Chapter 30: Chapter 19: A House Divided (Part 2)
(Season 1, Episode 10)
Gossip Girl Blast:
"They say power isn't given—it's taken. And in this city, the players are making their moves. Some fight for control, others for survival, and a select few? They're simply shaping the world to their will. But be careful, Upper East Siders. When you change the rules, you might just find yourself at the mercy of the game. XOXO, Gossip Girl."
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Aryan's Strategic Play
Late at night, Aryan stood in his office at Jain Global Holdings, overlooking the city that never slept. His empire was expanding rapidly—too rapidly. And while that was exactly what he wanted, it also meant attention.
He picked up a file from his desk, flipping through the pages. "Schwartz Media Group"—one of the most influential publishing companies in the country. Gossip rags, news networks, television studios… power disguised as information.
His assistant, Elena, entered, handing him a fresh report. "The initial buyout offer has been received well, but the board is hesitant. They know your reputation, Aryan."
He smirked. "Then we'll give them no choice."
Elena arched a brow. "Hostile takeover?"
Aryan closed the folder. "A gentle one—for now. But if they resist… well, we remove the obstacles."
Elena smiled. "Understood."
Just then, his phone vibrated. A message from Chuck:
"Meeting at The Empire. You'll want to hear this."
Aryan exhaled, grabbing his coat. The night was far from over.
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Gossip Girl Blast:
"Money talks, but influence whispers. And A? He's fluent in both. Watch out, Upper East Siders—this takeover is only just beginning. XOXO."
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Chuck's Warning
Aryan arrived at The Empire Hotel, where Chuck was waiting in the VIP lounge, a bottle of his finest scotch already on the table.
"You called," Aryan said, sliding into the seat across from him.
Chuck poured him a drink. "I did. Because you're about to have a problem."
Aryan arched a brow. "Go on."
Chuck leaned forward. "You know Carter Baizen?"
Aryan nodded. Carter was an old-money troublemaker—a drifter who always seemed to land in shady deals.
"He's back," Chuck continued, swirling his glass. "And he's asking about you. Specifically, your business."
Aryan's expression remained unreadable. "And why would he care?"
Chuck smirked. "Because someone's paying him to."
Aryan exhaled, setting his drink down. Interesting. He had enemies, of course—but who had the resources to hire Carter?
"Any idea who?" Aryan asked.
Chuck shook his head. "Not yet. But if Baizen is sniffing around, you'll want to deal with it before he gets too close."
Aryan nodded. "I'll handle it."
Chuck grinned. "I never doubted it."
As Aryan left, his mind was already working. Someone was moving against him. That meant it was time to move first.
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Gossip Girl Blast:
"Enemies in the shadows, alliances in the light. A, are you ready for war? XOXO."
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Serena's Growing Doubt
At the Van der Woodsen penthouse, Serena sat curled up on the couch, lost in thought. Blair had already left, but the conversation they had earlier still echoed in her mind.
"You're drawn to him, though, aren't you?" Blair had said.
"Maybe."
Serena sighed, staring out at the city. She was drawn to Aryan—his confidence, his certainty, the way he always seemed in control.
But was that a good thing?
Her phone buzzed. A text from Aryan.
"Busy tomorrow?"
She hesitated before replying.
"No. What's up?"
Seconds later, another message.
"I want to show you something. Be ready at 8."
Serena bit her lip, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Was she ready for whatever this was turning into?
She wasn't sure.
But she was going anyway.
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Gossip Girl Blast:
"Careful, S. When you step into a king's world, you either rise with him… or get left behind. XOXO."
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Nate's Breaking Point
Meanwhile, at the Archibald townhouse, Nate was running out of time. His father's trial was closing in, and the legal fees were piling up.
His mother refused to accept Aryan's help, but Nate knew they had no other options.
Which was why, against his mother's wishes, he was sitting across from Aryan, who had invited him to an exclusive rooftop club.
"You're sure you can make this go away?" Nate asked, gripping his drink.
Aryan nodded. "Yes. But I need to know—are you ready to step out of your father's shadow, Nate?"
Nate looked away.
He had spent his whole life trying to live up to his father's name. But what had that gotten him? Lies. Scandal. Debt.
Maybe Aryan was right.
Maybe it was time to be something more.
He looked back at Aryan and nodded. "Yeah. I am."
Aryan smiled. "Then let's fix this."
And just like that, a deal was made.
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Gossip Girl's Final Blast of the Night:
"The prince is making his choice, the queen is questioning hers, and the king? He's already ten steps ahead. Sleep tight, Upper East Siders… if you dare. XOXO."