Kehlani turned to look at Rose and got lost in her own thoughts for a while. She knew Rose was right but she just couldn't get over what happened in the past. Both Kehlani and Sandra used to attend the same junior high school. Even though the school was very expensive and for rich kids, Kehlani was able to attend the school because her father and mother hadn't separated then, so her father paid for the school expenses. Kehlani was usually the type to not like getting involved in order people businesses but she encountered Sandra back then. At first sjw knew Sandra was from a family that is more wealthy than her own small family so she tried to keep her distance but Sandra was unlike what she expected.After much pestering, she became friends with Sandra and they were really close back then. However, Sandra's other friends from the same high society were not pleased with how close the both of them were, most especially Kehlani. They believe that Kehlani was from a lower class family a
Rose heard Kehlani's question but she couldn't give her a good response. The reason she usually sleeps in class is because her mentality is used to sleeping when she is bored in her past life. Even though she had been reborn, she was reborn with her mentality of her previous life which means that she still has that attitude and personality in her. That's one of the reasons why she usually sleeps in class because she feels bored. The other reason was because she rarely gets any peaceful sleep at night. She was either haunted by a nightmare and she was always on guard because of the people she was living with. Sleeping in class was the only way she could be at peace. “I find the classes too slow and boring so I sleep because of that." She finally replied to Kehlani who nodded her head even though she didn't fully understand what Rose meant. After spending a few more time with Kehlani and collecting what she needed, Rose bid her goodbye since she had one more place to visit before goin
“Rose, I wasn't expecting you to visit the Bank today." Nancy said, immediately Rose stepped into the office.“Haha, I'm sorry for not calling to inform you that I was coming today. I just made up my mind to come." Rose replied with a smile as she closed the door behind her.“You don't have to apologize. I'm happy that you visited because I've been thinking of an excuse to make it so that I can have you visit me." Nancy said, standing up from her chair and led Rose to the mini living room in her office and sat down."You don't really mean what you said about making an excuse to make me visit, do you sister Nancy?” Rose asked with the corner of her lips curled up gently." I'm serious about it. Honestly, even if you didn't come, I was going to call.you one of these days about the paperwork of the businesses you have asked me to purchase for you. I have half prepared but the other half is still progressing. Once I have everything gathered then I will call you.” Nancy explained to Rose.
“My goodness, I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking at where I was going.” The person who had bumped into Rose quickly apologized to Rose as she bent down to pick up her book.Rose on the other hand just stood at her spot as she watched the girl pack her book with a blank expression on her face. After the girl packed her book, she stood up and raised her head up to look at the person she had accidentally bumped into. Grace brow shut up when she saw that the person she had bumped into was none other than Sophia's older sister. “I…I….”" You don't have to apologize again.” Rose immediately cut her off when she saw that the girl was stuttering.‘My gosh, she is really more beautiful in person than the picture I saw on the school forum.’ Grace thought as she admired Rose's beauty.Rose narrowed her eyes when she saw that the girl was looking at her which she found weird. Seeing that the girl was lost in daze, Rose decided to walk past her.“Wait, please. I'm sorry for bumping into you again an
"Rose, would you like to join us for lunch later?” Felix asked Rose, not paying attention to his other friends. Since they were already engrossed with their matter, he took the opportunity to invite Rose to eat with them." Hey, what did you think you were doing with my cousin?” Leo grabbed the back of Felix’s shirt and pulled him away from Rose.“I was asking if Rose would join us for lunch since that is what we wanted to ask her before." Felix replied as he smoothed his shirt. They have no other reason for following Leo than to invite Rose to eat with them this afternoon. Last time they met her, she was dragged away by her friend before they could even ask her.“Felix is right. So Rose, would you join us?” Kaleb, the one who seems calmer among them, asked.“No, I'm too busy for that." Rose coldly rejected the offer. There is absolutely no way she would sit down and have lunch with this bunch of boys. She would lose her mind totally.“You heard her guys, so let her be." Leo quickly
The Gray couple couldn't care less where Rose had been, or what she had been up to. All Rose had to tell them was that she was out shopping or hanging out with friends and they would easily believe her. Thanks to Theresa, she had been skipping dinner very well at home.It was another evening at Kehlani's. Rose had just finished her homework. She nibbled on some nuts, the nighttime energy snacks Theresa prepared, and then casually pulled out a big book album from her bag to show Theresa."Mrs. Theresa, would you like to have a look?" Rose said, calling Theresa’s attention to her.Theresa smiled, wondering what it was about. “What is that, Rose?" She asked.Rose just smiled and handed the book over to Theresa who grew curious to know what was in the book. She said nothing else and opened the book only to be surprised to see the content. They were fashion design sketches, creative, stylish, and innovative. With her expertise in the fashion field, she could tell straight away that the d
They understood what Rose meant. She was prepared. If anyone intervened, she would not retreat but fight.She was still the daughter of the Gray family, one of the richest families in California and Grand niece of those Anderson’s who had the power in California that no one should ever underrate.Kehlani didn't really understand much about business, but she knew she wanted to help her friend. If it was important to Rose, then it was important to her."Mum, please say yes. I trust Rose, and I trust you."" Mrs. Theresa, If it's okay for me to interfere. I'd say you take up this offer from Rose. I don't know what is on ground before but I see a lot of benefits from this offer.” Unlike Kehlani, Sandra understood business very well because she used to assist her mother to handle their restaurant. It was a secret she made her mother promise to keep but she had always been the person who helped her parents come up with new business strategies.Theresa knew there was a lot of risk if she
The next day, Rose was about to leave with Kehlani after school. Sandra was not with them today because she had to go home for something important. Suddenly her phone rang, making Rose stop.Kehlani saw a frown on her face and wondered what it was about. "Is everything ok? Who was it?"Rose rarely used her phone, and people rarely called her. This was unusual."It was my step-mother. She said there was something to talk to me about and asked me to go home now." Rose answered while thinking, ‘What is it about? This is weird and I don't like this.’“Are you okay, Rose?" Kehlani asked, snapping Rose out of her thoughts.“I will drop you off at home and head home as well." Rose told Kehlani, who nodded at her as they walked to where Luthor was waiting for them.After dropping Kehlani just like she said, she told Luthor to drive home. As soon as she opened the door, she heard Beatrice laughing flirtatiously, and wondered what was happening.‘What is that woman up to laughing like that?’
---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