?<strong>Chapter 271:</strong>


    After her response, a sudden realization hit Gina. “Shawn, what are you implying? Are you insinuating that I was involved in your mother’s death?”


    “No, of course not.” Shawn gave a light chuckle. “I’m just curious, asking out of casual interest. It has nothing to do with you.”


    Yet, Shawn had been investigating for quite some time. He had already eliminated all other suspects. The only ones who had been around his mother before her passing were himself, Joelle, and Gina.


    Gina had been under the Watson family’s wing for years, and they hade to see her as part of the family. Shawn had never questioned her loyalty before. But now,cking any other leads, he found himself starting to doubt her.


    “Shawn, I would never hurt your mother. Your family has supported me for so long, and I am deeply thankful. Why would I harm any of you?”


    “I know, I know.” Shawn quickly steered the conversation away, his tone easing. “I just wanted to learn more about my mom. Don’t worry, both Joelle and I trust the kind of person you are.”


    “Okay.” Gina released her worries, bid farewell, and left the house.


    As she stepped outside, she walked to the next block and made a call to Adrian. “Mr. Miller, can we meet?”


    Adrian’s response was cold. “What’s this regarding?”


    “It concerns Joelle’s child. I have new information.”


    “Let’s meet at Sapphire Lodge in an hour.”


    “Sure.”


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    Gina ended the call and looked back at the house. Shawn wouldn’t have brought up the past without reason unless his suspicions were growing.


    Gina’s eyes narrowed, a glint of malice passing across her face.


    Gina arrived at Sapphire Lodge early and picked a seat by the window. Just two minutes after she settled down, Katie approached her. “I want this seat.”


    The waiter appeared uneasy. “Miss Miller, this seat is already taken.”


    “So what? I want to sit here!”


    The waiter offered a polite smile. “There’s another empty table by the window over there. Would you like to sit—”


    “What?” Katie, ever the drama queen, quickly stirred up trouble. “You’re asking me to move? Do you know who my cousin is?”


    The waiter, visibly distressed, looked towards Gina. “Miss, would you mind—”


    Gina shut her menu and said coldly, “I was here first.” In essence, she was not going to move.


    The waiter was in a tight spot. On one hand, they needed to avoid upsetting Katie’s influential cousin. On the other, they had to maintain the restaurant’s integrity. The tense atmosphere was broken by an arrival.


    Tristan saw Katie and approached. “What’s happening?”


    “Tristan!” Katie clung to his arm. “I want to sit here, but this woman won’t move!”


    Tristan, prepared to be the chivalrous boyfriend, looked down and met Gina’s gaze. His heart dropped. If Gina spoke up now, it could ruin his ns to marry into a wealthy family.


    “Babe, it’s just a seat. Let’s just let her have it, okay? Come, I’ll take you to that table over there.”


    Katie felt deeply embarrassed. Her boyfriend wasn’t defending her. “No! I want this seat!”


    Tristan began to feel desperate. “Why this seat? There are so many others!”


    What he failed to see was that for Katie, it wasn’t just about the seat anymore. It had be a test of her influence and a measure of how far Tristan would go to please her.


    To her dismay, Tristan chose the easiest way out—avoidance. What a shame!


    “I want to sit here! I want this seat! If you can’t make that happen, we’re done!”


    For Tristan, breaking up was not an option. In desperation, he turned to Gina, his eyes pleading as he said, “Miss, what if I pay for your meal tonight?”


    Before he could finish, Gina interrupted, “Sorry, but I’m not moving. Waiter, I’m ready to order.”


    “You…”


    Tristan’s face turned white. Seeing Katie’s growing anger, he realized the situation was getting worse. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he scrambled to defuse the situation. Fearful of Katie’s reaction more than Gina’s defiance, Tristan pushed past the waiter and stood up straight, his voice louder.


    “I tried being nice, but that’s clearly not working! How many times do I have to say it? My girlfriend wants this seat, and you’re going to give it up, whether you like it or not!”


    Gina was unfazed by Tristan. She was actually curious to see how they would react once Adrian showed up.


    “Just because your girlfriend wants something, does that mean I have to give it up? Ever heard of firste, first served?”


    “Shut up!” Tristan pulled out some cash and threw it at Gina. He knew Gina was motivated by money. That was the reason why she had dated him before.


    “Take this money and leave!”


    What troubled him more was the possibility of Gina saying something damaging. His standing with Katie could be severely impacted.


    As he threw the money, he gave Gina a discreet look, silently pleading with her not to say anything that might tarnish his image in front of Katie.


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