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
Rose's vision blurred, both from the pain in her body and the fury bubbling up inside her. ‘Haha, so you won't be taken to the hospital after all, you crazy bitch.’ She had no choice but to obey for now. “I will have the maid help you up and take you to your room.” Beatrice said and gestured to one of the maids.The maid, Abby, quickly walked over.Shewas the maid who mostly visits Rose's room sometimes so she was a little bit closer to Rose than the rest. “Yes, Madam.” Her hands wringing the edges of her apron nervously. She had witnessed the events from afar, her heart aching for the girl who lay battered on the floor. But Abby, like the other servants, knew her place. She couldn’t risk intervening, not with Beatrice's eyes always watching.“Assist her back to her room.” Beatrice ordered as she walked away.Abby nodded and quickly knelt beside Rose, her touch gentle as she helped her to her feet. “Come, Miss Rose.” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I’ll take you to your r
Rose let out a sigh as she stared at the closed gate in front of her. She was still looking messed up and the pain from getting beat up was starting to get unbearable for her. She raised her hand up and touched her wounded face gently. “Tsk, I have to get these wounds treated immediately.” Rose mumbled to herself. Being thrown out was not her problem if only she had her cell phone with her. She could have called Luthor or even contacted Julian to come pick her up. But she knew if the Anderson family knew about this, they would take matters into their hands, most especially Frank who seemed obsessed with protecting her.Not wanting to keep standing outside the gate, Rose slowly walked away. The Gray mansion was located in an estate and it wasn't only the Gray residence that was here. There are other residences that are occupied by rich and wealthy families as well so it was hard for Rose to get a cab to take her to wherever she wanted to go. It would take about thirty minutes of wal
The driver was stunned and confused by the sudden turn of events.Rose came back to her senses and looked at the driver's gaze, not saying anything as she stood up slowly. If one only looked at her expression, they would have never known that she had just been in a car accident.Rose squinted and looked at this car that appeared in front of her all of a sudden and nearly took her life. “Even God is trying to kill me as well." She muttered under her breath.Her back was ramrod straight and her long and pale legs were exposed in the air due to the fact that she was only putting on casual short pants before she got kicked out. Because she had fallen down to the ground in shock, her knees had been injured and were still bleeding profusely, and in the wound, there seemed to be some small pieces of gravel and sand caught in her wound. Because of the contrast between her pale skin and the gashing wound, it seemed abnormally serious.The driver checked on her injuries with the help of the he
“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