Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 589

Romaine grew frantic. "Mr. Hargrove, you've barely had any rest! I'll get rid of them right now. You go back to sleep. I'll wake you for dinner…" Her rushed words caught in her throat.

Her face fell. Victor was staring at her, his expression blank but his eyes cold and stern. She bit her lip. "You are my assistant. Your first priority is to follow my instructions," Victor said, his tone sharp with displeasure.

"But…" Romaine's face was a mask of conflict. She wanted to argue, but Victor cut her off.

"If you wish to overstep your authority, then I don't think you're suited to work in my lab or to be my assistant. When I'm finished here, I will personally submit a request to the director to have you reassigned to a more suitable position." His voice was low and carried an authority that allowed for no argument.

Romaine's face went pale. Her eyes dimmed, and she lowered her head in defeat. "Please, don't! Mr. Hargrove, I was just worried about your health, that's all… It won't happen again. Please let me stay…" Her voice dwindled to a near-inaudible whisper, thick with suppressed grief.

Victor gave her a brief glance. "You can leave early today. Pack up and go back to the staff dorms." After dismissing Romaine, he looked at Ruby, the ice in his eyes melting away. "What are you standing there for? Come in." He pushed the office door wide open in a silent invitation.

Given the circumstances, Ruby couldn't refuse. She stepped inside, with Hayley and Fanny close behind. Hayley deliberately lagged a half-step behind Fanny to shoot a childish face at the crestfallen Romaine. Romaine clenched her jaw but didn't dare react. As soon as the office door closed, she looked up, her eyes burning with hatred and jealousy.

*She was just concerned about him! Why would he treat her like this because of that woman?* Romaine's teeth practically ground together as she shifted all the blame onto Ruby. She stomped her foot in frustration and ran off.

Inside, separated by the door, Ruby's eyelid twitched. She instinctively rubbed it as Victor handed her a cup of hot tea. "What's wrong? Not feeling well?"

Ruby shook her head. "I'm probably just tired from everything lately. My heart feels a little unsettled."

Victor nodded thoughtfully. "You need to take care of yourself."

Ruby winced, pulling at the corner of her lips. It did sound pretty unreasonable when he put it like that… "Of course, this is just a request," she said, her lips pressed together. "If you're not willing…"

"When do I need to be there? I should prepare. Maybe I should get a tan?" Victor cut in, his voice full of genuine excitement.

His eager response left Ruby momentarily stunned. A hand reached out and gently tapped her on the forehead. "We're talking business. Stop spacing out."

Victor tugged at his collar, his tone relaxed. "It sounds interesting. But I have one condition."