The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 258

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 258**

**Chapter 258**

**Gemma’s POV**

The atmosphere in the room is thick with an oppressive silence, the kind that suffocates any lingering hope of comfort. It weighs heavily on my chest, but I muster the strength to break it. Surprisingly, my voice emerges steadier than the turmoil swirling inside me.

“This entire debacle is my responsibility, so I will take charge. I will rectify the misinformation circulating online and ensure that the Blackwell family suffers no further fallout from this.”

Natalie immediately scoffs, her lips twisting into that all-too-familiar, condescending smirk. “You? And who on earth would take your word for anything? Gemma, this is a serious situation. Even if your intentions are noble, you could end up making things far worse.”

Her disdain is palpable, etched across her features just as it always is when she looks at me. Between her and Sybille, at least Sybille is forthright with her animosity. Natalie, on the other hand, conceals her claws beneath a façade of sweetness that decays the moment she opens her mouth.

Sybille interjects, “Cassian, you mentioned planning a press conference this evening to clarify Claire’s predicament, right? That’s a step in the right direction! Regardless of our differences, Claire is your cousin. As her older brother, you must take the lead to restore her reputation—”

I jerk my head up at her words, my heart racing. Older brother?

“It’s too much trouble!”

Ben reclines casually against the sofa, his voice smooth yet laced with venom, mirroring the expression on his sister’s face.

“Sister, you should understand that Cassian has no desire to get tangled in this mess. He’s never been close to the family. Businessmen like him weigh risks against rewards, and it’s only logical for him to act accordingly.”

Every syllable that escapes his lips is a calculated attempt to deepen the fissures within this family, to turn us against one another.

On the couch, Claire hastily wipes away her fresh tears, mascara streaking down her cheeks like dark rivers.

“Please,” she pleads, desperation etched into her voice as she shifts her gaze from Cassian to Grandpa. “You have to help me. If you don’t speak up, no one will believe me! I never imagined that surveillance video would get out…”

Her whining grates on my nerves, and I feel my fists clench tightly on my knees. Despite my rising frustration, I manage to keep my tone steady as I finally respond, “Don’t you think that video looks anything but like legitimate surveillance footage? Claire, you didn’t go for that massage alone, did you?”

Her head snaps up, eyes wide with shock. For a fleeting moment, she’s rendered speechless, but then understanding dawns on her face like a lightning bolt. “No, I wasn’t alone! Reyna went with me!”

Her revelation sends shockwaves through the room.

According to her account, two people entered, yet only one appeared in the footage? The setup couldn’t be more blatant.

Claire freezes, then gasps as the pieces finally fall into place in her mind. “Mom, it was Reyna! She set me up! She must have recorded that video!”

Sybille’s expression contorts with anger, her fury palpable.

I can almost visualize the betrayal etching deeper lines into her face. While she had looked down on Reyna, she had at least considered her polished and respectable compared to the daughter-in-law they were burdened with.

Now, her daughter is accusing Reyna of throwing her under the bus.

“Gemma, that Reyna… she’s your sister, isn’t she?”

Finally, Grandpa breaks the silence. “Gemma, how do you plan to handle this?”

I glance at him, determination settling within me. “Grandpa, don’t worry. I can tackle anything that comes my way! I’ll inform you once I figure it out.”

He chuckles, the sound warm and reassuring. “That’s the spirit.”

I’m taken aback by how pleased he seems. Years ago, when I was battling debt collectors to shield my mother,

Before I can say anything more, Cassian suddenly stands beside me, subtly shielding me with his shoulder.

“She’s not in this alone. I’ll hold a press conference later to clear her name and let everyone know that all those rumors are nothing but lies.”

My head whips toward him, breath catching in my throat. He said ‘her name.’ Did he really mean me?

For a heartbeat, the entire family stares at him, stunned into silence. Cassian, who rarely defends anyone—let alone me—is now making a declaration as if he’s about to plant a flag on the moon on his way back from the office.

As we finally step outside Blackwell Manor together, the air feels a little lighter, the weight of the world lifting just slightly. I glance at him, unable to restrain myself. “What do you plan to say at the press conference?”

He doesn’t hesitate, as if he’s already mapped it out in his mind. “I’ll tell the truth: you and those men are not involved in any capacity. Nor did you marry me for my money… that’s all they need to know.”

I study his face, searching for any sign of doubt, a flicker of uncertainty. But he’s resolute.

Cassian exudes a certainty that leaves me breathless, igniting a flicker of hope within me.