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
“Don't you think you're been unfair, Grandpa?" Rose suddenly asked after she sat down. “Am I?" Mr. Reyes asked, confused by what she meant.“You don't have to keep addressing me as Miss Gray. I call you Grandpa, so call me Rose as well." She said, making Mr. Reyes chuckled at her.“Alright then, Rose.” He nodded without arguing with her."Thank you.” She nodded at him before turning to look at Nancy who had been quietly hearing them. "I have a favor to ask, sister Nancy.” Rose told her.Nancy sat up properly when she heard Rose and looked at her before she spoke. “Please speak." She nodded at Rose.“I would like to have the information of where all the money that was sent to my mother's account came from.” Rose requested for the same thing she had asked Gustav earlier. Nancy paused for a while as she stared at Rose. She was not expecting that would be the question Rose would ask from her. As for those records, she was not sure about where the money came from, only that the account
" Honestly, I felt the same. Sometimes, I get the feeling that I'm conversing with an adult rather than a teenager.” Nancy also added." Let's both work hard to find out the source then. You can go back so that you don't keep your guests waiting for too long.” Mr. Reyes told Nancy when they arrived at his car.“Alright then, please have a safe trip back." Nancy nodded her head and bowed at Mr. Reyes before turning back to the elevator.Rose, on the other hand, had finished calling Paige and told her that she was okay. After hanging up the call, she decided to continue playing her game while waiting for Nancy to come back.A few minutes later, the door opened and Nancy strolled back into the office. “I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, Rose." She said in an apologetic tone as she sat down in front of Rose.“It's okay. Thanks to my little friend here, I was not bored as you can see." Rose casually waved the phone screen which she was using to play a game at Nancy.Nancy couldn't help bu
“Let’s see what this flash drive contains.” she mumbled under her breath as she tied her hair up into a messy bun and switched on the laptop.She opened the box that was given to her and took out the flash drive in it and inserted it into her laptop. A few moments later she was able to find the files that were on the flashdrive which consisted of a copy of her mother's will and some other business documents that her mother had placed under name. However, even though she could see the copy of all the properties, she was still unable to inherit it until she passed the two conditions that were written. That is she can inherit half of the properties and access to the will when twenty years old, the other condition to fully have full inheritance is when she is married for four years.Ruby had prepared this for her daughter before she died and after she found that William was cheating on her. At first, she made sure to secure all of her wealth and prosperities in her daughter's name, includ
She was not aware of the family named Anderson in her past life at all and this is technically her first time hearing their name. “Young Miss, if like you said that madam had asked you to look for them in her letter. I think you should go and look for them yourself, now that the Master isn't around to monitor your movement.” Paige suggested again. She had seen the multiple times when William had single handedly chased the person that Anderson family sent to ask about Rose. She didn't know why or the reason but she was sure that William was trying to hide Rose from them because he wanted something. It was at that time Paige suspected that there was something going on.“Thank you for this information. I will definitely find them tomorrow after I close from school so please be expecting me to come late tomorrow as well." Rose nodded, even without being told she would definitely look for this Anderson family before William comes back from his two day business trip.“In that case, I will
When they arrived at school, Rose directly went into her classroom and headed to her seat next to Kehlani who was already sitting in her seat. “You're here already, Rose." Kehlani remarked, immediately Rose sat down.“I almost got late though.” Rose calmly replied as she placed her bag on the table." It's your second so you can relax a bit.” Kehlani told Rose with a small smile on her face." Thank you." Rose grinned at Kehlani who blushed and looked away which made Rose raise a brow at her deskmate’s behavior. Did Kehlani just blushed because she grinned at her?“I have something to collect from the teacher. I'm coming." Kehlani suddenly stood up like she just remembered something and quickly rushed out of the classroom before their homeroom teacher entire their classroom.Rose watched Kehlani leave the classroom before turning her attention back to her bag and bringing out a few books that would be needed. A few minutes later, Kehlani came back and sat down on her seat. Just as s
Rose wasn't paying any attention to the girls. After what Kehlani had said she just turned her mind back to her food. However, she saw Tori knocking on the table but chose to ignore it.“Hey! How can you be this rude? Didn't you hear me?” Tori slammed her hand on the table. She was always quick to lose her temper and eight now she couldn't stand how Rose was ignoring her.Everyone looked at Rose who was calmly eating her food. ‘Can I have a peaceful day without having to deal with annoying pricks and kids that have been spoiled rotten by their families? ‘ Rose complained in her mind. For a second she was able to have a peaceful lunch with minimum eyes on her, but the kids here have just come to ruin it. Reason? She doesn't know what their problem is. She really hates having to deal with attention like this.“I heard that she just arrived from another country, so she is obviously being rude to us." One of Tori's lackeys commented in a voice loud for the students to hear.The students
---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