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
"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