The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 131

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 131**

**Chapter 131**

**Gemma**

As I stand at the auction, I carefully hand over the painting to the organizers, my heart racing with anticipation.

The moment they examine its value, their eyes widen in recognition, and they accept it without a second thought.

With both Donovan and Cassian publicly acknowledging my identity, the air buzzes with the knowledge that I am now the wife of the future don of the Blackwell syndicate. My contribution—a painting of significant worth—ensures that the organizers are eager to showcase me. Naturally, they seat me right at the front, where all eyes can easily fall upon me.

As I make my way to my designated seat, I catch sight of Reyna and Lexi Steele.

Lexi, with her model-like poise, thrives in the spotlight of events like this.

What a twist of fate—my seat happens to be right beside theirs.

“The nerve of some people, showing up here as if they belong,” Lexi sneers, her voice dripping with disdain. “Isn’t it amusing how some women marry into wealth and suddenly think they matter, even though they’re just housewives?”

Her words hang in the air, laced with sarcasm.

Cassian isn’t present to defend me, and Reyna merely smiles, her eyes glimmering with delight at the unfolding drama.

I raise an eyebrow, suppressing a chuckle.

“What’s so wrong with being a housewife, Lexi? Are you really looking down on them now? You think they don’t deserve hobbies or a social life? Funny, considering your own mother has been one for over a decade. Do you look down on her too?”

I relish the opportunity to put Lexi in her place, especially in front of an audience—tonight is no exception.

“People love to claim that men earn money to support their families. But really, how could they do that without the women managing everything at home? Nobody ever acknowledges the hard work that goes into raising a family—diapers, sleepless nights, crying children, the chaos of it all.”

I fix Lexi with a cold stare.

“But you wouldn’t know a thing about that kind of life, would you, Miss Steele?”

Her expression shifts slightly, perhaps realizing the weight of my words.

“You’re so modern, right? Jet-setting around the world with your boyfriend while his wife is left to be the housewife at home. How progressive of you. I suppose freedom feels much sweeter when someone else bears the burden.”

Most people are oblivious to the fact that Lexi has already shattered someone else’s relationship.

But I’m not just anyone—I’m a hacker. There’s nothing I don’t know.

Her complexion pales, panic flickering in her eyes as if she fears I might expose her secrets.

Reyna, seated beside her, remains silent, but her silence speaks volumes.

I’ve made it clear that Reyna has meddled in my relationship with Cassian too. Together, she and Lexi are cut from the same cloth—homewreckers in their own right.

If Reyna had leapt to Lexi’s defense just now, it would have confirmed her complicity.

Neither of them utter a word.

I’ve already claimed victory.

As the auction progresses, I keep my gaze fixed on one painting in particular—the one Donovan admires. I ignore the rest, my focus unwavering.

The artist may not be renowned, but the talent shines through.

When this specific painting is introduced, few paddles are raised.

I manage to secure it without much competition.

Reyna shoots me a glance, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

But when my painting is unveiled for auction, her expression transforms; her eyes sparkle with intrigue.

She listens intently as the host narrates the story behind it, visibly moved. Then, with determination, she raises her paddle to bid.

Turning to me, she whispers, “Now this is a painting, Gemma. That one you bought earlier? Not really worth the price.”

Is she implying she appreciates my painting?

The host announces the opening bid, and Reyna swiftly raises her paddle again.

Suddenly, I feel a surge of interest myself and lift mine as well.

Each bid escalates the price by ten thousand dollars.

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