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
"Oh right! Here... take this. This is the calling card and address of my etiquette teacher when I was 5. My mother was the one who invited her for me but I still have her contact. She will teach you some of the things you lack. Don’t worry about the bill. I will pay everything for you. Okay?" Rose said while giving Tori a sweet innocent smile. Tori stared at the business card in front of her and lost her cool. “Are you crazy?! What did you mean by giving me that god-damned card?! Is this some joke to you crazy bitch, huh?!!" Tori slammed her hand on the table and got as she yelled furiously at Rose.“Seriously, Tori?" A voice suddenly spoke from behind and everyone turned their attention to see Sandra walking in.“Senior Sandra." Tori, who also turned around, called her gently.“Rose, why are you sitting here and letting this spoiled child spitting on you?" Sandra ignored Tori and stood in front of Kehlani but her eyes were on Rose." I was just trying to introduce help to her but s
She unlocked the screen and saw a message with Sophia's name on it. “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Rose mumbled to herself before clicking to open the message. Sophia: Sister, I hope you won't be mad at me. I have a place I need to go to and I don't want the rain to fall and catch me on the way so I asked the driver to take me. Please, use the same means you used yesterday to get home. “You've got to be kidding me!" The corner of Rose's lips twitched in anger. “Crazy, sly bitch. Just wait and see! I have prepared a gift for you once William comes back.” She mumbled. ‘And I remember assuring Aunty Paige that bitch wouldn't ditch me off at school. So I'm going to use the public transportation back home, huh? Anyways, I do have a place to be today as well so it's a good thing.’ Rose thought to herself and the image of what happened between her and Tori at the cafeteria popped into her head. ‘I guess she is trying to take revenge for her friends, huh? How loyal! You should
Is it worth it? For a man that doesn't even love you? Is it worth it? No. Never! There isn't anyone in the world that you can't live without! When you don't even love yourself, how do you expect others to love you? And if others don't love you, you should love yourself more! ‘This is so messed up! It would have been much better if I had a different father than William. I wouldn't be hunting for revenge like a lost and hungry beast.’ Rose thought to herself. There was one thing she was still confused about her mother's death. She couldn't say or point out the real reason but she knew something was wrong with her mother's death apart from Beatrice being the one to cause the accident. ‘That’s right, I have to investigate what happened that day as well and dig out Beatrice's connection. That crazy woman looks docile on the outside but definitely has some connections.’ She had almost forgotten that Beatrice was the one who planned her mother's accident. Rose was lost in her own thou
How much pain is there under the cover of an innocent face? Only those that have seen the dark and survived could bury their pain so deep. And she was still so young. “Rose, listen. If there's anything I can help, just let me know. Ok?" Theresa sincerely said as she looked into Rose gray eyes which had a just little amount of life in them. It was only people who looked deeply into her eyes that could tell and see how lifeless they were. Theresa pursed her lips together, she saw herself in her. She saw pain. She saw darkness. She saw desperation. She wished she could take them away from her. Completely oblivious to what Theresa was thinking, though she knew Theresa felt pity for her. ‘Pity? I don't need that. I need revenge, that is the only way I can be at peace.’ Rose thought to herself, she was slowly losing herself to her urge of revenge. Suddenly, an idea just popped into Rose, and she dwelled in it for a few seconds before she replied, "I appreciate your concern, Mrs. Cla
Seeing that the passenger was leaving without paying him, the driver quickly opened the car door as well. “Hey, Miss." He called, making Rose turn to look at him.“What is it?" She asked.“You haven't paid my money yet." He told her.“I know that. Wait here and let me confirm if this is really the eldest son of the Anderson family house like you claim." She replied casually and walked towards the gate without waiting for his response.“Are you kidding me right now!" The corner of the driver's lips twitched in her anger, seeing how the girl who looked no less than a younger sister to him ignored him.‘That kid is crazy! Why did I have to encounter a crazy rich brat today of all days?’ He raged in his mind. This is the first time he would be encountering a crazy passenger like Rose in his entire six months of being a taxi driver.When she reached the black gate, she pressed a button on the voice intercom that was placed outside and spoke through it.“Anderson residence, how may I help y
Since there was no hope of meeting the Anderson family here, she thanked the receptionist and walked out of the company. “You’re finally back. I hope you no longer need my service after this one.” The driver suddenly commented when Rose got to the taxi. She ignored him, then entered the car before telling him the address he should drop her off.“This is the first time I would be meeting a girl who is obviously from a wealthy family like you." The driver remarked.“What about me that is different?" Rose asked as she leaned her elbow by the car window and used it to support her chin while staring out of the window.“Everything." The driver curtly replied. “What is your name, mister?" Rose couldn't help but ask the driver.“It's Luthor Hoult.” He replied again." Do you mind if I ask why you are looking for the Anderson family?” Luthor asked in curiosity." Because I have some business with them.” Rose calmly told him. " You? How did you end up as a driver? You're obviously in your la
“Would you mind if I have your contact details?" Rose asked. Though she didn't remember where she knew that name, she wanted to have his contact in case she remembered and he turned out to be someone useful to her. Luthor stared at her through the rearview mirror with a raised brow, wondering why this brat wanted his contact details. Today, she had nearly driven him crazy by forcefully making him drive her around today. “Don't give me that weird look. I just tend to like our conversation, it's quite refreshing." She said,. rolling her eyes at his expression. She didn't know why, maybe it's because of the time she had spent with both Theresa and Kehlani but she really liked this peaceful conversation she was having in the car. “Don't you have friends your age you can converse with? You are obviously from a rich family so it wouldn't be hard to make friends." Luthor asked. “It has been almost two weeks since I arrived back in the country. I have limited friends and I like having con
---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