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!”

could you pin this on me? Are you brain–damaged from the smoke?” Lily persisted, “Who

broke into my locker? Cina’s eyes narrowed.

Lily boasted, “And what if I did?”

retorted with icy disdain, “Thief,”

flushed. “Who cares about the

some dark pills, two mysterious bottles, and a few books… She acts like they’re a treasure, Lily

to call the

you doing?” Lily blurted out.

d

Tue, 21 May

Chapter 4

replied,

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

absurd accusation, mentally scoffing at Lily’s ignorance.

Lily tried to grab her phone but failed. Frustrated and

step, Jack said with a respectful tone, guiding the way. His expression soured when he spotted Gina and Lily in the aftermath. “What are you doing here? This area is dangerous, didn’t you know?”

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

and devastatingly handsome looks, Gabriel was a

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

something! Gina’s locker contained two cans of some

concerned, called out, “Gina,

well–acquainted. Yet, she felt an unusual warmth in his gaze. Am

this I hear from

of medicine, not explosives. While we’re at it, could

interest piqued, “You’re sick?”

sudden concern, replied, “No, I’m