“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
Meanwhile at the cafeteria. Sophia was seen sitting at a table surrounded by her friends. "Have you guys heard? Leo Anderson is seen with a very beautiful lady this morning. Do you think she is his girlfriend?" One of Sophia's friends suddenly brought up the topic. "I heard Leo Anderson has no girlfriend. Have you seen the lady? Everyone said she is as beautiful as the painting." Another commented. "Hey guys! Take a look at this post now. Someone said she just saw Leo Anderson with the most beautiful lady that she has ever seen in my whole life!" Another one of Sophia's friends who was busy scrolling through her cellphone saw the post and called her friend's attention. "That's too much exaggeration! There is no one prettier than me. I believe Leo Anderson will fall in love with me if we meet." "Hahaha stop dreaming, Kara! You are not even fit to clean Leo Anderson shoes!” The friends who showed the post snorted at Kara. "Hey, I overheard someone saying that the girl had the s
“It's hopeless having a discussion with you Grace. You're one to always know everything that is going on in the school, yet you have a hard time believing it." Kara snorted angrily at Grace. Among their group, Grace was the only one who normally thought differently from them. The way she thinks usually makes the rest question their friendship with her. And they all know that Grace never really liked Sophia but they had no idea why other than the thought that Grace might be jealous of Sophia.“Isn't it a good thing to have someone different from all three of you. You're right, I don't believe such baseless rumors even though I'm the first to know about it. You want to know why? That's because I feel like everyone here in this school has secrets they hide, but because of their fear they use someone else as a scapegoat and lead a fake life and reputation.” Grace plainly replied.Since they were sitting in a different place, Sophia and her friends hadn't seen Rose and Leo walk into the ca
Although her parents weren't divorced, Sandra's father was naturally based in his country to maintain his restaurant business while Sandra was in California with her mother who was also helping her husband to manage his restaurant branch he had opened in America. The Kim restaurant is ranked as one of the top best restaurants in California.Rose was a bit amazed seeing how carefree Sandra was. Maybe in this lifetime, she will have more than Alisa as her friend. Who knows she might end up having friends. True Friends.Rose went back to her seat beside Kehlani who was already in the classroom. “Roseline, I brought you this from the cafeteria." Kehlani said as she passed Rose a small paper bag." What is this?” Rose asked as she reached to collect the item and looked at Kehlani."I figured that you might have felt uncomfortable when you followed senior Leo to the cafeteria earlier. So I got this side snack and brought it for you since you might not eat well.” As a person who loves to ke
Region Funds Bank might be a popular bank but it couldn't be compared to Elite banks who were more superior to them.“It's okay." Rose nodded. She had been expecting a call from them yesterday after she visited Elite Bank but when she didn't get a call from them, she guessed that they weren't able to find out yet.“Miss Gray, if it wouldn't be too much of trouble, we would like you to pay a visit to our bank. There are some things that need to be done since you're in possession of the card." Gustav told Rose.Rose already knew that it was the same thing she did yesterday at Elite Bank they want her to do as well. Since William is not around Rose decided to use this opportunity to arrange everything before he arrived. " I will be there.” Rose told Gustav and hung up the call."Mister, there is a change of destination. Please take me to the Region Funds Bank.” Rose told the taxi driver." Alright.” The driver nodded his head and took a turn back to the direction of Region Funds Bank.R
“Boss, I've brought Miss Gray." Assistant Lex announced after they walked into the office.Gustav Holst raised his head up from what he was doing and glanced at his assistant before his gaze landed on the beautiful young girl beside him. He was taken aback by surprise when that young girl was the Miss Gray he was talking to earlier. He hadn't noticed her voice because he was more focused on the work he had in front of him. “Miss Gray?" He stared at Rose as wanting to confirm that she was really the person he had spoken to.“Yes. I'm guessing you're Mr. Gustav, who had called me earlier?" Rose calmly replied as she stared at the middle aged man who looked to be around in his late thirties.Gustav quickly stood up from his seat when he heard the same voice that had spoken on the phone. It was really her. “You can take your leave, Lex." He looked at assistant Lex who nodded his head and walked out of the room.“Please, have a seat, ma. Forgive me for not coming to pick you up personall
Just as Rose stood outside the bank ready to hail a cab back home, she received a phone call from Nancy herself.“Hello, sister Nancy." Rose answered the call.“Rose, it's good to hear your voice. I just wanted to inform you that your credit card is ready and you can come and collect it at the bank. Perhaps, I'd prefer if you could come today because there is someone I want you to meet.” Nancy's voice spoke from the other line of the call. " Someone?” Rose muttered, raising a brow at what Nancy was talking about. However, she couldn't hear a low voice in the background of the call as well.“I'm free right now, so I will be there in a while." She finally responded to Nancy.“Wow, that's great. I will be expecting you." Nancy replied in an ecstatic voice when she heard Rose's response.“Hm." Rose nodded her head and hung up the call before waving her hand at the taxi that was passing by.“Nancy, you don't have to pressure the young girl. If she can't make it today I can always come ano
---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