The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 35

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

**Chapter 35**

**Gemma**

A chill runs down my spine, a visceral reaction to the intensity of Cassian’s gaze fixed on Jace. There’s an unsettling ferocity in his eyes, a raw, almost primal hunger for violence that sends waves of fear cascading through me.

“Jace, it’s okay,” I say, stepping out from my refuge behind him, trying to project a calm I don’t truly feel. “Mr. Blackwell and I are acquainted. I appreciate your concern, but I need a moment alone with him.”

Jace hesitates, his expression a mix of uncertainty and protectiveness, weighing the choice between staying by my side or stepping away. I can see the internal struggle playing out in his eyes. Finally, he exhales slowly, nodding in reluctant agreement before retreating a few paces. The relief that washes over me is palpable, but it quickly morphs into irritation as I turn to face Cassian.

“What is it that you want?” I demand, my voice steady despite the flutter of anxiety in my chest.

He scowls, a dark cloud settling over his features. “Me? What do you want? You’re the one stalking me.”

“Actually,” I retort, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips, “I’m here on business. If you’ll kindly excuse me…”

At that moment, Reyna saunters over, a picture of casual confidence, two drinks in hand. She hands one to me, her expression unreadable. I take it, puzzled by her sudden interest in my presence.

“Gemma, seriously,” she begins, her tone dripping with condescension. “Cassian and I are only here for networking. You didn’t have to come spy on him.”

Ah, so that’s her angle. She believes I’m pathetic enough to warrant her pity, and she’s eager to flaunt it. The pitying smile she offers is almost too much to bear, as if I’m the most desperate woman she’s ever encountered.

“If you’re here to make a scene, your immaturity is putting the Blackwell family and their enterprises at risk,” she continues, her voice saccharine sweet.

With her flowing white dress and angelic demeanor, Reyna resembles a celestial being, but the anger boiling within me threatens to overflow. I could shatter the drink she handed me against the floor in a fit of rage, but I restrain myself. I won’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me lose control.

Instead, I muster a smile, equally sweet. “You wish I was here to create a scene, don’t you? But I assure you, I’m not here for you at all.”

Reyna brushes off my words, her expression suggesting that she can’t fathom a reality where I genuinely don’t care about her antics.

“If it helps you feel better, I can keep my distance from Cassian in the future. It will be challenging given our connections, but I’m sure we can make that sacrifice,” she offers, her voice laced with faux sympathy, as if she’s doing me a grand favor.

What a farcical joke.

It’s especially amusing because, despite her lofty promises, she clings to Cassian’s arm with an intensity that leaves no doubt about her intentions. Her breasts press against him, a blatant display that makes my blood boil.

I shake my head, unable to suppress the sarcasm. “You always told me you’d get Cassian away from me, didn’t you, Reyna? Congratulations. You’ve succeeded. Have fun. I need to leave.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify