When She Stops Playing Nice

Chapter 5

Gina looked down on Lily, who was crying her eyes out. She knew well Lily’s tears weren’t about remorse but fear of punishment.

With a cold laugh, Gina commanded, “Scram.”

‘Idiot, Gina thought, unwilling to waste another second on her.

Lily scrambled away, too flustered to even greet Jack as she made her exit.

Gina glanced at Gabriel and said coolly, Thanks. Goodbye.”

“Need a ride?” Gabriel’s gaze was fixed solely on Gina as if she were the only one in the world.

Gina felt uneasy under Gabriel’s unexplained eagerness, thinking. ‘Mr. Jackson, suddenly playing the good Samaritan? Doesn’t quite fit.

“No, thanks,” she replied.

No sooner had Gina declined than Gabriel whipped out a business card, gently grabbing her hand and placing the card in her palm.

*Call me for anything. Gabriel offered, his voice soft.

Jack watched in disbelief, internally marveling. I can’t even snag Mr. Jackson’s direct line. Is he into her or something”

Despite her reluctance to owe anyone anything, Gina didn’t want to snub Gabriel in front of others, so she accepted the card.

Gabriel’s gaze lingered on Gina’s retreating figure until she vanished from sight.

He felt a sense of relief that Gina appeared unharmed.

finally had a moment to check her phone, only to find it bombarded with annoying messages from the Millers, who had even gone as far as changing their numbers to harass

getting ridiculous. Time to cut

was curt. [Tonight. Scrumptuous Delights,

family reunion dinner, tailored to Olivia’s preferences, right down to the excessive cilantro in every dish,

replies. She wants us at Scrumptuous Delights. Thinks a dinner can smooth

if we will let her off that easily. She has been nothing but a

the subsequent tire fiasco, James thought, ‘Just my luck, dealing

Tue, 21

Chapter 5

chimed in, “Mom, bro, let me handle

worried, protested, “Honey, how can I let you face her alone? What if

of her

said I’m blessed. I can handle

than ever Olivia was her own.

Liam. Who knows what she’s capable of? We’re all going tonight, see what this brat is plotting!” Noah declared fiercely.

protective as ever, reassured Olivia. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I won’t let her humiliate you.

suppress her glee,

“What’s wrong, dear? Are you feeling

mom. I’ll go rest up in my room.” Olivia feigned weakness, making her

said softly, watching

her room, Olivia got a call from Lily. “Olivia, you have to help me take down that bitch Gina!”

Lily’s stupidity for getting caught red–handed by a trustee during her attempt

Gina.

just assumed it was some old guy

like Jack.

small stuff. I won’t

getting the plan, a smug grin took over

Lily was at the roadside, cursing, “Gina, you bitch, your ass is