"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
However, amidst their yelling, Karen wasn’t done. “Let's not pretend you’re here because you care about my Rose. I don't care much about high society but I have enough information to know that you and Beatrice are never friends and you just proved me right. You saw a chance to use my Rose to humiliate Beatrice in public. But the truth is—Beatrice doesn’t even see you as a rival. You’re not a threat to her. You’re just a footnote.” That did it. Even though Karen didn't like Beatrice, she had to use her as a weapon to damage Margret. And it was true in some ways, Beatrice never saw Margaret as a rival and that was why she left her off. Beatrice is more cunning and has better things to do than Margret. On the other hand, Margaret’s face turned red, her voice rising. “You arrogant little—! Who the hell do you think you are to speak to me like that?!” “I’m someone you should’ve never insulted,” Karen replied coolly. “Especially not in front of witnesses.” “You're such a bitch! You even
Karen returned with graceful steps, wiping her hands with a silk handkerchief as she approached the table—only to stop mid-step at the sight before her. Three women, overdressed and oozing fake charm, surrounded Rose, who looked irritated and uncomfortable. Karen’s expression hardened immediately. “Is there a problem here?” Karen asked smoothly as she walked up to the table, though her voice was laced with sharpness. Margaret immediately changed her facial expression as she turned without even bothering to look properly. “Oh, relax. We’re just having a friendly chat. Nothing that concerns—” She paused, eyes scanning Karen lazily. Then scoffed. “Oh. You’re the lady that was with her earlier?” Margaret blinked, her voice condescending. “How… quaint. Let me guess—you’re her assistant or... manager?” Rose blinked, trying not to laugh. It was obvious now that these women were actually dumb. Even if Karen is not well known amongst the high socialist thanks to the fact that she lives t
From across the room, Margaret Pezz had been watching like a hawk. Dressed in an ivory designer set and dripping in gold jewelry, Margaret whispered something to her friends, eyes gleaming. With Karen out of the way, it was time to make her move. She strutted over, her heels clicking arrogantly against the marble. Two overdressed women followed her like loyal shadows. “Roseline, darling!” Margaret said with feigned delight, placing a hand on the back of Rose’s chair as if they were long-lost friends. “I couldn’t believe it was you! You look absolutely radiant in person.” Rose looked up slowly from the food menu she was still checking out, expression unreadable. “Do I know you?” Margaret laughed, her voice grating. “Oh, we haven’t officially met. I’m Margaret Pezz—a very close friend of Beatrice, your stepmother.” The moment she said Beatrice’s name, Rose’s expression soured. Margaret noticed and quickly backtracked, playing both sides. “But honestly dear, I never liked the way
The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the Anderson estate, bathing the grand dining hall in a warm glow. Rose sat at the breakfast table, quietly sipping her tea as Anne and Karen conversed about an upcoming events. "You should get some fresh air today," Anne suggested, eyeing Rose over her cup of coffee. Karen nodded in agreement. "Actually, I was thinking of taking her out. Just a small outing—maybe some shopping, a café stop. What do you think, Rose?" Rose blinked, caught off guard. "Shopping?" "Yes," Karen said with a small smile. "You could use a few new things, and a change of scenery might be nice." Rose hesitated. She wasn’t exactly the type to enjoy aimless shopping trips at the moment, but the way Anne and Karen were looking at her told her this was more than just a casual suggestion. It was their way of trying to spend time with her. And truthfully, a part of her was beginning to appreciate the warmth they offered. "Alright," she finally agreed.
