After Anthony left, Rose kept staring at the people in front her, her gaze wasn't Frank and Anne because she had just met them. Instead she was more focused on the two other elders in the room. Her eyes looked very vigilant as she scanned them on their seats. She hadn't taken notice of both Nicholas and Leo because they were sitting in a different place. Just as she was busy scanning them, Julian was also sizing Rose who had a calm and blank expression on her face as she stared back at him while his wife, Karen, had a shocked and surprised expression on her face. Julian couldn’t deny the fact that he wasn't shocked by the expression that was on Rose's face. He was expecting her to act scared when she saw him but instead she was staring at him hard with her expressionless face. She didn't look scared and looked like she could see through him. He continued to stare at her trying to see how long she could continue to stare at him. On the other hand, Rose kept staring at Julian, she w
It wasn't like he was new to a situation like this but he felt like her attitude was too familiar. Ruby was also like that in the past when she was alive. Honestly, his relationship with Ruby didn't start off nicely. Both him and Ruby used to hate and argue with each other. They were just like typical cousins that don't agree with each other. The reason why they were like that was because he personally didn't like how cunning and evil Ruby was. She always had an expression on her face like they were close whenever the elders were around but after they left, her expression changed to her usual evil woman. They have been on this misunderstanding until eventually became friends and Karen was the reason why they became friends. Rose right now reminded him of Ruby. ‘It seems like she really is her mother's daughter.’ Julian thought as he looked at Rose. “Hello, Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Anderson.” Rose shortly greeted the two of them formally with her same blank expression. There was no rel
“Finally, I was wondering when you would turn your attention here and recognize me. It seems like you sensed my gaze on you, Little Rose.” Leo replied, still wearing the grin on his face. "Hm. It's not my fault I find it hard to recognize your presence.” Rose coldly retorted back. "What are you doing here?” She asked him. "Why are you slow to figure it out? I should be asking you since I'm at my grandparents house.” Leo replied with a raised brow at Rose. Grandparents? Rose creased her brow at him before she could connect the dots. She didn't remember Leo's surname properly and that was why she had asked what he was doing here. Even if she remembered his surname, she didn't expect him to be related to this Anderson family. However, if he was at his grandparents place then that means he was Leo Anderson. ‘How pathetic of you, Roseline. You had one Anderson family member right in front of you for the past one week and you failed to recognize him. I could have used him to make a qu
“That is enough from you, Leo. You can continue your argument after we are done here." Nicholas suddenly spoke and interrupted them. He didn't know how long they would continue this argument but he was sure neither of them would want to lose. “ It's a good thing that you are already acquainted with one of my grandsons.” Old Madam said with a smile on her face. She was glad to see that Rose and Leo are close to the point they even argue with each other. "I heard that you've also met Nicholas as well." She added, making Rose raise her brow at him. " I'm sorry, who?” She asked. "I doubt that she would recognize me since we only met once." Nicholas suddenly remarked. Rose turned to look at him and instantly sized him up. He was right, she felt he was familiar but had no clue where she had seen him. It wasn't like she was paying too much attention to their faces the day she saw him, all she knew was that he gave off a familiar vibe. “You can tell just by her expression." Nicholas add
Rose shook her head again, "No, I figured out where you were on my own. My father is unaware that I am here at all since he is away on a business trip.” She told them. If William knew that she planned to come here, he would definitely have her bundled and send her back to where she came from, which was abroad. “If your father isn't aware of you coming here, then how come you are here? Why did you come here?" Julian asked with a small frown. “I was told to come here." She curtly told him. “Child, I think you should explain properly to us. We are confused by what you are saying. Who asked you to come here?" Frank was the one who spoke. "My mother was the one who asked me to come here when I got a message she left for me before she died. I didn't have plans to come here because I was told only family members are allowed to enter the mansion, so I visited the Anderson residence for the entire week but I wasn't allowed in. I also went there today but the security guard told me that the
“There are a lot of reasons why your mother left that message for you. And that is why we were also planning to approach the Gray family before you came. We would have done this a few years ago but your father had sneakingly sent you away out of our reach. There are many things you need to know but it all depends whether you are ready or not." Frank commented, making Rose turn to look at him. “Father, I don't think we should reveal all of this kind of thing to her yet. We just only met her.” Karen suddenly spoke. The four of them knew exactly what Frank was talking about but she felt it was too sudden. "Yes, I agree with Karen, darling. Rose still needs to adapt to us first before we tell things like that.” Anne added in support with Karen. “But, mother, it's better to let the girl know now than later. It's true we only met her now but it would be to explain a few things to her so that she can know where she stands. Most of what we are going to tell her is going to ruin the image o
Rose remained silent for a minute as she just looked at Frank who was also looking back at her. “No. I can't say that I fully trust everyone here, since trusting someone isn't an easy thing. However, I do trust my mother because she has a lot of trust in you. That was why she left the message about you to me. My mother would never lead me to a place that would swallow me up." She finally replied, giving her best and honest response to Frank. Frank slowly nodded his head, satisfied at her response. He would find it hard to believe if she said she trusted them because they just met. However, her response just let him know that she really wasn't an ordinary person. Only someone who had had their trust betrayed before would know that trusting someone isn't an easy thing. “Good, good, you're just like your mother. She had similar thoughts to you when she was alive. Despite the fact that I was her uncle, she still made me earn her trust before she could fully trust me and you just remi
To her, she felt undeserving of something like that, after hearing all the good things about her mother. She couldn't help but feel that she let her down and disappointed her. It cost her to die before she became smart and wise, but still she felt like she couldn't be compared to her mother. Everyone just stared at Rose, they could see that she was disappointed in herself for some reason that they don't know about. “No matter what, I'm sure that your mother would always be proud of you." Julian suddenly commented, making Rose raise her up to look at him. “I appreciate that Mr. Anderson." Rose said, the corner of her lips into a faint smile. Julian frowned slightly when he heard the way she addressed him but he said nothing. “I know that I just met everyone today but I'm willing to know everyone properly just like my mother. I can't really promise that it will be quick to get used to everyone but I surely will with time.” Rose remarked. She had made up her mind to make an eff
---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