MasukNot wanting to appear defeated by his niece’s words, Adrian swallowed his anger and forced a humorless laugh. “You’ve got Ruby’s sharp tongue, Rosy,” he said, the nickname twisting slightly on her nerves. “Don’t bring that name up here, Adrian,” William’s voice cut through, cold and dangerous. Eve
The second Rose closed her bedroom door, she pressed her back against it and finally let her real emotions erupt. “WHY—” she grabbed her head, “—did I open my stupid mouth?!” She slid dramatically down the door until she was sitting on the floor, hands covering her face. “My mission was to sta
Rose observed everything with quiet attention. She did not need to intervene, she told herself. And yet, when she saw Grace’s expression—small, stiff, trying not to show the ache in her chest—she felt the tug of responsibility, the small but insistent urge to speak. “Grandmother,” Rose said softly
Rose entered the dining room, the quiet click of her heels echoing softly against the polished floor. She didn’t glance at anyone, didn’t pause to acknowledge the family who might already be waiting. Her eyes scanned the room and found the seat she wanted, the one farthest from the usual cluster, th
Ggregory leaned back in his chair, exhausted. He pinched the bridge of his nose before dialing Nancy. It didn’t even ring twice before she picked up. “Ms. Miller?” “Report?” she asked immediately. “Yes.” Gregory sighed. “It didn’t go well. Mr. Ashmore refuses to accept any termination. He claims
Nancy didn’t waste a second after ending the first call with Rose. Her mind was still buzzing—half anxious, half impressed—when she dialed Gregory again. The phone barely rang twice before he picked up. “Ms. Miller?” Gregory sounded genuinely confused. He had expected to receive instructions tomorr







