Only Rose knows how to calm Alyssa down whenever she is getting emotional again. “Really? So why did you call? How's everything going with you? Are you okay?" Alyssa calmly asked in a gentle voice. “I called because I want you to speak to my friends. I told them about you.” Rose said. “Oh my, that's so sweet of you, Rose. I'm happy you told them about me. Quickly let's do a video chat so that I can see them.” Alyssa said. Rose nodded and switched the call to a video chat so that Alyssa can see both Sandra and Kehlani. To her surprise the three girls got along well and they all spoke to Alyssa like she was sitting with them. Most especially Sandra, she got along well with Alyssa because they have similar personalities. After spending a while at the cafe the three girls head back to Kehlani's house and Kehlani handed some school notes to Rose. Just like that, Rose continued with her normal routine, going to school, spending time with her two best friends. That weekend Rose spent
After a short while of arguing between each other, Rose was victorious and Paige had no other choice but to agree with Rose.“Young miss, take very good care of yourself, will you?” Paige said, still worried about Rose.“Go ahead, auntie. I will be fine.” Rose smiled at Paige who bowed at Rose before taking her leave.Rose watched Paige close the door before the smile on her face dissolved like it was never there before. “I will take very good care of myself, auntie. As long as you are not here to witness what would happen, I will be fine.” Rose muttered to herself in daze.‘I just have to get rid of brother Luthor as well this weekend.” She thought. She is trying to send the people that are important to her away this weekend because there is something she is planning to do to the Gray family. They have been too relaxed lately so she planned to cause a bit of chaos that would shake them off their seats.Another day was coming to an end as the sun slowly set in the west. The clouds wer
Dad, Mom, sis, I’m back!” A young teenager's voice rang out. Instantly Sophia heard the voice, her eyes widened in surprise before lighting up with excitement. And for the first time that evening, a genuine smile spread across her face as she leaped from her chair, nearly knocking it over. “Victor!" She shrieked, her tone so high-pitched and excited as she rushed towards the door with such speed that it seemed as though she had been waiting for this very moment all evening. “He’s back!” Beatrice, slightly more composed, followed behind her daughter, her face and mood instantly changed into a bright smile at the sight of her son. At the doorway stood Victor Gray, the youngest and only son, the crown prince and prized jewel of the family. He was tall for his age, his dark hair tousled in that effortlessly charming way, and his eyes gleaming with the assurance of someone who had never known consequences. His confident and cocky grin spread wide as he walked in. Sophia flung her arm
Rose, who was busy recalling the incident, snapped out of her thoughts when the irritating voice interrupted her. “Victor, don't you remember our older sister? That's Roseline.” Sophia replied as she looked at Victor whose expression didn't change because he knew who Rose was. He just found her different from what he remembered her to be. He was still young when Rose was sent away to abroad and he didn't get to know her but he never liked her. “So, she is the daughter of that woman our father married before our mother. Why is she here?” He asked and without waiting for a response he turned to look at Rose who had been quiet. “Roseline.” Victor Said her name like a curse, his voice laced with disdain. He scanned her, taking in her appearance as though he were appraising something worthless. “I see that you still have that stupid look on your face. You look even uglier than before. Are you sure you’re actually Dad’s daughter? I’ve never been able to figure it out because you look no
“I know I don't look very much like our father but at least I've got a trait of him but you don't, which I think I should be wondering if you are truly our father's son." She added with an indifferent expression on her face. ‘You want to be disrespectful to your older sister, right? I will give you a taste of my new personality.’ “You-" Before Victor could react and retort back to Rose, Beatrice’s voice rang out sharply. . “Shut up!” she barked, her eyes wide with an almost manic urgency. “How dare you say such nonsense!” The sudden outburst caught everyone off guard. Sophia , who always acted innocent, sweet and often followed her mother’s lead in everything, was startled by her mother. Victor, caught off guard as well, momentarily turned to his mother with confusion etched across his face. What's the matter? “Mum, what’s with you?” Victor muttered, the edge in his voice showing how much he hated feeling off-balance and irritated. “You scared me.” Beatrice, realizing her ove
“You're nothing. Nothing! Remember your place in this family!” Victor could not control himself and yelled as he pushed Rose, making her fall to the ground.He had never seen Rose as part of the family. If he was annoyed, he spoke with his fists and violence. The Gray couple would never ever blame him for anything anyway. Instead, they would protect him from everything. Both Beatrice and Sophia simply stood aside and watched quietly with an indifferent expression. Their loyalty always lay with Victor so they wouldn't lift a finger to stop him.Why would they in the first place? He was doing them a favor and that was by doing exactly what they wanted. Punishing Rose for daring to challenge them.Also, William would never think his son had done anything wrong anyway. Even if he murdered someone, William would just pay hush money to keep it quiet.To them, there are no problems that money can't solve.Rose getting beaten was not a big deal at all. No one was to speak up for her. No one
Rose collapsed onto the floor, her body aching from the force of his punches. This wasn't the first time Victor had hit her. It might be the first time for him in this life but in her past, Victor was the only family member that didn't bother to hide his hatred and anger for Rose. Any chance he had he would always bully and maltreat her despite the fact that she was older than him. She hadn't taken it too seriously in her past because Sophia would always comfort her and she blindly believed her words. “You've been bullying me ever since you were little before I left the country. I forgave you every time because I've always seen you as my younger brother, but this time I won't allow you to insult my mother just like that. She doesn't deserve to be spoken from that ride moth of yours so show her respect.”As spoiled as Victor was, it was impossible for him to accept being disobeyed by anyone. “That useless woman was a bitch and so is the daughter she gave birth to. You're no differ
“How can the madam just sit down there and watch. This family has a lot of snakes and I mean it.”The maids whispered, feeling concerned for Rose but none of them was brave enough to step out.When Victorfinally stopped, his breathing came in ragged gasps. His hair clung to his sweaty forehead as he glowered down at Rose. His knuckles were red and bruised, but the satisfaction in his eyes showed that the pain didn’t matter. It was worth it.“Had enough?” He sneered, his voice hoarse from exertion. He glanced over his shoulder at his mother, who had finally stopped smiling and appeared slightly uneasy.Beatrice Stood up, brushing an invisible speck of dust off her dress. “Alright, son. That’s enough. You’ve made your point. It’s late, and you should rest now.” Her voice was calm, but underneath it was a faint undercurrent of worry. She couldn’t afford to have Rose die, not yet. There was too much at stake.Victor scowled, rolling his shoulders. “Yeah, whatever. I’m done for now. But n
---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