Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 86

The so-called "documents" turned out to be nothing more than an envelope, and inside was a check for a million dollars.

"This is compensation from Mr. Veyne," Bennett explained.

Ruby stared at the check, completely stunned, then abruptly took a step back.

She let the check flutter to the floor.

Bennett froze, surprised, and quickly stooped to retrieve it, extending it to her once more.

But Ruby didn't take it. Her gaze was icy, brimming with contempt.

Bennett's hand paused in midair.

Ruby fixed him with a cold glare. "So, if this is compensation for making me kneel, what if I offer a million for Cassian to get on his knees? Would he agree?"

"Mr. Veyne would never kneel for any amount!" Bennett shot back, almost without thinking.

As soon as the words left his mouth, his scalp tingled and his face turned bright red.

"That's right. If Mr. Veyne wouldn't do it for a million, why should I? Am I just born for humiliation?"

Bennett was at a loss for words. Confronted by her sharp tone and piercing eyes, he stepped aside, making way for her.

Mira, whom Ruby had been holding protectively, couldn't resist poking her little head out now.

When Bennett caught sight of the girl's delicate, doll-like features, he shivered involuntarily.

How could Mr. Veyne even question her parentage? She looked like she was cast from the very same mold!

"Hey, isn't that the celebrity attorney, Ms. Gennifer?"

"That's Ms. Grayson! She's my favorite—beauty, brains, and she used to be Veyne & Co.'s star lawyer. Even the wealthiest man in Quinborough had her on a pedestal!"

People began pulling out their phones to snap pictures.

The flash from the cameras was especially harsh in the gathering dusk.

Ruby turned, shielding Mira completely in her arms.

"Ms. Grayson"—that was how they used to address her. But now...

She had fallen from grace, standing amid the crowd, peering through the throng at Gennifer's face—half smug, half annoyed.

Whispers rippled around.

"She's not all that. The real beauty was Ruby, Veyne & Co.'s famous former lead attorney!"

"I heard after Ruby went to prison, Gennifer clawed her way up to become the new head lawyer, even got cozy with her own brother-in-law. Isn't that scandalous?"

Sure enough, Ruby heard Gennifer's furious voice ring out: "Stop taking photos! I said, stop!"

Mortified, Gennifer slammed her purse against her car, making a loud crash.

The limited-edition pink sports car now bore a long scratch down its side, but she didn't seem to notice, slamming the door shut with a clang.

Bennett had never seen Gennifer lose her temper so publicly—her composure shattered, all pretense of civility gone. He stood there, stunned.

The clicking and snapping of camera phones only grew louder.

Snapping out of it, Bennett rushed to take control, ordering staff to check everyone's phones, making sure no incriminating photos or videos remained before letting people go.

After all, Ms. Gennifer was now Veyne & Co.'s star attorney. Any negative press would be a blow to the firm.

With the situation finally in hand, Bennett hurried after Ruby's retreating figure, shaking his head.

In his mind, Mrs. Veyne was just too stubborn.

She could come back and live in luxury, but insisted on struggling through the hardships of ordinary life.

But Cassian couldn't focus on the mountain of paperwork on his desk.

He exhaled heavily and wandered to the window, staring out at the city.

He felt restless. The memory of Ruby kneeling in the lobby was like a thorn in his heart.

—

Unlike Cassian's tangled remorse, Ruby's eyes suddenly shone with relief at an unexpected bit of good news.

"Ms. Grayson, your monthly trust fund payment of thirty thousand has been deposited." The lawyer on the phone was formal but kindly.

Ruby could hardly believe it.

Frieda was finally letting go?

Well, whatever the reason, it was her grandmother's legacy.

And with thirty thousand a month, Mira's living expenses were secure.

The weight on her shoulders eased. She let out a long breath.

There was no rush now to find a new job. Evening had fallen; it would be hard to find an apartment on such short notice, so Ruby took Mira to a hotel for the night.

"Ma'am, here's your room key."

The hotel was clean and quiet.

But as night deepened and Ruby prepared to turn in, Mira suddenly developed an upset stomach. The lively spark vanished from her face, replaced by exhaustion.

Ruby changed her diaper and hurried out to buy baby medicine.

A 24-hour pharmacy glowed with light on the corner.