Chapter 29: Chapter 19: A House Divided (Part 1)(Season 1, Episode 10)
Gossip Girl Blast:
"A house divided cannot stand… but in the Upper East Side, division isn't just a crack—it's a weapon. Alliances shift, loyalties are tested, and the game keeps getting deadlier. Who's ready to lose? XOXO, Gossip Girl."
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Aryan and Serena: An Unspoken Tension
The morning air was crisp as Aryan stepped into The Palace Hotel's grand dining area, where Serena was already waiting at a corner table. She looked effortlessly beautiful in a cream-colored sweater dress, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders.
But there was something in her eyes—hesitation, doubt.
"You're early," he noted, sliding into the seat across from her.
Serena exhaled, pushing her cup of coffee aside. "I needed to talk to you."
Aryan leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "I gathered as much. What's on your mind?"
She studied him for a moment, as if deciding how much she wanted to say. "Gabriel," she finally murmured.
Aryan didn't react immediately. He picked up his coffee, took a slow sip, and then set it down. "What about him?"
"You made him disappear," Serena whispered, voice barely audible over the murmur of the restaurant.
Aryan tilted his head slightly. "And?"
Serena swallowed. "You didn't even hesitate."
He sighed, leaning back. "Serena, you saw what he was doing. He was a con artist, manipulating people—including you. He would have kept hurting people. I handled it."
She crossed her arms. "Handled it how?"
Aryan met her gaze, unwavering. "Do you really want to know?"
Silence stretched between them.
Serena's fingers toyed with the edge of her napkin. "I just… I don't know how I feel about it."
Aryan reached across the table, gently taking her hand. "I'll always protect you. No matter what."
Her breath hitched slightly, but she didn't pull away.
And for now, that was enough.
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Gossip Girl Blast:
"Looks like our golden girl is playing with fire. But will she bask in its warmth… or get burned? XOXO."
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Blair's Social Chess Match
At Constance Billard, Blair was in her element. She strode down the hallway like a queen surveying her kingdom, her signature headband perfectly in place. But she wasn't alone—Amira, the new girl, was right on her heels.
"You know," Amira said, her tone light but challenging, "it's impressive how you keep control around here. But every kingdom eventually falls."
Blair paused at her locker, arching a brow. "Is that a warning?"
Amira smirked. "Just an observation."
Blair let out a small laugh. "That's adorable. But let me give you a piece of advice, Amira. New girls don't challenge the Queen. They find a place in her court… or they disappear."
Amira's smirk faltered for just a second, but Blair caught it.
Game, set, match.
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Gossip Girl Blast:
"B thinks she's won the war… but is she underestimating her enemy? Watch your back, Queen B. XOXO."
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Chuck and Aryan: The Unofficial Alliance
Later that evening, Aryan met Chuck at his suite in The Palace. The Bass heir was lounging in his armchair, drink in hand, as Aryan stepped inside.
"You're taking over everything," Chuck observed. "Business, influence… even Serena."
Aryan arched a brow. "Jealous?"
Chuck smirked. "Not at all. I respect it. But you do realize that power comes with a price?"
Aryan poured himself a drink from Chuck's bar. "And what price do you think I'll pay?"
Chuck swirled the amber liquid in his glass. "Enemies. People who don't like seeing a new king rise."
Aryan chuckled. "Let them come."
Chuck's smirk deepened. "You really don't hesitate, do you?"
Aryan met his gaze. "Hesitation is weakness. And weakness gets you killed."
Chuck let out a low laugh, raising his glass in a toast. "To never hesitating, then."
Their glasses clinked.
And just like that, an unspoken alliance was formed.
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Gossip Girl Blast:
"When two kings share a board, war is inevitable. The only question is… who will make the first move? XOXO."
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Nate's Desperate Gamble
While Aryan was securing power, Nate Archibald was struggling to keep his world from crumbling.
His father's trial was fast approaching, and the pressure was suffocating. Sitting alone in his townhouse, he scrolled through his phone, debating his next move.
His mother had made it clear—she didn't want Aryan's help. She didn't trust it.
But Nate wasn't sure he had a choice anymore.
With a deep breath, he dialed Aryan's number.
It rang twice before Aryan picked up.
"Nate?"
"I need your help," Nate said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aryan was silent for a beat, then: "I told you. I've got this."
Nate closed his eyes, exhaling in relief.
For the first time in weeks, he felt like he wasn't completely alone.
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Gossip Girl's Final Blast of the Night:
"Some debts are paid in money. Others? In loyalty. N, you'd better hope you're backing the right horse. Sleep tight, Upper East Siders… if you can. XOXO."