“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
" Are you sure about this?” Beatrice asked in order to confirm if he was really telling the truth."Do I have any other reason to tell you guys a lie? Just let her have her time for now because we are going to get a lot of things from her.” William reassured them.“But Daddy……”" Sophia, it's okay. Your father is right and we should just let Rose enjoy it for now. Besides, she can't take both cars out at once though.” Beatrice quickly stopped Sophia, who was about to make some complaints.Sophia pouted her face, not pleased with the fact that Rose would be driving an expensive car than her but she couldn't argue because her parents were right. They needed Rose to continue believing their lies.“However, I hope this wouldn't affect my upcoming birthday because I would be expecting my own gift from you." Beatrice said suddenly as she looked at her husband.William smiled as he pulled Beatrice closer to him and planted a passionate kiss on her lips. “Don't worry, I definitely won't forge
********At the top roof of the King Conglomerate building, a helicopter was already waiting and prepared as Alex stepped out of the elevator along with Derek behind him.“Boss, are you sure you don't want me to come along?” Derek asked, raising his voice as he spoke because of the sound coming from the helicopter. Earlier today, they got a report that there was a problem at one of the company branches and also there was another business that required Alex's attention which was the underworld problem. Some new gangs were trying to do something, so Alex had to make his presence at the underworld to handle the situation as always."Stay behind and manage the company till I come back.” Alex replied, unlike Derek who was shouting to speak, he was calm and collected as usual."Alright boss," Derek nodded his head as one of the bodyguards opened the door for Alex.Just as Alex was about to board the helicopter, he stopped and turned to look at Derek.“Give me the report of what I ask you to
---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