When She Stops Playing Nice

Chapter 4

Inside the car, Gabriel watched James through the rearview mirror, a chilling intent surfacing in his otherwise indifferent eyes. ‘Was James really about to run Gina over?‘ he mused.

His eyes narrowed dangerously as he coldly commanded his assistant, David Gray. “Find an opportunity to deal with James.”

“Got it,” David replied.

As the Rolls Royce pulled up at the entrance of Trowell University, the principal, Jack Barker, spotting the familiar license plate, quickly put on a flattering smile to greet him. “Mr. Jackson! What a surprise.”

Gabriel, expressionless, stepped out and cut straight to the chase. “What’s the status of the dorm fire investigation?”

Jack tensed, realizing the gravity of Gabriel’s unexpected interest. He knew he had to get this right or risk his position.

Mopping his brow, Jack nervously said, “Mr. Jackson, our fire safety checks are rigorous and up to date. It’s likely a student brought in something flammable. We’re looking into it.”

Gabriel, eyes downcast, suspected the fire targeting Gina’s dorm was no accident. “Let’s check out the scene,” he suggested. “Oh, right, of course,” Jack stammered, leading the way.

Elsewhere, Gina stared at her dorm’s charred remains, a pang of loss hitting her. All her belongings turned to ash while she was out cold in the hospital.

“Gina!” A sharp female voice called out.

Gina turned to see Lily Allen, one of her roommates and a flunky for Olivia. Given Lily’s association with Olivia, she had always looked for ways to trouble Gina,

Gina, uninterested in entertaining Olivia’s lackey, attempted to leave, but Lily persisted.

Confronting Gina, Lily accused, “Just like Olivia said, you’re a curse. The fire started in our dorm. I nearly died because of

you!”

you brain–damaged from the smoke?” Lily persisted, “Who knows what those two

into my locker? Cina’s eyes

boasted, “And what

with icy disdain,

flushed. “Who cares about

a few books… She acts like they’re a treasure, Lily

to call the

are you doing?” Lily blurted

d

Tue, 21

Chapter 4

thief, Gina replied, her tone

started the fire, your sicko,

scoffing at Lily’s ignorance. She found it pointless to

grab her phone but failed. Frustrated and embarrassed, she picked up a brick from the ground, ready to

when he spotted Gina and Lily in the aftermath. “What are you

she was holding dropped to the ground. Turning around, the first person she noticed was Gabriel,

and devastatingly handsome looks, Gabriel was

fluttered. ‘Why is Mr. Jackson here? His last visit during the school anniversary caused

rushed to Jack, blurting out, “Mr. Baker, I need to report something! Gina’s locker contained two cans of some unknown liquid,

now concerned, called out, “Gina, stop right there!”

turned, her gaze met Gabriel’s. They had crossed paths before, but weren’t well–acquainted. Yet, she felt an unusual warmth in his gaze. Am I imagining things?‘ she thought, brushing it off.

hear from

of medicine, not explosives. While we’re at it, could you also look into Lily’s attempt to steal?”

piqued, “You’re

his sudden concern, replied,