The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 217

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**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 217**

*Mikhail’s POV*

As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm golden hue across the horizon, I step out of the office, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. I need to unwind, to shake off the tension that has built up in my chest, and without a second thought, I reach for my phone, dialing Liam before I’ve even settled into my car.

“Drinks tonight,” I state, my tone more of a command than a request, as if I’m summoning him to fulfill an obligation. There’s a brief silence on the line, a moment where I can almost hear him processing my words.

“Where?” he finally replies, curiosity lacing his voice.

In less than thirty minutes, we find ourselves nestled in the plush confines of a private lounge atop a rooftop bar, the city sprawling beneath us like a glittering tapestry. Our glasses are filled to the brim with amber liquid, the scent of aged whiskey swirling in the air. Liam, with his ever-watchful gaze, swirls his drink but hesitates to take a sip, his eyes narrowing as he studies me, perhaps trying to decipher the storm brewing within.

“I still don’t get it…” he murmurs, his brow furrowing slightly. “Is that girl really your housekeeper? And what does she have on you—”

I can’t help but smirk, leaning back into the cushioned seat as the warmth of the whiskey spreads through my chest. “Housekeeper? Is that really what you think she is?”

Liam’s expression shifts, confusion knitting his brows together. “Isn’t that what you said? That your dad has saddled you with a housekeeper to keep you in check?”

“That’s the illusion I’ve let everyone believe…” I clarify, savoring the taste of my drink as I take another sip. “The reality is far more intriguing.”

His interest is piqued, and I can see the wheels turning in his mind. “Then tell me.”

“Gemma is not just a housekeeper; she’s a cybersecurity researcher at Dream International. My father hired her to keep tabs on me, but not in the traditional sense. She’s like a high-tech mole, monitoring my every move, and so far, I haven’t managed to outsmart her.”

Liam blinks, clearly taken aback. “Cybersecurity!?”

“Don’t look so shocked. I know she doesn’t fit the stereotype,” I reply, amusement dancing in my voice.

He shakes his head, muttering under his breath, “I didn’t know she could do something like that…”

I lean forward, intrigued by his reaction. “You sound almost interested. Careful, Liam. You’ve already asked too many questions about her.”

He stiffens, defensiveness creeping into his tone. “I’m not—don’t twist my words.”

“Relax.” I pour him another drink, the ice clinking against the glass. “But it’s best if you don’t get any ideas. Whatever fantasies you might be entertaining, let them go. She’s already married to Casian, the heir to the Blackwell Group. Do you really want to entangle yourself in that kind of mess?”

Liam’s shoulders tense, and I can see the realization dawning on him. “Definitely not.”

“Good.” I swirl my whiskey, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over me.

He might not have any romantic intentions towards Gemma, but every seed of discord I plant between her and Cassian brings me one step closer to my ultimate goal. Their relationship is already strained, and when the cracks begin to widen, I’ll be right there, waiting to watch the Blackwell golden boy falter.

Time slips away in a haze of laughter and clinking glasses, and by the time the waiter arrives with the bill, our table is a chaotic mess of empty glasses and the lingering aroma of fine liquor.

Liam reaches for the bill, but I wave his hand away dismissively. “This one’s on me. It’s our first drink since my return.”

I slide my platinum card across the table, leaning back as the waiter takes it to process the payment. The machine beeps, but the sound is anything but reassuring.

“Sorry, sir. This card cannot be used.”

My smile falters, a knot tightening in my stomach. “Try again.”

He does, but the same denial echoes back.

A frown creases my brow as I toss another card onto the table. Seconds tick by, and the beep of rejection reverberates again.

“What the hell…” I mutter under my breath, my pulse quickening. The waiter’s patience begins to wane, his politeness flickering. “Sir…”

“Impossible!” I snap, shoving a fifth card towards him, desperation creeping into my voice. The waiter shakes his head, his expression apologetic yet firm.

“Sir, none of your cards are going through.”

Liam glances between us, concern etched on his face. “What’s going on, Mikhail?”

“Nothing, it must be a system error,” I reply, though my voice lacks conviction.

I grit my teeth, frustration bubbling beneath the surface, but Liam, ever the reliable friend, pulls out his own card. “It’s okay, I’ll cover it.”

My jaw tightens as I watch the payment go through, the weight of my embarrassment heavy on my shoulders.

Once outside, the chill of the evening air hits me, and I can’t help but recall Gemma’s smug warning about the spending limits on my card. Annoyance prickles beneath my skin… it has to be her doing.

*Cassian’s POV*

As I step out of my study, ready to confront Gemma, I’m met with the sound of the bolt sliding shut, the unmistakable signal that she has locked herself away in her room.