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
“Water. I'm thirsty." She replied.Alex gave a small nod, an acknowledgment that was both curt and yet oddly reassuring.“The kitchen is over there. You should rest soon,” He said, his voice even, with no trace of the previous intensity.Rose blinked, slightly caught off guard by the simple, almost mundane comment. “Right,” she replied softly. She continued down the stairs, her steps cautious, as if not wanting to disturb the fragile peace between them.As she reached the bottom of the staircase, Alex had already returned to his phone call. His attention had shifted away from her, and she felt herself breathe easier now that the moment had passed. Yet the weight of his presence still lingered in the back of her mind, like a faint echo that wouldn’t quite fade.Rose moved toward the kitchen, where a tall, glass pitcher of water sat on the counter. Pouring herself a glass, she leaned against the marble countertop, her thoughts swirling. Why had she felt such tension just from one glanc
Unaware of Alex's inner turmoil, Rose answered his other questions truthfully, though she occasionally glanced at him to gauge his reactions. It was as if she were trying to read him, to understand what lay behind his calm and composed exterior. His heart softened a bit as he watched her, realizing that despite the strength and self-reliance she displayed, there was still something of a child in her. Someone who had experienced too much too soon, but who still harbored a quiet hope. Her hesitations faded as their conversation continued, her guarded demeanor gradually relaxing a bit.“Do you want me to handle it for you?" Alex asked.“No! I didn't tell you this so that you can help. I only answered your questions and now that you know, don't interfere in my business." Rose sternly said and rejected his help offer.Alex frowned a bit, he was a little bit surprised by her refusal. This is the first time someone has rejected him or his help and it was by a little girl. But the refusal
But before she could press him for more, he stood up, the moment passing as quickly as it had come. The warmth in his expression faded, replaced by his usual cool demeanor. "You should go to your room and rest," he said, his tone returning to its normal, measured calm. “Whatever you have to say, say it tomorrow." He added, knowing that she still had something she wanted to say to him. And with that, he turned and left the living room, leaving Rose sitting there, a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. She exhaled softly before standing up and returned to her room, Rose lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, her mind too restless for sleep. Jiang Shuxuan’s words lingered in the air around her, refusing to settle. There was something unsettling in what he had said, and though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it, she didn't like it. The room, though grand and comfortable, suddenly felt too large, too quiet. The walls seemed to close in on her, the silence becoming heavy. S
Hearing Lara's voice, it was at that moment Rose realized that she was not in the Gray mansion. For a moment, she mistook Lara for Paige back at home.“Good morning, Miss Lara." Rose pushed the cover and sat up on the bed and greeted Lara in a lazy, husky voice.The smile on Lara's face immediately disappeared when she saw Rose's expression. “Young Miss, did you sleep late last night?" Rose turned to look at Lara when she heard her question." Sort off. I was unable to sleep early yesterday night. How did you know that I slept late, Mrs Lara?" She asked."I could tell by the way your eyes looked. Though it's not very visible but I can see the eye bag underneath your eyes.” Lara explained as she waved at the maid to drop the new set of clothes they had brought for Rose and take their leave.Rose nodded her head with a faint smile when she heard Lara's explanation.“Young Miss, this is a new set of clothes for you to change into and here is the ointment you need to apply on your face. D
---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