“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
Meanwhile, outside the building where Luthor was waiting for Rose after getting her text that she was coming, he stood next to the car since he would have to open the car door for Rose once she came outside.At the same moment he was waiting for Rose, Sophia walked out of the building fully dressed and ready for school. She purposely woke up early today because she had a mission.Sophia spotted Luthor immediately and her gaze landed on the black Bentley, her eyes sparkled and strutted her way to where Luthor and the car was.“Hey, you…..” She called, making Luthor turn to look at her."How may I help you Miss?” Luthor asked, while raising his brow at Sophia. He didn't know her but his instincts told him that she was probably Rose's younger sister based on the way she was dressed but he didn't care much about her.Sophia eyed Luthor with a disgusted look, not liking the way he didn't bow to greet her. However, she didn't want to cause any trouble because of what she wanted to accompli
“Sister, I'm glad that you're here. You won't believe that this dumb driver you hired won't let me into the car even when he knew that I'm your younger sister. He kept saying he wasn't ordered to allow anyone else into the car apart from you." Sophia quickly explained, ignoring the fact that Rose said she was not an exception the first time.“Really? But I gave him that order." Rose casually replied as she looked at Sophia.“But sister, he should know that I'm an exception because I'm your sister and we always share everything together." Sophia remarked, frowning a bit at Rose.“I said you are not an exception. I gave him the order which includes you so he has every right to refuse because he is following orders.” Rose dryly replied, repeating her words again.“What….? Sister, how can you not make me an……exception? Did I ever….. wrong you in any way, sister?” Sophia asked, her voice shaking a bit.“You haven't wronged me, Sophia." Rose suddenly smiled gently at Sophia. “I gave him tha
Just like Rose expected, Sophia was completely amazed by the interior decoration of the car as she kept checking every feature out. Of course Rose didn't stop her and let her continue with whatever she was doing as leaned her head back and closed her eyes while she silently listened to one of her best playlist by ‘Post Malone’ to avoid having any sort of conversation with Sophia, who thought she was sleeping. When they got to school, the two sisters went to their different classes. It's been an entire weekend so when Rose entered the classroom, she was immediately strangled in a hug from Sandra while Kehlani just smiled brightly at her. The entire school day went by peacefully and Rose didn't come across Leo in any way but she had fun with both her two friends with no trouble coming to look for her. After school ended, Theresa was unable to come and pick Kehlani up from school because she was extremely busy at the mall, so Rose offered to drive her home since she was also going t
However, amidst their yelling, Karen wasn’t done. “Let's not pretend you’re here because you care about my Rose. I don't care much about high society but I have enough information to know that you and Beatrice are never friends and you just proved me right. You saw a chance to use my Rose to humiliate Beatrice in public. But the truth is—Beatrice doesn’t even see you as a rival. You’re not a threat to her. You’re just a footnote.” That did it. Even though Karen didn't like Beatrice, she had to use her as a weapon to damage Margret. And it was true in some ways, Beatrice never saw Margaret as a rival and that was why she left her off. Beatrice is more cunning and has better things to do than Margret. On the other hand, Margaret’s face turned red, her voice rising. “You arrogant little—! Who the hell do you think you are to speak to me like that?!” “I’m someone you should’ve never insulted,” Karen replied coolly. “Especially not in front of witnesses.” “You're such a bitch! You even
Karen returned with graceful steps, wiping her hands with a silk handkerchief as she approached the table—only to stop mid-step at the sight before her. Three women, overdressed and oozing fake charm, surrounded Rose, who looked irritated and uncomfortable. Karen’s expression hardened immediately. “Is there a problem here?” Karen asked smoothly as she walked up to the table, though her voice was laced with sharpness. Margaret immediately changed her facial expression as she turned without even bothering to look properly. “Oh, relax. We’re just having a friendly chat. Nothing that concerns—” She paused, eyes scanning Karen lazily. Then scoffed. “Oh. You’re the lady that was with her earlier?” Margaret blinked, her voice condescending. “How… quaint. Let me guess—you’re her assistant or... manager?” Rose blinked, trying not to laugh. It was obvious now that these women were actually dumb. Even if Karen is not well known amongst the high socialist thanks to the fact that she lives t
From across the room, Margaret Pezz had been watching like a hawk. Dressed in an ivory designer set and dripping in gold jewelry, Margaret whispered something to her friends, eyes gleaming. With Karen out of the way, it was time to make her move. She strutted over, her heels clicking arrogantly against the marble. Two overdressed women followed her like loyal shadows. “Roseline, darling!” Margaret said with feigned delight, placing a hand on the back of Rose’s chair as if they were long-lost friends. “I couldn’t believe it was you! You look absolutely radiant in person.” Rose looked up slowly from the food menu she was still checking out, expression unreadable. “Do I know you?” Margaret laughed, her voice grating. “Oh, we haven’t officially met. I’m Margaret Pezz—a very close friend of Beatrice, your stepmother.” The moment she said Beatrice’s name, Rose’s expression soured. Margaret noticed and quickly backtracked, playing both sides. “But honestly dear, I never liked the way
The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the Anderson estate, bathing the grand dining hall in a warm glow. Rose sat at the breakfast table, quietly sipping her tea as Anne and Karen conversed about an upcoming events. "You should get some fresh air today," Anne suggested, eyeing Rose over her cup of coffee. Karen nodded in agreement. "Actually, I was thinking of taking her out. Just a small outing—maybe some shopping, a café stop. What do you think, Rose?" Rose blinked, caught off guard. "Shopping?" "Yes," Karen said with a small smile. "You could use a few new things, and a change of scenery might be nice." Rose hesitated. She wasn’t exactly the type to enjoy aimless shopping trips at the moment, but the way Anne and Karen were looking at her told her this was more than just a casual suggestion. It was their way of trying to spend time with her. And truthfully, a part of her was beginning to appreciate the warmth they offered. "Alright," she finally agreed.
