Chapter 250
When She Stops Playing Nice
Chapter 250
Ashley seethed with frustration, struggling to contain her irritation. âWell, whatâs her fancy then?â
âDiamonds.â
Ashley recalled her conversation with Harry, learning that Gabriel had spent a staggering 600 million dollars on a woman who wasnât even his girlfriend.
The revelation had stunned her, prompting her resolve to return home and size up Gina in person. What sort of woman was she, capable of enchanting Gabriel, who had never shown any inclination toward romance?
Unable to resist a jab, Ashley remarked, âSounds like sheâs got a taste for the pricey stuff, huh?â
Gabrielâs expression darkened. âIf you donât feel like buying a gif, you donât have to. Gina likes diamonds, but she can afford them herself. She doesnât need anyone else to lavish them on he
Ashley was left speechless, genuinely grasping the notion of playing favorites.
Swallowing her pride, she muttered, âI didnât mean anything by it.â
âFair enough. You know my future sister-in-law better than I do. Care to lend a hand picking something out then?â
With a tug, Ashley pulled Gabriel out of the car.
Scanning the surroundings, Ashleyâs gaze settled on Quaria. âLets try here. Their jewelry is exquisite, and theyâre a renowned international brand.â
Gabriel couldnât suppress a wry smile. Ashley had quite a discerning eye.
With Ashley leading the way, Gabriel followed her into the store.
Ashley deferred to Gabrielâs choice, and he settled on a 373-cara diamond brooch valued at 4 million dollars.
A flicker of disbelief crossed Ashleyâs expression. Was she being taken advantage of by offering such an extravagant gift to a woman she barely knew?
Gabriel discerned Ashleyâs insincerity. Sensing that she didnât genuinely intend to gift anything to Gina, he decisively produced his black card.
However, Ashley, out of pride, intercepted Gabrielâs gesture. âWhatâs this supposed to mean? I said I wanted to give her Thereâs no reason for you to foot the bill.â
Cabriel graciously withdrew the black card, gesturing for Ashley to proceed with her payment.
With a hint of bitterness, Ashley reluctantly swiped her card, hoping Gina would appreciate the gift despite her ingratitude
In the peaceful ambiance of the Quaria lounge, Gina received a WhatsApp message from Gabriel.
Gabriel: [Ashleyâs eager to meet you and brought a gift for you, intending to hand it over personally. Sheâs suggesting we grab lunch together, Gina, do you mind? If you do, Iâll decline her offer.
Gabriel appended the address of the restaurant, which he had already reserved.
Sensing Ashleyâs persistent stance earlier, Gina felt that missing this meeting might prompt Ashley from seeking future
encounters.
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11:32/ Mon, May 27
Chapter 250
Gina: [I donât mind. Iâll be there.]
Gabriel: [Alright. Iâll come to pick you up ]
Gina: [No need. Iâll drive over myself.]
Meanwhile, Ashley intercepted Gabrielâs actions. âCanât she drive herself? Just let her come on her own?â
Gabriel chose not to engage with Ashleyâs remarks, offering no response.
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As Gina entered the private room at the restaurant, Ashley immediately sat up and adjusted her attire upon hearing the door. Without turning to acknowledge Gina, Gabriel stood and greeted her, âGina.â
Looking at Ashley, who remained stoic in her seat, Gina extended a greeting, âHello, Miss Jackson.â
Ashley turned toward Gina with a composed demeanor, offering a courteous smile as she nodded. âHello, Miss Miller. Please, have a seat.â
Gabriel guided Gina to the chair beside him.
Ashley presented a box containing the brooch and pushed it toward Gina with a smile. âA gesture for our initial encounter.â
âThank you.â Gina responded, her tone tinged with surprise as she opened it. âJewelry from Quariaâ¦â
Clearing her throat, Ashley remarked, âIndeed, jewelry from a prestigious brand. I trust it meets your taste?â
Initially planning to assure Gina she would appreciate it, Ashley refrained from being too direct in Gabrielâs presence, opting for a more refined approach.
âI find it quite charming. Thank you, Miss Jackson, Gina acknowledged.
Ashley responded with a slight nod
As the trio began their meal, Gabriel felt somewhat restrained in his conversation with Gina due to Ashleyâs presence. Meanwhile, Ashley, maintaining her dignity, resolved not to initiate further conversation unless prompted by Gina.
Gina felt a tension in the atmosphere and glanced at her phone.
Max had reached out with a message.
Since their encounter at the hotel, Max hadnât initiated contact until now.
Max : [Iâve got some news for you, and it might not be what you want to hear.]
Intrigued, Gina replied, [What kind of news? Go ahead, spill it.]
Max sent over a series of photos. One showed Gabriel and Ashley at the Quaria store, purchasing a brooch. Ashley had her arm around Gabrielâs, but he seemed uncomfortable with the gesture.
There were several snapshots of the two strolling side by side.
Max (It looks like Gabriel is a scoundrel. Heâs acting all devoted to you on the one hand, yet behind the scenes, heâs playing the field. If I hadnât stumbled upon this, youâd have been none the wiser.]
Though Maxâs words were conveyed via text, Gina sensed a hint of admiration between the lines.
Cina: [That lady in the photo is his sister J
Gma added softly: His blood cousin
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11:32 Mon, May 27
Chapter 250
Max:â¦not interested
Gina smiled subtly.
Ashley, already annoyed by Ginaâs lack of conversation, seized upon Ginaâs momentary distraction with her phone to express her displeasure.
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Setting down her fork, Ashley remarked, âMiss Miller, do you always be engrossed in your phone during meals? Thatâs rather poor etiquette, wouldnât you agree?â
Gina glanced at Ashley, slightly surprised. She perceived Ashleyâs disdain for phone usage during meals. Without a word, Gina politely stowed her phone away. âMy apologies.â
Ashleyâs momentum faltered at Ginaâs gracious apology, leaving her unsure how to proceed.
After a momentâs pause, Ashley continued, âYou should pay more attention to etiquette in the future. Certain standards must be upheld if you truly join the Jackson family. After all, weâre a prominent family!â
Gina furrowed her brow but remained silent.
Seeing Ginaâs lack of response, Ashley grew even more annoyed Miss Miller, did you not hear what I just said?â
âAshley, letâs eat,â Gabriel interjected, his expression frosty
Once again, Ashleyâs momentum was disrupted.
Alright, she held her tongue.
Ashley took a deep breath, relieving the frustration sheâd been holding in.
She watched as Gabriel, incredibly attentive to Gina, offered her bite of food and then turned to her. âGabriel, pass me the the vegetables, please.â
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