“My goodness, I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking at where I was going.” The person who had bumped into Rose quickly apologized to Rose as she bent down to pick up her book.Rose on the other hand just stood at her spot as she watched the girl pack her book with a blank expression on her face. After the girl packed her book, she stood up and raised her head up to look at the person she had accidentally bumped into. Grace brow shut up when she saw that the person she had bumped into was none other than Sophia's older sister. “I…I….”" You don't have to apologize again.” Rose immediately cut her off when she saw that the girl was stuttering.‘My gosh, she is really more beautiful in person than the picture I saw on the school forum.’ Grace thought as she admired Rose's beauty.Rose narrowed her eyes when she saw that the girl was looking at her which she found weird. Seeing that the girl was lost in daze, Rose decided to walk past her.“Wait, please. I'm sorry for bumping into you again an
"Rose, would you like to join us for lunch later?” Felix asked Rose, not paying attention to his other friends. Since they were already engrossed with their matter, he took the opportunity to invite Rose to eat with them." Hey, what did you think you were doing with my cousin?” Leo grabbed the back of Felix’s shirt and pulled him away from Rose.“I was asking if Rose would join us for lunch since that is what we wanted to ask her before." Felix replied as he smoothed his shirt. They have no other reason for following Leo than to invite Rose to eat with them this afternoon. Last time they met her, she was dragged away by her friend before they could even ask her.“Felix is right. So Rose, would you join us?” Kaleb, the one who seems calmer among them, asked.“No, I'm too busy for that." Rose coldly rejected the offer. There is absolutely no way she would sit down and have lunch with this bunch of boys. She would lose her mind totally.“You heard her guys, so let her be." Leo quickly
The Gray couple couldn't care less where Rose had been, or what she had been up to. All Rose had to tell them was that she was out shopping or hanging out with friends and they would easily believe her. Thanks to Theresa, she had been skipping dinner very well at home.It was another evening at Kehlani's. Rose had just finished her homework. She nibbled on some nuts, the nighttime energy snacks Theresa prepared, and then casually pulled out a big book album from her bag to show Theresa."Mrs. Theresa, would you like to have a look?" Rose said, calling Theresa’s attention to her.Theresa smiled, wondering what it was about. “What is that, Rose?" She asked.Rose just smiled and handed the book over to Theresa who grew curious to know what was in the book. She said nothing else and opened the book only to be surprised to see the content. They were fashion design sketches, creative, stylish, and innovative. With her expertise in the fashion field, she could tell straight away that the d
They understood what Rose meant. She was prepared. If anyone intervened, she would not retreat but fight.She was still the daughter of the Gray family, one of the richest families in California and Grand niece of those Anderson’s who had the power in California that no one should ever underrate.Kehlani didn't really understand much about business, but she knew she wanted to help her friend. If it was important to Rose, then it was important to her."Mum, please say yes. I trust Rose, and I trust you."" Mrs. Theresa, If it's okay for me to interfere. I'd say you take up this offer from Rose. I don't know what is on ground before but I see a lot of benefits from this offer.” Unlike Kehlani, Sandra understood business very well because she used to assist her mother to handle their restaurant. It was a secret she made her mother promise to keep but she had always been the person who helped her parents come up with new business strategies.Theresa knew there was a lot of risk if she
The next day, Rose was about to leave with Kehlani after school. Sandra was not with them today because she had to go home for something important. Suddenly her phone rang, making Rose stop.Kehlani saw a frown on her face and wondered what it was about. "Is everything ok? Who was it?"Rose rarely used her phone, and people rarely called her. This was unusual."It was my step-mother. She said there was something to talk to me about and asked me to go home now." Rose answered while thinking, ‘What is it about? This is weird and I don't like this.’“Are you okay, Rose?" Kehlani asked, snapping Rose out of her thoughts.“I will drop you off at home and head home as well." Rose told Kehlani, who nodded at her as they walked to where Luthor was waiting for them.After dropping Kehlani just like she said, she told Luthor to drive home. As soon as she opened the door, she heard Beatrice laughing flirtatiously, and wondered what was happening.‘What is that woman up to laughing like that?’
The maid quickly handed the cup to Rose, collected it and had a few sips before she finally spoke. "What exactly did you ask me to home for, step mother?" Rose asked Beatrice.“Um…..I asked you to come so that I can introduce you to the tutor I hired for you." Beatrice was taken aback at first but she quickly controlled herself.“Aha, Just a tutor. I thought it was someone important." Rose said indifferentlyShe acted like a spoiled rich girl, and there was apparent disdain in her tone.Henry instantly felt like someone had slapped him hard on his face. He blushed with embarrassment. It was the very first time a girl had shown a dislike for him.Yet, he composed himself, forced a smile on his face, and carried on, "Roseline, I have to say you are very pretty and.."Everyone loves compliments. Girls love to know people think they are pretty. Henry thought he could use the same tactic with Rose since he saw her as an easy girl.However, before he could finish his sentence, Rose coldly c
Meanwhile, Beatrice is also in the same situation as Henry. She chose Henry because she was sure that he was the sort of guy Rose would like in an instant. Isn't he her cup of tea? Why is she behaving like this? She had no time to figure it out now, so she dropped the matter off her mind and quickly ran after Henry. "Mr. Walker, stay, please. I'm really sorry. It's my fault. You see, I've spoiled her too much. Please don't be angry." She pleaded. Henry thought here came the chance to retort. He glared at Rose, then turned back to look at Beatrice. "Mrs. Gray, you are a very caring mother, and you have done a lot for your daughter, but she's just too arrogant. Even though I'm not the direct heir of the Walker family, I'm still the second son and I have my dignity. I refuse to be humiliated by someone insolent like her." "Tut" Rose let out a loud noise of disapproval and accidentally spat out the tea in her mouth. ‘Dignity?! Hahaha. Did he actually say dignity?! How shameless! To lu
After Henry stormed out of the room in rage and was defeated. Rose felt rewarded and uplifted. ‘Aii, revenge does make you feel good. I shall do more of this often since I feel at peace now.’ Rose stood up from her seat and walked to her room while humming a cheery tune, dropped her school bag on the bed and went to open the window that led to the balcony. She intended to sit down and take some fresh air but paused when she saw both Beatrice and Henry standing by the spring in the garden. They both looked emotional, Henry was intending to walk away and Beatrice was also trying to stop him. Some words were exchanged, and a few minutes passed till Henry was finally persuaded as he looked calm and showed a wicked smile. It seemed they were conspiring against her. ‘Hmm, plotting against me, is that it?’ Rose thought as she stared at the two people outside. After a while, Henry walked towards the gate while Beatrice watched him. She stood there for a while as if she was in deep though
"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