"According to the contract, page 11, number 54. Lexi Corps was supposed to produce a certain amount of products for King conglomerate but the amount we received was not even up to half of the written amount in the contract. That means Lexi Corps just breached the contract.” Derek spoke, reading from the copy of the contract document that was kept on his tablet. He placed the tablet on the table and pointed at the page it was written on.Immediately Chairman Roy picked up the tablet and read the contract, his face instantly pale and sweats started dripping down his face. “How-how can this be?" Chairman Roy stuttered. He was surprised to see that this part was added in the contract and he hadn't read it. The day Chairman Roy wanted to sign the contract, he was so ecstatic and happy that he hadn't read all the conditions written in the contract before he signed it.“Chairman Roy, not only have you breached the contract by providing us with half the amount of products that was written in
"I'm sure that Mr. Gray is so proud to have not only a stunning wife but also a beautiful daughter like Miss Sophia.” Steven Osborne, another one of the men added. "I wonder which young master would be lucky to marry such a beautiful woman. Hey, why don't we have a bet and see who gets her first?"It was one of the games they played to kill time and for fun.Steve Osborne quickly gave up when he heard Peter's suggestions. "Nah, we all know David will win as he always does. I'm out?" He said, glancing at one of the men sitting next to him.Jack Hall laughed, "Haha. Great. Don't regret it and keep your word."Alex, who was hearing the whisper from the men sitting at the next table, swirled the champagne in hand indifferently. Even though he was not doing it intentionally, his graceful aura absorbed admiration from every corner.While the other men's eyes were glued on Sophia, his eyes fell on Roseline every now and then, and he found her strangely desirable.She's different. Smart. Gre
Rose listened but seemed to be deep in thoughts.It was true that the Grays were reputable and rich, but compared to them, the Grays were far lower down the ladder.David was the person to extend his hand gentlemanly "My pretty lady, may I introduce myself…"The whole room was surprised. Really? Are they interested in someone like Sophia Gray? She's nobody compared to them.The women in the room were flaming with jealousy as well as resentment.Sophia was overwhelmed. She gazed at David as she held out her hand. "I know you. You are David Parker?" ‘Am I dreaming? Is David Parker really speaking to me? Perhaps they have finally noticed my beauty! All of them. My god. This is amazing! The money on this dress is very well spent! Though it was a lot of money, it was surely worth it.’ Sophia screamed in excitement in her head.She had completely forgotten about the incident at the jewelry shop earlier as she proudly recovered.David placed a kiss on Sophia's hand and gave her a bright smil
“Oh my, I didn't see you here young Masters. I'm equally happy to see you here." Mr. Will was surprised to see David and his group of friends standing here as well. Of course all the young men came from a reputable family that even him can't overlook their background so he greeted them.“Thank you, Mr. Will. We actually left our table there and came to chat with Miss Gray here. I must commend you again, Mr. Will. You've thrown another successful party.” Peter was the one who replied on behalf of himself and his friends who nodded their heads in agreement.“Haha, Mr. Allen, thank you for your kind words. I hope you're enjoying yourself. Allow me to introduce you to our honorable guest, though I'm sure you already know him. Gentlemen please meet Mr. King.” Mr. Will introduced Alex to David and his friends.“It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. King. I've heard a lot about you." David was the first person to greet Alex and stretched his hand out for a handshake.Alex stared at the outstretc
It was a comeback no one had expected. Wow. How dare she! Didn't she just insult the great Alexander king back?!As expected of mother and daughter! Some of the elderly guests who knew Ruby and how she acted when she was alive couldn't help but see similarity in Rose action as well. She reminded them of how Ruby used to stylishly make comebacks that no one can defeat then.She ignored the shocked audience and continued, "Also, having something from a second-hand shop is better than nothing. I dare not complain."Her face seemed to change and started to shine with an explicable charm the longer you laid your eyes on it.Instead of getting angry, Alex loved her response and decided to play along. "What do you mean? Are you implying that Mrs. Gray has been mistreating you?"‘A very interesting creature. She's even smarter than I thought. Calm and confident. Throws unexpectedly brilliant remarks.’ Alex thought to himself, taking notes of Rose attitude.A pretty face would usually win you
The cheeky smile disappeared on Rose’s face as she lowered her eyes, and politely, she apologized, "My apologies."Upon seeing that Rose had done what she asked of, Beatrice carried on "Mr. King. Please don't be offended, Rose wasn't behaving herself. It was very rude of her. She's always been…"And the moment she carried on the farther she ended going. She was too furious to think smartly. Though she tried to be indirect, everyone listening could understand how little she thought of Rose and how terribly she was insulting her.Rose stood aside and listened quietly as tears filled her eyes.The spectators couldn't help feeling pity for her. Poor kid. She doesn't have the real mother's love.Alex knew Rose was probably acting, but he somehow felt protective of her. If she had to be insulted, it would have to be me and me only. No one else is allowed."Mrs. Gray, you are indeed just a step-mother." Swift, short and sharp.Beatrice's mouth shut promptly, her face reddened as she finally
Though Rose had not said a mean word about Beatrice she had successfully passed the message clearly and cleverly."Rose, you…" Beatrice was utterly taken aback. ‘How dare you! You little devil! How dare you try to tarnish my reputation further?!’ She thought as she couldn't hold back her anger anymore. "You only think about your biological mother and never see me as your mother. Whatever I do, just can't please you."She deliberately emphasized the word "please," trying to convey the message that Rose was a spoiled, difficult child and she had been trying her best to act like a mother to Rose.Rose struggled to compose herself and maintain the tears in her eyes, not letting the water run down her face, before she cocked gun and shot back her response at Beatrice. "But mother, why can't I think of my biological mother. She's my mother after all, and I miss her. Meanwhile, you are also my mother, and I will always respect you.” She said, making her voice quiver like she was about to br
‘I haven't gathered enough information about Alexander King yet. I can't leave now.’ Sophia thought as she looked at her mother.Rose smiled and said gently, "Sophia, please listen to mum. Let's go home."Having been spoiled by her parents all these years, Sophia was annoyed hearing what Rose said and scowled at her "No. I said I'm not leaving." She refused.Shocked by Sophia's response, Rose stepped backward and lowered her head in silence, looking hurt and helpless.The crowd watched and wondered ‘Tut, Tut, tut, what a shame. It seems like the Grays aren't really a family of love and peace like people think they are.’Beatrice was furiously frustrated at this situation, but she couldn't voice herself. “That's enough of your stubbornness Sophia. You can't speak to your older sister like that." She scolded her daughter before grabbing her hand and dragged away the looking sour-faced Sophia.Rose smirked seeing how Beatrice was rushing out of the party with her daughter. She turned
---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