As soon as they arrived home, Rose got out of the car. She turned to look at Beatrice. “I will go and get dressed for the party, stepmother." She told Beatrice and without waiting for a response from Beatrice she went upstairs to her bedroom to take a shower. She knew she had played a good game today, and she felt good. At the same time, she understood that there would be another game at the party this evening, and she would be prepared and not lose the opportunity to humiliate both Beatrice and Sophia. Standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom, Rose was busy examining her face in the mirror when she unconsciously touched her forehead where Alex had kissed him and she felt rage growing again. “Alexander king! The same man I met at the airport. I should have asked him for compensation because he used me to lie to his girlfriend or whoever she is but I will let this slide because I borrowed his status to my advantage today as well.” Rose mumbled under her breath. Even though she
The incident earlier in the day at the jewelry shop had awakened Sophia's competitive nature. “Yes, dress me up very well, mother. I'm the swan. The most beautiful and elegant of all. It's impossible that I will ever be beaten by that ugly duckling. Alexander must have been somehow oblivious to my beauty. That must be the reason why Roseline got the attention today. Yes. That's why! I knew it.” Sophia remarked, dazed in her own thoughts.Unlike Sophia who was being delusional, Beatrice was thinking practically. "That is a good thought, my child. But we, the Grays……" Beatrice tried to voice out her concern and thought regarding what her daughter had said.However, Sophia was not ready to listen to any reasons or excuses. She was a spoiled one, and she had to get what she wanted, as always. "I don't care. I know I'm the only one that deserves Alexander. Mom, please, I have to marry him. If Roseline can get close to him then I must as well. Besides, it will be great for Gray when I'm Mrs
Alexander was the rumored fearsome, stone cold, Mafia emperor that no one had seen and that was because his identity is being hidden as CEO. Because of so much power he possess just as being a CEO, the governments who were unaware of his identity as the Mafia king had sought him out countless times to help them handle the underworld sometimes. “So, tell me why am I still meeting their Chairman?" No one wanted to answer due to fear of their boss, including the employees who brave earlier to talk. All his bravery had been used up earlier, besides he didn't want to be one to talk again in order to avoid being the first person to receive their boss' terrifying punishment.However, the rest of his colleagues glanced at him, gesturing to him to speak on everyone's behalf. ‘What? Isn't once enough?! Why should I be the scapegoat and die for you all?’Seeing that no one was willing to speak, Alex made a small gesture to his assistant.Already knowing what to do, Derek cleared his throat an
“Not sure. But continue digging for more information about her studying overseas. And get me the footage of what happened at the jewelry shop while I was in the private VIP room.” Alex ordered.“Copy Boss. Is that all?" Derek asked Alex creased his brows as he thought of something, then nodded his head, "Mm. You can go then.""Yes Boss!" Derek raised his hand and saluted like a military soldier before quickly leaving the room.Alex remained calm on the surface but deep down he was dumbfounded by what his assistant just did. Did Derek think he was a general? He’ll never understand this side from his assistant of fifteen years. There are times Derek is serious and dangerous and there are times he acts like a completely different person.Alex set the documents in his hands down and opened one of the drawers and took out a childish pink colored wallet and stared at it.For some odd reason, his mind kept drifting to Rose's face and her voice, especially her familiar mesmerizing eyes. Even
"According to the contract, page 11, number 54. Lexi Corps was supposed to produce a certain amount of products for King conglomerate but the amount we received was not even up to half of the written amount in the contract. That means Lexi Corps just breached the contract.” Derek spoke, reading from the copy of the contract document that was kept on his tablet. He placed the tablet on the table and pointed at the page it was written on.Immediately Chairman Roy picked up the tablet and read the contract, his face instantly pale and sweats started dripping down his face. “How-how can this be?" Chairman Roy stuttered. He was surprised to see that this part was added in the contract and he hadn't read it. The day Chairman Roy wanted to sign the contract, he was so ecstatic and happy that he hadn't read all the conditions written in the contract before he signed it.“Chairman Roy, not only have you breached the contract by providing us with half the amount of products that was written in
"I'm sure that Mr. Gray is so proud to have not only a stunning wife but also a beautiful daughter like Miss Sophia.” Steven Osborne, another one of the men added. "I wonder which young master would be lucky to marry such a beautiful woman. Hey, why don't we have a bet and see who gets her first?"It was one of the games they played to kill time and for fun.Steve Osborne quickly gave up when he heard Peter's suggestions. "Nah, we all know David will win as he always does. I'm out?" He said, glancing at one of the men sitting next to him.Jack Hall laughed, "Haha. Great. Don't regret it and keep your word."Alex, who was hearing the whisper from the men sitting at the next table, swirled the champagne in hand indifferently. Even though he was not doing it intentionally, his graceful aura absorbed admiration from every corner.While the other men's eyes were glued on Sophia, his eyes fell on Roseline every now and then, and he found her strangely desirable.She's different. Smart. Gre
Rose listened but seemed to be deep in thoughts.It was true that the Grays were reputable and rich, but compared to them, the Grays were far lower down the ladder.David was the person to extend his hand gentlemanly "My pretty lady, may I introduce myself…"The whole room was surprised. Really? Are they interested in someone like Sophia Gray? She's nobody compared to them.The women in the room were flaming with jealousy as well as resentment.Sophia was overwhelmed. She gazed at David as she held out her hand. "I know you. You are David Parker?" ‘Am I dreaming? Is David Parker really speaking to me? Perhaps they have finally noticed my beauty! All of them. My god. This is amazing! The money on this dress is very well spent! Though it was a lot of money, it was surely worth it.’ Sophia screamed in excitement in her head.She had completely forgotten about the incident at the jewelry shop earlier as she proudly recovered.David placed a kiss on Sophia's hand and gave her a bright smil
“Oh my, I didn't see you here young Masters. I'm equally happy to see you here." Mr. Will was surprised to see David and his group of friends standing here as well. Of course all the young men came from a reputable family that even him can't overlook their background so he greeted them.“Thank you, Mr. Will. We actually left our table there and came to chat with Miss Gray here. I must commend you again, Mr. Will. You've thrown another successful party.” Peter was the one who replied on behalf of himself and his friends who nodded their heads in agreement.“Haha, Mr. Allen, thank you for your kind words. I hope you're enjoying yourself. Allow me to introduce you to our honorable guest, though I'm sure you already know him. Gentlemen please meet Mr. King.” Mr. Will introduced Alex to David and his friends.“It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. King. I've heard a lot about you." David was the first person to greet Alex and stretched his hand out for a handshake.Alex stared at the outstretc
“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