“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
“And here comes the one that is always late among us." The playful looking man remarked as he got up from his seat and walked towards Rose who was still on the floor. He stretched his hand towards her to help her up. Nicholas still had frowns on his face, his gaze was glued on Rose wondering why and what a girl was doing here. “Are you okay?" The playful looking man asked after Rose managed to take his hand while using her other hand to rub her head which the door had hit. “I think I'm fine. Thank you Mister." Rose slowly replied and got up to her feet. Just as she thought, she was still short just by standing next to the man. “Nicholas, you came late today? What is the cause of your lateness today?" The second man asked as he glanced at their fourth friends who were still standing by the door with his gaze on Rose. “I had something to take care of.” Nicholas replied and finally looked away from Rose and glanced at his friend. " You're alway have something to do and keep us wa
Rose noticed their expression but thought that they might have a problem with Rey Mason. She began to tell them everything that happened from the moment she entered the restaurant and how she went to the restroom because she was uncomfortable and how she was on way out and unfortunately encountered Rey. “That damn prick doesn't know when to stop does he." Christopher was the first person to speak after Rose was done explaining. “A beauty like you is expected to draw those kinds of jerks to you. You should have done more than just kicking him." Edwards also added. The reason why they were all agitated was because of the fact that there were a lot of disgusting rumors surrounding Rey Mason and all the dirty things he usually does. For someone like that to try and use force on a little girl like Rose was enough to make them lose their temper but they all manage to control themselves. “Anyways, since you're here to have lunch, you can eat with us. We were waiting for him before we or
"What a beautiful and cute young girl she is.” Christopher couldn't help but remark in admiration after Rose closed the door. The moment he saw Rose, was the same moment he liked her and wanted to dote on a beautiful young girl like her. She was the little sister he never got the chance to have. "You should see how scheming and cunning she is.” Alex suddenly remarks, recalling his two recent encounters with her at the jewelry shop and at the boutique. However, his remark suddenly made his three friends turn towards him with a questioning gaze. “What do you mean by that, Alex?" Nicholas asked. “Have you met her before? Do you know her?" Edward also added. “I won't say we knew each other. After all, she was my girlfriend for five minutes." Alex calmly replied. “What?! Have you lost your mind completely? How can you choose a beautiful and innocent young girl like her as your girlfriend?.....wait! Did I hear correctly just now?!" Christopher, who was ready to lash out at Alex, sudde
Nicholas was the second person in that group that rarely talked that much apart from Alex. “HYL entertainment is very good entertainment in the industry but I know how to handle and take care of Rey Mason.” Christopher slowly nodded his head, already thinking of how to handle Rey Mason. Meanwhile, after Rose walked out the restaurant and entered the car. She told the driver to take her home since she was done with all she came outside to do today. Suddenly her cellphone rang again and she raised a brow when she saw the name of the caller ID. “Hello, Aunty." She answered the call. “Young Miss, where are you?" Paige's worried voice rang out from the other line of the phone. “Aunty, I'm on my way home already. Is there any problem?" Rose asked when she heard Paige's worried voice. “Nothing, I was just growing worried since you haven't arrived back home. And it's almost getting to evening time." Paige replied, calming down a bit when she heard that Rose was already on her way home
"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