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
“Ask away, step mother." Rose nodded. She could half guess what this new question was going to be. “Rose, do you have any idea who owns the car that was delivered to the mansion yesterday? I tried asking your father if he was the one but he wouldn't give me a proper answer and your sister obviously knows nothing about it.” Beatrice threw the question that has been on her mind since morning. "Oh, that. I was the one that bought the car and had it delivered to the house. Is there a problem with that?" Rose replied with a clueless expression on her face. "What? Did you know the price of the car that was brought here? No, most importantly where did you get the money to buy such an expensive car?” Beatrice interrogated, taken about by surprise when she found out that Rose was the owner of the car that she saw by herself yesterday. “Father was the one that bought it for me as a gift because I passed the Crystal Academy exam.” Rose truthfully replied. Of course, she was being hones
Just like Rose thought, William arrived back that night and the thing he was welcomed with was receiving tantrums from both his wife and daughter. “Daddy, you're back from your trip?” Sophia rushed down the stairs and went to huge William who smiled at his daughter. " How is my sweet beautiful Sophia doing? You've even become more beautiful than the last time I saw you.” William complimented. Of course, he knew Sophia likes to hear those kinds of things. "Don't tease me, Daddy. By the way, Daddy, is it true you bought two cars for Roseline? Where are my own?” Sophia quickly switched the topic since she was also aware of the two cars that Rose possesses in the house. “Just the same question I was about to ask." Beatrice also added as she crossed her arm in front of her chest. “That…… Sophia, you see I already promised your sister to buy a car for her…..” Sophia didn't let William finish speaking before she interrupted him. "But it's two cars she has. Why? Aren't you supposed to b
“Yes, that's true, I've only seen Sophia around but not your oldest first daughter.” Mrs. Will interfered when she too heard Mrs. Phillip’s question. She planned to ask Beatrice because she had been looking around for Rose but couldn't find her. “Thank God, I thought I was the only one who missed seeing that cute loveable child. Where did you say she is, Beatrice?” Mrs. Phillip asked again despite knowing that Beatrice hadn't replied yet. Beatrice smiled at both Mrs. Phillip and Mrs. Will. ‘You crazy two bitches. I'm already prepared for you.’ she thought to herself. She was aware that these two women were nothing but trouble, that's why she prepared herself for them since she had no choice but to invite them to her little party. “Oh, well, my poor Rose has a fever and is staying in bed. I told her not to come outside because of the cold weather and her fever could worsen.” She calmly answered. “Oh dear, is Rose okay? Why didn't you let us know beforehand." Mrs. Phillip worriedly
Once, Rose had believed that Beatrice cared for her. She had believed in her kindness, thinking that maybe Beatrice did see her as a daughter. But now, she saw through the facade. Beatrice wasn’t protecting her. She was merely covering for her son, brushing away his actions as though they were minor inconveniences. Each word of Beatrice’s “comfort” felt like salt in a wound. Still in pain and unable to walk comfortably, Rose was confined to her bed. Though Rose's leg had healed more than she portrayed it to everyone, it was also part of her plan. During her confinement, Rose constantly talked with Nicholas and gave him directions on the things she wanted him to do with the security video she asked him to find. Although he could fairly guess what his little cousin was up to, Nicholas was still confused about how she was planning all this in her little head. Yet, despite her stepdaughter’s state, Beatrice's grand birthday party carried on as planned. The house bustled with preparatio
The next day, Rose received a call from Theresa in the morning, telling her to visit the store because of something important. Rose actually thought it was something that wouldn't take time so she lied to Beatrice who was at home that she was going to her friend's place. As expected, Beatrice didn't probe too much and let Rose leave. It was only when Rose got there did she realize that it was going to take a while for her to finish up with the meeting so she tried to rush things up. Nancy sent a text message to Rose when she was having a meeting with Theresa, in order to inform Rose that she would soon be arriving at the location of the first house on Rose's list. Nancy wanted Rose to be present personally, so that she can be able to negotiate some of the terms with the real estate agent. Rose would have loved to attend the meeting but it was impossible since her meeting with Theresa wasn't over yet. As a result, she had no other choice but to text Nancy and told her to carry on w
