Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 580

This was Sylas Cunningham, Mr. Veyne’s own nephew. He wanted to speak to *him*?

Hanley was ecstatic. He straightened his back, a wide, slightly fawning smile spreading across his face. “Mr. Cunningham, what is it? I’m honored that you’d want to speak with me personally.”

“As you know, Cassian is my uncle. But my last name is Cunningham, and his is Veyne,” Sylas began, examining his fingernails with an air of casual nobility. The gesture, combined with his natural swagger, was strikingly charismatic. “The Cunningham family is looking to expand its interests within Veyne & Co. The elders are pushing me to find suitable investors and partners.”

He paused, then lifted his gaze to meet Hanley’s.

Hanley had been struggling to follow the roundabout introduction, but the last sentence hit him like a lightning bolt. His eyes widened, and he fought to keep his composure. “Ah, well, I’m not sure why you’d be telling me about something like that, Mr. Cunningham,” he said with a dismissive wave, though his eyes were gleaming with avarice.

Sylas saw the greed in his expression but pretended not to notice.

“You’re Ruby’s father, and now that she’s back with the Grayson family, you were the first person I thought of,” he explained lazily.

Hanley nodded vigorously, his face flushed with excitement. He completely ignored the salesperson trying to get his attention, grabbed a nearby chair, and sat down. “It would be my honor. What kind of project are we talking about?”

Sylas leaned in closer. “Domestic manufacturing for luxury goods. The craftsmanship fees alone are substantial. If you weren’t Ruby’s father, this opportunity wouldn’t have landed on your doorstep.” He gave Hanley a pointed look.

Hanley immediately understood. He shot to his feet. “My word! Mr. Cunningham, you are a man of remarkable character! This is an incredible honor. Is there any chance I could meet with your parents to formally discuss this partnership?”

He eagerly stepped toward Sylas, but Sylas sidestepped him with fluid ease, creating a significant distance between them. His expression remained cool and impassive.

*Meet his parents?* Sylas thought with contempt. *Does Hanley think he’s worthy? The man is delusional.*

But he kept his disdain hidden, his tone softening slightly. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. They’re extremely busy.”

Now on the topic of business, Hanley’s demeanor grew serious. He frowned slightly. “We have some… personal connections, but we don’t interact much professionally.”

“Oh? Personal connections?” Sylas pressed, a rare flicker of genuine interest in his eyes.

Hanley met his gaze, his heart pounding with excitement. Just then, he felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to see Gennifer looking at him with a shy but eager expression, her eyes darting toward Sylas.

“Actually, it’s not me he has a connection with,” Hanley said, a sly smile spreading across his face as he pushed Gennifer forward. “It’s my daughter here.”

A barely perceptible frown creased Sylas’s face, a hint of distaste in his eyes.