LOGINRain drummed against the NGO’s leaking roof, echoing through the small building. Sam stood just inside the doorway, dripping wet, his shirt clinging to his skin. Rose rushed over, her brows furrowed in concern.“Sam, you’re soaked,” she said softly. “Are you okay?”He smiled sheepishly, shaking water from his hair. “I’ve had better days.”Her gaze shifted upward, toward the ceiling where droplets of water were dripping into a bucket. “The roof has a leak. The kids won’t be able to sleep like this tonight. Can you fix it?”Sam straightened, nodding firmly. “Of course.”But as he muttered under his breath while Rose walked away to fetch a tarp, his confidence cracked. Dad said it’d be easy to impress a girl but here I am, about to climb a roof in the rain. What if I slip? What if I die? What a stupid way to go…Rose returned, handing him a rolled-up tarp. “Here. Cover the hole until we can fix it properly.”“Right,” Sam said, forcing a grin.He climbed the ladder, carefully stretching t
The roar of the bulldozer’s engine tore through the street like a monster growling. Children screamed, scattering to the corners of the NGO compound. Rose’s heart pounded as dust filled the air. She stood in front of the building, arms spread wide.“Stop this right now!” she yelled, her voice trembling.The thug in the bulldozer smirked, his hand still on the lever. “Lady, move before you get crushed.”Before he could push forward, a shadow moved across the compound with the speed of fire. Sam.“Hey!” His voice boomed as he charged forward, leaping onto the bulldozer. He yanked the thug out by his collar, slamming him to the ground. The man staggered up, swinging a punch, but Sam ducked and countered with a quick, brutal jab to the stomach. The thug fell gasping.The other men,three of them charged forward. Sam’s shirt ripped at the shoulder as one tried to grab him, but his fists were quicker, sharper. A kick to one’s chest. An elbow to another’s jaw. They fell one after the other.Ro
Diana balanced in a flawless pose by the pool, her eyes closed, arms stretched. The calm on her face was carefully practiced, the type that demanded admiration.Kelvin stood dutifully at her side with his tablet. “You have a meeting with Mr. Maxwell at ten, a ministerial meeting at three, and the Hartman gala at seven tonight. I’ve also secured a gift for you to take along.”“Good,” Diana murmured, not opening her eyes.Meanwhile, Rose sat with her phone in her room, thumbs tapping quickly.Grandma, when will she leave? I need to go out.The reply came instantly.It seems your mother wants to do yoga forever.Rose sighed, whispering under her breath. “I need to meet him today. I don’t even know why he moved the meeting to the site…”Far across the city, Sam’s manager was on the phone, voice sharp. “She’ll come and when she does, handle it. I won’t let anyone ruin this for me.”The thug chuckled darkly. “Consider it done.”“Rose wants to go out,” Grandmother suddenly announced, a littl
Sam paced the wide living room, tie undone, hair ruffled from pulling his hands through it. His manager sat stiffly on the sofa, clutching a file full of reports that Sam had already refused to read.“This woman is making things impossible for me!” Sam burst out, voice sharp with frustration. “Don’t tell me to calm down, don’t even try. You don’t understand,this project isn’t just another investment. It’s my father’s dream and I’ll be damned if I let anyone ruin that.”The manager opened his mouth, but before a word could slip out, Sam cut him off with a glare.From the hallway, Samantha and Richard had been about to step in. Samantha frowned, worry etched across her face, but Richard placed a steady hand on her arm.“Don’t,” he murmured. “Let him fight his battles. Our boy’s becoming a man.”Samantha’s lips trembled. “And what kind of parents are we if we just stand by while he drowns in pressure? He’s troubled, Richard. He needs us.”Richard smiled faintly, eyes never leaving Sam. “
Everyone in the Westwood mansion was lined up neatly in the grand hall, a line that was less about order and more about hierarchy. Grandmother adjusted her glasses and said calmly, “The line begins with me, then Rose, then the rest of you may collect yours.”She turned to Rose with a soft smile. “How much do you think your mother will give us today?”Before Rose could answer, Diana descended the staircase with the elegance of a queen. Behind her, a servant carried a polished silver tray filled with envelopes weekly allowances, neatly stacked.“Cecline,” Diana said coldly, her eyes narrowing, “go adjust the painting in the west wing. It’s crooked.”Cecline grumbled but obeyed, returning moments later.“Good,” Diana said, her tone sharp. “Now stand at the back of the line.”“That isn’t fair!” Cecline protested.“Do as I say, or I’ll remove three hundred dollars from your allowance,” Diana snapped without hesitation.Kelvin whispered urgently, “Just go, Cecline, before she makes it worse
“Where is Rose? We are going to be late for the party!” Diana’s voice rang through the Westwood mansion as she fastened her earrings before the mirror.Rose entered quietly, brushing dust from her hands. “I’m here, Mother.”Diana turned sharply, eyes narrowing. “Look at you. Such muddy work doesn’t suit you at all.”“It’s not muddy work,” Rose defended softly. “I was just coming from the NGO.”Diana gave a knowing huff. “I should have guessed. Still, enough of this. Wear the dress I bought you. It will make a proper impression.”Rose glanced at the gown laid across the bed, her lips pressed tight. “I don’t like it.”“You will wear it,” Diana snapped. “Do not make me angry again.” She ordered the servants to assist Rose and swept from the room, heels clicking against the marble floor.Rose, however, had made her decision. I won’t wear it. Not this time.Moments later, Diana heard shouts from the room and stormed back. The servants stumbled out, holding the torn remains of the expensive







