"Thank you. You see, she's my only sister. As long as she's happy, I'm happy. Mother, please, let Sophia have it. And in case you're worried about spending money on me, don't worry , you don't need to get anything for me. Just for Sophia." Rose added a little touch to spice what she was cooking.Beatrice's face instantly froze. What did she mean by 'worried about spending money on me?’It brought some murmuring discussion in the crowd. Mrs. Will, who is the blunt person among the group of women that came with Beatrice. She was known to always say whatever came to her head, interrupted straight away without waiting for Beatrice to say anything."That's unfair, dear. You two are both Mrs. Gray's daughters. Mrs. Gray, you love them both equally, don't you?" She asked, turning to look at Beatrice with a questioning gaze.Beatrice forced an awkward smile and replied the best she could as she gently stroked the tip of Rose’s hair. “Oh, definitely. I've always loved Rose, even more than Soph
‘Damn you! You little fucker. Whom did you learn that from? Are you starting to take after your dead mother?!’ Beatrice cursed inwardly in her mind feeling enraged.Contempt was written all over the faces of the ladies that followed Beatrice. No wonder people say it's rare that step-mothers love their step-children for real.The reason why Beatrice was able to earn some respect in the society was because she had built her own reputation as a loving step-mother. She had also been telling everyone how much she loved her step-daughter.Now she had shot herself in the foot.Seeing that her mother was starting to get backlash from the people present, Sophia tried to help and pinched Roseline at her arm secretly. "Sister, what do you mean? Don't be silly. You know, mom loves you very much. Why would she be angry with you?" She said smiling her best at Roseline.Bestrice let out a sigh, noticing that her daughter was trying to help her out so she quickly seized the opportunity. "Poor child,
Never had Sophia felt so embarrassed and angry. She wouldn't have let out her anger if it wasn’t for the fact that others were around.Roseline, on the other hand, was pleased with the victory. ‘ Didn’t you want to play the role of a good mother? Well, you should know that it costs a lot.’ Mrs. Will invited Rose again to the party, and Rose played the same trick, looking at Beatrice in silence, implying it was all up to Beatrice to decide."Come on, Mrs. Gray. Cut the child some slack and let her go to the party. After all, I heard that Sophia would be attending as well. Don't be too strict with the poor girl." Mrs. Will, who understood what Rose meant with her gaze, turned to look at Beatrice and said with implications. Beatrice's face was twitching with rage. She knew that Mrs. Will was implying that she was being biased towards Rose for letting Sophia attend the party and not letting Rose attend as well. However, there was no way she could explain herself without sounding dising
“Mr. King, you've been quiet all throughout, don't you have something to say?" She asked, still smiling at Alex. But she didn't get any response from him nor did he act like he heard her.‘Is he ignoring me? Did he even see me sitting here at all?!’ Alex ignoring her was like a huge slap to her face. She wasn't used to being treated like the way she was right now. It was always easy for her to get men to fall for her and she thought she could do the same to Alex but he hadn't spared her a glance since.Not wanting her anger and pride to ruin her chance, she swallowed her frustration and continued putting on a smile on her face before speaking again. “I'm curious about one thing Mr. King? Is it true that you have no girlfriend? I mean you're handsome, wealthy and powerful yet you still haven't gotten a girlfriend. What do you think about looking out for one and it just turns out that I'm also sing-" “Miss Gale, I've seen the files are what your sister promised us. However, we will h
However, Rose on the other hand was completely the opposite. She had never seen anyone like Cara, even though she had met her in her past life. She had never spoken to her or knew the type of person she was. Rose had an amazed expression on her face as she watched in silence.“I knew it, they are already close for Alex to buy her a gift." “Wow, when did they get together? Are they going to announce their relationship?" “Would Cara Gale be that lucky woman who is able to steal the heart of the ruthless Alexander king?" People began to murmur again when they heard that Alex had bought a gift for her.Among all the people that thought that Alex and Cara were in some sort of relationship, Rose was the only person who thought differently. First of all, she didn't get the slightest impression that the two of them were a couple. Cara was the only one who was smiling like a fool in love, while the man who goes by the name Alex, acted like she wasn't even visible.There was eighty five per
A smirk appeared on her face. ‘Already eyeing a big shot to help you right? You think she isn't worthy of him and you do?’ Cara shivered in anger. “This doesn't make sense at all." She mumbled under her breath.A few minutes ago, she was excited when she received the gift. For a moment, she thought that she was already making progress and if she could keep stealing her sister's spot whenever she had a meeting with Alex, she would be able to leave a good impression on Alex and he would eventually warm up to her. She was really proud of herself with her plan, the image of herself as Mrs. King was starting to come to reality. Now, all hopes vanished. Still not wanting to give up her chances with Alex, Cara put on a smile on her face and turned her attention to look at Alex. “Mr. King, I apologize for misunderstanding who the jewelry box is for." Cara apologized, before continuing, “However, since my sister isn't the one who came here, can't I just take the jewelry as my gift instead s
