“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
“Young Miss, we are here." He announced to Rose who had her headphones on her head as leaned back on the seat to rest properly with her eyes closed like she was sleeping.. “Thank you." She said after opening her eyes. She paid Luthor his money and left a huge tip as well. She didn't wait for Luthor to say anything and alighted the cab and walked to the Gray mansion gate. “She must be in a really bad mood." Luthor muttered as he stared at her disappearing figure before driving off. Rose told Paige not to bring any snacks since she didn't need anything before she headed to her room. She made sure to lock the door behind her, dropping her bag on the couch and dragged her body to the bed. She removed her shoes before flopping on the bed and dozed off to sleep immediately she fell on the soft bed. “Let's get some peaceful sleep before night falls." She mumbled to herself. She was already aware that sleeping at night was forbidden for her unless she wanted to be traumatized by her past
***************Friday morning, which was the last day of the first week that Rose had started her new school.Rose did her normal daily routine, which was going to school with Sophia.“Sophia, when did our father say he'd be returning?" Rose suddenly asked in the car. Sophia turned to look at her older sister for a few seconds before replying. "Well, he was supposed to arrive this sunday but he later chose to come by monday because of his flight schedule. Why are you asking?” “Nothing. I just miss that's all." Rose shook her head and gave Sophia a sweet smile.Sophia wasn't focused on the smile to see how half-cold and half-dry it was. She was just focused on the fact that Rose looked more beautiful when she smiled.‘I still have three days left.’ Rose thought in her mind.‘Crazy bitch! I wish I could wipe that smile off your face.’ Sophia cursed in her mind, watching how Rose returned her gaze to the book in her hand.Finally, when they arrived at school. Rose departed with Sophia
"Shut up!” Victor snapped sharply, his voice quivering with rage. The injustice he felt burned like a firestorm inside him. “They beat me up! They should be begging for my forgiveness! I’m going to sue them all and throw them in jail!” His eyes blazed as he glared at the crowd, his words venomous. “How dare you mess with me? You’re all dead!” The crowd erupted into sneers and laughter. “If anything happens to us, the world will know it’s the Grays who did it,” someone retorted. “You’ll face justice soon enough.” Another voice chimed in, “Miss Rose Gray, it’s pointless to be kind to people like them. They don’t know the meaning of gratitude!” “They’re heartless,” a third agreed. “The more you tolerate them, the worse they’ll treat you.” “Some people are just born wicked,” an older man said, shaking his head. “Victor Gray is the perfect example.” Rose, standing at the center of the storm, glanced at Victor with a faint trace of pity. She sighed softly and said, “But he’s still my
The Gray couple stood devastated, their carefully constructed façade crumbling under the weight of the truth. William seemed to freeze, his face twitching with barely restrained fury. For a moment, he looked like a man teetering on the brink of madness. How can I possibly agree? Everyone is watching and listening. But those shares are mine. MINE. Rose kept her gaze fixed on the floor, her shoulders hunched like a frightened lamb. Her small frame trembled slightly, evoking pity from the onlookers. Poor girl. The crowd whispered amongst themselves. Born into wealth but treated like an outcast in her own family. Even her own father uses her without hesitation. Beatrice’s fists were clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Her mind was racing. No. We can’t give those shares back. They’re ours. Sophia’s and Victor’s future depend on them. She can’t take them from us! Sophia stood frozen, her face burning with suppressed anger. Yet, she dared not speak, remembering the backla
"How could a father steal from his own daughter? Or is she not even considered his daughter?” “Is the Gray Corporation really that desperate now?” Outraged whispers spread among the crowd. Some female reporters expressed their disgust. “Do you only see your son as your child? What about your daughter? This is outrageous!” Someone chimed in, “He surely cares for his daughter, it all just depends on which daughter you're referring to. And it's obvious that you mean Sophia. Look at her outfit! That dress alone is worth more than $100,000, and her jewelry must cost a fortune of a million. However , look at the poor Miss Roseline Gray…” All eyes turned to Rose, and the difference was undeniable. “My God, it seems like the ex-wife’s daughter hasn't been treated well.” “It’s clear who gets the love and resources in this family…” Beatrice Gray’s face tightened as she realized the shift in the room’s mood, but it was too late. Sophia, unable to contain her anger, stood up and snapped a
It was a speech prepared and arranged for Rose to deliver, and it would have sounded far more convincing if she had done so. However, Rose had stayed quiet the entire time, leaving William Gray with no choice but to do it himself."Fake? Photoshop? That’s the best explanation you can offer? Ridiculous! Do you think we’re so blind that we can’t tell the difference between fake and real? Does he truly think we’re stupid?"Some reporters exchanged skeptical glances, their pens pausing mid-sentence. The crowd seemed to share the same sentiment, murmuring in agreement, except for a small group of reporters.Before the other reporters had the chance to challenge him, a few voices rang out from the front row.“Mr. Gray is absolutely correct," one reporter said with exaggerated conviction. "The video lacks credibility. It's easy to manipulate footage these days, especially with advanced editing software."Another voice quickly added, "I agree. It’s well-edited, but if you look closely, you
---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