When She Stops Playing Nice (Hale Saxon)

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. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

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.

It wasn’t 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 far as changing their numbers to harass her.

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

Her reply was curt. [Tonight. Scrumptuous Delights, room 0826.]

Scrumptuous Delights was the restaurant that the Miller family had chosen for their so– called family reunion dinner, tailored to Olivia’s preferences, right down to the excessive cilantro in every dish, despite Cina’s disdain for it. Gina had barely touched her food that day, not that anyone cared.

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

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

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

17:36 Tue, 21 May D

Olivia, barely concealing her smugness, chimed in, “Mom, bro, let me handle Gina tonight.”

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

because of her once.”

Trying 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,”

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

“No way, 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, see wha

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

Trying to suppress her glee, Olivia coughed.

Ella instantly tensed, asking, “What’s wrong, dear? Are you feeling okay?”

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

“Sure, darling. Go rest,” Ella said softly, watching Olivia go with tender eyes.

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

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

Gina.

Lily didn’t drop any names, so Olivia just assumed it was some old guy

like Jack.

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

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

After hanging up, Lily was at the roadside, cursing, “Gina, you bitch, your ass is mine!”

What she didn’t know was a Rolls Royce parked nearby

th Gabriel inside, catching every word of her rant.

Gabriel’s eyebrows knitted, a flash of malice in his eyes as he called Jack.

Jack answered immediately, “Mr. Jackson? Is there something else?”

“Drop Lily’s probation. Expel her.” Gabriel’s voice was suddenly ice.

Jack got the shivers, knowing well once Gabriel made up his mind, there was no changing it. “Alright,” he said. After the call, Cabriel’s look darkened, sile

As night fell, the Miller family made their way to Scrumptuous Delights, and stormed into the private room, only to find it

empty.

Just as they were wondering if they had been played, Gina showed up. She was in high spirits, her light makeup accentuating

her already stunning features.

Olivia, noticing her family’s attention was all on Gina, clenched her fists, quickly trying to pull them back. “Gina, vent all you want at me, just spare mom

Gina couldn’t help but laugh at Olivia’s dramatic act, responding sarcastically. “Really? A car crash just two days ago and here you are, acting all fine? O

Then, with a taunt, she added, “Like a cockroach.”

Olivia was livid, thinking. This bitch just called me a cockroach?