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. 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 your 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?” Gina’s eyes Unashamed, Lily boasted, “And what if I did?” Gina 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. 1:24 Tue, 21 May MG Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates… “Catching a thief, Gina replied, her tone frosty. Lily, incensed, shot back, “You’re the real thief! Bet you started the fire, you sicko, seeking revenge! Those dark botiles had to be gasoline, right?” Gina almost burst into laughter at the absurd accusation, m e t a l y 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. 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 s k ip a beat when the brick she was holding dropped to the ground. Turning around, the first person she noticed was Gabriel, standing c o ol l y 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 c o l y 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?” Gina 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 10:24 Tue, 21 May L M C James, momentarily thrown, snapped back. “What’s this about dreaming? Are you ignoring me? Get back here now!” “Awake and still talking c r a p?” Gina fired back, unyielding. James was boiling with anger, thinking, “Did she hit her head? Used to be as quiet as a mouse, barely uttering a word. And, now look at her, she is sharp as a tack! He stepped out of the car, blocking Gina’s way. James sneered. “You think you can just disappear? One word to the principal from us, and you’re out of Trowell University immediately. Think twice, Gina.” Kick me out? As if you could, Gina thought, her inner voice laced with scorn. “What makes you think you deserve an apology?” Gina asked, voice cold and lips curled into a smirk. “You ungrateful brat,” James fumed. “Forging Dad’s signature, creating a fake will. That alone deserves more than a mere punishment, and yet you dare to question me?” Gina couldn’t help but laugh, retorting, “I only return home when you call. I don’t even have the keys, let alone access to Dad’s room. How could I have possibly used his seal on the will?” James faltered before insisting, “Who knows what you did to steal it.” Gina smiled, resigned to the familiar outcome. ‘Never mind, my brothers will never suspect their darling sister, Olivia,’ she thought. Feeling no more words were necessary, Gina turned to leave. “Stop!” James shouted, determined to drag Gina back home today. He grabbed her arm, but Gina’s icy gaze made him flinch, thinking of Liam still in the hospital. Reluctantly, James let go. Gina continued towards the school. A venomous look flashed in James’s eyes as he climbed back into the car and ordered the driver. “Just hit her. Let’s see her run then.” The driver hesitated, appalled at James’s thought of harming Gina, “What are you waiting for? Do it! I’ll take the fall, James barked impatiently. Seeing the driver balk, James shoved him aside, took the wheel, and floored it, aiming straight for Gina’s retreating figure. In a split-second save, a Rolls Royce shot out from the side, blocking the BMW. James hit the brakes hard, his face colliding with the steering wheel, nose bleeding instantly from the impact. “D a m n it, who the hell?” he cursed loudly. As he got out, cursing, James noticed the Rolls Royce. It was a custom model limited to one per region, owned by only one person in the North City, Gabriel Jackson. He remembered Gabriel was a board member of Trowell University and uncle to Olivia’s fiancé, Ethan – practically family.