Gossip girl

"They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But in the Upper East Side, a single snapshot can end friendships, ruin reputations, and crown a new queen. Smile for the camera, darlings. XOXO, Gossip Girl."

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Jain Capital – Aryan's Morning Routine

Unlike my classmates, my mornings weren't just about school. Before heading to St. Jude's, I always checked in on Jain Capital. It wasn't public knowledge yet, but I had been slowly reshaping my family's investment firm from the inside.

Sitting in my private office, I scanned the reports on my desk. A tech startup was about to boom, and I had quietly positioned my company to profit. The world didn't know it yet, but I did.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. My assistant stepped in. "Sir, your car is ready for school."

I smirked. Time to switch from business mode to social mode.

---

Constance Billard – Blair's Big Break

At school, Blair was glowing. She had just been selected to model for her mother's fashion line, Waldorf Designs. For Blair, this wasn't just an opportunity—it was validation. A chance to be more than just an Upper East Side princess.

"I'm going to be the new face of Waldorf Designs," Blair announced at lunch, beaming.

Serena smiled. "That's amazing, B."

Blair's expression faltered for half a second, as if she was waiting for Serena to overshadow her. But Serena wasn't stealing the spotlight this time.

I leaned back. "Congrats, Blair. You'll own that campaign."

Blair glanced at me, as if measuring my words. We weren't best friends, but she knew I didn't throw compliments around for free.

"Of course, I will," she said, regaining her confidence.

But in the Upper East Side, success came with a price.

---

The Photoshoot Disaster

The photoshoot for Waldorf Designs started off smoothly. Blair looked elegant, poised—every bit the perfect model. But then Serena was invited onto the set.

The photographer's focus shifted. The lighting changed. And suddenly, it was Serena who was the star.

I wasn't there, but I heard about it immediately.

A Gossip Girl blast went out:

"Spotted: B trying to strike a pose, but all eyes are on S. Someone call Tyra Banks, because we've got an upset model on our hands. XOXO, Gossip Girl."

At The Palace, Chuck, Nate, and I were lounging in the suite when Blair stormed in, furious.

"She stole my moment!" she snapped, throwing her designer bag onto the couch.

Chuck raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess. Serena?"

"Of course, Serena," Blair seethed. "She wasn't even supposed to be there!"

Nate frowned. "I'm sure it wasn't intentional."

Blair shot him a glare. "Oh, please, Nate. Serena doesn't try to steal attention. It just happens. And I'm sick of it."

I studied her. This wasn't just about the photoshoot. It was years of feeling overshadowed, bubbling to the surface.

"Then do something about it," I said simply.

Blair turned to me, eyes narrowing. "Like what?"

I shrugged. "Make sure the campaign is about you. Control the narrative before someone else does."

Blair considered my words. A plan was already forming in her mind.

Chuck smirked. "I like where this is going."

---

The Betrayal

Blair took my advice—too well. She asked her mother to cut Serena from the campaign, using the excuse that it needed "a consistent vision."

Serena, ever the golden girl, was hurt but tried to play it off.

At school the next day, I saw them standing by the steps, tension thick between them.

"I didn't mean to steal your spotlight, B," Serena said.

Blair crossed her arms. "You never mean to. But you always do."

Serena sighed. "I thought we were past this."

Blair's smile was cold. "So did I."

I walked past them, locking eyes with Blair for a second. She had made her move. Now, she'd have to live with it.

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Dan's Perspective – Learning the Rules

Dan was watching from the sidelines, as always.

At lunch, he sighed. "I don't get it. They were fine yesterday."

I smirked. "Welcome to the Upper East Side. Things change fast."

Dan shook his head. "Doesn't anyone actually talk here? Instead of playing these games?"

I leaned forward. "Dan, you're in our world now. You don't have to like the rules, but you do have to play by them."

He frowned but didn't argue. He was starting to understand.

---

Final Gossip Girl Blast

"Well, well. Looks like B finally got her close-up. But was it worth it? Friendships fade, but pictures last forever. Careful, B. The camera never lies. You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl."

I slipped my phone into my pocket, watching the city lights.

Blair had won this round.

But in our world, victories never lasted forever.