Rose's sharp eyes took it all in, but she wasn’t particularly surprised. She had encountered her fair share of grandeur in her life, and her thoughts were too busy with more pressing matters. “Young master, you've arrived.” A middle aged woman walked over to them and greeted them. She was the female butler in charge of maintaining the manor. Of course, Rose heard the woman's voice but she was pretty occupied in her head. “Young master, you didn't tell me you were going to visit the mansion.” The woman said with a huge smile on her face. “It was a late decision.” Alex curtly replied with a straight face. The woman smiled at Alex, already used to him. However, her gaze left Alex and landed on Rose who was standing next to Alex. She glanced back to Alex with a curious gaze, gesturing to Rose with her eye. Alex frowned when he noticed her gesture and he turned to his side following her eyes and saw Rose staring at something in daze. “Would you stop staring like a fool?” H
“I'm Lara Jim. The head maid and female butler of this house. Please feel free to call me Lara.” Lara introduced herself to Rose with a smile. She didn't know why but she felt a feeling of liking towards Rose the moment she saw her. Maybe it's because of the fact that she is the only human of the opposite sex Alex has brought into this house. She cared less about her relationship to Alex but she liked Rose and the way she carried herself.“Mrs. Lara. I will call you that if you don't mind instead." Rose replied. There is no way she would call a woman old enough to be her mother by name. This is her house so she can't disrespect the people living here. Moreso, Lara has a similar vibe to her new favorite Aunty Karen.Lara smiled widened. The bar of her likeness for Rose just rose up because of her words. ‘What a respectful child. Her mother should be proud of her.’ “Alright then, I'll leave you alone to rest for a while. Would you like me to get dinner?" Lara asked.Rose shook her. Sh
Lara sighed and shook her head at her Young master. Though he rarely visited this place, she has known Alex for a long time before she started working here as the head maid here. “If you don't mind me asking, Young master. What happened to the young miss you brought? She looked so badly injured on face and hand.” Lara asked worriedly. Though she didn't say it out, she knew those injuries were the cause of being beaten up. She couldn't help but wonder who would do something like that to a young girl.“I haven't found out yet. Just do your own job and worry about nothing else.” Alex replied coldly. He almost forgot about the wounds on her face not until Lara mentioned it again."Oh my! I nearly forgot.” Lara suddenly exclaimed, making Alex crease his brow at her." What is it this time?” He could feel his patience running out with the way Lara was trying to disturb him. This is the reason why he didn't like coming here." It's late, I almost forgot to take my medication which is bad. H
Rose wasn’t sure how to respond. It wasn’t what she had expected him to say. But there was a certain weight to his words, as if he, too, was contemplating something much deeper.“Yes,” she agreed. "It is." She hesitated, then added, "But it feels like you don’t get to enjoy this kind of peace very often."He turned slightly, before replying. "Not often, no.”Rose didn't know if it was her eyes but she saw the corner of his lips curled up into a faint smile and when she blinked, it was gone so she concluded that it was her eyes. “Are you comfortable with this room?" He asked and Rose nodded her head as she looked up at him. Deep down she hated the fact that she had to strain her neck before she could look at anyone. ‘All the men and people I know are so tall. What do they eat?’ She complained bitterly. Even Victor was taller than despite her being the oldest. It's frustrating at times to think about it because Sandra and Kehlani are a head taller than her as well.‘I have to focus on
Alex raised his head with a scowl on his face but Rose ignored him and started applying the ointment to wherever she felt pain. Thanks to him kneeling in front of her, she can't stand up to check what she was doing in the mirror.‘Just how uncomfortable.’ she grumbled to herself and gritted her teeth to endure the pain.“Hey!" Rose suddenly yelled when the ointment was yanked out of her hand roughly by Alex. “What is your problem, Mister?" She asked with a frown on her face as she glared at him.“You're doing it all wrong." Alex as usual coolly replied." It's none of your concern, give it back.” Rose angrily retorted back but suddenly she received a cold glare from Alex. Honestly speaking, the glare was scary but who was Rose? She gulped her dear and stared right back at him.“It's my concern because I brought you to my house so you are my responsibility. I will do it for you.” Alex remarked in a stern and firm tone leaving no room for arguments.However, Rose was not the type to ba
“It’s time for you to leave, Mr. King. Thank you very much for taking me to the hospital and bringing me here, but as you can see, I'm a young and growing child so I need to rest now. And I'm sure you also have things to do as well.” Rose said in the most polite way she could think of and gestured to him to leave the room.Alex's gaze darkened as he looked at her. “Are you kicking me out?" He questioned. No one dares to kick him out of anywhere, much less in his house. But, this little girl has the audacity to do so without blinking or thinking of the consequences of her action."I am in the most polite and respectful way.” Rose didn't bother to lie and gave him a forced smile. The sooner she gets rid of him, the sooner she could rest.She sighed again when she saw that he was just standing there and not moving. Without saying anything, she walked back to him. " Excuse me.” Rose said as she grabbed his large hand and started pulling towards the door. "Goodnight.” Rose waved at him be
