When She Stops Playing Nice by Hale Saxon
Chapter 25

Chapter 25

When Gabriel recovered, he said. “You wanted to eat it and I wanted to accompany you

Gina was at a loss. “But you don’t have to force yourself.

“I’m not.” Worried she didn’t believe him, Gabriel emphasized, “Not at all.” He even enjoyed it.

Exasperated, Gina poured Gabriel a glass of water. “Rinse it first before you eat. It won’t be so spicy then.”

Gabriel grinned. “Okay.”

“Perhaps I shouldn’t have come. Neil thought. He had assumed Gabriel needed his help courting Gina. However, Gabriel turned out unexpectedly good at it. He needn’t worry.

On the other hand, Ella and the others arrived at Grand Restaurant. After getting out of the car, Ella looked at the majestic gold sign of the restaurant and her heart ached. Reserving a room cost her six million dollars. Ella wouldn’t bear to come here usually.

They entered the private room first. The Jackson family arrived ten minutes late. Though displeased, Ella still greeted Ethan’s parents, Clinton and Abbie Jackson, with a smile. “Clinton. Abbie.

Abbie’s expression changed. “Mrs. Miller, you’re joking. It’s too soon to call me by my first name, right?”

Ella felt awkward. She knew Ethan’s parents were dissatisfied with the marriage. Their attitude was even colder before, and only improved after the Miller family became the wealthiest in Wrinster. Otherwise, they might not have agreed to come today.

Being wealthiest in Wrinster meant nothing to the Jackson family. After all, Gabriel was the wealthiest in the world.

Sensing the awkwardness, Olivia signaled to Ethan. Ethan spoke to smooth things over. “Mom, it’s just a matter of time. Aren’t we having the engagement party soon?”

Abbie glared at Ethan.

Clinton interjected politely, “Let’s sit.”

Ella nodded with a smile but kept glancing at the door. She asked, “Is Mr. Neil coming?”

Ethan explained, “Grandpa said he has to treat someone important today, so he can’t come.”

The Miller family was shocked. Olivia wondered who it was.

Ethan intended to sit beside Olivia but his father coughed meaningfully, Ethan sat beside Abbie.

Ella felt difficult. “We intended to apologize to Mr. Neil for what happened at the birthday party. Please let him know it wasn’t deliberate. Olivia was deceived.” Ella didn’t go into the details because she didn’t feel right to air their dirty laundry in public.

Ella signaled to Noah who took out a present. “Mr. Jackson, we bought this bottle of wine from the well–known Castel Winery abroad. Hopefully, it will make up for the present.”

17:41 Tue, 21 May

Chapter 25

Clinton and Abbie had heard of the winery. It was renowned internationally and often supplied wine to royal families worldwide. However…

Abbie sneered, “Such a well–thought–out present. Too bad Neil can’t drink it. He just got out of the hospital recently and can’t drink alcohol. Because Olivia’s incident had embarrassed them, Abbie’s tone was sarcastic.

The atmosphere grew more awkward.

The Miller family only knew Neil’s health wasn’t good. Although they had an engagement with the Jackson family, they weren’t close..

Olivia asked awkwardly. “Mr. Neil was hospitalized? Where did he stay? We didn’t know before. How is he now?” Olivia remembered seeing Neil at the birthday party. He seemed robust.

“He was already discharged from the Prover Hospital,” Abbie stated.

Olivia and Ella exchanged glances. When Neil was hospitalized, they must have discovered Phillip was also there. They probably took care of their expenses, as that amount was nothing to them.

Olivia continued, “What is he in there for?”

Abbie answered impatiently. “Heart disease. He had it for a long time. He went out on a stroll and had a heart attack. A student saved him. He was admitted to the hospital for observation, not treatment. As he was fine, he was discharged soon.” Neil hadn’t told them anything else.

Ella was envious. Who was the student? By becoming Neil’s savior, the student could reap all the advantages of the Jackson family. Ella thought of Gina. Gina only brought them bad luck and caused them embarrassment and disgrace. She was worthless. Thank god Olivia was still good. News had spread that Olivia won first at the national jewelry design competition.

After discussing the incident at the birthday party, Ella had Noah give presents to Clinton and Abbie. Clinton got an antique vase and Abbie got a diamond necklace from Quaria’s new line. Ella didn’t give Abbie something from Miller Jewels because she knew Abbie would look down on it. Abbie preferred an internationally renowned brand.

Abbie liked the necklace. Her stern expression softened, and she raised an eyebrow. “Mrs. Miller, what does this mean?”

Ella was nervous. “Mrs. Jackson, frankly, I have a favor to ask.”

Abbie’s face darkened. She knew they must have a hidden agenda. Still, she appreciated the jewelry and decided to rein in her impatience. “What favor?”

SEND GIFT