Later that evening, Rose wandered through the grand hallways of the Anderson estate, her footsteps light against the polished floors. She wasn’t sure what had compelled her to leave the comfort of her room, but something about the quiet atmosphere of the night made her restless. Before she knew it, she was standing in front of her grandfather's study. Hesitating for only a moment, she knocked lightly. "Come in," came the deep, commanding voice from inside. Rose pushed the door open and stepped inside, finding Frank seated at a massive mahogany desk, a glass of whiskey beside him. The dim lighting cast long shadows across the shelves lined with books and relics of the past. "Couldn't sleep?" he asked, not looking up as he finished scribbling on a document. "Something like that," Rose admitted, stepping closer. Frank gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit." She did, expecting the usual quiet company they sometimes shared. But instead of returning to his work, Frank pulled o
The next day, Rose sat in the sunroom with Anne, sipping tea while flipping through an old book she had pulled from the family’s extensive library. The warm golden light streamed through the glass walls, casting soft shadows across the polished floor. Anne, ever the poised and graceful matriarch, studied her granddaughter with sharp yet affectionate eyes. "Are you comfortable, dear?" Rose glanced up from her book. "Yes, Grandmother. More comfortable than I expected to be." A rare, approving smile graced Anne's lips. "Good. You should feel at home here." Before Rose could respond, Karen entered the room, her heels clicking against the marble floor. "Ah, perfect. You're both here," she said, taking a seat across from Rose. Anne arched her brow. "You sound suspiciously excited. What are you up to, my dear?" Karen smirked, “Yes, I'm excited, mother because I have some nice news for Rose.” she said then turned to Rose. "I had a little chat with Headmistress Moore this morning. She ag
Dinner continued with casual conversation, and despite how formal the Anderson household could seem, the atmosphere wasn’t tense. After finishing her meal, Rose excused herself, but before she could leave, Leo grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?" Rose gave him a pointed look. "To see Grandfather." Leo blinked in surprise but quickly masked it. He let go of her wrist and shrugged. "Suit yourself. Just don’t stay up too late." Rose shook her head and walked off. However, she didn't head straight to meet Frank, she made a quick stop at the kitchen. Frank’s study was dimly lit, the faint scent of aged paper and cedarwood clinging to the air. He sat behind his desk, flipping through a thick folder of documents. A soft knock echoed through the room. “Come in,” Frank’s voice called out, calm but firm. The door opened and Rose stepped inside, carrying a polished tray with a single porcelain teacup. She closed the door behind her with a quiet click. Frank looked up and paused, ey
“What’s going on here?” Rose’s voice was calm but firm as she stepped forward, her sharp gaze sweeping over the tension-filled scene. She had spotted the standoff the moment she entered the stall. Sandra turned to her, arms crossed. “Oh, perfect timing. This girl thinks staring at a snack means she owns it.” The girl scoffed when she heard Sandra’s explanation. “And this girl thinks she can just take whatever she wants.” The vendor, seeing Rose enter the conversation, looked relieved. “Miss, maybe you can help settle this?” Rose exhaled, her gaze flickering between them before settling on the other girl with calm finality. “If you really wanted it, you should have asked the vendor to hold it for you. Since you didn’t, I don’t see why this is even an argument.” The girl frowned, seemingly unprepared for someone to shut down the situation with pure logic instead of fueling the fight. One of her friends stepped up, opening her mouth to say something, but Rose’s voice cut through th
After finishing their meal, the group began heading back to their private room when Sandra suddenly stopped. “You guys go ahead. Kehlani and I need to grab something real quick.” Kaleb raised a brow at her. “What is it?” “A snack I saw earlier,” Sandra replied, waving him off. “It won’t take long.” Austin sighed but didn’t argue. “Fine, just don’t get into trouble.” Leo glanced at Rose, but before he could say anything, she spoke first. “I’ll catch up with you. I want to check something at the next stall too.” Leo narrowed his eyes but didn’t question her, since he knew she wouldn’t tell him what it was. “Are you sure you don't want me to come along? The last thing I need is you getting lost.” He asked which earned him a glare from Rose. “I will be fine without you. And I will also catch up with both Sandra and Kehlani, ” She replied. Seeing that she wouldn’t let him go with her, he finally relented. “Don’t take too long.” With that, the three boys walked off, leaving the girl