A while later, they arrived at their destination where she was supposed to meet Nancy. It was a very famous restaurant in the area and Rose was a bit surprised because it was heard that one needed to make a reservation a week earlier before one could have a meal at this restaurant. After parking the car, “You can wait here for me, brother Luthor." Rose told Luthor. " Okay.” Luthor nodded his head. Of course, he didn't want to enter the restaurant in the first place and was glad that Rose wouldn't let him as well. “Hm." Rose didn't wait for Luthor to open the door for her before she got out by herself and walked into the restaurant. She looked around the entire restaurant but didn't see Nancy sitting at a table which made her pull out her phone to call her. “Miss, are you the guest Miss Miller is waiting for?” A waiter walked up to where Rose was standing busy pressing her phone. Before Rose arrived, Nancy had told the waiter to wait for Rose and gave him the description of Ros
Nancy was able to read Rose's clueless expression which made her shake her head in disbelief. "You really don't pay attention to much details, Rose. I told you all the things you could do with that card but you must have forgotten." She remarked, clearly remembering all the benefits of the black card when Rose came to collect it. Rose let out a small chuckle and scratched the back of her head in embarrassment. Nancy was right, but it wasn't her fault as well because she had a lot of things she needed to solve. The benefits of a card was not really her concern at the moment but it seems like it would come in handy for her. "You did but what can I say except that I've got a lot on my mind lately. I haven't even gotten enough time to process everything yet." She finally replied with a deep sigh. "Well, let's get down to business because I don't want to keep you for long." She added. Nancy nodded and placed an envelope containing a stack of documents and another brown envelope as w
A few minutes later, she raised her head up and focused her gaze back on Nancy and broke the silence. “I'm done doing everything here." She announced and placed the list on the table. “So what do you think about it?" Nancy asked. " So far, all the things I've seen here are good and I like the list you've made. However, I will just pick out the ones I want from here because I've also made a list of my own for business that I want to invest in with your help.” Rose declared to Nancy with a pleased expression. A small smile formed on Nancy's face when she heard Rose. At least she liked the list which was a relief for her. Rose grabbed the pen again and marked out the businesses she felt would be much better than the rest. She also pulled her own list from her bag and handed it over to Nancy. Nancy took the list from Rose and went through it as well. However, she was surprised when she saw the names of the businesses in her list. She had also come across this business when she was i
“Fine, I will trust in this case because you are giving me the guarantee this would work out. If it doesn't, I hope you understand if I don't let you make a decision in the future because I would be watching very carefully." Nancy finally agreed but not without leaving a friendly threat for Rose who smirked at her. “Don't worry, sister Nancy. You wouldn't get the chance to do so because I'm sure of it." Rose confidently replies, making Nancy wonder where her confidence was coming from. “Alright. So how did you want to go about it? Do you want me to buy all of the businesses you've picked in my list and yours as well?" Nancy asked. “No. The ones with double marks on your list and the ones with red marks in my list should be bought. As for the rest, I would invest in them and become the biggest shareholders. There is nothing wrong with being the Director of Board in the company because decisions can't be made without my consent." Rose replied without wasting time to think much about
" So what are you saying now? The Hoult family was framed for the crime they were said to commit.” Nancy said, making Rose nod at her. " Fine, where is he? I would like to see him and hear about what happened before I can agree with you trusting him.” Nancy added. "I understand. He is outside.” Rose replied. " Oh, I see he came along with you already.” "He has to because he is my new personal driver who drove me here and thank you for the resume you made.” Rose smiled at Nancy who blinked at her. "Wait, you made him your personal driver?” She asked with a bit of surprise on her face. "Yes, I did.” "Alright you can ask him to come here, I will ask the waiter to go and bring him to the private room we are now in.” Nancy let out another sigh before she told Rose, who nodded her head and sent a text message to Luthor waiting in the car. Luthor raised his brow when he received the message from Rose asking to enter the restaurant. Just when he thought he wouldn't have to go in the
“Brother Luthor, you gave me your answer a few minutes ago somi decided to start taking action. Miss Miller here is a trusted person and is one of the people that can help you with your father's case so you can tell her everything you've told me before.” Rose went down straight to business. The two people have done their introduction themselves. " That's true, I requested to see you personally because I'm still doubting why Rose should trust you. She told me everything but I don't believe it. Your family is involved in an embezzlement crime which was the cause of your family downfall, your father is currently in prison and your family is still under a lot of debt according to the information I saw. However, Rose said she trusted your story that your father and family were framed so I want to hear it directly from you.” Nancy also remarked as she looked at Luthor with a serious expression on her face. Rose was placed under her care by her superior, so she was being extremely protectiv
“Rose, it would not be an easy and a hard task to do. However, I don't think I can provide you with that knowledge of doing that. The only thing I can help you with is to contact my superior in this matter." Nancy replied. She might have her own connections but she had never done something like this before. Plus, the case between Skyline Construction and Hoult family would require more than the connections she possesses. “Are you talking about Grandpa Reyes?” Rose asked and Nancy nodded her head in response. "Yes. Mr. Reyes had quite a lot of connections for this kind of thing. And if you want to retake this case back, you would need a lawyer that is very good and his job and Mr. Reyes might be of help for you.” Nancy said. “I can help you contact him and also give you his contact details if you want.” She added. "That would be great. Anyways, it's not like we are in a hurry that much since I still want to gather more information about Skyline Construction. Which reminds me, there
“One more thing. If it wouldn't be too much of a task for you, I would also like you to help me get a list of houses that are available to buy in the city. I would like a place that is very quiet and far away from the hassle of the city. Though it's not like it's an urgent issue, please make the list for me.” Rose told Nancy, who was a bit confused at her. Well, she planned to move out of the Gray mansion soon because staying there under the gaze of Beatrice and William would hinder some of her plans. But she only planned to after she was satisfied with the condition the family would be in by then. "Ok-okay, I will get it done for you as well.” Nancy answered. “Alright, that would be all really for now. I have nothing else to say.” Rose nodded her head, satisfied with what she had said to Nancy. "You're leaving already, I was thinking we're going to have lunch together?" Nancy asked in surprise when she saw Rose standing up from her seat and was about to leave. Even Luthor had yet
---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