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.

a moment to check her phone, only to find it bombarded with annoying messages from the Millers, who had even

is getting ridiculous. Time to cut

[Tonight. Scrumptuous

to the excessive cilantro in every

mansion, James slapped his thigh. “The bitch finally replies. She wants us at Scrumptuous Delights. Thinks a dinner can smooth things over?”

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

near–miss with Gabriel and the subsequent tire fiasco, James thought, ‘Just my luck, dealing with Gina

Tue, 21 May D

Chapter 5

smugness, chimed in, “Mom, bro,

“Honey, how can I let you face her alone?

of her once.”

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

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

dealing with that menace. She doesn’t even spare Liam. Who knows what she’s capable of? We’re

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

suppress her

“What’s wrong, dear?

I’ll go rest up in my room.” Olivia

said softly, watching Olivia go

“Olivia, you have to help

getting caught red–handed

Gina.

didn’t drop any names, so Olivia just assumed it was

like Jack.

the small stuff. I won’t even have to

all ears, and after getting the plan, a smug grin took over her face. “Got it.”

Lily was at the roadside, cursing,