"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
William frowned when he noticed Beatrice's expression. He was expecting her to throw herself into his arms with a wide smile on her face. “What's the matter, sweetie? What upset you? Didn't you say you were going to the party and planning on having the spotlight on Sophia? Didn't it work out? Did something go wrong?” He asked. Of course he was aware of the party the Will were throwing tonight because Beatrice had told him about this morning.“Nothing happened." Beatrice said in a soft voice as she lowered her head. Ever since Rose arrived back in the country, she hadn't told William about it even though they speak to each other everyday. But now that he has returned, she doesn't know how he'd react now if she told him.Seeing that his wife was hesitating to tell him something, William grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the couch and sat her down.“Sweetie, what's wrong with you? Did anyone annoyed you today? Tell me, I will have that person come begging to you." William asked in
As Rose followed Leo out of her room and down the grand staircase, she found herself wondering what exactly he had planned. Although she might not know Leo fully, she could already guess the kind of personality he has. ‘It could be anything from a simple drive to an impromptu trip across the city.’ Rose thought to herself. Either way, she knew she wouldn’t hear the end of it unless she went along. The moment they reached the ground floor, the sight of Anne and Karen sitting in the living room greeted them. They were seated on the plush couches, engaged in quiet conversation, but it was Karen who first noticed them approaching. Her eyes flickered to Rose and then to Leo, her brows drawing together slightly. "Dear, you decided to come downstairs already? Where are you two going?" she asked, her tone casual but laced with curiosity. Leo, never one to hesitate, shoved his hands into his pockets and smirked. "Just taking Rose out for some fun. She’s been locked up in her room all day, b
The soft tapping of fingers against a keyboard filled the quiet room as Rose remained focused on her work. She had been at it for hours, barely noticing the time passing. The only interruption she had experienced was when the maid brought her lunch, but even then, she had barely acknowledged it before returning to her task. A sudden knock on the door startled her, pulling her out of her concentration. Blinking, she stretched slightly before glancing at her phone. Her brows furrowed when she saw the time—it was already late afternoon. She hadn’t realized how long she had been working. Setting her things aside, Rose got up and walked toward the door. She turned the handle and pulled it open, only to find a familiar figure standing outside. Leo. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed as he regarded her with an unreadable expression. “Leo?” Rose blinked, slightly surprised to see him. “What are you doing here?” Instead of answering immediately, Leo smirked.
As soon as Rose stepped out of the car, a warm and welcoming sight greeted her. Anne and Karen stood at the entrance, their expressions filled with anticipation. "Rose, my dear!" Anne was the first to speak, stepping forward to take Rose’s hands in hers. She gave them a gentle squeeze before pulling her into a warm embrace. Rose smiled, returning the hug with familiarity. Anne’s embraces had become something she was used to—and, secretly, something she had grown to like. “Mother, I want to hug Rose too.” Karen’s voice came from behind, causing Anne to release Rose and turn toward her daughter-in-law. Karen wore a small pout, her usual composed demeanor slightly softened. Rose raised an amused brow at Karen. Though she hadn’t spent much time with her, she had always noticed how different Karen's personality was and it was the opposite of her own mother. Karen was calm and collected—unlike Ruby, whose very presence was enough to warn others not to cross her. “I thought you always l
As the car drove away from the Gray Mansion, Rose let out a soft sigh and leaned back against the seat. The weight of the morning’s events should have exhausted her, but instead, she felt lighter—freer. Luthor glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his lips curling into a small smirk. “You handled that well.” Rose tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Did I? I was just saying goodbye.” Luthor chuckled, shaking his head. “Right. And I’m sure your brother, Victor, enjoyed that hug, too.” A playful glint flashed in Rose’s eyes. “Brother Luthor, are you saying my farewell wasn’t heartfelt?” “Oh, it was heartfelt, alright. Just not in the way he expected,” Luthor remarked with amusement. “What did you say to him?” Rose rested her chin on her hand, her expression unreadable. “Just a little advice on choosing his words wisely.” Luthor hummed. “You mean a warning.” She smiled sweetly. “Advice. Warnings sound so… aggressive.” Luthor chuckled again. “You’re something else, little
