Soon, Sandra returned with her own food and sat down opposite Rose. “Rose, you should be really careful with those annoying people we met earlier. They might be seniors but they are very dangerous not only in the school but also their family background.” Sandra suddenly spoke as she looked worriedly at Rose. " What happened?” Kehlani, who heard Sandra's words, turned to look at Rose and ask. "She encountered senior Leo and his friends in the hallway on our way to the cafeteria." Before Rose could reply, Sandra was the one who replied. " Oh,” Kehlani's eyes also went wide when she heard Sandra as she looked at Rose again. She knew Rose somehow knew Leo but she didn't know how their relationship was and she didn't bother to ask Rose as well. “You seem to be in a bad relationship with them as well given the fact that you're a junior to them. What happened?” Rose asked. Sandra didn't waste time and started explaining how the entire situation happened. She originally didn't have any
“I can't follow up with what you are saying." Rose shook her head. Wasn't the point of giving out scholarships to kids because they are kids with no background? “Rose, you see. Every kid gets a scholarship from the school but the class you're placed in depends on your background. There are the extremely rich kids, there are the rich kids, there are normal kids from a little bit of a rich family and the last ones are kids with no background at all." This time it was Kehlani who had been quiet that chose to explain to Rose before Sandra could. “Just like Kel said, the classes are also divided like that as well. The classes in our high school are the Purple crystal class known as the special section, Blue crystal class special section 2, Green crystal class and Yellow crystal class. In terms of student and teacher quality, the Yellow crystal class couldn’t compare to any of the classes in front of it, especially the Purple class. Most of the talented students in the city were concentra
“Girls, I hope you don't mind if I stop by my stall to grab a few things before we head back home?" Theresa asked as she glanced at the two girls in the backseat. She was technically talking to Rose because she knew Kehlani wouldn't have a problem with it. “Sure, I'd love to see Mrs. Clark's stall as well." Rose nodded her head. “Alright, thank you." Theresa nodded her head before driving towards her stall direction. A few minutes later, they arrived at their destination. “We are here girls." Theresa announced as she drove her car into the parking lot. Rose leaned forward and looked out of the car window to see where they were. They were currently parking in the parking lot of one of the most popular and famous Malls in the city. The shopping Mall was very massive and Rose could see lots of people going in and out of the entrance. She didn't need to be told how much the crowd would be in the building just seeing the amount of people walking out from there. “Mrs. Clark, y
Although Kehlani had refused her gesture, Rose ignored her and continued picking outfits for themselves. “Rose, I have enough outfits at home." Kehlani complained as she looked at Rose, hoping that she could stop Rose but it was all in vain when Rose opened her mouth to reply. “I know. I just want to have matching outfits with you." Rose calmly replied with a blank expression. Kehlani swallowed back the rest of her words when she heard Rose. This was actually the first time she would be having matching outfits with someone. And she heard that only best friends get matching outfits. Does this mean that Rose already sees her as a best friend? Kehlani was oblivious to the fact that this was also the first time Rose was also having matching outfits with anyone in her entire two lives. In her past, she had distanced herself from Alisa, so they didn't have the chance to share the best friend relationship and memory. ‘It feels nice though. I should get matching outfits with Alisa someda
Theresa eyebrows raised and her eyes widened when she heard Rose. She quietly stared at her with disbelief evident on her wrinkled face when she processed Rose's unbelievable remark which stunned her. ‘Is this some kind of joke or trick?’ She wondered. If only she didn't know her, she would have thought Rose was a spy and was working for her rivals at the mall. She had heard a similar thing like this in the past about someone offering to invest in her stall. However, it was because she was really careful and calmly thought about the offer. If she hadn't overthink about the offer and immediately accepted it on the spot it was offered to her, she would have fallen into a deep trap back then. Normally, Theresa wasn't the kind to quickly trust people easily, but she took a liking to Rose the moment she set her eyes on her. In the recent weeks, Theresa had been receiving several business calls from her rivals who were each asking the same thing from her and it was for her to sell her
"I'm being realistic to the situation here, Rose. This is the second time you're meeting me and it's also the first time you've been to my stall. And during the thirty minutes you spent at my stall, there haven't been any other customers walking through since we stepped in and out of there. Honestly speaking, you're the very first person to ever buy and patronize us in weeks which I'm very grateful for. But the fact clearly states that we aren't making enough sales as it should have been. Moreover, you've walked past many clothing stores and there's even a clothing store that is directly opposite my stall which is three times larger and more profitable than my stall, yet you chose to invest in my own stall.” Theresa pointed out the fact that made Rose's action a bit suspicious and very unbelievable. Rose nodded her head at Theresa's remark as she leaned back on the couch. “You’ve made a really good point, Mrs. Clark. And I surely wouldn't argue with the fact that what you stated is t
