Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 505

At Ruby’s words, Gennifer’s eyes widened in obvious shock, her surprise too raw to mask. “What did you say?”

Ruby’s lips curled into a wry, almost teasing smile. “When did I ever say I wasn’t going?”

She folded her arms, arching a brow with a touch of challenge. “From start to finish, I haven’t refused— not a single word.”

“You’re all so righteously indignant, as if I’ve committed some unforgivable crime.”

Ruby chuckled, even clapping her hands lightly, her tone light and almost amused—yet everyone around her stiffened, discomfort flickering across their faces.

And it was true.

Never once had Ruby said she wouldn’t go; they’d simply rushed to take the moral high ground and pass judgment.

Realizing this, the group’s expressions turned awkward, and when their eyes fell on Ruby again, there was a hint of apology in their gaze.

Meanwhile, not far away, Sylas was quietly helping two elderly people toward a quieter corner of the lobby.

Ruby, however, drifted her gaze away, looking calmly—almost lazily—at Gennifer. “I hope what you said is true. Don’t make me come all this way for nothing.”

The statement landed like a verdict—final and unyielding.

Yet Gennifer was still puzzled. Why the sudden change in Ruby’s attitude? Hadn’t she flatly refused to be involved with the Grayson family or Frieda? Was she really moved by some sense of familial duty after hearing about Frieda’s breakdown?

A dozen questions tumbled in her mind, but she found no answers and could only push her confusion aside for now.

She clenched her fists, feeling both uneasy and victorious. She didn’t understand Ruby’s motives, but at least she’d achieved her goal.

“Alright, sis. I’ll wait for you at the office tomorrow,” Gennifer said, forcing a friendly smile before turning to leave.

“Hold on,” Hayley called out before she could go.

Gennifer stopped, impatience edging her voice. “What is it now? Is there something else?”

Realizing it wasn’t Ruby who’d called her, Gennifer’s irritation deepened.

Ruby noticed the change, her gaze fixing on Gennifer with a cold, sharp glint.

“Why let her off the hook so easily? Do you really believe she meant well? If we hadn’t been prepared, the headlines right now would be all about your divorce and secret meetings with Morgan!”

Hayley’s glare was fierce, her frustration obvious. She’d heard all about Ruby’s past from Fanny and worried Ruby was falling into the same old traps—her actions just now looked suspiciously like forgiveness for the very people who’d hurt her the most.

“Ruby, by letting it go so easily, you’re only making the press and public believe Gennifer’s story. That just helps her keep up her fake good-girl act—it’s nothing but trouble,” Fanny added, brows knit tight with worry.

She trusted Ruby, always had, but her behavior today was harder than ever to understand.

“No,” Ruby said quietly, shaking her head. She looked at her friends, deeply moved by their concern, warmth blooming in her chest. She took both their hands, only to find their fingers ice-cold—they must have been truly shaken by what just happened.

“In the eyes of the law, you can’t just sever family ties with a few harsh words. If Frieda really is sick, it’s only right that I visit. Besides, do you really think Frieda has any say in the Grayson family anymore? Gennifer coming here to beg me—there’s no way that wasn’t Hanley’s idea.”

Her eyes narrowed, a calculating glint darkening her gaze.

“What?” Fanny and Hayley blurted out together.

Fanny was the first to catch on, a knowing look dawning in her eyes. “So you’re planning to lure them into your trap?”