Morning light streamed through the large windows of Rose’s room as Paige moved around with an air of practiced efficiency, carefully folding the last of Rose’s clothes. Although her expression remained neutral, there was a barely concealed sense of relief in her movements—relief that Rose was finally leaving the Gray Mansion. Rose, of course, noticed. She sat gracefully on the edge of her bed, watching as Paige meticulously arranged her belongings. “You seem eager to help today, Aunty.” Rose mused, her voice light with amusement. Paige, momentarily caught off guard, quickly regained her composure. “I just thought you’d want everything done efficiently,” she replied with a polite smile. “Since you’re leaving for the Anderson family… it’s important that everything is in place.” Rose chuckled softly, standing up. “How thoughtful of you.” Paige glanced at her briefly before returning to her task. “Rose, if I may offer some advice… The Andersons aren’t the Grays here. I'm sure you've
She cast a brief, unreadable glance at William and Beatrice. Their carefully composed expressions betrayed nothing, but she could feel the tension radiating off them. Without a word, she turned towards the grand staircase, intent on returning to her room. But just as she was about to place her foot on the first step, Beatrice’s voice called out, laced with careful concern. “Rose, wait.” Rose paused but didn’t turn immediately, letting the silence stretch just a little before shifting her gaze back to her. Beatrice had taken a few hesitant steps forward, her expression soft, her eyes shimmering as if on the verge of tears. “My dear, I'm so sorry you had to witness all of that.” She said regretfully. Rose raised her brow at Beatrice. “I don't why you're apologizing?” She asked. Beatrice shook her head and fake a small smile on her face. “It's all my fault. I should have paid more attention to you, that way the matriarch wouldn't have come here and asked you to come with them. I k
Rose on the other hand blinked. So that was why they were here? She knew something like this would happen but it seems like she didn't expect it to be this soon. She glanced at William, who, for once, remained quiet. Beatrice, on the other hand, looked like she had swallowed something bitter. ‘Looks like I've missed a show.’ Rose's lips curled up into a faint smile when she saw how obedient both William and Beatrice are. Suddenly, a thought popped into her brain. “I appreciate that, Uncle Julian,” Rose said sincerely. “But I don’t know if I should leave with you guys or not? Have you spoken with your father yet?” she asked why casting William a look. Both Anne and Julian immediately caught her gaze. Anne suddenly frowned before she cupped Rose's face to look at her. “My dear, you have nothing to be worried about. We have spoken to him and he has already agreed. I can no longer leave you here in the hands of these people anymore.” Anne replied but Rose gave her a reluctant look. “
William clenched his jaw. He knew Anne wasn’t bluffing. The Anderson family had the power to make his life far more difficult if he continued to resist. But still, letting Rose go meant giving up control over her, and he wasn’t ready for that. "You’re asking me to give up my own daughter," he said, his tone measured yet tense. Anne leaned back slightly, her expression unwavering. "I’m not asking. I’m telling you that this is what’s going to happen." Julian's expression added to the tensity in the room."Rose belongs with us now. You lost the right to dictate her life the moment you let her suffer in that scandal." William’s fingers tightened around the armrest of his chair. He could feel the walls closing in. It would be foolish to go against the Andersons given his situation, but he wasn’t about to hand over his daughter so easily. After a long moment of silence, he let out a deep breath. "Fine," he said at last. "I’ll let Rose go with you." Beatrice turned to him in surprise. "
Beatrice, who had been busy receiving a foot massage from one of the maids, sat up instantly. “What did you just say?” she asked with a surprised expression on her face as she looked at Mary. “Madam , this is not the time to sit down. I think you should go and make an appearance immediately before things get out of hand.” Mary advised Beatrice, who nodded her head in agreement despite the fact that she was still stunned by the news. “Does my husband know about this already?” Beatrice asked as she gestured to the other maid to leave. “I overheard the Head maid instructing the maid to go and inform the Master.” Mary replied. “Alright, let's go.“ Beatrice said and quickly rushed out of the room along with Mary behind her. Just as she stepped out of the room, she met William in the hallway, and he had a sour expression. “Honey, have you heard? Why would they come here at this hour?" she murmured, exchanging a wary glance at her husband. William exhaled sharply. "Only one way to fi