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!”

there. How could you pin this on me? Are you brain–damaged from the smoke?” Lily persisted, “Who knows what those two

my locker? Cina’s eyes

Lily boasted, “And what

retorted with icy disdain,

about the trash in your

dark pills, two mysterious bottles, and a few books… She

up, decided to call the

hell are you doing?” Lily blurted out.

d

21

Chapter 4

thief, Gina replied, her tone frosty.

the fire, your sicko, seeking revenge! Those dark bottles had to be

mentally scoffing at Lily’s ignorance. She

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

when he spotted

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

handsome looks,

His last visit

rushed to Jack, blurting out, “Mr. Baker, I need to report something! Gina’s locker contained two cans of some unknown liquid, possibly flammable or explosive. I suspect she is behind

called out, “Gina, stop right

They had crossed paths before, but weren’t well–acquainted. Yet, she felt an unusual

from Lily?” Jack demanded.

coolly responded, “They’re just bottles of medicine, not explosives. While we’re at it, could you also look into

interest piqued, “You’re sick?”

sudden concern, replied,