“That is an excellent choice. I will give the estate manager incharge of these properties a call tonight and we can meet at the location to sign the complete deal.” Nancy suggested. Rose easily agrees to Nancy's term since she found the suggestion acceptable.“That's fine by me. I'll meet you there tomorrow morning.” “Yes, but that is not the case here. I don't think it's wise for you to go out again tomorrow with how you look." She added as she looked at Rose who tilted her head to the side. There is no way she wanted Rose to walk around with that face again tomorrow. Today was a mistake because she didn't know what happened to her.“Are you worried about me, big sister? Don't because I am fine. Besides, I need to handle this before it gets late because I will be needing it soon." Rose replied, giving a reassuring smile at Nancy.“I know but I still think you should get better first, huh? You have to care about yourself more." Nancy argued, despite knowing that Rose was right. Howe
When they arrived at their destination, Rose told Luthor to wait for her while she headed to the restaurant entrance.Immediately she entered the restaurant, she sighted Nancy sitting at one of the tables by the window so she made her way there while trying to control herself from limping too much.“I'm sorry for making you wait for me, sister Nancy." Rose said as she stood in front of the table.“Oh dear, Rose what happened to your face?” Nancy looked up when she heard Rose's voice ready to greet her with a smile but she was shocked when she saw Rose.Rose gave Nancy a smile before taking her seat in front of her. “It's nothing serious, I just got into a little accident but I'm healing now." She replied.“You should have told me about this, I wouldn't have accepted us to meet today. Are you sure you're okay coming out like this?" Nancy worriedly asked. “I am, don't worry about me." Rose nodded her head at Nancy but it wasn't enough to make the woman stop worrying about her. She was
………..The next day, Rose was unable to go to school because of injuries. After everyone had left the mansion, Rose picked up her phone and called Luthor to get the car ready for her.Well, the Gray family thought she would be unable to go out but that wasn't true, she had got appointments with Nancy who was already waiting for her at the restaurant they were supposed to meet.A few minutes later, Rose stepped out of her building fully dressed in all black clothes and backpack. Luthor, who was already waiting for her, stepped out of the driver seat and opened the back seat door for her.“Are you sure you should be going out in that condition?" Luthor asked as he drove out of the mansion. Earlier he had watched Rose limp into the car when he hadn't taken his eyes off her. Even as she sat in the car pressing her cellphone his gaze constantly fell on her bruised face and leg.Rose looked up from her phone and glanced at the driver seat. “Yes. It's important. And I told you not to have th
Beatrice was caught off guard when she heard Rose. How was she supposed to reply to that?Seeing her mother in a difficult situation to come up with something to say, Sophia tugged Rose's hand. “Sister, don't think like that. Ever since you left and mom found out that Victor chased you out, mom scolded him really really badly on your behalf." As a sweet-talker, Sophia expected her tricks to work on Roes who smiled at her and pretended like she never did anything earlier. It almost looked like she was a robot that was being rubbotted.Ah, yes. But it seems like my scolding isn't enough for him. I will make sure to seek punishment for him from your father when he comes back. My darling, I'm sorry for coming so late." Beatrice took the opportunity crested by her daughter and came up with something quickly.Rose smiled upon seeing how mother and daughter keep trying to come up with an excuse to cover for each other. Not wanting to drag on seeing their faces, Rose lied that she wanted to
Rose, who was busy taking her nap, frowned when she felt the presence in her room. ‘I should have locked that door earlier.’“Sister, wake up. It's me, Sophia." Sophia persistently shook Rose's body, making her groan in pain at how tight Sophia's grip was.“It hurts, Sophia.” Rose mumbled as she gently pushed Sophia's hand away and sat up on the bed." Oh, I'm sorry. Mother and I were just so excited and happy when we heard that you're back." Sophia quickly apologized as she sat beside Rose on the bed."Roseline, dear. Why did you do that? Do you have any idea how worried I was when I heard that you left the mansion? Your father got angry at me because of that.” Beatrice suddenly ranted as she looked at Rose with a fake worried expression on her face.“Mother, I didn't leave just like that. I had no choice but to listen to Victor when he chased me out because I didn't want him to get more angry with me." Rose replied as she looked up at Beatrice. Honestly, she wasn't really in the moo
Just as she was about to go inside, the gates opened and another car which belonged to Beatrice drove in as well, making Sophia pause.“Sophia, what are you doing outside still dressed like that?"Beatrice questioned as she stepped out of the car along with Victor. She had a scowl on her face when she saw her daughter still dressed the same way she had dressed when she left this morning.“I just got back home now." Sophia casually replied to her mother. “And before you scold me, I went out with my friends after school so I was late because of that." She quickly added, knowing what her mother might say next.“Mom, stop looking at Sophia like that. She is old enough to hang out with her friends, isn't she?” Victor suddenly Interjected while winking at his sister who smiled at him for his help.“I know, I just want you to be careful sometimes." As expected, Beatrice couldn't win against her children and softened her gaze at Sophia.“Mommy, did you get that picture of the dress I sent to y