Rose paused for a few seconds. She could tell that she was sincere, and at the same time she could sense the desperation in her voice but she didn't have the time to dwell on it. "I understand. I will be there in a few minutes.” Rose agreed without arguing. Since she knew the manager was just doing his job. After all, no one had used the credit card for years so she had to be sure that it was really Rose. “Really, that would be very splendid. We will surely be expecting you and I will have my secretary add your name to the appointment list. This is also my personal number in case you need to contact me.” The manager's voice was a bit more cheerful than before. She was literally jumping in joy when she heard Rose's positive response. After hanging up the call, Rose leaned forward to the driver. “Mr, can we change our destination to Elite bank. I have a business to take care of there.” She told him. The driver slowly nodded his head and took a swift turn to the direction of Elites b
A few other security guards nearby also walked to where the commotion was happening. Seeing how the situation was escalating, Rose let out a frustrated sigh. ‘A peaceful day out without drama. I will be thankful for that.’ she thought. Currently she was really angry with a lot of things and maybe it was due to the fact she was hungry. “What is going on here?" Another male voice asked. He was wearing a different kind of security guard uniform, which made it obvious that he was superior to the other security guards. “Team leader, this young girl was caught trying to enter the VIP elevator. We were able to stop just before she could enter and we demanded an explanation from her. She claimed and said she is here because she has to do business on the VIP floor, but taking a look at her she doesn't look like she has business here. We tried to resolve the issue without using force, but just as my colleagues were about to grab she turned and he fell down.” The first security who had been a
“Hello, Miss Gray. It's a pleasure to have you call me so soon. Is there anything I can do to assist you?” The manager happily asked. She was unaware of the fact that her voice was echoing throughout the entire lobby. The moment the staff member and the security guards heard the voice coming from Rose's phone, they all instantly recognized it as the Manager's voice. “Oh, hi. I just arrived at the bank and I'm currently in the lobby on the way to the VIP floor. However, the security guards aren't giving me the clearance to come up. As we speak, I'm being surrounded by a group of security guards and I'm being accused as a fraud and scammer.” Rose explained as she glanced at the security guards and Josh from the corner of her eyes. “What?!” The manager exclaimed in surprise. " Who dares to act in such an uncourteous nabber towards you? They dare to go against my order as well. I specially asked my secretary to inform all the staff personnel about your arrival and they dare do such a t
After hearing Rose's response, the manager gasped and quickly lowered her upper body, bowing respectfully to Rose under the watchful gaze of everyone. She remembered her mentor telling her to always show utmost respect towards whoever comes and claims to be Mrs. Gray's daughter. She disregarded the fact that she was older than Rose and showed her respect to the young girl. According to her mentor, she knew that Rose's mother was someone that is respected by her mentor and apart from Rose's reputation. The funds Rose had in the account with them was enough to earn her this type of respect as well. “I apologize for not being able to welcome properly. I deeply apologize as well for any inconveniences my staff had caused you, it's my fault for not training them properly.” The manager pleaded. “I will make sure that they all take responsibility for their actions towards you.” She added as she glanced at Josh who was standing a few feets away from with menacing eyes. “Why are you all sti
“The first time Mrs. Gray opened an account with us, her funds were worth a Gold credit card. However, over the years that no one had come to claim it , the funds she kept were increasing and we usually received depositing alerts which were from the profit of the investment Mrs Gray had invested into. Currently the funds in the account shouldn't be worth Gold credit card anymore but we couldn't upgrade it because no one had come to claim it yet until now. This is the reason why I had invited you, so we are going to have to upgrade the account using your own information now to a VIP account which would be more secure for the funds in your account and more suitable for your standard.” Nancy patiently explained properly to Rose. Nancy waved her hand at her secretary standing behind her to come closer before turning to look at Rose again. “I assure you that this process won't take much of your time." She said to Rose as her secretary placed a biometric scanning device on the table. Nor
" You have nothing to be sorry for. And I appreciate you thinking that I'm beautiful.” Rose finally stopped laughing and said to Nancy who blushed in embarrassment. " I only told the truth and everyone who sees you thinks the same too.” Nancy retorted. “Thank you and you're also beautiful, sister Nancy. I would love to be on my way now." Rose remarked as she stood up from the couch and made her way to the exit. Nancy quickly jumped to her feet and called out to Rose who had almost reached the door. “Rose, wait. Let me escort you out." Rose turned around and raised her hand to stop her. “There is no need for that. Though I appreciate the offer, you must have other things and tasks to complete, so I can take care of myself. Please give me a call tomorrow when the card is prepared.” Rose politely rejected her offer to walk her out of the room. “I will." Nancy nodded her head. “Oh well, see you tomorrow." Rose waved at her before opening the door and walked out of the room. The mo
