The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 67

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 67**

**Gemma**

I couldn’t possibly have heard that correctly.

Did Cassian really just declare that I am his wife in front of these esteemed members of the family company?

Suddenly, all eyes turn towards me, filled with a mix of respect and curiosity.

For someone so accustomed to fading into the background, this sudden spotlight feels overwhelming. I instinctively take a step back, feeling the weight of their gazes pressing down on me.

“Cassian…” I manage to utter, my voice a mere whisper.

Confusion swirls within me like a storm. What has prompted him to make such a bold statement? Why would he choose now, knowing that our relationship has a ticking clock of just a year left?

He strides over to me, his presence both reassuring and intimidating, and takes my hand in his. Addressing the room, he asserts, “Gemma and I have been married for years. I’ve kept it a secret because you all know the kind of danger my wife could be in if other families discover her identity.”

As he locks eyes with each person present, a hush falls over the room. “For now, I want to keep this within our family. I understand that word will eventually spread, but it’s high time that those who matter to us are aware of the truth.”

My heart races, and I find it hard to breathe.

Reyna’s expression is a storm cloud of fury. I’ve never witnessed her anger so raw and uncontained before, but now…

When Cassian’s gaze shifts to her, the fire in her eyes dims to a mere flicker, a secret spark that I suspect only I can perceive.

“Reyna, don’t you agree that my wife is brilliant?” Cassian asks, his tone low yet firm.

What? Is he actually defending me? To Reyna of all people?

I feel lightheaded, as if the ground beneath me might give way.

“Yes, Mr. Blackwell,” Reyna replies with a forced laugh. “I was merely jesting earlier. Naturally, I think Gemma is brilliant. She is, after all, my sister.”

A ripple of surprise passes through the engineers, their whispers weaving a tapestry of speculation.

“Wait, they’re sisters?”

“They don’t look alike at all. Perhaps just a hint in the shape of their faces?”

“She’s the sister of Mr. Blackwell’s wife…and she let us all believe she was his girlfriend?! That’s scandalous! She’s always clinging to him and kissing his cheek.”

Reyna clears her throat, a loud and deliberate sound. “All right, everyone! Let’s refocus on our work, shall we?” Her tone is bright, yet the underlying tension is palpable.

But I can still see the storm brewing in her eyes, and it sends a shiver down my spine.

Reyna’s mother poisoned my mother years ago, driving her into madness. Reyna was complicit in that horror.

Now that her plans with Cassian seem to be unraveling, what lengths might she go to in order to reclaim her power?

I swallow hard, pulling my hand away from Cassian’s grasp. “Dear,” I say through clenched teeth, “we need to discuss this later.”

How dare that little witch! I want to tear her apart!

But I can’t. Not here, not in front of everyone, and certainly not in front of Cassian. Damn her! My return was supposed to drive a wedge between them, yet it seems to have only drawn them closer.

I’ve been far too confident. I should have known that someone like Cassian would so easily throw himself at my feet.

Rhett Whitaker approaches me, another high-ranking member of the Blackwell family. He’s a friend from college, just like Cassian and Liam.

Rhett is tall and lean, with short brown hair and captivating golden-brown eyes that could make any woman swoon.

But he pales in comparison to Cassian.

“I can’t believe he did that,” Rhett says, disbelief etched on his face. “He’s kept that low-life’s daughter a secret for three years. What on earth has changed that he would reveal her now?”

“That low-life is my father too,” I snap, irritation flaring. “Or did you forget? She’s my half-sister.”

I turn my gaze away, ensuring I appear sorrowful and defeated. “I can’t fathom why Cassian would choose her over me. She’s never done anything for him.”

Rhett’s cheeks flush slightly. “I didn’t mean to insult your father. But even if she is your sister, she doesn’t deserve the attention you do. You’ve worked hard for your place. She’s just leeching off Cassian’s wealth. I thought he recognized that.”

“Thank you, Rhett,” I say softly, placing my hand on his arm, feeling a flicker of satisfaction at his words.

He glances down at my hand, his blush deepening. “So, what’s your plan for her?” he asks, curiosity glinting in his eyes.

I cast my gaze over the schematics laid out on the table, a wicked smile creeping onto my lips. “Oh… I have a few ideas.”