**TITLE: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 220**
**Chapter 220**
**Gemma’s POV**
Zoey stands before Mikhail, her gaze sweeping over him with unmistakable contempt, as if he were a particularly unpleasant insect.
“Be cautious, darling, when you place your trust in your little gigolo. Men like him are only after one thing—your money. And if he believes for a second that he’ll see even a dime from this business again, he’s sorely mistaken. I’ll ensure that doesn’t happen.”
Before I can muster a response, Mikhail steps protectively in front of me, his arm stretched wide. He doesn’t utter a word; instead, he advances, his imposing figure commanding attention.
It’s not merely his towering height that intimidates her; it’s the undeniable authority that radiates from his military background, causing Zoey to falter and take a step back, nearly colliding with the wall behind her.
“You really think your threats have any effect on me? You should tread carefully, little girl. You’re in way over your head—”
Her face turns a furious shade of crimson. “W-What are you doing! D… don’t you dare come any closer! I’ll call security!”
In a panic, she spins around to her friend. “Haley, call the police! This man is disgusting!”
Mikhail tilts his head slightly, a mocking grin playing on his lips.
“More empty threats? Is that all you’ve got?”
Without sparing her another glance, he strides into the elevator after me. Leaning nonchalantly against the mirrored wall, his eyes glimmer with mischief, a playful spark that both unnerves and intrigues me.
“Tell me, Gemma… if I were to send those photos from the shoot to Cassian… what do you think his reaction would be? Perhaps a divorce?”
His question is posed lightly, almost humorously, yet I can sense the intensity in his gaze, searching for a flicker of panic in my expression.
“Divorce me?”
I echo his words innocently, allowing a smile to break through. “That would be just perfect!”
Mikhail’s surprise is evident, and I can’t help but fold my arms, leaning back against the elevator wall with newfound confidence.
“So, when are they planning to release those photos?”
He studies me for a moment as if I’m an unexpected riddle. “You seem a bit too excited.”
“I am!” I reply boldly, holding his gaze unwaveringly. “If those photos push him toward divorce, then you’ll be doing me a tremendous favor.”
A flicker of suspicion crosses his features; he had anticipated tears, but instead, I feel an exhilarating rush at the prospect of freedom.
The elevator dings, signaling our arrival in the parking garage.
I halt near the sleek lineup of cars, turning to Mikhail. “So, about that car you promised me.”
His expression shifts to one of disbelief. “Already impatient, are we?”
“So, about that car.”
He raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eye. “Impatient, aren’t you?”
“You made a deal! I’m not letting you back out now.”
He chuckles softly, gesturing toward the dealership office across the lot.
“What’s your choice then?”
“A Porsche 911,” I declare without hesitation.
“What color?”
“The color, hmm…?” I tap my chin, pretending to ponder. “What would you—”
“Red,” he interjects before I can complete my thought.
I glance at him, amusement bubbling up at how quickly he offers his opinion. Red is undeniably bold, a statement that demands attention. I let the idea settle in my mind before nodding decisively. “Alright. Red it is.”
He nods in satisfaction. Later, as we return to the company, I stride toward the entrance, mentally compiling a list of tasks I need to tackle before leaving.
But just as I step inside, Zoey Hunter appears, blocking my path as if she had been lying in wait, ready to pounce like a cat on its prey.
Her eyes narrow, sharp and dangerous, as if they could slice through me if given the chance.
“Well, look who’s back! Enjoying the perks of selling yourself?”
“Get out of my way.”
She doesn’t budge, instead stepping closer, invading my space.


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian)