“Step mother, I didn't notice you there.” Rose dryly replied as she stared at Beatrice who had a scowl on her face. “Why didn't you let anyone know about this? What do you think your father would say once he hears about this as well?" Beatrice added. " Well, I did inform Aunty Paige about my whereabouts. I asked to speak with you but you weren't at home. Probably out with your friends, step mother.” Rose calmly told her again. " What? Paige is aware? Why didn't I know?” Beatrice was surprised to hear that Paige was aware. It was because Mary, her own personal and most trusted maid, came to tell this morning that Rose didn't come home yesterday, she surely wouldn't know about it. “How should I know the answer as well? Aunty told me she would let you know once you came back but I guess you didn't come home early yesterday for Aunty to inform you about it." Rose remarked, crossing her hand in front of her chest and stared down at Beatrice. " Dear, it wasn't like that. You see, I w
“Ask away, step mother." Rose nodded. She could half guess what this new question was going to be. “Rose, do you have any idea who owns the car that was delivered to the mansion yesterday? I tried asking your father if he was the one but he wouldn't give me a proper answer and your sister obviously knows nothing about it.” Beatrice threw the question that has been on her mind since morning. "Oh, that. I was the one that bought the car and had it delivered to the house. Is there a problem with that?" Rose replied with a clueless expression on her face. "What? Did you know the price of the car that was brought here? No, most importantly where did you get the money to buy such an expensive car?” Beatrice interrogated, taken about by surprise when she found out that Rose was the owner of the car that she saw by herself yesterday. “Father was the one that bought it for me as a gift because I passed the Crystal Academy exam.” Rose truthfully replied. Of course, she was being hones
Just like Rose thought, William arrived back that night and the thing he was welcomed with was receiving tantrums from both his wife and daughter. “Daddy, you're back from your trip?” Sophia rushed down the stairs and went to huge William who smiled at his daughter. " How is my sweet beautiful Sophia doing? You've even become more beautiful than the last time I saw you.” William complimented. Of course, he knew Sophia likes to hear those kinds of things. "Don't tease me, Daddy. By the way, Daddy, is it true you bought two cars for Roseline? Where are my own?” Sophia quickly switched the topic since she was also aware of the two cars that Rose possesses in the house. “Just the same question I was about to ask." Beatrice also added as she crossed her arm in front of her chest. “That…… Sophia, you see I already promised your sister to buy a car for her…..” Sophia didn't let William finish speaking before she interrupted him. "But it's two cars she has. Why? Aren't you supposed to b
" Are you sure about this?” Beatrice asked in order to confirm if he was really telling the truth."Do I have any other reason to tell you guys a lie? Just let her have her time for now because we are going to get a lot of things from her.” William reassured them.“But Daddy……”" Sophia, it's okay. Your father is right and we should just let Rose enjoy it for now. Besides, she can't take both cars out at once though.” Beatrice quickly stopped Sophia, who was about to make some complaints.Sophia pouted her face, not pleased with the fact that Rose would be driving an expensive car than her but she couldn't argue because her parents were right. They needed Rose to continue believing their lies.“However, I hope this wouldn't affect my upcoming birthday because I would be expecting my own gift from you." Beatrice said suddenly as she looked at her husband.William smiled as he pulled Beatrice closer to him and planted a passionate kiss on her lips. “Don't worry, I definitely won't forge
********At the top roof of the King Conglomerate building, a helicopter was already waiting and prepared as Alex stepped out of the elevator along with Derek behind him.“Boss, are you sure you don't want me to come along?” Derek asked, raising his voice as he spoke because of the sound coming from the helicopter. Earlier today, they got a report that there was a problem at one of the company branches and also there was another business that required Alex's attention which was the underworld problem. Some new gangs were trying to do something, so Alex had to make his presence at the underworld to handle the situation as always."Stay behind and manage the company till I come back.” Alex replied, unlike Derek who was shouting to speak, he was calm and collected as usual."Alright boss," Derek nodded his head as one of the bodyguards opened the door for Alex.Just as Alex was about to board the helicopter, he stopped and turned to look at Derek.“Give me the report of what I ask you to
Meanwhile, outside the building where Luthor was waiting for Rose after getting her text that she was coming, he stood next to the car since he would have to open the car door for Rose once she came outside.At the same moment he was waiting for Rose, Sophia walked out of the building fully dressed and ready for school. She purposely woke up early today because she had a mission.Sophia spotted Luthor immediately and her gaze landed on the black Bentley, her eyes sparkled and strutted her way to where Luthor and the car was.“Hey, you…..” She called, making Luthor turn to look at her."How may I help you Miss?” Luthor asked, while raising his brow at Sophia. He didn't know her but his instincts told him that she was probably Rose's younger sister based on the way she was dressed but he didn't care much about her.Sophia eyed Luthor with a disgusted look, not liking the way he didn't bow to greet her. However, she didn't want to cause any trouble because of what she wanted to accompli
“Sister, I'm glad that you're here. You won't believe that this dumb driver you hired won't let me into the car even when he knew that I'm your younger sister. He kept saying he wasn't ordered to allow anyone else into the car apart from you." Sophia quickly explained, ignoring the fact that Rose said she was not an exception the first time.“Really? But I gave him that order." Rose casually replied as she looked at Sophia.“But sister, he should know that I'm an exception because I'm your sister and we always share everything together." Sophia remarked, frowning a bit at Rose.“I said you are not an exception. I gave him the order which includes you so he has every right to refuse because he is following orders.” Rose dryly replied, repeating her words again.“What….? Sister, how can you not make me an……exception? Did I ever….. wrong you in any way, sister?” Sophia asked, her voice shaking a bit.“You haven't wronged me, Sophia." Rose suddenly smiled gently at Sophia. “I gave him tha
Just like Rose expected, Sophia was completely amazed by the interior decoration of the car as she kept checking every feature out. Of course Rose didn't stop her and let her continue with whatever she was doing as leaned her head back and closed her eyes while she silently listened to one of her best playlist by ‘Post Malone’ to avoid having any sort of conversation with Sophia, who thought she was sleeping. When they got to school, the two sisters went to their different classes. It's been an entire weekend so when Rose entered the classroom, she was immediately strangled in a hug from Sandra while Kehlani just smiled brightly at her. The entire school day went by peacefully and Rose didn't come across Leo in any way but she had fun with both her two friends with no trouble coming to look for her. After school ended, Theresa was unable to come and pick Kehlani up from school because she was extremely busy at the mall, so Rose offered to drive her home since she was also going t
"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