………..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
Just as she was about to go inside, the gates opened and another car which belonged to Beatrice drove in as well, making Sophia pause.“Sophia, what are you doing outside still dressed like that?"Beatrice questioned as she stepped out of the car along with Victor. She had a scowl on her face when she saw her daughter still dressed the same way she had dressed when she left this morning.“I just got back home now." Sophia casually replied to her mother. “And before you scold me, I went out with my friends after school so I was late because of that." She quickly added, knowing what her mother might say next.“Mom, stop looking at Sophia like that. She is old enough to hang out with her friends, isn't she?” Victor suddenly Interjected while winking at his sister who smiled at him for his help.“I know, I just want you to be careful sometimes." As expected, Beatrice couldn't win against her children and softened her gaze at Sophia.“Mommy, did you get that picture of the dress I sent to y
Rose, who was busy taking her nap, frowned when she felt the presence in her room. ‘I should have locked that door earlier.’“Sister, wake up. It's me, Sophia." Sophia persistently shook Rose's body, making her groan in pain at how tight Sophia's grip was.“It hurts, Sophia.” Rose mumbled as she gently pushed Sophia's hand away and sat up on the bed." Oh, I'm sorry. Mother and I were just so excited and happy when we heard that you're back." Sophia quickly apologized as she sat beside Rose on the bed."Roseline, dear. Why did you do that? Do you have any idea how worried I was when I heard that you left the mansion? Your father got angry at me because of that.” Beatrice suddenly ranted as she looked at Rose with a fake worried expression on her face.“Mother, I didn't leave just like that. I had no choice but to listen to Victor when he chased me out because I didn't want him to get more angry with me." Rose replied as she looked up at Beatrice. Honestly, she wasn't really in the moo
Beatrice was caught off guard when she heard Rose. How was she supposed to reply to that?Seeing her mother in a difficult situation to come up with something to say, Sophia tugged Rose's hand. “Sister, don't think like that. Ever since you left and mom found out that Victor chased you out, mom scolded him really really badly on your behalf." As a sweet-talker, Sophia expected her tricks to work on Roes who smiled at her and pretended like she never did anything earlier. It almost looked like she was a robot that was being rubbotted.Ah, yes. But it seems like my scolding isn't enough for him. I will make sure to seek punishment for him from your father when he comes back. My darling, I'm sorry for coming so late." Beatrice took the opportunity crested by her daughter and came up with something quickly.Rose smiled upon seeing how mother and daughter keep trying to come up with an excuse to cover for each other. Not wanting to drag on seeing their faces, Rose lied that she wanted to
"Shut up!” Victor snapped sharply, his voice quivering with rage. The injustice he felt burned like a firestorm inside him. “They beat me up! They should be begging for my forgiveness! I’m going to sue them all and throw them in jail!” His eyes blazed as he glared at the crowd, his words venomous. “How dare you mess with me? You’re all dead!” The crowd erupted into sneers and laughter. “If anything happens to us, the world will know it’s the Grays who did it,” someone retorted. “You’ll face justice soon enough.” Another voice chimed in, “Miss Rose Gray, it’s pointless to be kind to people like them. They don’t know the meaning of gratitude!” “They’re heartless,” a third agreed. “The more you tolerate them, the worse they’ll treat you.” “Some people are just born wicked,” an older man said, shaking his head. “Victor Gray is the perfect example.” Rose, standing at the center of the storm, glanced at Victor with a faint trace of pity. She sighed softly and said, “But he’s still my
The Gray couple stood devastated, their carefully constructed façade crumbling under the weight of the truth. William seemed to freeze, his face twitching with barely restrained fury. For a moment, he looked like a man teetering on the brink of madness. How can I possibly agree? Everyone is watching and listening. But those shares are mine. MINE. Rose kept her gaze fixed on the floor, her shoulders hunched like a frightened lamb. Her small frame trembled slightly, evoking pity from the onlookers. Poor girl. The crowd whispered amongst themselves. Born into wealth but treated like an outcast in her own family. Even her own father uses her without hesitation. Beatrice’s fists were clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Her mind was racing. No. We can’t give those shares back. They’re ours. Sophia’s and Victor’s future depend on them. She can’t take them from us! Sophia stood frozen, her face burning with suppressed anger. Yet, she dared not speak, remembering the backla
"How could a father steal from his own daughter? Or is she not even considered his daughter?” “Is the Gray Corporation really that desperate now?” Outraged whispers spread among the crowd. Some female reporters expressed their disgust. “Do you only see your son as your child? What about your daughter? This is outrageous!” Someone chimed in, “He surely cares for his daughter, it all just depends on which daughter you're referring to. And it's obvious that you mean Sophia. Look at her outfit! That dress alone is worth more than $100,000, and her jewelry must cost a fortune of a million. However , look at the poor Miss Roseline Gray…” All eyes turned to Rose, and the difference was undeniable. “My God, it seems like the ex-wife’s daughter hasn't been treated well.” “It’s clear who gets the love and resources in this family…” Beatrice Gray’s face tightened as she realized the shift in the room’s mood, but it was too late. Sophia, unable to contain her anger, stood up and snapped a
It was a speech prepared and arranged for Rose to deliver, and it would have sounded far more convincing if she had done so. However, Rose had stayed quiet the entire time, leaving William Gray with no choice but to do it himself."Fake? Photoshop? That’s the best explanation you can offer? Ridiculous! Do you think we’re so blind that we can’t tell the difference between fake and real? Does he truly think we’re stupid?"Some reporters exchanged skeptical glances, their pens pausing mid-sentence. The crowd seemed to share the same sentiment, murmuring in agreement, except for a small group of reporters.Before the other reporters had the chance to challenge him, a few voices rang out from the front row.“Mr. Gray is absolutely correct," one reporter said with exaggerated conviction. "The video lacks credibility. It's easy to manipulate footage these days, especially with advanced editing software."Another voice quickly added, "I agree. It’s well-edited, but if you look closely, you
---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