“Why did you fight with your sister and even send her out of the house? Do you have any idea what you've done-" “That's enough, William. Our son came back home after a very long time to celebrate my birthday, you should welcome him with warmth and not that annoying look you have. It's not like he has done anything wrong. If Rose hadn't annoyed him, he wouldn't have fought with her." Before William could finish his sentence, Beatrice suddenly cut him off. She didn't like the fact that he was scolding her son because of Rose." Yeah. Mom is right, dad. That crazy bitch you call daughter insulted him and said I don't look like the Grays. You don't expect to let her off just like that.” Victor added to support his mother and Sophia also nodded as well." So because of that you beat her up and sent her out of the mansion late at night?” William asked."Yes. That is an insult to me and this family. I am the only heir and I will assume the position of the head of this family after you die,
******** Normally, people are supposed to fall asleep immediately when they lay on a soft, feathery bed like this one, however, Rose was different. It's been three hours now and her eyes refused to close no matter how she tried to. This was the same thing that happened to her the first time she visited the Anderson family mansion. “Now, I understand my problem. I can't sleep in a place I'm not used to." Rose mumbled. In her past life, she always stayed locked up in the Gray mansion and never socialized. She never had sleepovers with friends in the past so it's normal for to feel uncomfortable in a place she isn't used to. It was the same thing that happened at the Anderson family mansion but she actually thought it was because she was nervous then. After turning around a few more times, Rose stood up from the bed and glanced at the clock and saw that it was eleven o'clock, almost midnight. She ventured downstairs, the need for water drawing her out of her room. The house, as grand
"Shut up!” Victor snapped sharply, his voice quivering with rage. The injustice he felt burned like a firestorm inside him. “They beat me up! They should be begging for my forgiveness! I’m going to sue them all and throw them in jail!” His eyes blazed as he glared at the crowd, his words venomous. “How dare you mess with me? You’re all dead!” The crowd erupted into sneers and laughter. “If anything happens to us, the world will know it’s the Grays who did it,” someone retorted. “You’ll face justice soon enough.” Another voice chimed in, “Miss Rose Gray, it’s pointless to be kind to people like them. They don’t know the meaning of gratitude!” “They’re heartless,” a third agreed. “The more you tolerate them, the worse they’ll treat you.” “Some people are just born wicked,” an older man said, shaking his head. “Victor Gray is the perfect example.” Rose, standing at the center of the storm, glanced at Victor with a faint trace of pity. She sighed softly and said, “But he’s still my
The Gray couple stood devastated, their carefully constructed façade crumbling under the weight of the truth. William seemed to freeze, his face twitching with barely restrained fury. For a moment, he looked like a man teetering on the brink of madness. How can I possibly agree? Everyone is watching and listening. But those shares are mine. MINE. Rose kept her gaze fixed on the floor, her shoulders hunched like a frightened lamb. Her small frame trembled slightly, evoking pity from the onlookers. Poor girl. The crowd whispered amongst themselves. Born into wealth but treated like an outcast in her own family. Even her own father uses her without hesitation. Beatrice’s fists were clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Her mind was racing. No. We can’t give those shares back. They’re ours. Sophia’s and Victor’s future depend on them. She can’t take them from us! Sophia stood frozen, her face burning with suppressed anger. Yet, she dared not speak, remembering the backla
"How could a father steal from his own daughter? Or is she not even considered his daughter?” “Is the Gray Corporation really that desperate now?” Outraged whispers spread among the crowd. Some female reporters expressed their disgust. “Do you only see your son as your child? What about your daughter? This is outrageous!” Someone chimed in, “He surely cares for his daughter, it all just depends on which daughter you're referring to. And it's obvious that you mean Sophia. Look at her outfit! That dress alone is worth more than $100,000, and her jewelry must cost a fortune of a million. However , look at the poor Miss Roseline Gray…” All eyes turned to Rose, and the difference was undeniable. “My God, it seems like the ex-wife’s daughter hasn't been treated well.” “It’s clear who gets the love and resources in this family…” Beatrice Gray’s face tightened as she realized the shift in the room’s mood, but it was too late. Sophia, unable to contain her anger, stood up and snapped a
It was a speech prepared and arranged for Rose to deliver, and it would have sounded far more convincing if she had done so. However, Rose had stayed quiet the entire time, leaving William Gray with no choice but to do it himself."Fake? Photoshop? That’s the best explanation you can offer? Ridiculous! Do you think we’re so blind that we can’t tell the difference between fake and real? Does he truly think we’re stupid?"Some reporters exchanged skeptical glances, their pens pausing mid-sentence. The crowd seemed to share the same sentiment, murmuring in agreement, except for a small group of reporters.Before the other reporters had the chance to challenge him, a few voices rang out from the front row.“Mr. Gray is absolutely correct," one reporter said with exaggerated conviction. "The video lacks credibility. It's easy to manipulate footage these days, especially with advanced editing software."Another voice quickly added, "I agree. It’s well-edited, but if you look closely, you
---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