"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
These past three days that she had been visiting the Anderson residence, she had always met different types of security guards and none of them were willing to let her in. This time around it was another different security guard she met again with no luck. Well, she already expected little hope of seeing anyone today so she headed back to where Luthor was waiting for her.“Do you mind if I ask why you keep coming here everyday, young Miss?" Luthor asked as he drove gently on the highway.Rose glanced at Luthor for a few seconds. "Because the Anderson family are my extended relatives but I'm not sure if they know about me." She replied, not bothering to hide the truth from Luthor. After all, she knew him more than he knew himself.Luthor's eyes widened. He knew that the young miss he had been driving for the past three days was from the popular Gray family because he dropped her off in front of the Gray mansion but he didn't know that she had a relationship with the Anderson family as
"Did you hear that part when I said I came to personally drag you out?” Chris remarked as he stood up from his seat. “Only you?" He paused when he heard Alex's question. He knew what Alex meant because he was looking down at him and asking him if he was capable of dragging him away. “Damn it! How dare you look down on me?" Chris groaned and moved closer to Alex's desk. Without hesitation, he grabbed the file that Alex was going through and started making his way to the door. “If you're interested in finishing your work, come and get your file from me.” Chris said and walked out of the office. He knew he was being petty and acting like a child but he had in this case because of Alex. A dangerous and terrifying aura emitted from Alex as he watched Chris walk out of his office. Without saying anything, he stood up from his seat and grabbed his coat before also walking out of the office. He knew Chris would not let go of the file he took which was important to him unless he went with
He turned back to look at both Edward and Christopher who were also looking at him. “A few days ago, I called Alex to ask the name of the girl we met and it turns out that she is my second cousin.” He revealed. Alex frowned when he heard Nicholas. Rose was his cousin? "I'm confused. Since when did you have a female cousin?” Chris was the one that asked. "That child’s mother is the niece of my grandfather.” He told them again. "How did you know about this?” Edward asked. "My grandfather sent the image of her to my father and I saw her picture, it was on the night we met her. She is the oldest daughter of the Gray family in Los Angeles.” Nicholas replied. " The same Gray family? I thought the oldest daughter was sent abroad to study? So you mean that beautiful young girl we met a few days ago that was being chased by Rey was your second cousin?” Chris asked, completely shocked at this revelation. He didn't see this one coming at all. "No wonder, I thought you guys have similar gr
---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