Free Web NovelChapter 360: Chapter 144 Devastating Rejections
Gemma’s POV
Ever since Daniel, our family’s inside man in the police force, warned me about Nick being released from lockup, I had been living under strict security protocols. My routine became regimented: straight from our fortified compound to my office at Thorne Enterprises’ legitimate front, then directly back. No detours, no exposed lunch meetings. Lila had become my constant shadow, while Jude spent most of his time sulking about Nora’s reassignment to the Frost Coast operations.
That day brought a rare respite when Bee, Dominic’s mother and former wife of the underboss, invited me to lunch. I met her and Andrew at an upscale restaurant in the neutral territory near our financial district headquarters. They looked absolutely radiant together—the way Andrew treated Bee with such reverence made my heart warm, especially knowing how her disastrous first marriage to Marcus, Dominic’s father, had been so brutal.
"You two are honestly the perfect match," I announced as I approached their corner table, strategically positioned with clear sightlines to all exits.
Bee’s eyes held an unexpected vulnerability. "You really believe that, Gemma?"
"It’s not just my opinion—anyone with half a brain can see it," I replied, leaning down to kiss her cheek while discretely scanning the restaurant for potential threats.
Andrew’s weathered face creased with genuine happiness. "I couldn’t agree more with our future daughter-in-law!"
Once we were settled with our backs to the wall, Bee immediately focused on my expanding belly. "How’s my future grandchild treating you?"
"Making me raid every kitchen in the compound! Bee, I swear, nothing satisfies this appetite," I confessed, still amazed by my constant hunger.
She laughed knowingly. "Exactly how I felt carrying Dominic. Already showing the Frost family appetite, I see."
The lunch was delightful despite the underlying tension of our world. Bee mentioned she had already contacted the priest, who had connections to our family’s preferred clergy, about the wedding ceremony. We would need to complete the marriage counseling sessions, but everything was falling into place within the family’s traditional framework.
After our meal, they escorted me back toward the Thorne building, Andrew’s trained eyes constantly sweeping for surveillance. We were nearly at the secure entrance when an unwelcome voice cut through our conversation like a blade.
"Well, well, little Gemma!" Nancy’s poisonous tone made my skin crawl. She had clearly been watching, waiting for an opportunity.
I turned, fixing her with the ice-cold stare Dominic had taught me. "If it isn’t the family embarrassment. Looking to get eliminated today?" I mimicked her condescending tone with lethal precision.
"Don’t overestimate your importance in this organization," she replied with a venomous smile before shifting her predatory attention to Andrew and Bee. "My, my, look who we have here. Found another benefactor, you pathetic old relic?"
Bee’s response carried the authority of someone who had survived decades in this life. "My personal affairs are none of your concern, Nancy."
"At least you have expensive taste," Nancy purred, circling Andrew like a shark sensing blood. "The distinguished gentleman is quite appealing. Perhaps we could discuss some private business arrangements." She boldly placed her manicured fingers on Andrew’s expensive suit jacket.
Without hesitation, Andrew seized her wrist and forcefully removed her hand. "That will never happen. I don’t conduct business with bottom-feeders like yourself. I already have perfection beside me, and I have zero interest in the cheap entertainment that appeals to degenerates like you and that disgraced exile Marcus."
I nearly applauded. Nancy stood frozen, clearly not expecting such a direct rejection from what she assumed was easy prey. Bee’s face bloomed with a smile that radiated pure satisfaction—vindication and delight at watching her man put this parasite firmly in her place. But Nancy wasn’t someone who accepted defeat gracefully.
"You’ll reconsider, handsome," she winked at Andrew with practiced seduction. "Want to know why? Because I’m young, my body is tight and available—everything a dried-up old woman can’t provide. I perform services both in business and pleasure that she couldn’t even comprehend."
My patience finally shattered. "Please, you’ve serviced more men than a downtown working girl! Which gutter did you crawl out of today? You’re nothing but trash wrapped in designer knockoffs."
"You are extraordinarily cheap," Andrew added with visible disgust. "Don’t waste your breath. All you inspire in me is contempt, revulsion, and the desire to have you removed from my sight. Come, darling, let’s get Gemma to safety and check on the boys at headquarters."
"Goodbye, family parasite," I smiled sweetly at Nancy as we prepared to leave. Andrew had absolutely destroyed her with the efficiency of a seasoned operator.
As we walked toward the building’s security checkpoint, I noticed a dangerous glint in Bee’s eyes that told me she wasn’t finished. She paused, turned to face Nancy who remained planted on the sidewalk, and delivered her final strike.
"I almost forgot to express my gratitude," she called back. Nancy’s face twisted in confusion. "Thank you for taking that perverted waste Marcus off my hands. It’s truly the greatest service anyone has ever provided me." With that declaration, Bee turned with regal dignity and continued walking arm-in-arm with Andrew, the picture of triumphant elegance.
Back in the secure conference room, I grabbed coffee with Lila and Ivy while video-calling Zoe to share the encounter.
"You should have witnessed Dominic’s mother in action! She demolished that snake with such class," I recounted with obvious pride. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
"I would have paid serious money to see Bee put that viper in her place," Zoe laughed from her surveillance post. "But Gemma, that’s not our only problem brewing."
"I know, Dominic mentioned Beatrix showed up at your surveillance location," I said, remembering our morning briefing.
"She waltzed in bold as brass, acting like she still had clearance. And your fiancé? Such a coward—practically hiding behind me, pushing me forward to handle his mess." Zoe could barely contain her amusement.
"I still don’t understand why she claimed she was there to support Dominic’s operations," I mused, genuinely confused.
"That puzzled me too. But listen carefully—stay on high alert. That witch isn’t as harmless as she pretends. She specifically threatened that your wedding won’t happen." Zoe’s warning immediately sobered the room.
"Speaking of the ceremony..." Ivy leaned forward with anticipation. ƒreewebɳovel.com
"Oh! I almost forgot to update you—I secured appointments at the exclusive bridal boutique," Zoe announced excitedly. "For our entire inner circle. Where’s Ruby?"
"In a strategy meeting with Scott and the financial team," Lila responded.
"Well, inform her we’re hitting the boutique this weekend. Gemma, unfortunately Nora won’t make it back for the wedding," Zoe informed me, and my heart sank slightly. "What are you planning to do about Jude?"
"I’ll figure something out. This caught me off guard," I admitted. Perhaps one of the Thorne family daughters could step in—we had excellent relationships with them, and they brought such positive energy to family gatherings.
We spent the next several minutes coordinating wedding security details. Ivy and Zoe were handling all arrangements for me—I would express my preferences, and they would execute them with military precision. Those two formed an unstoppable team that would make any professional event coordinator envious.
