The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 51

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 51**

**Gemma**

I can feel their gazes piercing through me, a collective weight that presses down in the crowded room. Claire’s accusation lingers in the air, sharp and stinging, as if everyone present is hanging on her every word.

“I’m sorry,” I manage to say, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. I flash what I hope is my most radiant smile, flipping my long, thick red hair over my shoulder with an air of nonchalance. “Did you just imply that I slept my way into this event?”

A small, almost amused smile dances on my lips as I cast a pitying glance her way, relishing the moment.

“I donated a necklace worth five hundred thousand dollars,” I declare, the words tasting bitter as they leave my mouth.

Even the act of stating it feels like a jab to my heart.

That money could have opened countless doors for me; it could have provided for my family in ways I can only dream of. But simply having wealth doesn’t guarantee access to the doctor I desperately need to consult, the one I thought this event might connect me with.

I took a gamble, believing that this gathering could be the key to finding a cure for my mom. Sacred Hope Hospital, despite its reputation for excellence, has yet to offer any real solutions for her condition.

I find myself repeatedly urging them to investigate the possibility of some long-ago poisoning, a theory I hold onto tightly because I know Reyna is capable of such treachery. Yet, she must have devised a way to mask her handiwork, as no trace of poison ever appears in my mother’s test results. It’s infuriating, the thought that they haven’t even tested for the right substances yet.

By now, I can tell that the onlookers have branded me as delusional.

A new doctor might have been willing to listen, but that chance has slipped away.

The situation is dire, a genuine crisis, unlike the fabricated narrative Claire has conjured in her mind.

Still, the discomfort of being accused of trading my body for favors among this crowd of morally ambiguous, gun-toting men is suffocating.

Murmurs ripple through the crowd, and Claire’s sneer deepens. “We’ll see about that! I’ve already informed security.”

I simply smile, my expression calm as I wait for the inevitable. When security finally arrives, they approach me, not Claire.

The guard, his demeanor apologetic, says, “Miss, I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding. We’ve confirmed your donation is legitimate. Thank you for your generosity. Is this woman troubling you?”

The respectful tone directed at me sends Claire’s face spiraling into a furious shade of crimson.

Around us, whispers begin to circulate.

“What is that girl doing, creating such a scene here?”

“Ha! I bet she’s just jealous. Look at that stunning woman in blue—she’s flawless!”

“Isn’t that one Cassian Blackwell’s spoiled cousin? Why is she picking on some random girl?”

I watch as Reyna falls silent, leaving Claire to flounder in the wake of her own chaos.

Claire, overwhelmed, wails and stomps her way through the crowd, making a beeline for the nearest bathroom.

As she disappears, Reyna turns to the crowd with feigned concern, saying, “My goodness. I apologize, everyone. It seems I’ve unintentionally caused a scene!”

Laughter ripples through the crowd, and they begin to disperse, leaving Reyna standing alone. I turn to her, my voice low but steady, “You know, if you keep betraying people like that, one day you might find yourself with nothing.”

The innocence never falters on Reyna’s face as she replies, “Gemma, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

And just like that, she slips away, leaving me with the remnants of the chaos she has sown.

“That was… interesting,” Jace remarks as he approaches my side.

I let out a weary sigh, my feet throbbing from standing too long, and accept his offered arm, leaning against him for support.

“Yeah,” I reply, my voice tinged with exhaustion. “I think it’s time to make our exit.”

But just as we start toward the door, a hand suddenly grabs my arm, spinning me around with surprising force.

I stifle a scream, my heart racing as I confront the unexpected turn of events.