“I need to borrow your company hackers. I want them to hack into the Gray family security system. There is something I'm going to send to you after I borrow a laptop from Mr. King. You will help me expose these things but leave no traces that can be tracked." Rose explained. She might find peace and love where she currently is but that doesn't mean she forgot the most important thing and the reason she is living. “Rose, does this have anything to do with your reason for leaving the house?" Nicholas questioned. He was not too stupid to not quickly take a guess of what she's doing. “Yes, it is. Leave your questions for later when we see each other, cousin. Are you going to help me with this task?” Rose replied and asked him again. She knew he would want to question her but that isn't something she could answer at the moment. “I will get it done for you." Nicholas replied. This is the second task she was going to ask him to help her solve so he decided to do it. After all, he knew tha
Alex stared at her for a while before reaching to collect the phone from her hand without saying anything. “I will be heading back to my room now." Rose announced and immediately walked right past him not bothering to wait if he had something to say. Immediately after Rose's figure disappeared from his sight, the phone in his hand started to vibrate, making Alex turn his attention back to the phone and the neutral calm expression he had in his face when Rose was with him, immediately vanished and replaced with a dark expression. “She is not here?" He said, immediately he answered the call. " I know she isn't. I was hoping to speak to you.” Nicholas's serious voice rang out. “Why are you calling me?" Alex questioned. Why was he hoping to speak to him? “Because I have some questions to ask you. Alex, where did you meet Roseline?" Nicholas asked without beating around the bush. Even Rose said she was fine, it was still his duty to be a thousand percent sure and he really wanted to
By the time Rose was done speaking with Nancy, she immediately checked some other things that she needed to do and checked some accounts she had in her possession. Once she was done with everything, she checked the time and saw that it was already past noon. She was so engrossed in what she was doing that she forgot to eat lunch and luckily Lara had asked the maid to bring some snacks for her earlier so she didn't feel the hunger.“Ah, I think I'm done with everything I need to do." Rose mumbled as she placed the laptop beside her and stretched her hand and neck. She had done most of the important things she needed to do.“Young miss, Madam Lara want me to ask if you need anything?" A maid suddenly walked up to where Rose was sitting.“Oh, not really. I'm still okay for now and I will be heading to my room now." Rose replied back to the maid who nodded at Rose with a smile on her face as she bowed and went back.Just as she was about to stand up, as if on a sudden impulse, she looked
………..Lara, who has received the maids report, came outside herself to come and meet Rose. She was worried about Rose skipping lunch and still saying she was okay. However, by the time she came outside and saw Rose still sitting in the living room her curiosity piqued by the sight of Rose's focused expression. She made her way to Rose who hadn’t noticed her presence and peered over the girl’s shoulder, trying to make sense of the numbers and graphs on the screen, but none of it registered. "What are you working on, dear?" she asked kindly.Rose turned her head when she heard the voice and she gave Lara a small smile when she saw it was her before gesturing to the screen. "This? I'm just working on some securities.""Ah," Lara replied, finally understanding what Rose was talking about, though she doesn't understand totally. “You have been sitting here since morning, dear. Why don't you take a break and get something to eat. I'll ask the chef to prepare something light for you to eat
Rose placed the laptop on the small table in front of her before looking up at him. "I nearly forgot to tell you this. I need to go home today."Alex raised an eyebrow. "Home?""Yes," She replied, standing up and smoothing down her clothes. "I have missed school today and I think it's time for me to return home to get my things prepared for tomorrow."After talking with Nancy today, she knew it was time for her to leave. There are things she needed to solve and she needed to face her family again, after all their son has to pay for what he did to her." You can't go to school in your state.” Alex suddenly said as he stared at her face with a frown. Although her wounds were healing, they hadn't healed and still looked bruised.Rose caressed her cheeks before giving a small smile at Alex. “I know but still I have to return home. There are things I need to handle. Staying here would not solve them for me." Alex studied her for a moment before nodding, his usual cool gaze softening slig
Seeing her movements, Alex knew that the girl was spacing out again with hesitation evident on her face.Alex, sensing her hesitation, spoke again. "Consider it a gift for nearly hitting you.," he said. "And take it just in case."Rose stared at him for a while. ‘It doesn't seem like he would let it go if I refuse so let me just accept it since he said it's a gift. Besides, I don't really have to use it.’"T-thank you," She said softly, dumbly nodding her head before opening the door and stepping out of the car with the box in her hand. She didn't know why but Alex also got out of the car along with her and walked over to where she was standing.“Um…….I didn't have the chance to say this, but I'm really grateful for you helping that night and letting me stay at your place. I owe you for that.” Rose said as she looked up at the tall man with a smile on her face. There was no sign of her smile being forced because she really meant it and was grateful for Alex's help.Alex has his full a
Rose was escorted in by the bodyguards who lent their hand for Rose to hold as she walked. “Young Miss!!" Paige suddenly rushed out of the mansion and walked towards Rose. Without warning she immediately pulled Rose into a tight hug which surprised Rose herself.“Auntie?” Rose softly called. She knew Paige would be worried about her but she didn't expect this reaction from Paige when she got back. The Paige she has always known in her past life was already calm, strict and barely let any sort of emotions out from her except whenever she was alone with Rose. “Young Miss, are you okay? What happened to you? Where have you been for the past few days now? Do you have any idea how worried I was when I got back and the maid explained what happened to you? You should have called me when that happened? Where does it hurt, should we go to the hospital……..” As expected, Paige worriedly threw questions at Rose immediately and released her from the embrace. Her eyes kept checking every part of
“Both Madam and the young master went shopping together since Madam's birthday is near. The young miss has gone to school, she should be back by now.” Paige answered, making Rose nod her head.‘Going shopping while your husband's daughter is missing. Very typical, Beatrice.’ Rose thought to herself before glancing back at Paige.“Auntie, do you know where my phone is? I didn't take it out the last time I left here." She doubts if Beatrice would take her cell phone.“Yes, Abby gave it to me when I came back so I kept it in your room." She said as she walked to the bedside table and brought out the phone from the drawer. She had locked Rose's room and allowed no person to enter except for herself and Abby whenever she wanted to clean the room." Thank you so much.” Rose smiled gratefully at Paige as she collected the phone from her.“Young miss, you wait here and I will go and call the doctor to come and check your injuries." Paige informed and turned on her heels not waiting or giving
---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