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
********* Rose had no idea how she got in the car later. Her head was a mess still, and she was staring into space till a violent shake threw her back to reality. She frowned and turned to look at Sophia only to see an unforgiven face and you slut-how-dare-you-steal-my-guy expression on her face. "Rose, is it true about what happened back there? When did you start dating Alexander king? How come you've never mentioned it?" Sophia was so frustrated that Alex didn't even take a single look at her. Her pride was not allowed to be defeated, and Sophia swore that she would have it back, what she believed to be hers. Seeing the scowl on Sophia's face, Rose felt much better. Literally, she knew was basically being a callous and black hearted Schadenfreude, but she couldn't help it. There was nothing more satisfying than finding Pleasure-in-others'-misfortune. And today Rose was pleased to see her step-mother and sister suffer. Beatrice had decided to ride in the same car with both Sophia
As soon as they arrived home, Rose got out of the car. She turned to look at Beatrice. “I will go and get dressed for the party, stepmother." She told Beatrice and without waiting for a response from Beatrice she went upstairs to her bedroom to take a shower. She knew she had played a good game today, and she felt good. At the same time, she understood that there would be another game at the party this evening, and she would be prepared and not lose the opportunity to humiliate both Beatrice and Sophia. Standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom, Rose was busy examining her face in the mirror when she unconsciously touched her forehead where Alex had kissed him and she felt rage growing again. “Alexander king! The same man I met at the airport. I should have asked him for compensation because he used me to lie to his girlfriend or whoever she is but I will let this slide because I borrowed his status to my advantage today as well.” Rose mumbled under her breath. Even though she
The incident earlier in the day at the jewelry shop had awakened Sophia's competitive nature. “Yes, dress me up very well, mother. I'm the swan. The most beautiful and elegant of all. It's impossible that I will ever be beaten by that ugly duckling. Alexander must have been somehow oblivious to my beauty. That must be the reason why Roseline got the attention today. Yes. That's why! I knew it.” Sophia remarked, dazed in her own thoughts.Unlike Sophia who was being delusional, Beatrice was thinking practically. "That is a good thought, my child. But we, the Grays……" Beatrice tried to voice out her concern and thought regarding what her daughter had said.However, Sophia was not ready to listen to any reasons or excuses. She was a spoiled one, and she had to get what she wanted, as always. "I don't care. I know I'm the only one that deserves Alexander. Mom, please, I have to marry him. If Roseline can get close to him then I must as well. Besides, it will be great for Gray when I'm Mrs
Alexander was the rumored fearsome, stone cold, Mafia emperor that no one had seen and that was because his identity is being hidden as CEO. Because of so much power he possess just as being a CEO, the governments who were unaware of his identity as the Mafia king had sought him out countless times to help them handle the underworld sometimes. “So, tell me why am I still meeting their Chairman?" No one wanted to answer due to fear of their boss, including the employees who brave earlier to talk. All his bravery had been used up earlier, besides he didn't want to be one to talk again in order to avoid being the first person to receive their boss' terrifying punishment.However, the rest of his colleagues glanced at him, gesturing to him to speak on everyone's behalf. ‘What? Isn't once enough?! Why should I be the scapegoat and die for you all?’Seeing that no one was willing to speak, Alex made a small gesture to his assistant.Already knowing what to do, Derek cleared his throat an
As Rose followed Leo out of her room and down the grand staircase, she found herself wondering what exactly he had planned. Although she might not know Leo fully, she could already guess the kind of personality he has. ‘It could be anything from a simple drive to an impromptu trip across the city.’ Rose thought to herself. Either way, she knew she wouldn’t hear the end of it unless she went along. The moment they reached the ground floor, the sight of Anne and Karen sitting in the living room greeted them. They were seated on the plush couches, engaged in quiet conversation, but it was Karen who first noticed them approaching. Her eyes flickered to Rose and then to Leo, her brows drawing together slightly. "Dear, you decided to come downstairs already? Where are you two going?" she asked, her tone casual but laced with curiosity. Leo, never one to hesitate, shoved his hands into his pockets and smirked. "Just taking Rose out for some fun. She’s been locked up in her room all day, b
The soft tapping of fingers against a keyboard filled the quiet room as Rose remained focused on her work. She had been at it for hours, barely noticing the time passing. The only interruption she had experienced was when the maid brought her lunch, but even then, she had barely acknowledged it before returning to her task. A sudden knock on the door startled her, pulling her out of her concentration. Blinking, she stretched slightly before glancing at her phone. Her brows furrowed when she saw the time—it was already late afternoon. She hadn’t realized how long she had been working. Setting her things aside, Rose got up and walked toward the door. She turned the handle and pulled it open, only to find a familiar figure standing outside. Leo. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed as he regarded her with an unreadable expression. “Leo?” Rose blinked, slightly surprised to see him. “What are you doing here?” Instead of answering immediately, Leo smirked.
