Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 590

"Name it," Ruby said, her shoulders relaxing. She had been feeling guilty about piling so much on Victor, but his request for something in return actually put her at ease.

"When this is all over, you have to buy me dinner," Victor said, tapping his fingers on the desk as he looked up at her.

Ruby's mouth twitched. Why did everyone want her to buy them dinner? But as she looked at him, she noticed a faint sadness in his usually clear eyes. A flicker of concern sparked within her. "Is something wrong? Are you hiding something from me?"

Victor was silent for a moment before nodding slowly. "The project was a huge success. I'll be transferring to the headquarters abroad soon."

His words hung in the air, casting an immediate silence over the office. Even the ever-lively Hayley grew quiet. "A farewell dinner, then?" Ruby asked, trying to sound cheerful, but she couldn't quite lift the heavy atmosphere.

Her fingertips moved, pressing against the warm teacup. "I suppose so," Victor replied, managing a small smile.

"But isn't the Starseek Research Institute doing really well here? Why do you have to go to headquarters?" Fanny couldn't help but ask. Though they didn't know Victor as well as Sylas did, they could feel the melancholy radiating from him, and by extension, from Ruby.

"It's an order from the top. There's a new batch of researchers there who need my guidance," Victor explained, his tone placid.

Ruby nodded, then raised her teacup, clinking it against his. "Well then, here's to a bright future and smooth sailing."

Victor's fingers tightened around his cup, a lump forming in his throat. After a long moment, a faint smile touched his lips. "I'll drink to that." He looked at Ruby, deliberately breaking the somber mood. "So, when do we start?"

"Let's get this handled as soon as possible," Ruby said after some thought. "That way, we won't delay your departure."

Victor flinched slightly, her practical response stinging more than he expected. He studied her face, wondering if she felt any attachment to him at all, or if she was truly as detached as she seemed. Her actions were always tinged with a heart-wrenching pragmatism.

"I'm not in that much of a rush," he said, his eyes fixed on hers. "But if you're in a hurry, I can start tomorrow."

"Perfect. I'll have Fanny and Hayley take you there," Ruby agreed quickly. After settling the details, she didn't linger, leaving with her friends.

Victor's gaze followed her until the door closed behind her, cutting off his view. He pursed his lips, his eyes glued to the door as if he could will her to reappear. After what felt like an eternity, he finally looked away and dialed the institute's director.

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