" I can do it by myself. Don't worry, Mrs. Lara. I have a very sharp brain. It will be easy for me to quickly memorize where I'm going so I can't get lost. There is no need to disturb the maid.” Rose confidently replied with a smile that made Lara melt when she saw the smile on her face.She was confident to not get lost thinking that this was a normally built house that was why she refused to let a maid follow her. But she was wrong.After she confidently told Lara that she can take care of herself, Lara decided to let her do whatever she liked and she merely went on exploring the house. However, that was the case. The problem at hand was that she had been pacing at one spot for the past ten minutes and she was so confused that she didn't know where to go or even where she was coming from.“I'm lost? I can not believe that I got lost after telling Mrs. Lara that I can't get lost.” Rose muttered a let out a sigh at her own stubbornness.Just as Rose was thinking of what to do in her s
She set the letter down carefully, her mind racing. What did it mean? Who had written it? And why did it feel like it was speaking directly to her? She knew this letter was for her but she felt like it was for her.Suddenly, the room felt colder, and Rose froze when she felt the cold, chilling aura behind her.“What are you doing here?" Alex's cold voice rang out in the room as he stared back at the girl in the library with a frown.When he came back and asked about where Rose was, Lara told him she was exploring the house but he didn't expect to see her here in his library. Was this where she was exploring when there are other places in the house to explore.Rose gulped and slowly turned around only to see him standing by the door side with a scowl on his face. “You're back?" She asked. " Yes. Answer my question.” Alex replied."Mrs. Lara said I can explore the house but I got lost at some point then walked into this room. I apologize if this is a personal place.” Rose gave a brief
Rose on the other hand raised her brow. ‘I thought he knew about our relationship? Isn't that part of the reason why he helped me?’“I'm related to the Anderson family and Nicholas Anderson is my second cousin.” She told him.“Hm. Is that all you need?" Alex questioned, not bothering to act surprised by what she said. His reaction made Rose narrowed her brow at him.“You do know that I and Cousin Nicholas are related, don't you?" She suddenly asked. His calm expression says it all and she wasn't stupid to not connect the dots quickly.“It's good that you're smart." Alex turned to look at her and remarked. He didn't bother waiting for her before he started walking away.‘This is exactly one of the reasons why I find him a threat to me.’ Rose scowled as she watched Alex's back before deciding to chase after him when she saw that he was really going to leave her alone.“I also need a laptop too." She told Alex after managing to meet up with him.“Ask Mrs. Jim for that anytime you need it
" I don't remember my cousin's daughter telling me that when I saw her last time. But if that is the case, I want to meet and see Roseline personally and speak to her.” Julian remarked, while looking at William."You can't do that! Rose is busy with her studies right now and it would only interrupt her if we allow it to-" Beatrice was about to come up with an excuse when Julian turned his attention to her.“Are you trying to hide Rose from meeting me? I see no reason why you wouldn't want her to see me. I never said I was taking her with me, I only wanted to see her.” Julian interrupted Beatrice with a deep frown as he glared at her.“Or perhaps, is there something wrong with Roseline that makes you not want her to meet me? Is my cousin's daughter really in this house?" He added. He was not stupid to see that both William and Beatrice are nervous for some unknown reason. It's not like it's the first time she would be visiting them so why are they trying to hide her. Their actions were
"Wrong answer. I asked how she left this mansion. Roseline would not do something as stupid to leave the mansion without a reason.” Julian cut off William in the middle of talking.The room went silent after Julian spoke. William was in deep thought on what to say at the moment. Eventually, the Anderson family would find out about everything that happened but he can afford to tell Julian now because it could lead to the end of the Gray family.“Mr. Anderson, I don't think we should be focused on that. It's my fault that Rose left this house because I neglected my job as a mother. However, let's worry about that for later, the most important thing is that we are able to find Rose and she is safe." Beatrice suddenly spoke, her voice filled with worry as she looked at Julian with teary eyes. Her sweet mother act usually works on people and right now she was betting it would work on Julian.“You're right, we have to look for Rose.” Julian said, making Beatrice heave a sigh of relief. At
………. Rose spent the rest of the day locked up in her, drafting and plotting her next move. It wasn't like she knew how the future would be, at not everything. She knew for one fact that her plan right now was going to be a blow to the Gray family and her father would definitely try to make some moves to cover up. Those moves were what Rose wants to sabotage.When it was dinner time, Lara sent the same maid to call Rose. Rose actually thought she was the one that would be eating but to her surprise she met Alex sitting at the head of the table. Rose couldn't help but paused and took a few moments to stare at the man sitting on a chair with grace. He looked even more handsome then he was a few hours ago as he sat under the light that gave him an extra glow.‘I have to admit, he is really handsome.’ Rose thought.“Stop gawking at me and sit down.” Alex suddenly remarks, snapping Rose out of it.“Ehem…..I was gawking at you. I was admiring the dishes on the table.” Rose cleared her thr
She turned her attention back to the maid and told them to clear up while she went back to the kitchen and asked the chef to dish out some food for her and took it personally to Rose's room.“Mrs. Lara, what are you doing here?" Rose asked when she opened the door and saw Lara standing outside.“I brought food for you to eat." Lara said as she walked into the room." But I already ate.” Rose replied, still confused about what Lara meant.“A growing child like you should not skip dinner, young miss." Lara commented as she placed the tray of food down on the table. “I saw your plate earlier and you didn't even take five spoons from your food, so I thought to bring your food up here if you are uncomfortable eating with the young master." She explained.Rose couldn't help but smile when she heard Lara. " You paid attention to me, thank you, Mrs. Lara." “It's no big deal and you always remind me of my own daughter as well, young miss. Anyways, I will leave to eat right now." Lara said and
“Um…. Mr. King, I hope I'm not interrupting you?” Rose walked over and asked. Someone with the kind of reputation he has, she knew it was normal for him to be always busy. It was no wonder he ate very little food earlier.Alex raised his head up to see the little girl in front of him before shaking his head and gesturing to her to sit down. He grabbed his own cell phone and dialed Nicholas' number.“Alex, why are you calling?” Nicholas usal cold and serious voice rang out after the call.Despite the fact that she was sitting a few distance away from Alex she could still hear Nicholas's voice.“Why can't I call you?" Alex coldly asked back with a frown on his face. Rose raised her brow when she heard Alex's response. ‘Is it me or are these two not a bad match for friends. This one over here has a low EQ and the other one on the other line is way too serious. I wonder how they manage to become friends anyway.’ She recalled the day she had lunch with the four of them. It was only Chris
---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