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!”

from the smoke?” Lily persisted, “Who knows what those two dark bottles in your closet were? Probably something

locker? Cina’s eyes narrowed.

boasted, “And what if

with icy

“Who cares about the trash in your

bottles, and a few books… She

to call the cops.

are you doing?” Lily blurted

d

21 May

Chapter 4

a thief, Gina replied, her tone

“You’re the real thief! Bet you started the fire, your

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

failed. Frustrated and embarrassed, she picked up a brick from the ground, ready to hurl it at Gina.

soured when he

the brick she was holding dropped to the ground. Turning around, the

handsome looks, Gabriel was a sight to

here? His last

chance, Lily 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

now concerned, called out, “Gina,

Gabriel’s. They had crossed paths before, but weren’t well–acquainted. Yet, she

hear from Lily?” Jack

While we’re at it, could you also look into Lily’s

interest piqued, “You’re sick?”

puzzled by his sudden concern, replied, “No, I’m