Gossip girl

"They say the past is a lesson, but for some, it's a weapon. And in this game, darling, you either strike first or bleed. XOXO, Gossip Girl."

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A Game of Shadows

The morning after our intimate dinner, Serena looked lighter but no less tense. I hated that Gabriel had this power over her—that he could make her second-guess her own strength.

But that would change soon.

Gossip Girl (Text Blast): "Looks like S isn't sleeping so soundly these days. Wonder what—or who—is haunting her dreams? Careful, sweetie. The past never stays buried for long. XOXO."

I was already ahead of Gossip Girl this time. Gabriel might have played the charming conman before, but I had more resources and far fewer moral restraints.

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The First Move

I had a meeting set up at The Empire Hotel. Gabriel was already there, seated at a corner table, watching me with that same smug grin I remembered from too many stories Serena had reluctantly shared.

"Aryan Jain," he greeted smoothly, as though we were old friends.

I didn't offer my hand. "Gabriel. Let's skip the small talk. What do you want from Serena?"

His smile widened. "Ah, protective already? I'm just here to... reconnect."

I leaned forward, my voice cold. "You're not here to reconnect. You're here because you think you can exploit her. That ends now."

He chuckled, swirling his whiskey. "You think you scare me?"

"I think you don't understand who you're dealing with." I slid a folder across the table. "Your financials are a mess. Your last three investments collapsed. I give you a week before the creditors come knocking."

Gabriel's smile faltered—just slightly.

"Leave Serena alone," I said softly, almost kindly. "Or I'll make sure you have nowhere left to run."

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Blair and Chuck—Always Watching

Back at The Palace, Blair was waiting for me.

"So," she said, arching a perfectly sculpted brow. "How did the meeting with the snake go?"

"It's handled," I said simply.

"You know, for someone who claims not to like drama, you're getting very good at playing the game," Blair observed, a glint of respect in her eyes.

"I'm not playing," I corrected. "I'm protecting what matters."

Blair leaned in, her voice low. "Just... don't lose yourself in it. Serena needs you, not a war."

I gave her a small smile. "Who says I can't do both?"

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A Cracking Facade

By the time evening rolled around, Serena and I were at Lincoln Center for a gala. She was radiant, her arm linked through mine, but her gaze kept darting toward the entrance.

"He's not coming," I whispered, sensing her unease.

"How do you know?" she asked softly.

"Because I made sure he understands what happens if he does."

She looked up at me, something unreadable in her expression—trust, maybe, or something more dangerous. "Thank you," she murmured.

"Always," I promised.

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Gossip Girl (Text Blast): "Spotted: S and A lighting up Lincoln Center, but what's with those stolen glances? Is someone watching from the shadows? Looks like the past doesn't let go so easily... XOXO, Gossip Girl."

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The Ultimatum

Later that night, my phone buzzed. A message from Gabriel.

"You think this is over? Think again. She owes me. We both know it."

I stared at the screen, the ruthless part of me taking over completely.

Me (Text to Private Investigator): "Make him disappear. Financially. Socially. Whatever it takes. I want him out of this city by tomorrow."

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Gossip Girl (Text Blast): "The city never sleeps... and neither do secrets. Something tells me this war is just getting started. Place your bets, Upper East Siders. XOXO, Gossip Girl."