Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 84

A mocking smirk played at the corners of Cameron Lockridge's mouth.

He'd once thought he could treat Cassian like any other boss.

When news first broke that Ms. Grayson had been sent to prison for stealing Veyne & Co. trade secrets, he didn't know the full story, but he never doubted Ruby's character—or her devotion to Mr. Veyne.

It was impossible. Anyone might betray Veyne & Co., but not Ruby. She would never do anything to hurt the firm.

The next time he saw her, it was outside the law office, being harassed by Morgan.

She had a child with her—a little one who looked strikingly like Cassian.

Yet someone as decent as Ms. Grayson had been forced to the streets by Cassian himself.

Cameron's fists clenched involuntarily.

Bennett was alarmed by his response, his eyes warning. "Mr. Lockridge, angering Mr. Veyne won't do you any favors."

Cameron closed his eyes for a moment.

With thirty million in debt hanging over his head, he was all too familiar with Cassian's methods.

"Are you upset by my honesty, Bennett? Or is it Mr. Veyne who can't handle the truth?"

His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Bennett broke out in a nervous sweat, shooting Cameron a baffled look.

Was this really the same Mr. Lockridge he'd once known? Gone was the fresh-faced junior associate, replaced by the firm's top attorney—always calm, always composed. Bennett had seen him shine in the courtroom, arguing cases with brilliance, but never like this. Now he radiated a cold, bristling edge, as if daring anyone to come closer.

"And the child?" Bennett tried to steady himself and pressed on.

"No." Cameron cut him off flatly, gesturing toward the door left slightly ajar. "If you're done, get out."

"Whose child is it, then?" Bennett blurted, unwilling to give up.

Cameron let out a bitter laugh. "Not your concern."

He turned his face away, making it clear he wasn't interested in further conversation.

Realizing he'd get nothing more, Bennett left, dropping a folder on his way out.

The memories faded. Cameron sat there, letting the sharp teeth of his keys bite into his palm.

She was gone.

A hollow ache settled in his chest.

He reached for the folder on his nightstand. Inside was a contract, torn neatly in two.

On top of the pieces lay a statement from Veyne & Co.: they would not pursue any breach of contract against Attorney Lockridge. In fact, the firm would invest heavily in Lockridge & Partners should he choose.

Beneath the letter was a blank check.

Cameron stared at the check in his hand, a bitter smile twisting his lips. For the first time, he tasted the sting of his own helplessness.

He flicked his phone open, almost without thinking. There was a photo from a former colleague—one he'd once considered a friend.

Ruby, kneeling in the Veyne & Co. lobby, humiliated under the gaze of passing strangers.

A sharp pain gripped his chest.

If it hadn't been for him, Ruby wouldn't have been driven by Cassian to such public disgrace.

Despair washed over Ruby, when suddenly a luxury car swerved recklessly past her.

She shrank back to the curb, trying to avoid it.

But the car circled, stalking her.

After dodging it several times, Ruby realized someone was after her.

She peered at the figure behind the tinted glass and, when she caught sight of that familiar cold smirk, shivers ran down her spine.

She clutched Mira tighter, lowered her head, and quickened her pace.

But the car door swung open, blocking her path.

"Small world, isn't it, Ruby?" a sharp, mocking voice rang out.

A long, elegant leg emerged, the heel clad in a pair of designer stilettos.

Gennifer tossed her sunglasses onto the seat behind her, her gaze cutting straight to the bundle Ruby held protectively in her arms.

But Ruby's grip was too fierce; a thick blanket hid everything from view.

"Do you know what you look like now, Ruby? Like some pitiful stray no one wants."

With Cassian nowhere in sight, Gennifer didn't bother pretending to be the sweet, innocent one anymore.

Ruby edged a few steps back, warily.

Something caught her eye—first Gennifer's stilettos, then her flat stomach.