The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 121

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

**Chapter 121**

**Gemma**

Fantastic. Reyna has decided to grace us with her presence as well.

Her inquiry is so outlandish that it momentarily stuns Cassian, leaving him momentarily speechless and frowning in disbelief.

“Why would I have told you?” he retorts, his voice cool and dismissive. “This isn’t your concern. It’s a matter for family.”

Reyna clearly didn’t anticipate his icy response. The smile that had adorned her face now freezes, becoming an awkward mask that barely conceals her surprise.

I can’t help but share her astonishment. My gaze shifts to Cassian, who stands resolute.

“Well, had I known this was how things would unfold, I would have accompanied you and Gemma instead,” she replies, forcing that polished smile to remain intact, though it lacks any sincerity.

Internally, I sneer. Reyna epitomizes insincerity—it’s frankly revolting.

“Oh, and by the way,” she continues sweetly, “it appears there’s a minor issue with the latest supply route. They’re encountering difficulties with Air Traffic Control at the border. Would you mind if we had a quick private chat?”

She feigns an innocent interest in business.

Then, her gaze settles on me, her tone shifting to one that is almost condescendingly gentle, as if she pities me.

“Gemma, you’re not exactly well-versed in the intricacies of smuggling flight logistics, are you? I mean, even if you were to eavesdrop, you’d probably find it boring. Would you mind if I borrowed Cassian for just a few minutes? You won’t be upset, will you?”

Her words ring out loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.

She really went there.

First, she insinuates that I lack knowledge about Cassian’s work. Then, she pretends to be considerate—like she’s doing me a favor—just to paint me as the jealous wife.

If I refuse her request right now, the gossiping ladies in the vicinity will undoubtedly begin their whispers behind my back.

Reyna has always made it a point to cozy up to Cassian, especially during the times when he seemed utterly indifferent to my presence.

But now? It feels as if she’s shifting her strategy.

“Don’t worry,” she assures me sweetly, her tone dripping with falsehood. “I’m not trying to take Cassian from you. He’s your man, after all.”

The emphasis she places on “your man” sends a shiver down my spine. It’s utterly repulsive.

Reyna likely believes she has me cornered—that I will either back down or appear petty in my response.

What she doesn’t anticipate, however, is for Cassian to interject. Calmly and firmly.

“Gemma isn’t an outsider,” he states, his voice steady. “If you have something to say, just say it in front of her.”

Reyna’s expression shifts to one of disbelief, as if she can’t fathom what she’s just heard.

Cassian… he just publicly defended me. Again.

Even I feel a flicker of shock at his words.

Reyna’s complexion pales, but she quickly masks her surprise with a forced smile, launching into a rambling monologue about trivial matters. Nothing that sounds remotely urgent.

Cassian’s brow furrows slightly, as if he senses that something is amiss, yet his voice remains calm.

“Next time, just speak directly to that route lead,” he advises. “There’s no need to bring it to me.”

After all, he is the boss—far too elevated in the hierarchy to be bothered with petty issues like these.

The Black family is relatively new to this level of the game. Clearly, Anna hasn’t yet grasped the unwritten etiquette rules that govern our world, especially within the criminal underbelly.

Anna’s husband was a capo for another family, and he clawed his way into the don’s inner circle.

When the don and his family were arrested during a DEA raid, Anna’s husband took over. Rumors circulated that the Blacks had a hand in that raid. But in the mafia, you never accuse someone of being a rat without hard evidence.

Still, everyone remains wary of them.

The Blacks consistently push at territorial boundaries with the Blackwells, trying to encroach as much as possible without igniting an all-out turf war. They’ve even offered to buy out contested areas, but Donovan refuses each time. He doesn’t need the money—and he certainly doesn’t trust the Blacks.

There’s nothing the Blacks can do about it, and it’s clear that Anna finally sees her opportunity to embarrass Cassian and the Blackwells, even if it’s a minor one.

Anna Black may not know much about the intricate workings of families and their enterprises, but she understands one fundamental truth: an heir is paramount.

Even I can see this isn’t the first time Anna has made such a remark.

I see through Reyna’s little setup—and I can’t help but chuckle.

She truly thought I would just accept this?

“I can understand your concern, especially since you’re trying to secure your position in this world, where everything can be taken from you in the blink of an eye. But Cassian and I don’t share that same anxiety.”

The people around us stifle their laughter, covering their mouths as the atmosphere shifts palpably.

Anna’s expression darkens, and in a huff, she storms off, still clutching her grandson.

“Mrs. Black is your elder. Don’t you think that was a bit rude?”

Amused, I turn to face the woman who just attempted to chastise me.

Lexi Steele—Reyna’s closest ally.