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
“Come on, let's get you a seat rather than standing like this." Luthor said as he led Rose towards an empty table in the restaurant. Rose nodded her head and just quietly followed Luthor until he asked her to sit down and wait for him while he went to go and find his mother. “Mom." Luthor called as he walked to where his mother was standing. Even though the business was running well, they still had no money to hire staff. So Luthor's mother was the one that managed to do the serving of the customers and when Luthor's siblings came back from work and school, they would assist her as well. “Luthor, when did you arrive?” A pretty looking middle aged woman.in her early forties turned around and looked at the person that called her which was none other than her son. She was a bit surprised to see him by this time. “I came here a while ago.” Luthor replied as he hugged his mom. If one takes a closer look at the mother and son, they would be able to tell that he inherited some of his mo
Rose, who was busy with her phone, didn't notice Luthor and Maya walking towards her until Luthor called her. “Little Rose, sorry for keeping you waiting.” Luthor called her by the nickname he gave her, making Rose raise her head up. Her eyes quickly landed on the elderly woman beside Luthor and she didn't need to be told who she was because she already took a guess. Noticing where her eyes were on, Luthor quickly gestured to his mother. " This is my mother." He told her and Rose slowly nodded her head before standing up from her seat. “It's nice to meet you Mrs. Hoult." She greeted and did a small bow to her. Maya was taken aback by the gesture and quickly waved her hand. “Oh dear. Young Miss, please someone like you shouldn't bow like that to me." She nervously said and Rose raised her head up. Rose bowing to Maya was a sign of respect and politeness, reflecting her good manners and understanding of social etiquette. Maya's reaction, however, revealed her humility, as she fe
Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, different black vans caught the attention of passerby outside the restaurant as they watched the cars and vans parked right outside the restaurant. The people in the vans and cars who were all hefty men alighted from the vehicles and strolled confidently into the restaurant. The sudden appearance of these men quickly caught the customers' attention and the peaceful tranquility instantly destroyed with some of the customers' faces turning pale. Noticing the change in atmosphere, Rose who was half way through her meal raised her head up and glanced at the restaurant entrance that was filled with some not-friendly looking men. A frown quickly appeared on her face because she could tell that these men are here to have a meal and they were here to do the opposite. She took a glance at Luthor and noticed the small frown on his face as well when he saw the men. “Wow, I thought this place was no longer operating, but thanks to a nice little birdie who to
"But I have already explained this situation to your boss and he agreed to give me some more time to pay the previous money. I know I know I'm a bit late with the payment but please try to understand my situation and I promise it will be ready by the end of this month.” Maya replied, this was not what she had discussed with Byron's Boss, who is the person she had borrowed the money from. "We did. However, because you've avoided and ignored us, our boss is no longer interested in giving you some time anymore, so he has canceled the agreement he made with you. He has ordered us to collect every previous money you're owing.” Byron lazily rubbed the inside of his ears with his pinky finger like he was bored to death as he replied to Maya. “You fucking assholes!" Amelia couldn't take it anymore and yelled furiously at them as she left Luthor's side and walked towards where her mother was standing. "Ah, Amelia darling. I didn't know you were also around. It's good to see your beautiful f
“I refuse your suggestion. All I beg for is a bit more time." Maya quickly cuts Byron off before he can finish his statement. No matter what happened, she would never sell her only daughter to pay off her debt. Never! “In that case, I think I have been too lenient with you guys enough." Byron turned around and signaled his boys to start destroying everything in the restaurant. Immediately a loud crashing sound of tables, chairs and glass windows being destroyed filled the entire restaurant in a blink of an eye. “No….no…..no….please don't do this.” Maya pleaded but was ignored. She eventually became agitated as she watched how Byron lackeys were destroying everything in the restaurant which she had painstakingly bought with some significant money. She was so angry that she didn't realize when she rushed towards where Byron was standing and raised her hand up. PAAAAAAAAAA!! “Stop this madness!" Maya yelled at the top of her lungs. The entire restaurant fell into silence as
"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