“I thought you said you wanted to be business partners and you have already proven to us that you're really serious. Therefore, I will gratefully return the gesture since you've put your complete trust in me. As business partners, whatever profit is made from the business would be splitted equally between both parties.” Theresa declared, while smiling broadly at Rose. Theresa's heart had been moved by Rose's kind gesture. The money Rose wanted to invest was enough to buy ten of her clothing stores but instead she had chosen to invest it on her. She had just met this little girl yesterday and she was already doing her this big favor. Never had she thought that her business which she was on the verge of losing would be saved by the investment she would be receiving from a little girl. But that aside, Rose also doesn't have the intention of interfering with the business management procedure and she wasn't bothered about making it official as well. She was just merely putting her trust
Since he hadn't gone far, it was easy for him to take a turn back to where he had left Rose standing. When he got to where he left Rose, he raised his brow when he didn't see her, not until he saw her walking out of a shop. He noticed she had a small bag in her hand as she walked towards his cab which she had noticed when she walked out of the store. A frown graced Rose's face as she opened the car door and slammed it behind her after entering the cab. “Miss, please be careful with the car door.” Luthor spoke after she sat down. " I will pay for damages if that's what you want.” Rose coldly replied. Luthor swallowed knowing that she was upset because of the way he treated her and left her like that. But he couldn't help it, she was a real troublesome girl in a unique way and he wasn't sure if he would be sane if he had to deal with her today as well. “Take me to the Anderson residence.” She requested. "Alright,” Luthor nodded his head and drove away. From time to time, he
---The press conference was held at the luxurious Riverview Grand Hotel, a venue known for hosting high-profile events. The large conference room was packed to capacity with journalists, photographers, and reporters from various media, all eager to catch a glimpse of the trending Gray family.As soon as Rose entered the room with William, Beatrice, Victor, and Sophia, the reporters surged forward like a swarm of hungry predators."Roseline Gray, what’s your opinion on the recent video?""Roseline Gray, how do you feel about being attacked by your half-brother Victor Gray?""This isn’t the first time, is it? Why have you stayed silent about the abuse?""Your father didn’t defend you—have you ever resented him for it?""How do you feel about the way your stepmother treats you?""Doesn’t your stepsister Sophia support you either? Do you feel completely isolated?""Roseline Gray, I heard you came back to the country, so what did you do to be beaten up by your step brother?”Question afte
………The next day, Rose dressed carefully for the press conference. She applied a touch of makeup to cover her bruises, though some marks were still visible. She chose a white summer dress, its delicate design giving her an air of fragility.When she descended the stairs, Beatrice was waiting, her irritation evident as Rose had made them for a long time on purpose.“Why are you wearing that? Pick a brighter color! You look better in something cheerful. And put more makeup on!” Beatrice protested as she scanned what Rose was wearing.‘What is she trying to do? Is she trying to look weak on purpose?’ Beatrice fumed internally. ‘This conference is meant to prove the video was false, not the opposite! If anything bad happens to my son, you’ll pay for it!’ she seethed.Rose’s eyes filled with tears as she replied meekly, “Dr. Noah said makeup could cause scarring if applied before my cuts heal. But I thought it would look too obvious without anything, so I used a little to cover most of the
They began the game in silence, the soft clink of chess pieces the only sound. Frank’s moves were calculated, deliberate, but he quickly realized Rose wasn’t an easy opponent. Her strategy was sharp, her responses precise, and it wasn’t long before she had him on the defensive.Frank leaned back in his chair, studying the board with newfound respect. “You’re quite skilled. Your mother must have been an excellent teacher.”“She was,” Rose replied, her tone tinged with fondness. “She always said chess was like life. Every move matters, and you have to think several steps ahead.”Frank nodded, his expression thoughtful. “A wise woman. And what have you learned from this game?”Rose paused, a small smile playing on her lips. “That you’re cautious but adaptable. You test your opponent before committing to a strategy.”Frank raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “Well observed. You’ve got a sharp mind, Rose. A rare gift.”“Thank you,” Rose said, warmth creeping into her voice.As the game p