As soon as Rose stepped out of the car, a warm and welcoming sight greeted her. Anne and Karen stood at the entrance, their expressions filled with anticipation. "Rose, my dear!" Anne was the first to speak, stepping forward to take Rose’s hands in hers. She gave them a gentle squeeze before pulling her into a warm embrace. Rose smiled, returning the hug with familiarity. Anne’s embraces had become something she was used to—and, secretly, something she had grown to like. “Mother, I want to hug Rose too.” Karen’s voice came from behind, causing Anne to release Rose and turn toward her daughter-in-law. Karen wore a small pout, her usual composed demeanor slightly softened. Rose raised an amused brow at Karen. Though she hadn’t spent much time with her, she had always noticed how different Karen's personality was and it was the opposite of her own mother. Karen was calm and collected—unlike Ruby, whose very presence was enough to warn others not to cross her. “I thought you always l
As the car drove away from the Gray Mansion, Rose let out a soft sigh and leaned back against the seat. The weight of the morning’s events should have exhausted her, but instead, she felt lighter—freer. Luthor glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his lips curling into a small smirk. “You handled that well.” Rose tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Did I? I was just saying goodbye.” Luthor chuckled, shaking his head. “Right. And I’m sure your brother, Victor, enjoyed that hug, too.” A playful glint flashed in Rose’s eyes. “Brother Luthor, are you saying my farewell wasn’t heartfelt?” “Oh, it was heartfelt, alright. Just not in the way he expected,” Luthor remarked with amusement. “What did you say to him?” Rose rested her chin on her hand, her expression unreadable. “Just a little advice on choosing his words wisely.” Luthor hummed. “You mean a warning.” She smiled sweetly. “Advice. Warnings sound so… aggressive.” Luthor chuckled again. “You’re something else, little
Morning light streamed through the large windows of Rose’s room as Paige moved around with an air of practiced efficiency, carefully folding the last of Rose’s clothes. Although her expression remained neutral, there was a barely concealed sense of relief in her movements—relief that Rose was finally leaving the Gray Mansion. Rose, of course, noticed. She sat gracefully on the edge of her bed, watching as Paige meticulously arranged her belongings. “You seem eager to help today, Aunty.” Rose mused, her voice light with amusement. Paige, momentarily caught off guard, quickly regained her composure. “I just thought you’d want everything done efficiently,” she replied with a polite smile. “Since you’re leaving for the Anderson family… it’s important that everything is in place.” Rose chuckled softly, standing up. “How thoughtful of you.” Paige glanced at her briefly before returning to her task. “Rose, if I may offer some advice… The Andersons aren’t the Grays here. I'm sure you've
She cast a brief, unreadable glance at William and Beatrice. Their carefully composed expressions betrayed nothing, but she could feel the tension radiating off them. Without a word, she turned towards the grand staircase, intent on returning to her room. But just as she was about to place her foot on the first step, Beatrice’s voice called out, laced with careful concern. “Rose, wait.” Rose paused but didn’t turn immediately, letting the silence stretch just a little before shifting her gaze back to her. Beatrice had taken a few hesitant steps forward, her expression soft, her eyes shimmering as if on the verge of tears. “My dear, I'm so sorry you had to witness all of that.” She said regretfully. Rose raised her brow at Beatrice. “I don't why you're apologizing?” She asked. Beatrice shook her head and fake a small smile on her face. “It's all my fault. I should have paid more attention to you, that way the matriarch wouldn't have come here and asked you to come with them. I k
Rose on the other hand blinked. So that was why they were here? She knew something like this would happen but it seems like she didn't expect it to be this soon. She glanced at William, who, for once, remained quiet. Beatrice, on the other hand, looked like she had swallowed something bitter. ‘Looks like I've missed a show.’ Rose's lips curled up into a faint smile when she saw how obedient both William and Beatrice are. Suddenly, a thought popped into her brain. “I appreciate that, Uncle Julian,” Rose said sincerely. “But I don’t know if I should leave with you guys or not? Have you spoken with your father yet?” she asked why casting William a look. Both Anne and Julian immediately caught her gaze. Anne suddenly frowned before she cupped Rose's face to look at her. “My dear, you have nothing to be worried about. We have spoken to him and he has already agreed. I can no longer leave you here in the hands of these people anymore.” Anne replied but Rose gave her a reluctant look. “
William clenched his jaw. He knew Anne wasn’t bluffing. The Anderson family had the power to make his life far more difficult if he continued to resist. But still, letting Rose go meant giving up control over her, and he wasn’t ready for that. "You’re asking me to give up my own daughter," he said, his tone measured yet tense. Anne leaned back slightly, her expression unwavering. "I’m not asking. I’m telling you that this is what’s going to happen." Julian's expression added to the tensity in the room."Rose belongs with us now. You lost the right to dictate her life the moment you let her suffer in that scandal." William’s fingers tightened around the armrest of his chair. He could feel the walls closing in. It would be foolish to go against the Andersons given his situation, but he wasn’t about to hand over his daughter so easily. After a long moment of silence, he let out a deep breath. "Fine," he said at last. "I’ll let Rose go with you." Beatrice turned to him in surprise. "
Beatrice, who had been busy receiving a foot massage from one of the maids, sat up instantly. “What did you just say?” she asked with a surprised expression on her face as she looked at Mary. “Madam , this is not the time to sit down. I think you should go and make an appearance immediately before things get out of hand.” Mary advised Beatrice, who nodded her head in agreement despite the fact that she was still stunned by the news. “Does my husband know about this already?” Beatrice asked as she gestured to the other maid to leave. “I overheard the Head maid instructing the maid to go and inform the Master.” Mary replied. “Alright, let's go.“ Beatrice said and quickly rushed out of the room along with Mary behind her. Just as she stepped out of the room, she met William in the hallway, and he had a sour expression. “Honey, have you heard? Why would they come here at this hour?" she murmured, exchanging a wary glance at her husband. William exhaled sharply. "Only one way to fi