Chapter 38
The cheeky smile disappeared on Rose's face as she lowered her eyes, and politely, she apologized, "My apologies."
Upon seeing that Rose had done what she asked of, Beatrice carried on "Mr. King. Please don't be offended, Rose wasn't behaving herself. It was very rude of her. She's always been..."
And the moment she carried on the farther she ended going. She was too furious to think smartly. Though she tried to be indirect, everyone listening could understand how little she thought of Rose and how terribly she was insulting her. Rose stood aside and listened quietly as tears filled her eyes.
The spectators couldn't help feeling pity for her. Poor kid. She doesn't have the real mother's love.
Alex knew Rose was probably acting, but he somehow felt protective of her. If she had to be insulted, it would have to be me and me only. No one else is allowed.
"Mrs. Gray, you are indeed just a step-mother." Swift, short and sharp.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Beatrice's mouth shut promptly, her face reddened as she finally realized she had given herself away and thoroughly destroyed her reputation as a generous and loving mother that she'd worked very hard to maintain. Seeing Beatrice's face, Rose tried her very best and managed not to chuckle.
'Nice one, Alexander king.' Rose cheered for the man she was insulting earlier in her mind.
Alex turned to look at Mr. Will and said goodbye to the host before leaving the party with Derek without further comments, but he had also left the crowd in doubt and curiosity.
Seeing that he was about to leave Sophia reacted swiftly and hurried towards Alex. "Mr. King. Let's go for dinner someday."
Though Alex had insulted her and paid her no attention, she wanted him even more. She wanted to possess him, control him, to steal him from Rose. The wanting and yearning flamed and blazed inside her.
'He has wealth, power, and charm. How amazing it would be if I'm his girlfriend! Roseline is nobody. He will realize that very soon. He must have somehow been confused. How will anyone in the world choose an ugly goose-like her over a real swan-like me?! Besides, he seems to like a really young girl like me.' Sophia thought highly of herself because she knew she was physically extremely attractive.
Alex paid no attention to Sophia again nor did he even act like she existed. 'Just another pretty face, boring and vain. However, that appear-to-be-innocent cheeky fox is interesting and smart. I wonder what she's plotting.' That was what was on Alex's mind as he left the party.
Beatrice was even more embarrassed about Sophia's behavior. 'Silly girl. I know you want him, but at least try to maintain patience. Everyone is watching here. Besides, with a beautiful face as yours, sooner or later, you have men who fall for you. Mr. King isn't the type of person you can approach just easily.'
As slippery as an eel, Beatrice soon restored herself and set off to rebuild her reputation. She had both girls on her sides, gracefully walked around the room, greeting people with the brightest smile and making the sweetest conversations. She showed both Sophia and Rose tenderness and attention, especially Rose.
Despite the fact that people were probably still thinking about what just happened, they all praised Beatrice as a loving mother in front of her.
Rose, who knew very well what Beatrice was trying to achieve, smiled in her mind. 'Alright, if you want to play games, I will play along.'
She presented her best self, with
beautiful mannerisms. Confident,
modest, graceful, and respectful. On the other hand, Sophia was still occupied with the thought about how to capture Alex and
misbehaved herself a few tinet
in
front of the observant crowd. She knew she had no patience for these elderly ladies, so she simply made an excuse and escaped. But Rose stayed alongside Beatrice patiently and was the best company she could be.
'The older one isn't as good-looking or well-dressed as the younger ones, but she definitely has better manners. It was refined and elegant.' The spectators judged silently.
'It was true that the younger one is stunning-looking, but seeing her behavior now, I see nothing but a spoiled and ill-mannered brat. How awfully she behaved just then when Alexander king was around!' 'Roseline Gray is totally different. She is modest, polite, and graceful. What a contrast!'
'What do you expect? Nowadays, you see a lot of pretty faces, but one doesn't encounter inner beauty very often.'
'Just taking a look at both of them. If these two have to fight against each other for a husband. What do you think about it?'
'Well, in cases like this. Sophia is more like a girl for a date or two, or someone's mistress while Rose will be a wonderful wife and partner.'
Beatrice, who very much sociably experienced, she could tell what others were thinking and regretted, very much, that she allowed Rose to the party.
But how could she have expected such a change from the normally quiet and timid Rose?
She wanted to divert the situation and cut in, "Sophia, is still young and has a lot to learn. She just wants to enjoy herself. But Rose, our Rose, has grown up a lot and is more mature that it even surprised me how fast she matured. She understands things much better and knows how to deal with us."
Although, It sounded like Beatrice was complimenting Rose, however, she secretly implied something cunning about her. And the people listened and wondered what it really meant. 'So here is where you want to go, right?' Rose smirked.
"To deal with you?" She looked up at Beatrice, feeling wronged and unjust, "Mother, what do you mean by that?"
Beatrice staggered by her own careless choice of words and when she heard Eva's comeback.
"Sometimes, it's not a bad thing to
be sensitive. would hate to know I've done anything wrong to you, Mother." Rose defended. Tears started to gather in her eyes. "And I dare not disobey what you told me. Respect and take care of the elderly. Didn't you tell me before we arrived at the party?" She added.