“Boss, don’t tell me you want to comply?" Derek asked, and he got his response when Alex turned around and scanned around the shop.When the ladies in the shop heard Cara's words, most of them were excited and hoped that Alex would help them. Who cares if they get to be his girlfriend for just five minutes? That is a title that would forever be stuck to their name.Alex frowned and deepened as none of the women in the shop caught his interest. How hard is it to find a girlfriend? However, his eyes suddenly landed in the direction of where a few women were standing, not far from them his eyes fell at Sophia and Roseline. The first thing that caught his attention was a pair of lifeless gray eyes.Sophia felt her heart was racing. ‘Oh my gosh! He's looking at me!’Naturally, she perked up her breasts, ran her hand down her hair, and put on a flirtatious smile.Rose secretly rolled her eyes when she noticed Sophia's action. Not finding the rest of the show interesting to watch anymore, Ro
Rose frowned when she heard Cara’s words. What does she mean flat? Yes, she might be young but she definitely isn't flat Cara had made it sound. She just isn't curvy yet just because she is still young.Feeling a gaze on her, Rose raised her head up and saw Alex staring at her. ‘Did he think I'm flat as well?’ Annoyed, she pouted, glared at him. "Move away from me. If you're also having the same thoughts as that woman." It somehow only came out as a whisper and was only audible to Alex. Alex reacted swiftly, let go of Roseline and stepped away with a deep frown on his face. Not expecting him to let go of her like that, Rose lost balance and was about to have a heavy fall. She closed her eyes, acceptingly, though more helplessly. ‘What bad luck. Now everyone is going to watch me fall. How embarrassing!’However, she did fall, but into Alex’s arms as he caught her again quickly. "Behave yourself, Roseline Gray and stop being jealous." Alex's cold, deep voice sounded next to Rose's ea
However, amidst their yelling, Karen wasn’t done. “Let's not pretend you’re here because you care about my Rose. I don't care much about high society but I have enough information to know that you and Beatrice are never friends and you just proved me right. You saw a chance to use my Rose to humiliate Beatrice in public. But the truth is—Beatrice doesn’t even see you as a rival. You’re not a threat to her. You’re just a footnote.” That did it. Even though Karen didn't like Beatrice, she had to use her as a weapon to damage Margret. And it was true in some ways, Beatrice never saw Margaret as a rival and that was why she left her off. Beatrice is more cunning and has better things to do than Margret. On the other hand, Margaret’s face turned red, her voice rising. “You arrogant little—! Who the hell do you think you are to speak to me like that?!” “I’m someone you should’ve never insulted,” Karen replied coolly. “Especially not in front of witnesses.” “You're such a bitch! You even
Karen returned with graceful steps, wiping her hands with a silk handkerchief as she approached the table—only to stop mid-step at the sight before her. Three women, overdressed and oozing fake charm, surrounded Rose, who looked irritated and uncomfortable. Karen’s expression hardened immediately. “Is there a problem here?” Karen asked smoothly as she walked up to the table, though her voice was laced with sharpness. Margaret immediately changed her facial expression as she turned without even bothering to look properly. “Oh, relax. We’re just having a friendly chat. Nothing that concerns—” She paused, eyes scanning Karen lazily. Then scoffed. “Oh. You’re the lady that was with her earlier?” Margaret blinked, her voice condescending. “How… quaint. Let me guess—you’re her assistant or... manager?” Rose blinked, trying not to laugh. It was obvious now that these women were actually dumb. Even if Karen is not well known amongst the high socialist thanks to the fact that she lives t
From across the room, Margaret Pezz had been watching like a hawk. Dressed in an ivory designer set and dripping in gold jewelry, Margaret whispered something to her friends, eyes gleaming. With Karen out of the way, it was time to make her move. She strutted over, her heels clicking arrogantly against the marble. Two overdressed women followed her like loyal shadows. “Roseline, darling!” Margaret said with feigned delight, placing a hand on the back of Rose’s chair as if they were long-lost friends. “I couldn’t believe it was you! You look absolutely radiant in person.” Rose looked up slowly from the food menu she was still checking out, expression unreadable. “Do I know you?” Margaret laughed, her voice grating. “Oh, we haven’t officially met. I’m Margaret Pezz—a very close friend of Beatrice, your stepmother.” The moment she said Beatrice’s name, Rose’s expression soured. Margaret noticed and quickly backtracked, playing both sides. “But honestly dear, I never liked the way
The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the Anderson estate, bathing the grand dining hall in a warm glow. Rose sat at the breakfast table, quietly sipping her tea as Anne and Karen conversed about an upcoming events. "You should get some fresh air today," Anne suggested, eyeing Rose over her cup of coffee. Karen nodded in agreement. "Actually, I was thinking of taking her out. Just a small outing—maybe some shopping, a café stop. What do you think, Rose?" Rose blinked, caught off guard. "Shopping?" "Yes," Karen said with a small smile. "You could use a few new things, and a change of scenery might be nice." Rose hesitated. She wasn’t exactly the type to enjoy aimless shopping trips at the moment, but the way Anne and Karen were looking at her told her this was more than just a casual suggestion. It was their way of trying to spend time with her. And truthfully, a part of her was beginning to appreciate the warmth they offered. "Alright," she finally agreed.
