Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 536

“Bennett, bring her over.”

His voice was steely as he gave Bennett a call, then he slipped into a sleek, understated black Maybach parked off to the side.

The car had been tucked into a shadowy corner, nearly disappearing into the gloom—until its headlights flicked on.

“Understood, Mr. Veyne. I’ll wait for you at the restaurant with her.”

“Good.”

The luxury car pulled away, leaving a swirl of exhaust behind.

Soon enough, they arrived at a restaurant on the edge of the city.

Sylas brought the car to a stop. Inside, the atmosphere was thick and chilly.

Ruby felt not just confusion, but a flicker of irritation. She glanced over at Sylas but said nothing, just reached for the door handle to get out.

“Rue,” Sylas called out, his voice stopping her.

Ruby glanced at her phone—still ten minutes until the appointment. Her hand dropped from the door, and she turned to look at him.

He happened to be looking up just then, his eyes burning as they met hers in the rearview mirror.

Her heart skipped.

“You’re divorced from Cassian now,” he said, biting his lip, as though bracing himself for a punch. His heart pounded nervously; he was anxious that he might be crossing a line, that Ruby would take offense.

“I remember,” Ruby replied, sensing something sour in the air.

She looked again at Sylas’s reflection—his face was tight and cold, yet somehow she could see a hint of hurt there.

“Do you want me to come in with you?”

His gaze was unwavering, searching hers.

Ever since Sylas had reconnected with Ruby, it seemed she always kept her distance whenever his uncle was involved. So when he’d learned on the drive that Ruby was heading to see Cassian, he’d felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest.

“Of course,” Ruby answered, almost too quickly.

Her swift reply stunned Sylas, who had been bracing for rejection.

“What?”

“So this is Aunt Gayle?” Cassian asked.

Ruby didn’t respond to Cassian right away. Instead, she turned her attention to the woman, who was nervously swallowing and avoiding everyone’s eyes.

Hearing Ruby’s question, Gayle fumbled to her feet, her teacup rattling on the saucer.

“Yes—yes, that’s me. Hello, miss,” she stammered.

Ruby noticed her anxiousness and motioned gently for her to sit.

Gayle looked to Bennett for reassurance, and only sat back down when he gave a curt nod.

“This is Miss Ruby,” Bennett said, addressing the older woman with a tone that left no room for argument. “Answer her questions honestly. If Miss Ruby asks you anything, you must tell her the truth.”

Gayle nodded, almost frantically.

Ruby set her bag down and hesitated for a moment, unsure where to sit. The table was simple—just two chairs facing two chairs.

Gayle was in one, Cassian in the other.

“Uncle, long time no see,” Sylas said, his earlier gloom gone. Under the soft glow of the chandelier, his eyes sparkled.