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
A few minutes later, Rose walked towards the dining table where she met Beatrice, Sophia and William sitting on their respective seats. As usual she walked towards the seat at the end of the table opposite William who was sitting at the head to table. The three stare at Rose with different thoughts running in their mind as they watch her walk towards them with a calm and collected demeanor and take her seat.“Good evening, father." Rose greeted William after sitting down. William nodded his head without saying anything. Beatrice quickly gestured to the maids to serve the food and they all left, leaving the four people alone.No one said anything to each other and started digging into their food. Rose was the only one who wasn't eating like the others and it was because her stomach was still filled with the food she had eaten with Alex and his friends.“So, Rose. How was the exam you took today?” William asked, breaking the silence at the dining tables."It went well. I thought my s
“Sophia, your sister isn't lying against you right?" William asked , looking at the pale looking Sophia. " It was a mistake, father. I forgot to Inform sister when I was leaving.” Sophia replied, since she was caught off guard by Rose, she didn't know which excuse to come up with and just admitted it. " How can you do that , Sophia? You know something bad could have happened to your sister, she was your responsibility at that moment and you should have taken better care of her. Now I understand why your sister wants her own car.” William readily scolded Sophia. Even though he didn't mean it he had because Rose was sitting with them. Sophia couldn't help but lower her head when she heard her father. She just clenched her fist under the table and blamed everything on Rose. " Honey, don't blame Sophia. She is still young and isn't used to both her and Rose going out.” Unable to watch her daughter being scolded by her husband, she quickly interrupts them. “Um….. father. Mother is rig
---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