The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 123

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

**Chapter 123**

Gemma

Naturally, the cunning mafia boss has his own set of demands.

“Shouldn’t I get a reward or something?” he says with a smug grin, as if he’s just cracked the world’s most amusing joke. “I mean, I am helping your friend.”

Unbelievable.

I turn my back to him, feeling the conversation reach its endpoint.

Perhaps he saw through my little act from the very beginning, playing the fool just to toy with my emotions.

His gaze remains fixed on me, scrutinizing my every gesture, and it only fuels my irritation further.

“What are you looking at?” I snap, my voice sharper than intended.

His eyes bore into me, and the intensity of his stare only serves to aggravate me more.

“I never realized your expressions were this… fascinating when you’re angry or frustrated,” he remarks, his tone laced with an unexpected curiosity.

I watch him, taken aback by his own words, as if they’ve escaped his lips without his permission.

This is a first for us.

Since the day we exchanged vows, I’ve maintained a frigid demeanor towards him, sticking to the mundane—waiting for him to return home, asking if he was tired, thirsty, or hungry—just the dull, robotic questions that felt like a chore.

But now? Now I’ve pushed back. I’ve joked, I’ve snapped, and somehow, he’s starting to find me intriguing?

What a ridiculous notion!

“Well,” he shrugs, a hint of softness in his voice, “I already said I’d help your friend. I won’t go back on that.”

I clear my throat, trying to mask the discontent rising within me. “But why? You don’t even know her.”

“I just want to maintain peace between us. Don’t overthink it.”

His words hit me like a cold splash of water, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment.

So that’s it? He’s pretending to care just to keep the peace?

At that moment, a group of business associates approaches, eager to greet Cassian. He casually drapes his arm around my waist as if it’s the most natural gesture in the world, a move that feels both familiar and foreign.

In a bid to protect his pride, I play along, but my anger simmers beneath the surface.

I can’t resist the urge to sneak my hand behind his back and pinch his waist, hard.

Cassian flinches slightly, his brows knitting together for just a moment as he leans forward, caught off guard.

I don’t hold back; if I could, I would squeeze the very breath out of him.

Yet he continues to play his role, unfazed by my actions. Is he out of his mind?

In the past, even the slightest touch would have sent him into a rage—just a hand on his back would have ignited a firestorm.

“Gemma,” Kane says, his voice warm and inviting, “back when you were with Blackwell Industries, I always believed you had immense potential. As luck would have it, I currently have a project in the works. If you’re interested, perhaps we could discuss it?”

I blink in astonishment, caught off guard by his unexpected offer.

I hadn’t anticipated Kane would extend such an invitation—just like that.

He’s a significant player in the industry, someone whose projects are coveted by many.

He doesn’t need partners, and he certainly doesn’t need me.

But this… this is the first time he’s personally invited someone to join one of his endeavors.

That speaks volumes.

My heart races at the prospect—this could be a genuine opportunity, a chance for something profitable.

“Thank you, Mr. Butler. If I’m deemed qualified enough to be part of the team, I assure you I’ll give it my all,” I reply, my voice steady despite the excitement bubbling within.

“Don’t doubt that. Honestly, I can’t think of anyone better suited. That said…” Kane’s tone shifts slightly, “this project may expand internationally. If that happens, you’ll need to coordinate with Mr. Blackwell.”

Perfect! The idea of working overseas excites me.

Escaping this place, starting anew in another country? That sounds absolutely thrilling.

But before I can articulate my enthusiasm, Cassian, who has been standing silently beside me, suddenly interjects, his voice low and clipped.

“Appreciate the offer, Mr. Butler,” he states firmly, “but my wife just quit her job. We’re trying to start a family, so she likely won’t be joining your company.”