Later that evening, Rose wandered through the grand hallways of the Anderson estate, her footsteps light against the polished floors. She wasn’t sure what had compelled her to leave the comfort of her room, but something about the quiet atmosphere of the night made her restless. Before she knew it, she was standing in front of her grandfather's study. Hesitating for only a moment, she knocked lightly. "Come in," came the deep, commanding voice from inside. Rose pushed the door open and stepped inside, finding Frank seated at a massive mahogany desk, a glass of whiskey beside him. The dim lighting cast long shadows across the shelves lined with books and relics of the past. "Couldn't sleep?" he asked, not looking up as he finished scribbling on a document. "Something like that," Rose admitted, stepping closer. Frank gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit." She did, expecting the usual quiet company they sometimes shared. But instead of returning to his work, Frank pulled o
The next day, Rose sat in the sunroom with Anne, sipping tea while flipping through an old book she had pulled from the family’s extensive library. The warm golden light streamed through the glass walls, casting soft shadows across the polished floor. Anne, ever the poised and graceful matriarch, studied her granddaughter with sharp yet affectionate eyes. "Are you comfortable, dear?" Rose glanced up from her book. "Yes, Grandmother. More comfortable than I expected to be." A rare, approving smile graced Anne's lips. "Good. You should feel at home here." Before Rose could respond, Karen entered the room, her heels clicking against the marble floor. "Ah, perfect. You're both here," she said, taking a seat across from Rose. Anne arched her brow. "You sound suspiciously excited. What are you up to, my dear?" Karen smirked, “Yes, I'm excited, mother because I have some nice news for Rose.” she said then turned to Rose. "I had a little chat with Headmistress Moore this morning. She ag
Dinner continued with casual conversation, and despite how formal the Anderson household could seem, the atmosphere wasn’t tense. After finishing her meal, Rose excused herself, but before she could leave, Leo grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?" Rose gave him a pointed look. "To see Grandfather." Leo blinked in surprise but quickly masked it. He let go of her wrist and shrugged. "Suit yourself. Just don’t stay up too late." Rose shook her head and walked off. However, she didn't head straight to meet Frank, she made a quick stop at the kitchen. Frank’s study was dimly lit, the faint scent of aged paper and cedarwood clinging to the air. He sat behind his desk, flipping through a thick folder of documents. A soft knock echoed through the room. “Come in,” Frank’s voice called out, calm but firm. The door opened and Rose stepped inside, carrying a polished tray with a single porcelain teacup. She closed the door behind her with a quiet click. Frank looked up and paused, ey
“What’s going on here?” Rose’s voice was calm but firm as she stepped forward, her sharp gaze sweeping over the tension-filled scene. She had spotted the standoff the moment she entered the stall. Sandra turned to her, arms crossed. “Oh, perfect timing. This girl thinks staring at a snack means she owns it.” The girl scoffed when she heard Sandra’s explanation. “And this girl thinks she can just take whatever she wants.” The vendor, seeing Rose enter the conversation, looked relieved. “Miss, maybe you can help settle this?” Rose exhaled, her gaze flickering between them before settling on the other girl with calm finality. “If you really wanted it, you should have asked the vendor to hold it for you. Since you didn’t, I don’t see why this is even an argument.” The girl frowned, seemingly unprepared for someone to shut down the situation with pure logic instead of fueling the fight. One of her friends stepped up, opening her mouth to say something, but Rose’s voice cut through th
After finishing their meal, the group began heading back to their private room when Sandra suddenly stopped. “You guys go ahead. Kehlani and I need to grab something real quick.” Kaleb raised a brow at her. “What is it?” “A snack I saw earlier,” Sandra replied, waving him off. “It won’t take long.” Austin sighed but didn’t argue. “Fine, just don’t get into trouble.” Leo glanced at Rose, but before he could say anything, she spoke first. “I’ll catch up with you. I want to check something at the next stall too.” Leo narrowed his eyes but didn’t question her, since he knew she wouldn’t tell him what it was. “Are you sure you don't want me to come along? The last thing I need is you getting lost.” He asked which earned him a glare from Rose. “I will be fine without you. And I will also catch up with both Sandra and Kehlani, ” She replied. Seeing that she wouldn’t let him go with her, he finally relented. “Don’t take too long.” With that, the three boys walked off, leaving the girl