The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 117

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane**

**Chapter 117**

**Cassian**

After navigating a labyrinth of conversations with countless connections and representatives from various families, I find myself drowning in an excessive amount of drink. The wine has flowed freely, blurring the edges of my thoughts.

Under normal circumstances, I would have slipped away by now, seeking solace in the quiet of the night. But today is different. Today, I remain anchored in this banquet hall, waiting with a sense of urgency for someone vital to arrive.

Earlier, I received word that Kane would be making his entrance within the hour.

Time is slipping away.

As I scan the hall, my heart sinks a little deeper with each passing moment. Still no sign of Gemma.

In the distance, I catch a glimpse of Claire, animatedly conversing with a few friends, a wine glass delicately perched in her hand. As I approach, I notice her demeanor shift—she gulps nervously, a reflexive action that speaks volumes.

The other girls, sensing the tension, quickly disperse, leaving us with an awkward pocket of space.

“Where’s Gemma?” I ask, my voice steady but laced with concern.

Claire’s expression morphs instantly; she appears unwell, as if the very question has unsettled her. What could be troubling her? Is she concealing something from me?

I narrow my gaze, locking eyes with her, but she takes a sip of her drink, her features smoothing out, masking whatever turmoil lies beneath.

“I don’t know. I’ve been with my friends since I arrived. I haven’t seen Gemma at all. Wasn’t she with you the entire time?” she replies, her tone casual, yet I can sense an underlying tension.

She’s not mistaken. Gemma had indeed accompanied me to this event, and it was my duty to keep her close.

But, as is often the case, I got swept away in the whirlwind of social obligations. I had assumed that no matter where I turned, she would be right there beside me.

Yet now, she’s nowhere to be found, and here I am, standing in front of Claire, desperately seeking answers.

“I’ve already searched the entire place. Still nothing. When was the last time you saw her?” I press, my frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

“The last time?” Claire hesitates, her brow furrowing in thought. “Maybe half an hour ago? I saw her heading toward the bathroom. After that… I don’t know. Isn’t that important European connection arriving any minute now?” Her tone sharpens, a hint of irritation creeping in. “Gemma is unbelievable. She vanishes at a time like this? Your grandfather warned her beforehand. She doesn’t care about the Blackwell family—she doesn’t care about you!”

Claire’s words hit like daggers.

“If we blow this partnership tonight, it’s all on Gemma. Someone like her—can she really help you with anything?”

Her implication is clear; she’s trying to suggest that any girl here tonight would be a better match than Gemma.

I press my lips together, biting back the urge to argue. Engaging Claire in public would only escalate the situation.

But inside, a storm of restlessness brews within me. And then, I hear whispers beginning to ripple through the crowd, a wave of gossip that prickles the air.

“Hey, I just heard… the little princess from the Moore family got locked in the upstairs dressing room. Had a sudden heart issue, but thank God someone stepped in and helped. The ambulance already took her out the back door.”

“Wait, for real? How do you know?”

“Someone saw it happen. Even though they used the back, there were still people around.”

“Do we know who helped her? Whoever it was didn’t even leave a name! The Moores will definitely want to thank them.”

Claire remains beside me, and for a brief moment, I catch a flicker of panic in her eyes. She’s growing anxious. A seed of suspicion begins to take root in my mind.

The people around us continue to chatter, oblivious to the tension that has enveloped us.

“You really don’t know where Gemma is?” I ask her one last time, my voice edged with urgency.

She shakes her head violently, her expression one of denial.

I can’t afford to waste another second. I have to find Gemma, and I need to do it quickly. I resume my search throughout the hall, but no matter where I look, I find nothing.

Frustration mounts with each passing moment.

Claire bites her lip, a nervous gesture, and grabs my arm.

“Cassian, maybe we should pause for now. We can look for her later, after we talk to Kane. She didn’t just vanish into thin air. The focus tonight is the partnership—we can’t risk blowing this.”

I know all too well how crucial this deal is.

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