When She Stops Playing Nice

Chapter 250 Ashley seethed with frustration, struggling to contain her irritation. “Well, what's her fancy then?" "Diamonds." Ashley recalled her conversation with Harry, learning that Gabriel had spent a staggering 600 million dollars on a woman who wasn't even his girlfriend.

The revelation had stunned her, prompting her resolve to return hand 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, "Sounds like she's got a taste for the pricey stuff, huh?" Gabriel's expression darkened. "If you don't feel like buying a gif, you don't have to. Gina likes diamonds, but she can afford them herself. She doesn't need anyone else to lavish them on he Ashley was left speechless, genuinely grasping the notion of playing favorites. Swallowing her pride, she muttered, “I didn't mean anything by it." "Fair enough. You know my future sister-in-law better than I do. Care to lend a hand picking something out then?" With a tug, Ashley pulled Gabriel out of the car.

Scanning the surroundings, Ashley's gaze settled on Quaria. "Lets try here. Their jewelry is exquisite, and they're a renowned international brand." Gabriel couldn't suppress a wry smile. Ashley had quite a discerning eye.

With Ashley leading the way, Gabriel followed her into the store.

Ashley deferred to Gabriel's choice, and he settled on a 373-cara diamond brooch valued at 4 million dollars.

A flicker of disbelief crossed Ashley's expression. Was she being taken advantage of by offering such an extravagant gift to a woman she barely knew? Gabriel discerned Ashley's insincerity. Sensing that she didn't genuinely intend to gift anything to Gina, he decisively produced his black card.

However, Ashley, out of pride, intercepted Gabriel's gesture. "What's this supposed to mean? I said I wanted to give her There's no reason for you to foot the bill." 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 Whatmessage from Gabriel.

Gabriel: [Ashley's eager to meet you and brought a gift for you, intending to hand it over personally. She's suggesting we grab lunch together, Gina, do you mind? If you do, I'll decline her offer.

Gabriel appended the address of the restaurant, which he had already reserved.

Sensing Ashley's persistent stance earlier, Gina felt that missing this meeting might prompt Ashley from seeking future encounters.

1/3 < 11:32/ Mon, May 27 Chapter 250 Gina: [I don't mind. I'll be there.] Gabriel: [Alright. I'll cto pick you up ] Gina: [No need. I'll drive over myself.] Meanwhile, Ashley intercepted Gabriel's actions. “Can't she drive herself? Just let her con her own?" Gabriel chose not to engage with Ashley's remarks, offering no response.

74% 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, "Gina." Looking at Ashley, who remained stoic in her seat, Gina extended a greeting, "Hello, Miss Jackson." Ashley turned toward Gina with a composed demeanor, offering a courteous smile as she nodded. "Hello, Miss Miller. Please, have a seat." Gabriel guided Gina to the chair beside him.

Ashley presented a box containing the brooch and pushed it toward Gina with a smile. “A gesture for our initial encounter." "Thank you." Gina responded, her tone tinged with surprise as she opened it. "Jewelry from Quaria..." Clearing her throat, Ashley remarked, "Indeed, jewelry from a prestigious brand. I trust it meets your taste?" Initially planning to assure Gina she would appreciate it, Ashley refrained from being too direct in Gabriel's presence, opting for a more refined approach.

"I find it quite charming. Thank you, Miss Jackson, Gina acknowledged.

Ashley responded with a slight nod As the tbegan their meal, Gabriel felt somewhat restrained in his conversation with Gina due to Ashley's 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 hadn't initiated contact until now.

Max : [I've got snews 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 Gabriel's, 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. He's acting all devoted to you on the one hand, yet behind the scenes, he's playing the field. If I hadn't stumbled upon this, you'd have been none the wiser.] Though Max's 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 2/3 11:32 Mon, May 27 Chapter 250 Max:...not interested Gina smiled subtly.

Ashley, already annoyed by Gina's lack of conversation, seized upon Gina's momentary distraction with her phone to express her displeasure.

741 Setting down her fork, Ashley remarked, "Miss Miller, do you always be engrossed in your phone during meals? That's rather poor etiquette, wouldn't you agree?" Gina glanced at Ashley, slightly surprised. She perceived Ashley's disdain for phone usage during meals. Without a word, Gina politely stowed her phone away. "My apologies." Ashley's momentum faltered at Gina's gracious apology, leaving her unsure how to proceed.

After a moment's pause, Ashley continued, "You should pay more attention to etiquette in the future. Certain standards must be upheld if you truly join the Jackson family. After all, we're a prominent family!" Gina furrowed her brow but remained silent.

Seeing Gina's lack of response, Ashley grew even more annoyed Miss Miller, did you not hear what I just said?" "Ashley, let's eat," Gabriel interjected, his expression frosty Once again, Ashley's momentum was disrupted.

Alright, she held her tongue.

Ashley took a deep breath, relieving the frustration she'd been holding in.

She watched as Gabriel, incredibly attentive to Gina, offered her bite of food and then turned to her. “Gabriel, passthe the vegetables, please." 3/4 0 SEND GIFT COMMENT O