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
When Paige returned and informed William who was sitting at the head of the table that Rose said she'd be out soon, he nodded his head and waved Paige off.However, Beatrice couldn't help but frown at Paige's report. ‘Why do I feel something is off? What is that brat plotting?’ she thought.And just like she suspected, ten minutes passed and Rose hadn't come down yet to the dining room. Rose, who had already been done in her room, purposely stayed back and patiently waited for ten minutes to pass before she got up from the chair and headed outside.Just when she was going downstairs, she heard the sound of laughter and lively chatters from the people downstairs. She didn't need to be told who's voice they were. At the same time, William was about to call one of the maids and have to go and call Rose again but paused when he heard footsteps descending the stairs.Rose scanned the entire dining room with her usual lifeless eyes, she saw Sophia who was brimming with smile, Beatrice, wh
Rose smiled at her father, before replying. “Really? Something happened? What happened, father?" She asked, faining cluelessness about it even though she already knew what was happening. ‘This damn, sly, cunning vixen.’ Beatrice caused inwardly. Already believing that it was Rose's fault, William glowered at Rose. "Rose, since you don't know what happened, I will tell you. You upset your mum yesterday, so apologize to her right now.” William demanded. ‘Huh. Aren't you so blind? Why do you believe whatever your cunning mistress says?’ Rose almost rolled her eyes at William. She found his behavior so irritating that it suddenly triggered a memory she had buried. Just four months after her mother tragically died, her father married Beatrice (now Mrs. Gray.) and her two children, Sophia and her younger brother, moved in. She was shocked to see how her father was so quick to marry another woman but what she found shocking was the fact that Sophia was only a year younger than her,
"That can't be possible! What about your studies? It would be hard to enroll you into a school now that the school examination is approaching. It would be hard for you to keep up.” William said, slamming his hand on the table. "I thought I told you that you can only come back home permanently if you graduate high school? But that's not the case now, even if you want to come back to school here, you should return back to abroad for now and finish your school examination. Then next term, I will surely change your school and you can come back home if that's what you want." He added after calmly himself. He had almost lost it when he heard Rose earlier. However, before Rose could reply to her father, Beatrice quickly cut into the conversation. “Honey, what do you mean we can't do something about her enrollment. It's a good thing that Rose had decided to stay with us, that way I can even bond very well with my daughter. " Beatrice clasped her hand together in excitement and looked at
“Yes, that's true, I've only seen Sophia around but not your oldest first daughter.” Mrs. Will interfered when she too heard Mrs. Phillip’s question. She planned to ask Beatrice because she had been looking around for Rose but couldn't find her. “Thank God, I thought I was the only one who missed seeing that cute loveable child. Where did you say she is, Beatrice?” Mrs. Phillip asked again despite knowing that Beatrice hadn't replied yet. Beatrice smiled at both Mrs. Phillip and Mrs. Will. ‘You crazy two bitches. I'm already prepared for you.’ she thought to herself. She was aware that these two women were nothing but trouble, that's why she prepared herself for them since she had no choice but to invite them to her little party. “Oh, well, my poor Rose has a fever and is staying in bed. I told her not to come outside because of the cold weather and her fever could worsen.” She calmly answered. “Oh dear, is Rose okay? Why didn't you let us know beforehand." Mrs. Phillip worriedly
Once, Rose had believed that Beatrice cared for her. She had believed in her kindness, thinking that maybe Beatrice did see her as a daughter. But now, she saw through the facade. Beatrice wasn’t protecting her. She was merely covering for her son, brushing away his actions as though they were minor inconveniences. Each word of Beatrice’s “comfort” felt like salt in a wound. Still in pain and unable to walk comfortably, Rose was confined to her bed. Though Rose's leg had healed more than she portrayed it to everyone, it was also part of her plan. During her confinement, Rose constantly talked with Nicholas and gave him directions on the things she wanted him to do with the security video she asked him to find. Although he could fairly guess what his little cousin was up to, Nicholas was still confused about how she was planning all this in her little head. Yet, despite her stepdaughter’s state, Beatrice's grand birthday party carried on as planned. The house bustled with preparatio
The next day, Rose received a call from Theresa in the morning, telling her to visit the store because of something important. Rose actually thought it was something that wouldn't take time so she lied to Beatrice who was at home that she was going to her friend's place. As expected, Beatrice didn't probe too much and let Rose leave. It was only when Rose got there did she realize that it was going to take a while for her to finish up with the meeting so she tried to rush things up. Nancy sent a text message to Rose when she was having a meeting with Theresa, in order to inform Rose that she would soon be arriving at the location of the first house on Rose's list. Nancy wanted Rose to be present personally, so that she can be able to negotiate some of the terms with the real estate agent. Rose would have loved to attend the meeting but it was impossible since her meeting with Theresa wasn't over yet. As a result, she had no other choice but to text Nancy and told her to carry on w
“That is an excellent choice. I will give the estate manager incharge of these properties a call tonight and we can meet at the location to sign the complete deal.” Nancy suggested. Rose easily agrees to Nancy's term since she found the suggestion acceptable.“That's fine by me. I'll meet you there tomorrow morning.” “Yes, but that is not the case here. I don't think it's wise for you to go out again tomorrow with how you look." She added as she looked at Rose who tilted her head to the side. There is no way she wanted Rose to walk around with that face again tomorrow. Today was a mistake because she didn't know what happened to her.“Are you worried about me, big sister? Don't because I am fine. Besides, I need to handle this before it gets late because I will be needing it soon." Rose replied, giving a reassuring smile at Nancy.“I know but I still think you should get better first, huh? You have to care about yourself more." Nancy argued, despite knowing that Rose was right. Howe
When they arrived at their destination, Rose told Luthor to wait for her while she headed to the restaurant entrance.Immediately she entered the restaurant, she sighted Nancy sitting at one of the tables by the window so she made her way there while trying to control herself from limping too much.“I'm sorry for making you wait for me, sister Nancy." Rose said as she stood in front of the table.“Oh dear, Rose what happened to your face?” Nancy looked up when she heard Rose's voice ready to greet her with a smile but she was shocked when she saw Rose.Rose gave Nancy a smile before taking her seat in front of her. “It's nothing serious, I just got into a little accident but I'm healing now." She replied.“You should have told me about this, I wouldn't have accepted us to meet today. Are you sure you're okay coming out like this?" Nancy worriedly asked. “I am, don't worry about me." Rose nodded her head at Nancy but it wasn't enough to make the woman stop worrying about her. She was
………..The next day, Rose was unable to go to school because of injuries. After everyone had left the mansion, Rose picked up her phone and called Luthor to get the car ready for her.Well, the Gray family thought she would be unable to go out but that wasn't true, she had got appointments with Nancy who was already waiting for her at the restaurant they were supposed to meet.A few minutes later, Rose stepped out of her building fully dressed in all black clothes and backpack. Luthor, who was already waiting for her, stepped out of the driver seat and opened the back seat door for her.“Are you sure you should be going out in that condition?" Luthor asked as he drove out of the mansion. Earlier he had watched Rose limp into the car when he hadn't taken his eyes off her. Even as she sat in the car pressing her cellphone his gaze constantly fell on her bruised face and leg.Rose looked up from her phone and glanced at the driver seat. “Yes. It's important. And I told you not to have th
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
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
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