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
“There are only a handful of individuals in California holding this card and right now you are one of those people on the list.” Nancy remarked with a pleasant smile on her face." Thank you so much.” Rose grinned and nodded her head in appreciation." Not at all, in fact it's my greatest pleasure. I'm truly very glad that I was able to be of assistance to you and please do not hesitate to give me a phone call if you require my service to resolve the issue. I would be more delighted if you can even consider me as your bank account manager as well.” Nancy offered. It was obvious and clear that her intention was to have a closer relationship with Rose.“Sure, if you don't mind then I accept the offer." Rose nodded her head in agreement. She didn't have any reason to reject Nancy's offer to personally assist with the issues relating to her bank account. She even considered it as an advantage because Nancy was the most superior staff member of the bank and it was also the same reason she
"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