from the hospital bed if you have to. I don’t need you at the office, just get it done.”

And with that, Hanley hung up.

The flat, heartless dial tone echoed in Gennifer’s ear long after the call ended. Her hand trembled as she lowered the phone, letting it drop onto the blanket. Her arm wouldn’t stop shaking.

For days, the press had been eerily quiet, waiting for Ruby’s side to speak up. There was too much attention on the story; every reporter was itching for a headline.

Now, suddenly, Hanley had declared there would be no further pursuit, no demand for Ruby to prove Violet was still alive.

After all that waiting, the silence was infuriating. Disappointing.

Exhausted, Gennifer let her whole body go limp against the padded headboard, sinking into the bed.

Knock, knock.

Haunted by the memory, Frieda hugged her daughter tighter, vowing through clenched teeth.

Gennifer clung to her, sobbing.

The scene of mother and daughter embracing was undeniably moving, but behind Frieda’s gentle touch, there was a dangerous glint in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Ruby and her companions were just leaving the restaurant.

The Steeles, escorted by Sylas, headed for the grandest hotel in Quinborough to check in.

“I’ll come find you in a bit,” Sylas said, opening the car door for the older couple before tossing Ruby a wink as he slid into the driver’s seat.

Ugh. Disgusting.

Landon visibly recoiled, his face scrunching up.

Hayley glanced over, lips twitching in a half-smile. “Do you have to act like a shameless flirt in front of your fans?”

Fanny, a fan who had watched the whole exchange, was left speechless.

Landon just shrugged, switching to a country accent with deliberate awkwardness. “Can’t help it. It’s a reflex.”

Before the laughter could die down, Sylas—already seated in the car—rolled down the window. He leaned out, sunglasses slipping down his nose to reveal a pair of dark, mischievous eyes.