"How dare you?!......" “Did you see that everybody? This is how they treat customers with no regards. What would stop them from acting the same way to you if they openly acted this way toward us." The lady quickly addressed the crowd in a loud voice, ignoring Jane completely. Theresa couldn't help but shake her head in disappointment when she saw what the lady was doing. “So this is how you decide to play with me now." She muttered to herself. It turns out she was right from the moment she saw the lady in her store. The latest development of Theresa's clothing brand had been a great boost for business and Theresa’s clothing design also attracted a lot of customers to shop at the store. The news traveled quickly and in just a few days other business rivals were able to notice the drastic decline in the sales. As a result, Gladys, who was Theresa’s arch rival, couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. She had used all of her connections to make sure that Theresa wouldn't be
Although, Rose's outfit was looking very expensive thanks to the fact that she got the dress from the Anderson family.…but the same couldn't be said to Luthor who was putting on his normal casual clothes. Consequently, Lydia instantly branded Luthor as her scapegoat after Rose left. Therefore, Lydia intentionally snatched the jacket out of Luthor's hand to create a scene which would set up as a stage for her to execute her original task. Lydia thought everything was working according to the way it was planned. If there is one thing most of the wealthy individuals love, then it was that they all loved to be treated with high regard based on their status, and they would definitely be dissatisfied when it eventually turns out that Theresa's store values the lesser class of the society more than those who were considered as the elites. Lydia thought she had found the perfect excuse but one thing she didn't know was that she was the one following into the trap Theresa had set up for h
Theresa closed her eyes for several seconds as she sucked in deep breath and released the gas back to the atmosphere in order to calm her nerves. After opening her eyes again she took a step forward to also address the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Madam Theresa, the owner and manager of this store. Firstly, I would like to say thank you for your consistent patronage and sincerely apologize for allowing this commotion disrupt your shopping experience. Based on whatever this woman has said, I don't have any explanation so I won't stop anyone if you intend on leaving because I'm practically used to it." She declared in a prideful demeanor as she wasn't planning on intriguing into dead weight that could drown her. "It might seem inappropriate but I've come to learn that the ones who stick by your side are the ones that truly matter. This store has a different policy compared to that of other stores and I'd like to stick with it because my job as clothing store owner is to provide
"It doesn't matter because we also know that Gladys sent you both to ruin the business reputation I have worked hard for some many years to build. I don't understand why she is desperately doing all so that she can see me fall into ruin but I need you to also relay a message for me." Theresa angrily spoke to Lydia. "Tell Gladys that I've always tried to maintain neutrality because of our past relationships but she had definitely crossed the line this time around. Therefore, if she was seeking a fight then she would get one ." "As for the both of you, I don't want to ever see you step foot in here ever again. So please take your leave." Theresa demanded as she pointed her finger towards the exit. “Of course, I totally have no argument with your decision, Madame." Lydia's fiance amicably nodded at Theresa. “Babe, how can you agree with this?! Aren't you supposed to fight back instead of letting this woman insult us like this?" Lydia was taken aback by her fiance accepting Theresa
“Don't worry, I think you should consider changing your profession and venture into the entertainment industry. I bet you'd become a star in no time given how quick you are q at getting into trouble just like me.” Rose continued to tease Luthor. "Are you serious about that, little Rose?” Luthor raised his brow at Rose, who chuckled at him along with Theresa as well. “Are you done picking out the clothes you want?" Rose asked him, switching the topic to something else. “Yes, Miss Anna had already helped me pick the clothes so I'm satisfied with them." Luthor nodded his head. “Okay, then I will quickly make a short round of shopping because we have somewhere to go." She told him. " Alright Rose, I will head back to my office or do you need me here?" Theresa asked but Rose shook her head. “There is no need. After I pick out what I want, we will be leaving. As for our discussion, I will call you later, Mrs. Theresa." Rose replied and Theresa nodded at her before walking back to her
" Mom, I think you need to thank Rose because she got this for us.” Amelia suddenly told her mother while gesturing at the shopping bags on the table. “My goodness, Rose, you didn't have to do this for us-" Maya turned to look at Rose because she knew what was inside those bags already without being told. “Please, Mrs. Maya, it's nothing much. It's just a little gift I want you to accept without thinking much about it.” Rose quickly said to stop Maya from making a big deal out of it since she just willingly bought everything for them. " I….I don't even know where to start arguing with you. Thank you so much. I don't know how to begin my appreciation but you've been an angel to my poor family ever since you met my son and even the first day we met, you helped me out with my problems as well. After that, you gave my son a job that is worth calling a job. Thank you so much, dear." Maya appreciated as she reached out to grab Rose's hand. Her voice and expression was filled with sinc
“Luthor, you're here already?” Maya was the first person to notice her son walking in. "Yeah and what are you three ladies talking about?" Luthor asked as he sat next to Rose. “Brother, Rose was just letting us know where you went and confirming if you already told mother about it before you leave." Amelia explained to him and Rose simply nodded her head in agreement. “Alright. But I'm done now so we can take our leave now, Little Rose." Luthor told Rose. “You guys are leaving already?" Maya asked, thinking they were both going to stay for a while. “Brother Luthor, how about we wait for a while and eat lunch here. I skipped breakfast so I'm a little bit hungry." Rose told Luthor. First of all, she didn't want to leave just yet and again she was really hungry after refusing to eat breakfast back at the Anderson's mansion. Luthor could only agree with Rose which made both Maya and Amelia stand up from their seats to go and serve them. After having lunch, Rose and Luthor left the s
“Step mother, I didn't notice you there.” Rose dryly replied as she stared at Beatrice who had a scowl on her face. “Why didn't you let anyone know about this? What do you think your father would say once he hears about this as well?" Beatrice added. " Well, I did inform Aunty Paige about my whereabouts. I asked to speak with you but you weren't at home. Probably out with your friends, step mother.” Rose calmly told her again. " What? Paige is aware? Why didn't I know?” Beatrice was surprised to hear that Paige was aware. It was because Mary, her own personal and most trusted maid, came to tell this morning that Rose didn't come home yesterday, she surely wouldn't know about it. “How should I know the answer as well? Aunty told me she would let you know once you came back but I guess you didn't come home early yesterday for Aunty to inform you about it." Rose remarked, crossing her hand in front of her chest and stared down at Beatrice. " Dear, it wasn't like that. You see, I w
---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