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.

to find it bombarded with annoying messages from the Millers,

ridiculous. Time to cut them off for good, she thought.

was curt. [Tonight. Scrumptuous

their so–called family reunion dinner, tailored to Olivia’s preferences, right down to the excessive cilantro

thigh. “The bitch finally replies. She wants us at Scrumptuous Delights. Thinks

disdain, said, “As if we will let her off that easily. She has been

tire fiasco, James thought, ‘Just

Tue, 21

Chapter 5

barely concealing her smugness, chimed in, “Mom, bro, let me handle Gina

visibly worried, protested, “Honey, how can I let you face her alone? What if she lashes out? You’ve

of her

appear noble, Olivia replied, “Don’t worry, mom. Remember, the fortune teller said I’m blessed. I can

ever Olivia was her own. Fate’s cruel jokes.

spare Liam. Who knows what she’s capable of? We’re all going tonight, see what

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

to suppress her glee,

“What’s wrong, dear? Are

up in my room.” Olivia feigned weakness,

Ella said softly, watching Olivia go

a call from Lily. “Olivia, you have to

for getting caught red–handed by

Gina.

any names, so Olivia just assumed it

like Jack.

Olivia said, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. I won’t even have to lift a

all ears, and after getting the plan, a smug

the roadside, cursing, “Gina,