The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 50

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

**Chapter 50**

**Gemma**

“Hey. Are you all right?” Jace’s voice cuts through the ambient noise, his brow furrowed with concern.

For a moment, I assume he’s inquiring about Claire, but then I realize his gaze is fixed on my feet. A quick glance down reveals the angry red patches of skin peeking above the backs of my shoes.

With a weary sigh, I respond, “Don’t worry. I’m used to it. Every woman is.”

“That seems criminal,” Jace replies, his voice low and thoughtful.

I can’t help but chuckle softly, the sound escaping me like a fleeting breath. “If it’s criminal, I guess that means I fit in here,” I say, a hint of irony lacing my words.

His laughter warms the air between us, a soothing balm against the evening’s tension. I know my joke was weak, yet his reaction is genuine, and it lifts my spirits just a little.

“What’s funny?” a voice drips with frost, slicing through our moment. “I’d love to be in on the joke.”

I look up, my heart sinking as I spot Cassian standing there, a shadow of menace, with Reyna trailing closely behind him like a devoted shadow. It’s as if she had been chasing him and finally caught up, her expression a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

Groaning inwardly, I realize this is precisely what Claire meant when she threatened to make my life hell. Of all the people she could choose to torment me with, she certainly picked the right one.

Cassian looms over me, his presence imposing as he leans in, his lips brushing against my ear. “Do I need to remind you that we’re still not divorced? Or that your chances of getting Seaside Manor hinge on you not embarrassing me?” His tone is low and menacing, a whisper that sends a chill down my spine.

I push against his chest, forcing him to step back, my eyes narrowing as they flicker to Claire, who has now joined the fray. “Do I need to remind you of the same thing?” I shoot back, my voice sharp, filled with defiance.

Why does he surround himself with such terrible women? I can’t fathom it.

“Gemma,” Reyna interjects, her voice dripping with condescension, as if I were a wayward child in need of guidance. “Cassian and I are—”

“Let me guess,” I interject, my tone dripping with mockery. “Here on family business? You’re so uncreative, Reyna. Can’t you think of a more entertaining lie?”

I watch as she takes a step back, her expression momentarily stunned. It’s a rare victory, and I savor it.

Before Cassian can respond, the host takes the stage, announcing that it’s time for dinner. My stomach twists in frustration; I still haven’t located that elusive doctor. My irritation deepens when I see who has been assigned to the same table as me.

Claire.

Throughout dinner, she bombards me with her relentless chatter, and I do my best to tune her out. Even after the plates have been cleared, she continues her assault, trying to engage me in conversation.

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