“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 maid quickly handed the cup to Rose, collected it and had a few sips before she finally spoke. "What exactly did you ask me to home for, step mother?" Rose asked Beatrice.“Um…..I asked you to come so that I can introduce you to the tutor I hired for you." Beatrice was taken aback at first but she quickly controlled herself.“Aha, Just a tutor. I thought it was someone important." Rose said indifferentlyShe acted like a spoiled rich girl, and there was apparent disdain in her tone.Henry instantly felt like someone had slapped him hard on his face. He blushed with embarrassment. It was the very first time a girl had shown a dislike for him.Yet, he composed himself, forced a smile on his face, and carried on, "Roseline, I have to say you are very pretty and.."Everyone loves compliments. Girls love to know people think they are pretty. Henry thought he could use the same tactic with Rose since he saw her as an easy girl.However, before he could finish his sentence, Rose coldly c
Meanwhile, Beatrice is also in the same situation as Henry. She chose Henry because she was sure that he was the sort of guy Rose would like in an instant. Isn't he her cup of tea? Why is she behaving like this? She had no time to figure it out now, so she dropped the matter off her mind and quickly ran after Henry. "Mr. Walker, stay, please. I'm really sorry. It's my fault. You see, I've spoiled her too much. Please don't be angry." She pleaded. Henry thought here came the chance to retort. He glared at Rose, then turned back to look at Beatrice. "Mrs. Gray, you are a very caring mother, and you have done a lot for your daughter, but she's just too arrogant. Even though I'm not the direct heir of the Walker family, I'm still the second son and I have my dignity. I refuse to be humiliated by someone insolent like her." "Tut" Rose let out a loud noise of disapproval and accidentally spat out the tea in her mouth. ‘Dignity?! Hahaha. Did he actually say dignity?! How shameless! To lu
After Henry stormed out of the room in rage and was defeated. Rose felt rewarded and uplifted. ‘Aii, revenge does make you feel good. I shall do more of this often since I feel at peace now.’ Rose stood up from her seat and walked to her room while humming a cheery tune, dropped her school bag on the bed and went to open the window that led to the balcony. She intended to sit down and take some fresh air but paused when she saw both Beatrice and Henry standing by the spring in the garden. They both looked emotional, Henry was intending to walk away and Beatrice was also trying to stop him. Some words were exchanged, and a few minutes passed till Henry was finally persuaded as he looked calm and showed a wicked smile. It seemed they were conspiring against her. ‘Hmm, plotting against me, is that it?’ Rose thought as she stared at the two people outside. After a while, Henry walked towards the gate while Beatrice watched him. She stood there for a while as if she was in deep though
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