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
“What are you going to do now, Frank?" Anthony asked, cutting Frank out of his thoughts. “Do Anne and the young Masters know about this?" He added. Frank shook his head and looked at Anthony. "Anne does not know about this. However, I have already sent this image to Julian but not yet to Tony.” He finally replied. Anne was his wife who was out of the country with his first daughter-in-law. “I will call Julian to know what he thinks about this before I make my move and tell Anne about this." He added. “I understand." Anthony nodded his head. Just like that, the two old men began talking about what to do. Julian Anderson was sitting in his study room after having dinner with his two sons. He had received a call from his father who told him to check the thing he sent him so he was going through it. “This….. this can't possibly be Ruby's daughter?” Just like his father, he quickly recognized Rose as Ruby's daughter. At the same moment while Julian was still in bewilderment a
Alex paused for a while when he heard Nicholas. He didn't know why Nicholas wanted to know her name. “Is that all you want to ask me?" He asked. “Yes, her name and nothing else for now." Nicholas calmly replied with a small nod. “Roseline Gray." He finally decided to tell him. Immediately he told him the name, Alex hung up the call without waiting for Nicholas to say anything. “Roseline Gray." He mumbled the name under his breath. Obviously to what was going on that there were particular people looking for her. Rose had her bath and laid down on her bed before dozing off with a small peaceful smile on her face. …………….The next day………… Rose got dressed and a driver drove both her and Sophia together again to school today. Today, it will be Rose's official first day in school. On the way to school, Sophia had a face as long as a fiddle. However, Rose tried to get her to talk or cheer her up, and she refused to speak to Rose. Seeing her cold action, she smirked at Sophia. It was ob
“Hey, calm down. These are just baseless rumors from jealous people. If a dog bites you, you can’t bite them back. It would only make you more crazier than the dog.” She quickly interrupted Leo. These rumors will not affect her in any way. There were also rumors like this in her previous life when both Sophia and Beatrice had painted her reputation in a bad way. Leo let out a sigh while looking at her. He couldn’t help but pity his new little junior. She is just a weak young girl in his eyes. He shook his head. He is the only capable person right now to protect his little junior in school seeing how everyone disliked her. He clenched his jaw, determination visible in his eyes. From now on, he will be the one protecting his little junior. He will not allow other people to slander her in any way. What he didn’t know was that Rose would eventually turn out to be more than just his junior in the future. But currently, if Rose could hear his thoughts right now, she would surely die fro
“Roseline Gray? You must be the rumored older sister of Sophia Gray that just arrived back in the country. I'm quite taken aback by surprise seeing how you have become a popular topic in the entire school and you didn't seem to put in any effort at all. Anyways, for someone like you who just joined us, you would be lacking to catch up with us in our school activities so if you need help with understanding our lecture, you can always come to find me.” The girl said as she continued staring down at Rose. There was a bit of animosity and hostility in her voice despite the fact that she looked like she was trying to be helpful to Rose who just came in. Rose slowly raised and looked up at the girl who had been rambling besides her before opening her mouth to reply to her. “You are?" She asked, tilting her head with a confused expression on her face. Rose's question made some of the students nearby snicker and some even shamelessly burst into laughter at the girl who flushed red in embarr
Betty thought Rose was now afraid of her, so she took advantage of it. “Bullshit! Now you're scared of me, aren't you? Well, since you're obviously scared, I will let you off this time around if only you beg me.” She proudly requested thinking that she had got the game. "How dare you! Betty Fox, behave yourself!" The inspector’s voice thundered through the room. Betty was struck. She was shivering, terrified, staring at Rose’s calm face in shock and dared not turn around to face the person who had spoken. ‘You tricked me! Roseline Gray, how dare you!’ She seethed in her mind. She had been hoping to win the prize as Monitor of Excellence this year, and now it had turned hopeless because the inspector had heard and witnessed her actions, which could be considered bullying. The inspector was extremely disappointed. He had never expected one of his all-time favorite students to behave like this. Yet, at the same time, he was pleased with Rose's calmness and started to take a liking t
---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