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!”

me? Are you brain–damaged from the smoke?” Lily persisted, “Who knows what those two dark bottles in

into my locker? Cina’s

“And what if I

with icy disdain, “Thief,”

flushed. “Who cares about the trash in your locker?”

medical bag, some dark pills, two mysterious bottles, and a few books… She acts like

fed up, decided to call

are you

d

Tue, 21 May R

Chapter 4

Gina replied, her

Bet you started the fire, your sicko, seeking revenge! Those dark bottles had to be gasoline,

almost burst into laughter at the absurd accusation, mentally scoffing at Lily’s ignorance. She found it pointless to explain.

stop Gina from calling the police, Lily tried to grab her phone but failed. Frustrated and embarrassed, she

the way. His expression soured when he spotted Gina and Lily

felt her heart skip a beat when the brick she was holding dropped to the ground. Turning around, the first person she noticed

cold as ice and devastatingly handsome

Mr. Jackson here? His last

Gina’s locker contained two cans of

now concerned, called out, “Gina, stop

Gina 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.

this I hear from Lily?”

While we’re at it, could

interest piqued, “You’re

concern, replied, “No, I’m fine.”