---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
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
"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
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
"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
Beatrice was paralyzed with shock. She couldn’t process what had just happened. William had never spoken harshly to Victor, let alone raised a hand against him, yet now he had struck his only son in public. If one looked closely, they could see the conflict in William’s eyes. His heart ached, but he forced himself to maintain a stern facade. “Behave yourself, Victor! I raised you to be respectful and kind!” Victor clutched his cheek, anger burning in his eyes. “I hate you!” he yelled, his voice cracking with fury. “I’ll never forgive you!” Without waiting for a reply, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him. William's stern expression faltered briefly as the weight of Victor’s words pressed down on him. His heart ached, but he quickly composed himself and turned back to the audience, forcing a grim smile. “I apologize for my son’s outburst. He’s young and impulsive. I’ll ensure he understands the consequences of his actions.” The crowd murmured quietly, exchanging skeptical
Dr. Noah was bewildered to see both Beatrice and Victor beaten, but he dared not utter a word. It was the older daughter who got beaten just a couple of weeks ago, and now it was their turn? What is wrong with this family? He could tell that there is definitely something wrong with this family but he knew his place. He couldn't ask questions so he only ignored his curiosity and did his job. William had been told it was merely bruises and minor cuts, but he insisted the doctor check again thoroughly and ordered him to stay just in case. Though unnecessary, Dr. Noah obeyed. He cleaned the cuts carefully, terrified of making any mistakes as William watched tensely. When he had finished, he glanced at Rose, who sat by Victor’s side looking genuinely worried. He packed his medical kits and then quietly made his exit not without stealing a glance at William. ‘ What a contrast! When his older daughter was injured, he didn’t even ask how she was. Now that it’s his wife and son, he’s sick
The Gray family’s carefully crafted facade was crumbling, and their dirty secrets were being laid bare for the world to see. Victor, seeing that his mother was not taking his side after his pride was hurt, lashed out at both his mother, sister and even the maids in the room, yelling, “Get out! Leave me alone!” Hearing this from her own room, Rose smiled faintly. Despite the pain and humiliation she had endured, the tide was turning in her favor. She let out a sigh, savoring the sense of triumph. “Like they say, An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Betrayal for revenge." Rose mumbled under her breath as she walked towards the dressing table and opened a drawer. “Victor, let's talk–” Beatrice tried to persuade her son to calm down. " I said, leave!" Victor didn't wait for Beatrice to finish talking because he cut her off again. “Mom, let's leave him alone.” Sophia, who was still pissed off at Victor, couldn't stand him anymore so she practically dragged her worried mother out o
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