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, who had even gone as

to cut them off for good, she thought.

was curt. [Tonight. Scrumptuous Delights, room

preferences, right down to the excessive cilantro in every dish, despite

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

with a look of disdain, said, “As if we will let her off that easily. She has been nothing but a jinx to us

James thought, ‘Just my luck, dealing with Gina only brings trouble

Tue, 21 May

Chapter 5

concealing her smugness, chimed in, “Mom,

can I let you face her alone? What if she lashes out? You’ve already

of her

to appear noble, Olivia replied, “Don’t worry, mom. Remember, the fortune teller said I’m blessed. I can handle her curse. Let me deal with this,”

heart ached, wishing more than ever Olivia was her own. Fate’s cruel jokes. She sighed.

doesn’t even spare Liam. Who knows what she’s capable of? We’re all going tonight, see what this brat is plotting!” Noah declared

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

suppress her

tensed, asking, “What’s wrong, dear?

go rest up in my room.” Olivia feigned weakness, making her way

Go rest,” Ella said softly, watching Olivia go with tender

“Olivia, you have to help me take

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

Gina.

so Olivia just assumed

like Jack.

a scoff, Olivia said, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. I won’t even have to lift a finger. Just do what

getting the plan, a smug grin took over her

the roadside, cursing, “Gina, you bitch, your