Later that evening, Rose wandered through the grand hallways of the Anderson estate, her footsteps light against the polished floors. She wasn’t sure what had compelled her to leave the comfort of her room, but something about the quiet atmosphere of the night made her restless. Before she knew it, she was standing in front of her grandfather's study. Hesitating for only a moment, she knocked lightly. "Come in," came the deep, commanding voice from inside. Rose pushed the door open and stepped inside, finding Frank seated at a massive mahogany desk, a glass of whiskey beside him. The dim lighting cast long shadows across the shelves lined with books and relics of the past. "Couldn't sleep?" he asked, not looking up as he finished scribbling on a document. "Something like that," Rose admitted, stepping closer. Frank gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit." She did, expecting the usual quiet company they sometimes shared. But instead of returning to his work, Frank pulled o
The next day, Rose sat in the sunroom with Anne, sipping tea while flipping through an old book she had pulled from the family’s extensive library. The warm golden light streamed through the glass walls, casting soft shadows across the polished floor. Anne, ever the poised and graceful matriarch, studied her granddaughter with sharp yet affectionate eyes. "Are you comfortable, dear?" Rose glanced up from her book. "Yes, Grandmother. More comfortable than I expected to be." A rare, approving smile graced Anne's lips. "Good. You should feel at home here." Before Rose could respond, Karen entered the room, her heels clicking against the marble floor. "Ah, perfect. You're both here," she said, taking a seat across from Rose. Anne arched her brow. "You sound suspiciously excited. What are you up to, my dear?" Karen smirked, “Yes, I'm excited, mother because I have some nice news for Rose.” she said then turned to Rose. "I had a little chat with Headmistress Moore this morning. She ag
Dinner continued with casual conversation, and despite how formal the Anderson household could seem, the atmosphere wasn’t tense. After finishing her meal, Rose excused herself, but before she could leave, Leo grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?" Rose gave him a pointed look. "To see Grandfather." Leo blinked in surprise but quickly masked it. He let go of her wrist and shrugged. "Suit yourself. Just don’t stay up too late." Rose shook her head and walked off. However, she didn't head straight to meet Frank, she made a quick stop at the kitchen. Frank’s study was dimly lit, the faint scent of aged paper and cedarwood clinging to the air. He sat behind his desk, flipping through a thick folder of documents. A soft knock echoed through the room. “Come in,” Frank’s voice called out, calm but firm. The door opened and Rose stepped inside, carrying a polished tray with a single porcelain teacup. She closed the door behind her with a quiet click. Frank looked up and paused, ey
“What’s going on here?” Rose’s voice was calm but firm as she stepped forward, her sharp gaze sweeping over the tension-filled scene. She had spotted the standoff the moment she entered the stall. Sandra turned to her, arms crossed. “Oh, perfect timing. This girl thinks staring at a snack means she owns it.” The girl scoffed when she heard Sandra’s explanation. “And this girl thinks she can just take whatever she wants.” The vendor, seeing Rose enter the conversation, looked relieved. “Miss, maybe you can help settle this?” Rose exhaled, her gaze flickering between them before settling on the other girl with calm finality. “If you really wanted it, you should have asked the vendor to hold it for you. Since you didn’t, I don’t see why this is even an argument.” The girl frowned, seemingly unprepared for someone to shut down the situation with pure logic instead of fueling the fight. One of her friends stepped up, opening her mouth to say something, but Rose’s voice cut through th
After finishing their meal, the group began heading back to their private room when Sandra suddenly stopped. “You guys go ahead. Kehlani and I need to grab something real quick.” Kaleb raised a brow at her. “What is it?” “A snack I saw earlier,” Sandra replied, waving him off. “It won’t take long.” Austin sighed but didn’t argue. “Fine, just don’t get into trouble.” Leo glanced at Rose, but before he could say anything, she spoke first. “I’ll catch up with you. I want to check something at the next stall too.” Leo narrowed his eyes but didn’t question her, since he knew she wouldn’t tell him what it was. “Are you sure you don't want me to come along? The last thing I need is you getting lost.” He asked which earned him a glare from Rose. “I will be fine without you. And I will also catch up with both Sandra and Kehlani, ” She replied. Seeing that she wouldn’t let him go with her, he finally relented. “Don’t take too long.” With that, the three boys walked off, leaving the girl