Rose just quietly stared at Byron when she heard him. She was aware of the danger it might cause in the future if she told her family name, so her plan was to avoid that question. “You don't need to know my family name. All you just need to know is that just one phone call can destroy all of your lives." Rose finally replied as she looked Byron dead in the eyes. “Little girl, are we supposed to be scared all because of that simple threat of words you just said?" This time it was Fury who spoke before Byron could reply. “I'm not threatening you with words. It's easy for you guys to come here and extort your power, which is your number and all the things you have in your hands. Did you think I'd exchange just ordinary words with you guys? I also have a way to use my power over you." Rose turned to look at Fury. " What are you talking about?” Fury asked with a frown on his face. “18.2-121. Entering property of another for the purpose of damaging it, etc. Have you heard the words “di
“Third Boss!” The thugs nearby quickly rushed to help their third commander up. “Your man has been released. You no longer have anything to use." Rose ignored the commotion beside her and turned to look at Byron who had a mixed expression between amusement and surprise on his face. Fury on the other hand, just glared in disappointment at the third-in-command. “This crazy little brat! How dare you -" After being assisted up, he was about to lash out at Rose when Fury interrupted him. “Keep quiet for now, Ax." He told him to shut up. "You indeed let go of one of my men, but what about the other one he had beaten up?” Byron asked. “That freak also broke my hand as well." Ax, the third-in-command chided but earned him a glare from Fury. "I see you want to push your luck. Let me set the table straight then since you want to go all out.” Rose raised her head up to look at Byron. "You said something about evidence to proof your violation, right? I also told you earlier, I don't talk
Luthor turned to look at Rose after Ax was taken out of the restaurant. “Are you okay, little Rose?” He asked, thinking that she might have been frightened by Ax action. Even though she was acting brave, she was still just a child after all. Contrary to what he expected to look like, she looked rather calm and looked unfazed like she hadn't just been attacked at. Rose wasn't scared at Ax's attempt because she is generally not scared of anything. She herself was surprised by how she was still able to maintain her calm demeanor. She simply nodded at Luthor and glanced at Byron and Fury. “It seems this big boss of yours still has some mortality and made a right choice teaching his lackeys what's wrong or right. However, it is unfortunate that not all of his lackeys have a brain in them.” She remarked her entire demeanor changed as she emitted a terrifying and chilling aura around her. Her sharp piercing gaze stabbed through Byron like daggers. She was done playing games with these peo
Maya let out a restless sigh, upon seeing how she was already cornered by the three of them. “I'm sorry children. This is all my fault. I'm the one putting you in this situation and I can't do anything about it. I'm sorry.” She muttered in a low voice that was filled with guilt. If only she had looked for another way and not gone to borrow money this situation wouldn't have happened. Not only is she involving her two children in this mess, but also Rose who she had just met today in this mess as well. “You did what you have to Mrs. Hoult. As for this, I will take care of it so wait here for us." Rose reassured Maya before turning to look at Byron. “I will advise you, this is still a bad idea, kid." Fury remarked. "Your advice is insignificant at this moment, so let's go or you and boss can say goodbye to whatever you do in an hour.” Rose coldly retorted back to him. " Fine, let's go.” Byron understood what she meant so he turned around and gestured to their boys to move out of th
Just as they entered the bar, they had also garnered the attention from the customers and people in the club as well. Although some of the customers knew Byron, Fury and Ax so they were not surprised to see them. However, what caught their attention was Luthor, Amelia and most especially, Rose. First of all, they were mesmerized and stunned by seeing such a beautiful young girl in a place like this. She was the most beautiful person most of them have seen and they couldn't take their eyes off her, both men and women in the bar. Byron stopped one of the waiters and asked about where their big boss and the waiter told him he was in the office so he turned to look at Rose, Luthor and Amelia. “Let's go." He said and led them to the elevator. When they got to the fourth floor which was the floor where the boss was located, Rose noticed it gave off a different vibe which made her wonder who this Big Boss is. “Come in." A husky voice came from inside the office after Byron knocked on th
“You assholes, that wasn't the agreement between you and my mother!" Amelia argued back.“Is it? By the way, where is your mother? Did you bring your brother here to complain about what my boys did?" Cobra asked.“You are the one my mother had an agreement with, right? Even if she owes you money, you should follow the agreement between the two of you, rather than having your boys come and destroy the shop." Luthor suddenly spoke, looking at Cobra dead in the eyes." You don't seem to be an ordinary person. Anyways, I changed my mind on the agreement and sent my boys to collect my money. Is there something wrong with that?” Cobra replied to Luthor who frowned at his statement.What did he expect from loan sharks? Everything about these people are illegal and they act like gods over their clients because none of them can go against them. Why did his mother have to come and borrow money from these kinds of people?“You should have told them before coming and asking for money after the ag
“What business do I have with a little girl like you?” he asked again. He knew for a fact that Rosewas not a simple person when he saw her, but the fact that she was a small child wouldn't let him think straight to not mess with her. Besides, he hadn't witnessed how terrifying she could be since he just thought she was a spoiled little brat from a wealthy family.“I have no business with you either, Mister. However, I couldn't take it any longer when your boys came to ruin my lunch and one of them came up to meet and harassed me.” Rose calmly replied.“Is that true?” Cobra turned to look at the three men standing beside the couch he was sitting on with a small frown on his face. No matter how ruthless he was, he had always given a severe warning to all of his boys that they should always leave children and pregnant women from their business and Byron, Ax and Fury were no exception from his warning.How come he sends them to go and collect money and all three of them watch one of the b
Cobra also followed the line of her eyes. “Is that brat speaking the truth?" He asked his men. Just how much more did these three idiots have yet to tell him? Why did he have to keep finding them out slowly?“Boss, it's true she was the one who willingly gave us her phone which she had recorded everything in but……” Byron trailed off. " But what?” Cobra asked with a raised brow at why Byron was stopping all of a sudden. He was still a bit surprised when he heard that she was the one that willingly gave them her phone, so what else is there to add.“If you possess the evidence, why haven't you destroyed it yet?" He asked again."We could have, Boss. But that isn't the problem at hand. That brat already has the videos sent to her people and they are awaiting her call in less than twenty minutes. If they don't receive her call, they would take charges against us, so it's pretty much pointless to destroy the evidence with us.” Fury was the one that chose to explain to Cobra.The atmospher
---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