Chapter 27 – Tipping the Scales (Part 3)
(Season 1, Episode 18, Part 3)
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Gossip Girl Blast:
"Some risks lead to rewards. Others? To ruin. And right now, it looks like one Bass boy is gambling with everything he has. Will he come out on top, or is he about to be checkmated? Time to place your bets, Upper East Siders. XOXO, Gossip Girl."
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Aryan's Next Move – The Walls Close In
Aryan stood in his penthouse, overlooking the city that never slept. A glass of whiskey rested in his hand, but he wasn't drinking. His mind was already three steps ahead.
Chuck thought he was playing his own game. He thought Russell Thorpe was an ally. But the problem with Chuck? He never saw the full board.
A vibration from his phone broke the silence. Elise.
"It's done," she said. "Bart Bass is making his move. He's cutting Chuck off."
Aryan smirked, swirling his drink. "That was fast."
"Your information was enough. Bart doesn't tolerate betrayal—even from his own son."
Aryan exhaled through his nose, a calculated decision forming in his mind. Chuck had overplayed his hand. His father had found out about his dealings with Thorpe. That meant Chuck was now vulnerable.
The question was—how far did Aryan want to push?
"Keep an eye on Chuck," Aryan said, his voice smooth. "If he falls, I want to know how hard."
Elise hesitated. "Are you going to help him?"
Aryan chuckled, but there was no warmth in it. "That depends on whether he deserves it."
Because in Aryan's world, second chances weren't given. They were earned.
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Gossip Girl Blast:
"Looks like Daddy Bass isn't feeling so generous these days. And C? Seems like you just lost your safety net. Time to see if you can stand on your own. XOXO."
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Chuck's Downfall – Nowhere Left to Run
The Palace Hotel had always been Chuck's kingdom, but tonight, it felt smaller. Colder.
Sitting at the bar, Chuck downed his drink and motioned for another. His father had just informed him—his access to Bass Industries was gone. Accounts frozen. His influence? Stripped away in an instant.
"You look like hell," Nate's voice broke through.
Chuck scoffed. "And you sound surprised."
Nate sat down beside him. "What happened?"
Chuck let out a bitter laugh. "What always happens. My father found out."
Nate frowned. "About Thorpe?"
Chuck nodded, taking another drink. "Aryan fed him the information."
Nate hesitated. "Are you sure?"
Chuck shot him a look. "Who else?"
Nate was quiet for a long moment. "Maybe he was trying to stop you from making a mistake."
Chuck slammed his glass down. "No. He was making sure I lost."
But deep down, a part of him wondered—
Was Nate right?
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Serena's Worry – Choosing a Side
At the Van der Woodsen penthouse, Serena paced back and forth. She had heard the whispers. The rumors. Chuck was spiraling, and Aryan? He was the one who set the dominoes in motion.
Blair sat on the couch, watching her. "You can't fix this, you know."
Serena turned, frustration in her eyes. "Maybe not. But that doesn't mean I should just watch him crash and burn."
Blair arched a brow. "And what do you expect Aryan to do? Chuck went behind his back. Actions have consequences, Serena."
Serena sighed, sitting down. "I just don't want them to destroy each other."
Blair softened. "I know. But this is who they are. Chuck gambles. Aryan calculates. And in the end? There's always a winner."
Serena looked away.
She just wasn't sure if she wanted to see who it would be.
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Gossip Girl Blast:
"Sometimes, the people closest to us are the ones we understand the least. Careful, S. The deeper you dig, the more you might not like what you find. XOXO."
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The Confrontation – Aryan vs. Chuck
The air was thick with tension as Chuck stepped into Aryan's penthouse. He had sent a message—no pleasantries, no warnings. Just one word.
"Talk."
Aryan stood near the bar, pouring himself a drink as Chuck entered. "I was wondering when you'd show up."
Chuck's fists clenched. "You gave my father the information."
Aryan took a sip of his whiskey before setting the glass down. "I did."
Chuck's eyes darkened. "You set me up."
Aryan tilted his head. "No, Chuck. You set yourself up. I just made sure the consequences caught up to you."
Chuck stepped forward. "You think you can control everything?"
Aryan's gaze didn't waver. "No. But I control what matters."
Silence hung between them.
Then, Chuck laughed—a sharp, humorless sound. "And here I thought we were friends."
Aryan exhaled, crossing his arms. "We were. Until you decided to bet against me."
Chuck's jaw tightened.
Aryan leaned forward. "I don't play to lose, Chuck. You should've known that."
Chuck held his stare for a long moment. Then, without another word, he turned and walked out.
Aryan watched him go, his expression unreadable.
Some friendships could be salvaged.
This one?
That depended on Chuck.
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Gossip Girl's Final Blast of the Night:
"Friendships break. Alliances shift. And once trust is gone, there's no getting it back. So, tell me, Upper East Siders—who will stand, and who will fall? Sweet dreams. XOXO, Gossip Girl."
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[End of Chapter 27, Part 3]
Next: Chapter 28 – A Dangerous Game (Part 1)