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 dark

into my locker? Cina’s eyes narrowed.

boasted, “And what

icy disdain,

about

bottles, and a few books…

to

you doing?”

d

Tue, 21 May R

Chapter 4

replied, her tone frosty.

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

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

phone but failed. Frustrated and embarrassed, she

he spotted Gina and Lily in the aftermath. “What are you doing here? This area is dangerous, didn’t

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

as ice and devastatingly handsome looks, Gabriel was a sight to behold.

His last visit

Gina’s locker contained two cans of some unknown liquid, possibly flammable

called out, “Gina, stop

she felt an unusual warmth in his gaze. Am I imagining

from Lily?” Jack demanded.

While we’re at it, could you also

interest piqued, “You’re sick?”

by his sudden concern, replied,