CHAPTER 248


    Chapter 248


    Jade appeared somewhat disheartened. “Alright, fine


    After Jade departed. Alison still couldn’t gather her thoughts. Growing restless, she didn’t want to


    linger in the office any longer. Rising abruptly, she made her way to the rooftop of Quaria, seeking


    sce in the open air.


    Expecting solitude. Alison was surprised to encounter Gina there. Gina stood by the railing, lost in


    contemtion. Not wishing to startle her, Alison cleared her throat to announce her presence.


    Gina turned, acknowledging Alison’s arrival.


    Alison hesitated, then spoke awkwardly. “Did I interrupt you?”


    Gina shook her head. “Not at


    Alison took a deep breath, intending to find a secluded spot for reflection. However, with Gina’s


    presence, finding tranquility proved challenging.


    Suddenly, she confessed. “I’m not neglecting my duties. I needed a moment to clear my head.”


    Gina offered a reassuring smile. “I understand.”


    Alison breathed a sigh of relief, a flicker of worry crossing her mind that Gina might spill about her


    rooftop escape to Mr. rk


    “You look troubled, is it work-rted?” Gina, usually reserved, initiated a rare conversation with


    someone she wasn’t very familiar with.


    Alison felt a pang of distress, yearning to unburden herself but unsure whom to turn to. As luck


    would have it, Gina asked, and she spilled. “Yes, because I can’t quite grasp the theme you’ve


    given: love that isn’t tied to blood can still be as strong as a diamond. If the theme focused solely on


    romantic love, I think it would be easier to expand upon…”


    Gina seemed contemtive. “Would you like me to exin why I chose this theme?”


    “Sure.” Alison felt as if Gina was offering her a personal tutoring session.


    Gina sinctly recounted to Alison that she had been abandoned by her biological family but had


    found a maternal love that was not bound by blood.


    Alison was astonished. ‘Incredibly, there are mothers who favor their adopted daughters, even to


    the extent of sacrific their biological daughter, even her life… they don’t deserve to be called


    mothers.”


    Gina chuckled. It was all in the past.


    “Do you understand the theme better now?” Gina asked in return.


    Alison indeed found some rity after hearing Gina’s personal story. “Thank you. Rest assured. I


    won’t share what you’ve shared today with anyone else.”


    Gina nodded casually. In truth, whether Alison disclosed this to others didn’t concern her much.


    After all, hadn’t her estrangement from the Miller family been widely publicized?


    Alison then hurried downstairs to attend to her duties.


    Gina lingered on the rooftop, seeking a moment of solitary peace. Her phone chimed, and it was


    Neil calling.


    Gina answered, “Neil”


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    11:32 Mon, May 27 j


    Chapter 248


    “Gina, are you busy? Did I catch you at a bad time?” Neil inquired


    “Not at all,” Gina responded softly.


    “That’s good to hear. I have something I’d like to ask you,” Neil sol


    “Of course, go ahead.” Gina nodded..


    I heard Jasmine went for an interview at Quaria and bumped into you… Neil began.


    “So, I used my privilege to prevent her from entering Quaria, is that correct?” Gina interjected Neil’s


    words.


    74%


    Neil hesitated. While Jasmine’s tearful plea for his intervention wasn’t exactly as Gina described, it


    wasn’t far from the truth


    either.


    “Gina, I trust you, which is why I’m asking about this,” he said.


    “Jasmine never showed up for the interview, not even passing the first round of auditions. It seems


    her mom was keen for her tond a spot at Quaria and attempted to sway the Head of the Design


    Department, but she ran into me instead.”


    Gina paused there, confident she had shared enough. Neil could likely guess what happened next.


    Neil was speechless. Gina’s version of events waspletely different from Jasmine’s.


    Jasmine cried on the phone, using Gina of seeking revenge. Despite their rivalry, Gina shouldn’t


    have resorted to such underhanded tactics.


    Naturally, Neil sided with Gina


    “Alright, Gina, I understand the situation now. Sorry to bother you.” Neil needed to respond to the


    Bush family. Jasmine had called him in tears, hoping he would speak to Gina and prevent any


    malicious retaliation against her so she could join Quaria.


    Last time, he had intervened out of friendship and directly arranged for Jasmine to be admitted to


    Prover Hospital. This time, he couldn’t intervene further; it wouldn’t be fair to Gina.


    Gina didn’t feel inconvenienced. “No worries. I’m free at the moment. By the way, Neil, have any


    health issues been bothering youtely?”


    I’m doing fine.” Neil’s tone brightened at Gina’s concern. “Gina, Gabriel mentioned you’ve been


    busytely. Don’t o yourself. Remember to take breaks. If you need assistance with work, like


    investments, or anything else, give me a Though I’m getting on in years, I can still lend support with


    a few small tasks to back your endeavors!”


    Gina grinned. “Sure thing, Neil. If I need help, I won’t hesitate to ask.”


    Neil was pleased. “Excellent.”


    After ending the call, Gina nced at the time. It was nearly the end of the workday, and Gabriel


    might be waiting for downstairs at this hour


    Gina descended the stairs promptly. When she reached the entrance of thepany building, she


    indeed spotted Gabri Custom Rolls Royce.


    Gabriel stood tall and poised beside the car, attracting the attention of passersby, who couldn’tN?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    resist stealing a second


    Some Lold girls even approached him to ask for his contact information. “Excuse me, would you


    mind leaving your contact


    曲


    11:32 Mon, May 277


    Chapter 248


    Expressionless, Gabriel-gestured. Tm waiting for someone


    74


    The girl turned to look, and upon seeing Gina’s silhouette, two words involuntarily popped into her


    mind: a perfect match


    “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you had a girlfriend. Goodbye.”


    Gina observed the girl’s swift departure, teasing Gabriel. “Someone caught your eye? Looks like


    you’re quite the charmer. Mr. Jackson.”


    “Td rather not be the center of attention. Gabriel replied.


    Gina sensed a hint of disappointment in his tone.


    Unable to suppress a smile, she found Gabriel’s reaction rather endearing


    “I’ve made a reservation at a restaurant


    But before Gabriel could finish, his phone rang, cutting him off. It was Ashley, his cousin who was a


    few years older than


    him.


    “I’ll take this call, Gabriel said with a slight frown.


    “Alright.” Gina nodded.


    “Hey, Ashley.” Gabriel’s tone was indifferent.