Gossip girl

"Secrets are currency, and some people know exactly how to spend them. Watch closely, Upper East Siders, because this game is far from over. XOXO, Gossip Girl."

---

A Calm Before the Storm

The morning after Gabriel's veiled threat, I awoke early, the New York skyline a tapestry of lights fading into daylight. Serena was still asleep, her face serene in the early dawn. I brushed a stray lock of golden hair from her cheek, feeling the calm before the inevitable storm.

I had made the call last night to ensure Gabriel's world came crashing down around him—quietly, efficiently, and without any trail leading back to me.

Gossip Girl (Text Blast):

"Rise and shine, Upper East Siders. Looks like someone's about to get a wake-up call they won't forget. Tick-tock, Gabriel. XOXO."

---

The First Crack

By mid-morning, I was already in my office at Jain Holdings. I kept the family investment firm growing at a controlled pace, using just enough foresight from my knowledge of the future to stay several steps ahead—but not so much that it raised questions. Slow and steady was the game.

"Sir, we've confirmed Gabriel's bankruptcy notice was filed this morning," my assistant informed me, placing a thick manila folder on my desk.

I didn't smile. This wasn't about satisfaction—it was about necessity.

"Good," I said simply, flipping through the financial carnage. "And his remaining assets?"

"Frozen by noon. He's cornered."

I nodded. Gabriel wouldn't be making a move toward Serena now—not with his entire world collapsing.

---

The Palace—A Breathing Space

Later, I met Chuck at The Palace bar. He eyed me over his glass of Scotch, knowing me too well to believe this was just a social visit.

"You look... victorious," Chuck noted, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Just proactive," I replied, taking a slow sip of my drink.

"So, Gabriel—he's gone?"

"He will be," I confirmed. "By tomorrow, he won't have a reason to stay in the city."

Chuck raised his glass in a mock toast. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

I gave him a pointed look. "You'd have to try very hard."

---

A Night to Forget

Serena and I attended another charity gala that evening, the kind of Upper East Side event where everyone smiled, gossiped, and drank too much champagne. Yet even as Serena laughed and dazzled the room, I could sense her tension, the way her eyes kept scanning the crowd.

"He's not here," I whispered in her ear as we danced.

She looked up at me, her expression softening, and leaned closer, her lips brushing my jawline. "Thank you. For everything."

"Always," I murmured, holding her just a little tighter.

---

Gossip Girl (Text Blast):

"Spotted: S and A stealing the spotlight—but is that love, or just a distraction from something darker lurking beneath the surface? Either way, we're watching. XOXO, Gossip Girl."

---

Blair's Perspective—A Growing Suspicion

Blair Waldorf sat at her vanity, brushing her hair with slow, methodical strokes. Yet her mind was far from the task.

Something was off—she could feel it. The way Aryan's attention always seemed perfectly measured, like he knew more than he let on. And Serena... Serena was glowing lately, in a way that made Blair both envious and protective.

She'd noticed Gabriel's sudden disappearance, and while part of her trusted Aryan to handle these things, another part wondered exactly what "handling" meant in his world.

"Careful, Serena," Blair murmured to herself. "Boys like Aryan Jain play for keeps."

---

A Final Warning

As the night wound down, I received one last text from my private investigator.

"Gabriel booked a flight. He's leaving tomorrow morning."

Good.

But just as I allowed myself to relax, my phone vibrated again—this time with an unknown number.

"You think I'm done? I'll be back. She still owes me."

I stared at the message, a cold, ruthless fire igniting in my chest.

I'd given Gabriel a chance to walk away quietly. He was choosing to make this a war.

So be it.

Me (Text to Private Investigator):

"Find out where he's going. I want to know everything. Every move he makes."

---

Chuck's Perspective—The Observer

Chuck watched Aryan from across the bar, the cool, calculating edge in his friend's gaze as sharp as ever.

There was something different about Aryan these days—a darkness beneath the surface. And while Chuck respected it, he also recognized it.

He'd lived with that darkness himself.

"Careful, Aryan," Chuck thought. "When you play with fire, someone always gets burned."

---

Gossip Girl (Text Blast):

"Looks like someone isn't taking their eviction notice quietly. The question is: Who will win this game of cat and mouse? Only time will tell. XOXO, Gossip Girl."