Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Inside the car, Gabriel watched James through the rearview mirror, a chilling intent surfacing in his otherwise indifferent eyes. ‘Was James really about to run Gina over?‘ he mused.

His eyes narrowed dangerously as he coldly commanded his assistant, David Gray. “Find an opportunity to deal with James.”

“Got it,” David replied.

As the Rolls Royce pulled up at the entrance of Trowell University, the principal, Jack Barker, spotting the familiar license plate, quickly put on a flattering smile to greet him. “Mr. Jackson! What a surprise.”

Gabriel, expressionless, stepped out and cut straight to the chase. “What’s the status of the dorm fire investigation?”

Jack tensed, realizing the gravity of Gabriel’s unexpected interest. He knew he had to get this right or risk his position.

Mopping his brow, Jack nervously said, “Mr. Jackson, our fire safety checks are rigorous and up to date. It’s likely a student brought in something flammable. We’re looking into it.”

Gabriel, eyes downcast, suspected the fire targeting Gina’s dorm was no accident. “Let’s check out the scene,” he suggested. “Oh, right, of course,” Jack stammered, leading the way.

Elsewhere, Gina stared at her dorm’s charred remains, a pang of loss hitting her. All her belongings turned to ash while she was out cold in the hospital.

“Gina!” A sharp female voice called out.

Gina turned to see Lily Allen, one of her roommates and a flunky for Olivia. Given Lily’s association with Olivia, she had always looked for ways to trouble Gina,

Gina, uninterested in entertaining Olivia’s lackey, attempted to leave, but Lily persisted.

Confronting Gina, Lily accused, “Just like Olivia said, you’re a curse. The fire started in our dorm. I nearly died because of

you!”

Gina scoffed, shaking her off. “I wasn’t even there. How could you pin this on me? Are you brain–damaged from the smoke?” Lily persisted, “Who knows what those two dark bottles in your closet were? Probably something flammable!”

“You broke into my locker? Cina’s eyes narrowed.

Unashamed, Lily boasted, “And what if I did?”

Cina retorted with icy disdain, “Thief,”

Lily’s face flushed. “Who cares about the trash in your locker?”

A medical bag, some dark pills, two mysterious bottles, and a few books… She acts like they’re a treasure, Lily thought scornfully.

Gina, fed up, decided to call the cops.

What the hell are you doing?” Lily blurted out.

d

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Chapter 4

“Catching a thief, Gina replied, her tone frosty.

Lily, incensed, shot back, “You’re the real thief! Bet you started the fire, your sicko, seeking revenge! Those dark bottles had to be gasoline, right?”

Gina almost burst into laughter at the absurd accusation, mentally scoffing at Lily’s ignorance. She found it pointless to explain.

Desperate to stop Gina from calling the police, Lily tried to grab her phone but failed. Frustrated and embarrassed, she picked up a brick from the ground, ready to hurl it at Gina.

“Mr. Jackson, please, watch your step, Jack said with a respectful tone, guiding the way. His expression soured when he spotted Gina and Lily in the aftermath. “What are you doing here? This area is dangerous, didn’t you know?”

Lily felt her heart skip a beat when the brick she was holding dropped to the ground. Turning around, the first person she noticed was Gabriel, standing coolly beside Jack.

With an aura cold as ice and devastatingly handsome looks, Gabriel was a sight to behold.

Lily’s heart fluttered. ‘Why is Mr. Jackson here? His last visit during the school anniversary caused quite a sensation.

Spotting her chance, Lily rushed to Jack, blurting out, “Mr. Baker, I need to report something! Gina’s locker contained two cans of some unknown liquid, possibly flammable or explosive. I suspect she is behind the fire!”

Jack, now concerned, called out, “Gina, stop right there!”

As Gina turned, her gaze met Gabriel’s. They had crossed paths before, but weren’t well–acquainted. Yet, she felt an unusual warmth in his gaze. Am I imagining things?‘ she thought, brushing it off.

“What’s this I hear from Lily?” Jack demanded.

Gina coolly responded, “They’re just bottles of medicine, not explosives. While we’re at it, could you also look into Lily’s attempt to steal?”

Gabriel’s interest piqued, “You’re sick?”

Gina, puzzled by his sudden concern, replied, “No, I’m fine.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Who stole from you?” Lily was in denial.

“And how did you know what was in my locker if you didn’t break into it?” Gina shot back.

Lily panicked. “How can you prove those weren’t gasoline?”

Cina retorted, “Prove your claim first. Show me evidence they’re gasoline.”

Trying to defuse the situation, Jack intervened, “Enough! Both of you, to my office, now!

Gabriel, however, interjected, “Did you miss her trying to hurt someone?”

Jack realized, recalling Lily’s actions, that had they been late, Gina could have been seriously injured.

I was just joking! Lily protested.

Joking? Since when is picking up a brick funny?” Gina’s sarcasm was biting

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Chapter 4

Jack decided on the spot. “You’re on probation, Lily. Leave before you cause more trouble,”

Gina watched Lily’s tearful exit without a trace of satisfaction. After all, to Gina, Lily was merely one of Olivia’s minions. ‘Dealing with a minion hardly counts as a victory, Gina mused.

Trying to backtrack, Lily stammered, “I’m sorry, Gina, I was wrong to break into your locker and tamper with your stuff. I apologize. Let me make it up to you, I’ll pay for the damages!”

17:36 Tue, 21 May