*************California, Los Angeles airport.There were crowds of people who exited and entered the airport. Despite the fact that everyone had their destination to run to, they couldn't help but have their attention drawn to a particular direction. In that certain direction that had almost everyone in the airport staring at was none other a slender tall man at the height of 197cm. He was wearing a tailored black suit, white dress shirt and black tie. Just take a glance at his dressing, and one could tell instantly that what he was wearing was filthy expensive.His silky black hair was neatly styled in a short comb over, silver rimmed pilot sunglasses were propped comfortably on his high nose, his thin lips were a shade of peach. He was seductively handsome, however, he emitted a cold and aloof aura.Trailing behind him was his personal assistant and five fully built bodyguards. Each one of them dressed in black suit with the King crest embroidered on the chest of their jacket. Hi
Rose, on the other hand, had effortlessly raised the attention from the many people in the airport, however, she was paying very little attention to the bystanders who were watching the scene. As much as she hated causing a public scene such as she was doing now. However, she just couldn’t let this one pass by just like that since her patience button had already been pushed. ‘How can such a person exist in this world?!!’ All she did was just accidentally bump into him. She even went as far as to apologize to him, but he was acting way over dramatic and acted as if she was some kind of cockroach that touched him. Truly despicable!!“Anyways, since I've already apologized to you, then there isn’t a reason for me to be standing here any longer.” Rose mumbled as she bent down to pick up her backpack which had slipped off her shoulder earlier when she fell to the ground. She dusted off the dust on her bag and slung it over her shoulder not bothering to pay attention to the man staring a
Rose made her way to the black gate and pressed the button on the voice intercom that was placed outside the gate for visitors. “Young Miss, how may we help you?" A voice belonging to a security officer asked Rose through the intercom. They had been watching her every move ever since she stepped out of the taxi and made her way to the black gate through the CCTV camera that was outside. “Hello, I'm here to see the Gray family.” Rose announced through the intercom. It was obvious that the security guard didn't remember her since she hadn't come in a car owned by the Gray household. Besides, it's been years since she moved to study overseas as well.‘I guess I will just let this one slide.’"Do you have an appointment?" The security guard asked again."No I don't." Rose replied curtly. “That……" The security guard was about to say something when Rose interrupted him.“You can go ahead and inform them of my presence here, I'm sure they would know me instantly." She suggested it before
Rose creased her brow for a few minutes when she heard Paige. What does she mean by ‘due time’? Confused at what she was saying, Rose was about to ask Paige to explain what she was talking about. However, she suddenly recalled something. That's right, in her previous life, she had returned back to the country one month from now. However, due to the fact that she was reborn, she had rushed to come back earlier than everyone expected.It was no wonder she felt that the maids welcoming her earlier was weird because she hadn't witnessed such a welcome in the past even when she arrived at the time everyone expected.“It was a last minute decision. Besides, where is my father and stepmother? I haven’t seen my stepmother around since I came. Isn't she aware of my arrival?” Rose asked, she was sure that her stepmother would have come running to meet her once she heard she was around and acting all nice to her. But the mansion seems quiet for some reason."Well, the Master is away on a busines
“Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!" Rose let out a loud scream as she quickly jolted awake from her sleep. Her upper clothes was soaked in sweat despite the fact that air conditioner was turned on. She has a completely pale face regardless of her naturally pale skin. It was only when she opened her eyes did she realize that she had fallen asleep and had a nightmare.“I thought one was supposed to have nightmares when it's night?" Rose mumbled, trying to catch her breath while running a hand through her head. It was a terrible dream of herself dying again and she got to see the evil and wicked smile on Sophia's face again. Just as she was trying to regain herself, she heard a knock on the door. “Come in.” She answered in a gentle voice.The door opened and Paige strolled into the room with another maid carrying a tray behind her. Paige gestured the maid to leave after she placed the tray on the table.“I brought you something to freshen yourself before dinner is prepared." Paige said as stared at Ro
Rose looked at Beatrice from head to toe. The memory of Sophia telling her how Beatrice had planned her mother's accident flooded into her head. Rose gritted her teeth, imagining many different ways she could easily kill Beatrice on the spot. If she remembered correctly, the moment she started to fully fall for these people's lies was when she arrived back, which was supposed to be a month's time. Technically, she hadn't gotten too close yet with Beatrice and listened to all the bullshit of lies she would cook for her in the future.‘It wouldn't be fun to reveal my cards now. Let's just play along and have fun messing with slowly. Just like a poker game, I will keep folding until I call the game.’ Rose smirked wickedly in her mind.“Oh, Stepmother. You've arrived?" Rose flashed Beatrice a smile as she looked at her. She knew Beatrice was shocked when she saw her glare but decided to confuse her.Beatrice blinked her eyes when she saw Rose's smile. It was a completely different expres
After closing the door behind her, the smile on Rose’s face disappeared instantly and a dark expression was replaced on her face. In this life, she will never give them the satisfaction that they had before. She will avoid them like a plague and live this life to the fullest. She will enjoy her youth and will get everything that belongs to her.She chuckled at the thought of the future. Since her rebirth, she has always wondered what her future would hold if she avoided all of those people.Just at that same moment, someone knocked on Rose’s room door making her let out a sigh before opening the door. “Young miss, I apologize for disturbing you but the Headmaid asked me to inform you that dinner would soon be ready and you should be prepared to come down to the dining hall.” A maidservant bowed her head and informed Rose.“I understand. But tell her that I would like to have dinner brought up in my room. I don’t think I have the strength to come downstairs to eat.”“Yes ma. I will de
“Sister!" Sophia's sweet gentle voice rang out in the room as she rushed to the bed and sat on the space bedside Rose.“Sister, why haven't you stepped out of your room since all these days? I heard from mother that you've arrived but you've refused to let anyone apart from Aunt Paige and a few maids. I can't believe that you didn't want to see your little Sophia too.” Sophia ranted all of her complaints the moment she sat down. Ever since the day that Beatrice had told her that Rose was around she tried to come into Rose room but was unable to. Today she had been able to enter the room because she knew that Rose only opened the door at this time for the maids to come and clean the room. She had woken up earlier than normal so that she could get here before the maids.Rose, on the other hand, placed her cell phone beside her as she looked at Sophia. The last person she wanted to see was but she knew it was inevitable not to bump into Sophia. She gritted her teeth as she recalled the
"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