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.

until later that Gina finally had a moment to check her phone, only to find it bombarded with annoying messages from the Millers, who had even gone as

to cut them off for

[Tonight. Scrumptuous Delights,

right down to the excessive cilantro in every

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

if we will let her off that

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

Tue, 21

Chapter 5

“Mom,

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

of her

Remember, the fortune teller said I’m blessed.

more than ever Olivia was her own.

you’re not up for dealing with that menace. She doesn’t even spare Liam. Who knows what she’s capable of? We’re all going tonight,

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I won’t let

to suppress her

“What’s wrong, dear? Are you feeling

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

Ella said softly, watching Olivia go with tender eyes.

Olivia got a call from Lily. “Olivia, you have to

stupidity for getting caught red–handed by a trustee during

Gina.

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

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

up, Lily was at the roadside, cursing, “Gina, you bitch,