Billionaire Villainess (Unedited)

They Think It's A Game (Extended 7/14/24)

Around the same time Judith got a job:

Verona waiting at a cafe for her friend Nora, the place they decided to meet. Knowing her, it wouldn't be long before she had all the information she needed about Zayden. She looked out the window of the bustling cafe, her mind racing with potential plans.

First, she needed to figure out exactly what kind of relationship Judith had with Zayden. If they were just friends, then it would be easier to drive a wedge between them. If they were dating, the challenge would be greater, but the reward even sweeter.

Verona smiled to herself. She thrived on challenges.

The bell above the cafe door jingled, and Verona looked up to see Nora entering, her face flushed with excitement. Verona waved her over to the corner booth where she sat.

"Verona! You won't believe what I found out about Zayden!" Nora said, practically bouncing as she slid into the seat opposite Verona.

"Tell me everything," Verona said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Nora wasted no time. "Zayden is a junior, top of his class in business and computer science. He's super smart and involved the computer club. He's also really popular, but he never dated anyone. Most girls are too intimidated by him."

Verona raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. And what about Judith? Have you seen them together?"

Nora nodded eagerly. "Yes! During my spying, I saw them spend a lot of time together in the computer lab. From what I heard through the door, Zayden and his friends has been helping her with some project. They seem really close."

Verona's mind whirred with possibilities. "Did he mention what kind of project?"

"No, but I can find out," Nora said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Good. Do that," Verona said, her voice firm. "And keep an eye on them. I want to know everything they do together."

Nora nodded enthusiastically. "You got it! I'll keep you updated."

As Nora left, Verona leaned back in her seat, a wicked smile playing on her lips. Judith had no idea what was coming. She would unravel whatever connection her sister had with Zayden, and then she would destroy it. This time, she would make sure Judith felt every ounce of pain and jealousy she deserved.

In the meantime, she needed to keep Gabriel on her side. The last thing she wanted was for him to start questioning their relationship. With a sigh, she picked up her phone and dialed his number.

"Hey, Gabriel," she said sweetly when he answered. "I've been thinking about you. Want to meet up later?"

"Sure," he replied, sounding distracted. "I've got some stuff to handle first, but I'll text you when I'm free."

Verona's eyes narrowed. "Stuff? What kind of stuff?"

"Just some school stuff with the guys," Gabriel said, brushing her off. "Nothing to worry about."

"Alright," Verona said, forcing a smile into her voice. "Don't keep me waiting too long."

As she hung up, she couldn't shake the feeling that Gabriel was hiding something from her. No matter. She would deal with him later. Right now, she had bigger fish to fry.

Verona took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. The game was on, and she intended to win. No matter the cost.
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Gabriel sat on a bench outside the student center, anxiously tapping his foot. He had asked his friend Jericho to meet him here, hoping he had some information about the mysterious guy Judith was with. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the campus.

He checked his phone for the tenth time, but there were no new messages. His mind raced with thoughts about Judith and the guy that looked familiar to him. Didn't Judith say his name was Zane or something? Who was he? What was his connection to Judith? And why did it bother him so much?

Finally, he spotted Jericho approaching, a serious expression on his face. Gabriel straightened up, trying to appear calm.

"Hey, man," Jericho said, sitting down next to Gabriel. "I found out some stuff."

"Great. What did you learn?" Gabriel asked, his voice betraying his impatience.

Jericho sighed. "Well, I saw Judith going in and out of the computer club room, just like I mentioned before. So, I asked around and did some digging."

"And?" Gabriel pressed.

"And it turns out, the guy you saw her with is Zayden. He's a junior, majoring in business and computer science. He is one of the leaders of the computer club along with some guy named Liam. He is supposedly really smart and popular."

Gabriel frowned. "Zayden? Now that you told me his name, I think I can recall meeting him before."

Jericho nodded. "That's what I figured. But here's the thing: Judith has been spending a lot of time with him and his friends. From what I gathered, they're working on some project together. They seem pretty close."

"Close how?" Gabriel's frown deepened.

"I don't know the details, but people sighted them spending a lot of time together in that club," Jericho said. "I don't know if they spend time outside of it though."

Gabriel frowned. "Thanks for finding this out, Jericho," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I need to figure out what she's up to."

Jericho nodded. "Yeah, no problem. Just be careful, man. Don't do anything rash."

Gabriel nodded absently, his mind already plotting his next move. He needed to see Judith and Zayden together to understand what was really going on. If this was all part of some game, he would confront Judith and call her bluff.

But if it wasn't a game... Gabriel shook his head, refusing to entertain that possibility. He had to stay focused.

"Let's go back to the dorm," Gabriel said, standing up. "I need to think."

Jericho stood up too, clapping Gabriel on the shoulder. "Alright. Just remember, we're here for you."

Gabriel nodded, appreciating the support, but his thoughts were elsewhere. As they walked back to the dorm, Gabriel's mind churned with plans and suspicions. He wouldn't let Judith outsmart him. He had to stay one step ahead.