Rose smiled, caught between the two. “I… I didn’t mean to start a competition!” she said, laughing lightly.Frank chuckled and placed a hand on Anne’s shoulder. “It’s not a competition, dear,” he said softly, his voice carrying a reassuring note. “Let her call us whatever she feels comfortable with.”Anne smiled, the playful edge fading. “Well, as long as she knows I’m the most important one,” she said with a wink.Julian laughed, crossing his arms and leaning back casually. “I’ll tell you what Rose, in order to soften the situation. It would be best if you call mom ‘Grandma’ and father ‘Grandfather,’ Deal?”Rose laughed, feeling the warmth of their banter. “Deal!” she said, her heart lightened by the playful atmosphere. She totally forgot that she felt stiffened up earlier.“Well,” she said, giving Anne a quick hug, “I’ll call you Grandma, if you prefer that. I just... I think it slipped out. It feels right.”Anne’s face softened, her smile returning. “Of course, darling. I suppose
*********The grandeur of the Anderson Ancestral home was as breathtaking as ever, with its ornate architecture and sprawling gardens. Though Rose had visited before, this time felt different. It wasn’t a casual visit—it was her escape, her refuge after the chaos at the Gray mansion.Julian guided her inside, where Frank and Anne Anderson awaited in the living room. Despite the familiarity, Rose still felt a twinge of hesitation as she approached them.“Rose, my darling,” Anne said warmly, pulling her into a gentle hug. Her soft hair brushed against Rose’s cheek as she held her close. “I’ve been worried about you. I’m so glad you’re here now.”“Thank you, Grandma,” Rose replied, her voice steady though her heart fluttered at the kindness."My goodness, how on earth did you end up in this state? How dare William Gray let his incompetent fool do this to my precious child? Does he have a death wish?" Anne fumed, her voice trembling with rage. Though most of the wounds were finally heali
Rose, who heard Beatrice’s voice paused and looked at Beatrice, her expression blank but her posture poised.Beatrice clasped her hands together, her tone pitiful. “Rose, I… I know I’ve made mistakes. This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have let things get so out of hand. Please, don’t leave. We’re family. Let me make it up to you. What would the people say if they knew you left home?”‘Tsk, you're still worried about your safety and reputation.’ Rose scoffed.Her gaze fixed on Beatrice. She tilted her head slightly, her tone soft and innocent. “Oh, Mother, I don’t blame you at all. It wasn’t your fault. These things just… happen.”Beatrice’s eyes widened, taken aback by Rose’s response. “I—I’ll do better, I swear. I’ll talk to Victor, and we’ll make this right. You don’t need to go.”Rose offered a small, sweet smile. “You’re too kind, mother, But Uncle Julian is right—I need a change of scenery. It’s not about you. I just need a little time to heal.”Beatrice reached for her hand, h
---The Gray mansion loomed under the overcast sky, its towering structure a stark reminder of the battles fought within its walls. Two days had passed since Rose signed the contract, transferring her shares to William. But her mind was far from defeated. She had called her uncle, Julian Anderson, with one clear directive: take her out of this house.As the sleek black car pulled up to the grand entrance, William stood at the threshold, his expression unreadable but his stance stiff with tension. Julian stepped out, his tailored suit and confident demeanor a sharp contrast to William’s simmering hostility.“Julian,” William greeted, his voice laced with forced politeness. “What brings you here today?”Julian’s gaze swept over William coldly. “I’m here for Rose.”William’s jaw tightened. “Rose is perfectly fine where she is.”Julian smirked, his sharp features hardening. “Fine? Is that what you call being bitten by your son? Victor’s behavior was barbaric. She’s covered in bruises, an
‘My wife is right. She's changed. She's plotting something,’ William thought, his suspicions solidifying."So, she’s put her guard up against me," he muttered in a tone only he can hear, his expression darkening. If that’s the case, I’ll have to get rid of her soon.But the tens of billions he craved wouldn’t be his until Rose turned twenty.Rose felt the sudden wave of hostility radiating from her father and shivered. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do, even to his own daughter, to get what he wants. She was certain of it.That was the real William Carter: calculating and ruthless. With no power, money, or connections of her own, Rose wasn’t a threat to him—yet. But her time for revenge hadn’t come, and until then, she had no choice but to play along.Quickly, she donned a sweet smile and replied in her softest voice, "You’re my dad. There’s no need to borrow anything. Whatever you need, I’m happy to give it to you and help in any way I can."Her thoughts told a different story. This is
"Father?!" William snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Rose's voice next to him. Rose frowned at the way William jolted at her words. It's obvious he was daydreaming, but the fact that he was wasting her time was even more annoying to her.“Do you have something else to.say?" She asked.For a moment, as though remembering his true purpose for coming, he cleared his throat and turned to look at her properly.“There’s something I need to ask you, Rose.” He hesitated, his tone softening. “Do you remember the 10% shares your grandfather gifted you? I need you to lend them to me. It’s critical for stabilizing the company. I promise, once we get through this tough time, I’ll return them to you.”The words landed exactly as Rose had expected. She had been waiting for this moment.When she was born, her grandfather had gifted her 10% of the company’s shares—a sizable stake, even by Gray standards. Those shares had remained untouched, protected by a clause that prevented their use unti