On the other hand, the man was stunned speechless to see a peerless beauty in front of him. His dimmed eyes began to glow. In all of his years of being with women, he had never seen such a pure beauty, who was obviously not wearing any makeup. She is totally different and beautiful than all the A-list celebrities he had slept with. “Wow, what is a beautiful young lady like you doing here? I don't think we have met before, but I'm already taking a liking to you. Are you here alone?” The man quickly changed his tone into a softer one as he reached his hand to grab Rose's hand but she quickly avoided his touch. “Ha, I see you're a bit wary because I haven't introduced myself, beautiful lady. “My name is Rey Mason, the general manager of HYL entertainment industry. I'm sure you've heard a lot about me?” The man introduced himself, stumbling a bit. He was obviously drunk and wasted. Rose's frown deepened as she watched him. “I have never heard of that name before, excuse me.” She said a
The two men glanced at each other before turning to look at Alex who averted his gaze from them, indicating that he had nothing to say to it. Already understanding what his gesture meant even though they were surprised because this was the first Alex was not refusing something like this. “Akright, you can stay here for a bit until your friends outside take their leave.” The first man who had spoken earlier said on behalf of himself and his other two friends. " Thank you so much.” Rose bowed her head again to thank them. Meanwhile outside the room, where Rey and his men were standing in the hallway while looking for Rose. They all knew that Rose had entered one of the rooms here but it was hard for them to barge into the room where the guests were eating so they decided to wait patiently outside until she came out by herself or maybe she would eventually be kicked out . However, just at the same moment, the elevator door opened and a young handsome man gently stepped out of the ele
---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
Rose, who heard Beatrice’s voice paused and looked at Beatrice, her expression blank but her posture poised.Beatrice clasped her hands together, her tone pitiful. “Rose, I… I know I’ve made mistakes. This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have let things get so out of hand. Please, don’t leave. We’re family. Let me make it up to you. What would the people say if they knew you left home?”‘Tsk, you're still worried about your safety and reputation.’ Rose scoffed.Her gaze fixed on Beatrice. She tilted her head slightly, her tone soft and innocent. “Oh, Mother, I don’t blame you at all. It wasn’t your fault. These things just… happen.”Beatrice’s eyes widened, taken aback by Rose’s response. “I—I’ll do better, I swear. I’ll talk to Victor, and we’ll make this right. You don’t need to go.”Rose offered a small, sweet smile. “You’re too kind, mother, But Uncle Julian is right—I need a change of scenery. It’s not about you. I just need a little time to heal.”Beatrice reached for her hand, h
---The Gray mansion loomed under the overcast sky, its towering structure a stark reminder of the battles fought within its walls. Two days had passed since Rose signed the contract, transferring her shares to William. But her mind was far from defeated. She had called her uncle, Julian Anderson, with one clear directive: take her out of this house.As the sleek black car pulled up to the grand entrance, William stood at the threshold, his expression unreadable but his stance stiff with tension. Julian stepped out, his tailored suit and confident demeanor a sharp contrast to William’s simmering hostility.“Julian,” William greeted, his voice laced with forced politeness. “What brings you here today?”Julian’s gaze swept over William coldly. “I’m here for Rose.”William’s jaw tightened. “Rose is perfectly fine where she is.”Julian smirked, his sharp features hardening. “Fine? Is that what you call being bitten by your son? Victor’s behavior was barbaric. She’s covered in bruises, an
‘My wife is right. She's changed. She's plotting something,’ William thought, his suspicions solidifying."So, she’s put her guard up against me," he muttered in a tone only he can hear, his expression darkening. If that’s the case, I’ll have to get rid of her soon.But the tens of billions he craved wouldn’t be his until Rose turned twenty.Rose felt the sudden wave of hostility radiating from her father and shivered. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do, even to his own daughter, to get what he wants. She was certain of it.That was the real William Carter: calculating and ruthless. With no power, money, or connections of her own, Rose wasn’t a threat to him—yet. But her time for revenge hadn’t come, and until then, she had no choice but to play along.Quickly, she donned a sweet smile and replied in her softest voice, "You’re my dad. There’s no need to borrow anything. Whatever you need, I’m happy to give it to you and help in any way I can."Her thoughts told a different story. This is
"Father?!" William snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Rose's voice next to him. Rose frowned at the way William jolted at her words. It's obvious he was daydreaming, but the fact that he was wasting her time was even more annoying to her.“Do you have something else to.say?" She asked.For a moment, as though remembering his true purpose for coming, he cleared his throat and turned to look at her properly.“There’s something I need to ask you, Rose.” He hesitated, his tone softening. “Do you remember the 10% shares your grandfather gifted you? I need you to lend them to me. It’s critical for stabilizing the company. I promise, once we get through this tough time, I’ll return them to you.”The words landed exactly as Rose had expected. She had been waiting for this moment.When she was born, her grandfather had gifted her 10% of the company’s shares—a sizable stake, even by Gray standards. Those shares had remained untouched, protected by a clause that prevented their use unti