The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 201

**Title: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth**
**by Eli Dane**
**Chapter 201**

**Gemma’s POV**

Cassian’s voice is sharp, the kind of tone that slices through the air, but Mikhail appears blissfully unaware, his demeanor entirely unruffled. Even in the flickering glow of the dim candlelight, his sunglasses remain firmly in place, a barrier that shields him from the world and adds to his cocky charm. A lazy grin stretches across his lips as he turns his attention back to me, that infuriating half-smile lingering like a stubborn shadow.

“Oh, I see,” he drawls, his voice dripping with nonchalance. “Well, your anxiety isn’t my concern. I’m only here for her. And Miss Moonlight…! Where have you vanished to? My father nearly had a heart attack worrying about you, so I had to drop by in person!”

Cassian’s gaze is laser-focused on Mikhail, and I can practically feel the tension in the room crackling like static electricity. It coils around us, thick and palpable, making the air feel heavy.

“Excuse me!” Cassian’s voice rises, sharp and demanding. “We were just having our dinner. Do you mind giving us a little privacy?”

He snaps the words like a whip, but Mikhail leans in just a fraction closer, enough to make me squirm in my seat, discomfort washing over me.

“Oh, you can continue your dinner. I’m not speaking to you anyway, so tell me! What will it take for you to shut up, rookie?”

A wave of anger crashes over me, palpable and furious, but Mikhail seems utterly unfazed. He turns his attention back to me, that smirk still playing on his lips, as if he’s enjoying this little game far too much.

“She and I have something to discuss…”

I straighten in my chair, urgency coursing through me. I adopt a tone I know sounds authoritative, even as my heart races like a wild stallion.

“The cooperation with Dream International hinges on my return to my country. There must be some misunderstanding because, at this point, there is no need for contact.”

I emphasize the last part, striving to maintain an air of professionalism, though inside, I’m a whirlwind of anxiety. Mikhail, however, merely chuckles softly, a sound that sends a shiver down my spine.

“No need, huh? Did you forget that you haven’t passed the test yet?”

He states it loudly and deliberately, as if he is reminding me while simultaneously announcing it to Cassian, who is still glaring daggers at him.

“Let her go!”

But Mikhail only tightens his grip, a vice-like hold that sends a shiver of panic through me. Just before we step out, he turns his head slightly, slowing his pace for a moment, the threat hanging in the air, precise yet merciless. I grit my teeth, forcing myself to keep walking, my heart pounding in my chest.

Mikhail glances back, a wicked glint in his eye as he flashes Cassian a taunting wave through the French window, like a cat toying with its prey, savoring the moment before the inevitable.

“Not… not being paraded around like an—”

“Like what?” he interrupts smoothly, tilting his head slightly, that infuriating grin still plastered on his face. “Decoration? Arm candy? Companion? Partner in crime? Call it whatever you like. This is my test. Pass it, and we’ll move on.”

I inhale deeply, forcing myself to meet his gaze, the challenge in his eyes igniting a spark of defiance within me. “Fine, I’ll go.”

He leans back slightly, arms crossed, still grinning like a cat that’s just caught a canary, that infuriating look of someone who believes he has already won. “Oh, it’ll be fun… you’ll see!”