Chapter 249

Chapter 249

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Ashley’s voice came through the phone, “Gabriel, long time no see. I heard from Neil that you’re in Oriata City. I’ve just landed here, too, and I thought catching up would be great. Could you swing by the airport to pick me up?”

“I’ve got other plans, Gabriel politely declined.

“Busy with a date, huh?” Ashley teased.

Gabriel hesitated, uncertain how to respond without Gina’s offical agreement to be his girlfriend.

“Why don’t you bring her along? Family should meet, right?” Ashley persisted.

Sensing Gabriel’s reluctance, Ashley added, “Just pass the phone to her. I want to speak with her.”

“No need. I’ll arrange for someone to pick you up,” Gabriel said before ending the call.

Within seconds. Ashley called again. Gabriel was about to hang up, but Gina asked, “Is everything alright?”

Gabriel shook his head. “My cousin who settled abroad with her mother when they were young. She returned home and landed at Oriata City airport, asking me to pick her up. But I’ve already arranged for someone to do so. It’s all taken care of.”

Observing Gabriel ignore the call, Gina noticed the screen dim and light up again.

Gabriel intended to hang up, but Gina interjected, “Answer it.”

Gabriel finally answered Ashley’s call.

Ashley sounded somewhat irritated. “Gabriel, can’t you spare a moment to meet me at the airport? After all, we’re siblings. Or do you no longer consider me part of the Jackson family since our parents’ divorce?”

“I didn’t mean to imply that,” Gabriel explained.

When they were younger, they had a decent sibling relationship. However, as they grew up, they drifted apart, especially after Ashley left with her mother. Contact between them gradually decreased, and their bond weakened. Nevertheless. Gabriel didn’t want their relationship to suffer over not picking her up from the airport.

“Why then? Because your potential girlfriend doesn’t want me to disturb your romantic time together?” Ashley retorted unhappily.

“It’s simply because I don’t want to,” Gabriel replied bluntly.

Ashley fell silent.

“Would you fetch me? How much of your time would it take these days? Couldn’t you take a break from work and accompany Cina to Oriata City? Is our sibling bond so fragile that you can’t spare even a moment from your date?”

Gabriel couldn’t fathom why Ashley insisted he pick her up. From his perspective, their sibling relationship wasn’t that de

But he didn’t want to endure Ashley’s complaints any longer. Tlcome to pick you up. Just wait for me,” he asserted before promptly ending the call.

He glanced at Gina, who was nearby and had heard the conversation, and said, “I’m off to pick up Ashley.”

“What about our lunch plans? Gabriel’s concern lingered. If he wasn’t by Gina’s side, he might become a target for schemers like Michael or Max.

“I’ll wait until you’ve finished picking up Ashley.” Cina responded

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11:32 Mon, May 27

Chapter 249

A playful glint sparkled in Cabriel’s eyes. Tll be back soon.”

At Oriata City Airport, Gabriel accepted Ashley’s luggage, and she naturally pushed it toward him.

Gabriel gestured to David, who quickly approached, aiming to take Ashley’s luggage.

However, Ashley held on. “Gabriel, could you lend a hand with this?”

David hesitated, puzzled,

Gabriel was puzzled but preferred to save time on this trivial matter with Ashley. Without a word, he pushed Ashley’s luggage toward the car’s trunk. David hurriedly stepped forward to assist in stowing it into the trunk.

Then Ashley asked again, “Gabriel, would you mind opening the car door for me?”

David was perplexed and wondered what was going on with Ashley. Was she treating Mr. Jackson like a servant? It seemed rather peculiar

Nevertheless, Gabriel didn’t dwell on being treated as such; he opened the door.

Ashley adjusted her sunglasses, clearing her throat before realizing the backseat was empty. Bewildered, she exclaimed. “Gabriel, your potential girlfriend didn’t come along?”

Gabriel responded indifferently, “Why would she be here?”

Ashley chuckled wryly. Just a moment ago, she had been trying to manipulate Gabriel, intending to show Gina that within the Jackson family, apart from Neil, she, as the elder sister, held significant sway over him. Despite Gabriel’s apparent infatuation with Gina, Ashley trusted her wit and charm to bring him back to reality.

Furthermore, she wanted to assert her significance in Gabriel’s life. If Gina aimed to become a part of the Jackson family. she would have to pass Ashley’s tests. Becoming a daughter-in-law of the Jackson family was no easy fear!

However, with Gina’s absence, Ashley’s efforts seemed futile.

With an irritated sigh, Ashley entered the car, paying no heed to whether Gabriel had even had his morning coffee, and slammed the door shut with a decisive thud. It was as if she had just declared war on Gina.

David stood there, his disbelief palpable. Had Ashley lost her mind, or perhaps her manners?

Seeing Mr. Jackson himself playing the role of a servant was quite the spectacle. What more could she possibly deman

Gabriel brushed off these minor annoyances. All he wanted was to get Ashley out of the way so he could find Gina.

“Which hotel did you reserve?” he asked.

Ashley didn’t respond directly. “Could you first take me to the mall? I need to pick out a handbag

Gabriel frowned.

Noticing his hesitance, Ashley persisted, “Alright, if you’re not willing to accompany me shopping for a handbag, then I won’t tell you which hotel I’ve booked. I’ll sit in your car, and tonight, I’ll sleep in it, too. You don’t have to bother with me. Do whatever you want. I’ll stay right here in this car

David thought, ‘Feels like I’ve invited a queen into the car

Gabriel’s temples pulsed. If it weren’t for the bond of family, he might have just thrown Ashley out of the car then and there.

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11:32 Mon, May 27 e

Chapter 249

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As they arrived at the mall, Ashley was the first to step out. She glanced at Gabriel, who remained seated, and said, “Come on, accompany me to pick out a bag. After all, I have no clue what my future sister-in-law might fancy. I’d hate to get her a gift she won’t appreciate.”

Gabriel was taken aback. “You’re buying a gift for Gina?”

Gina?

She seemed somewhat familiar with her.

“Yes, any objections?” Ashley challenged.

“No need,” Gabriel replied.

Ashley was puzzled. “Why did you decline on her behalf?”

Gabriel explained. “She’s not a fan of handbags.”

Ashley wasn’t particularly interested in Gina’s preferences. The idea of giving her a gift was merely an excuse to meet her. She suspected Gina’s refusal to accompany Gabriel was a deliberate display of power.

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11:32 Mon, May 27 e