The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 197

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 197**

**Chapter 197**

**Gemma’s POV**

I fix my gaze on Mikhail, unwavering and resolute, just moments after he has thrown down his challenge like a gauntlet. His sharp, eagle-like eyes bore into mine, expecting to see a flicker of doubt or hesitation, but I refuse to give him that satisfaction.

“Fine!” I declare, a cool smile spreading across my lips, masking the whirlwind of emotions inside me. “I accept your challenge.”

On the surface, it seems effortless to maintain my composure, especially as I catch the brief flicker of surprise on his face, as if he hadn’t anticipated my agreement at all.

Yet internally, I’m already calculating the stakes: Mr. Smith has promised me a monthly salary that would make most people’s jaws drop—half a million dollars, with the added freedom to take on side projects. It’s not something a sane person would toss aside just because her so-called boss is a tempestuous jerk who can’t seem to manage his moods.

The truth is, I never wanted to relinquish this job. That would be sheer folly, especially when it provides me with everything I need—a financial lifeline so robust it could pull me out of the quagmire that Cassian has dragged me into.

I simply wish to find a more strategic way to deal with the insufferable jerk who monopolizes my weekdays and disrupts my peace during the nights.

—

As I step into the hotel suite, the soft murmur of voices greets me, causing me to pause at the threshold.

Cassian is sprawled across the sofa, his phone propped up as he engages in a call. The moment I hear the other voice, I recognize it instantly—warm and gravelly, it feels like a command cloaked in friendly suggestion: Donovan Blackwell.

Before I can take more than a few cautious steps, hoping to slip by unnoticed, Cassian shifts the phone slightly, and the camera catches me mid-stride, my bag still clutched in my hand. Despite my silent plea to remain unseen, Grandpa’s keen gaze finds me immediately.

His eyes light up at the sight of me. “Gemma!” he booms through the speaker, his voice suddenly infused with warmth. “There’s my girl! Don’t just hover in the doorway; come here, let me see you properly.”

His tone is gentle yet commanding, and I feel an invisible force pulling me closer. I force my feet to move, standing stiffly beside Cassian’s chair, my body leaning slightly against his shoulder, fitting into the frame.

“Grandpa, hello! How are you doing now?” I manage to say, trying to sound cheerful despite the tension in the air.

His face softens as he gazes at me, the affection evident in his eyes.

“Gemma, my dear, you don’t need to worry about me. Just tell me, is Nassau treating you well? It’s beautiful, isn’t it? My grandson is keeping you happy, I hope?”

I glance at Cassian, whose expression is frozen in a mask of polite attention, his demeanor unreadable.

“It’s paradise! Just like a slice of heaven on Earth,” I reply, the words flowing out smoothly, even though I know I’m lying through my teeth.

“Excellent! You look really well; the tropical sun suits you so much. If you truly like it there, then you two should extend your stay for a few more days, at least. Just relax and unwind; there’s no point in rushing back to the chaos of your ordinary life,” he suggests, his voice warm and inviting.

I step further into the room, setting my bag down carefully. “I’d love to, but my mother’s still in the hospital. She needs me—”

It’s my safest excuse; who would question someone with a sick mother?

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