Though Rose had not said a mean word about Beatrice she had successfully passed the message clearly and cleverly.
"Rose, you…" Beatrice was utterly taken aback.
‘How dare you! You little devil! How dare you try to tarnish my reputation further?!’ She thought as she couldn't hold back her anger anymore. "You only think about your biological mother and never see me as your mother. Whatever I do, just can't please you."
She deliberately emphasized the word "please," trying to convey the message that Rose was a spoiled, difficult child and she had been trying her best to act like a mother to Rose.
Rose struggled to compose herself and maintain the tears in her eyes, not letting the water run down her face, before she cocked gun and shot back her response at Beatrice. "But mother, why can't I think of my biological mother. She's my mother after all, and I miss her. Meanwhile, you are also my mother, and I will always respect you.” She said, making her voice quiver like she was about to break down.
Mrs. Will, who was a mother of three sons and had always wanted a girl but hadn't been blessed with one. Just as she was watching Rose's innocent face, she couldn't help feeling a mother's protective instinct. She took Rose into her arms, patted her on her back and comforted her softly.
"There. There. It's alright, my darling. You are a good girl." Then she turned to look Beatrice rather reproachfully,
“Mrs. Gray, you are frightening her." She told Beatrice before turning back to Rose, she asked gently, "Rose dear, why don't you come over to my house now and then and we can hang out. I really like you. I wish I had a daughter like you, but it's a pity I wasn't blessed with one but three trouble makers.”
Rose blushed, smiled, and nodded gratefully. The two of them looked more like mother and daughter.
Beatrice was now even more enraged, but she knew she couldn't make the same mistake again. She managed to calm herself, put her hands on Rose's face gently, and comforted her.
However, remembering Beatrice's angry face and accusation earlier, the crowd found her fake and unnatural.
‘You little monkey! You only know to please these ladies. What can they give you? Everything you have is from the Grays'. Your life depends on the Grays'.’ Beatrice thought.
“Now that I take a proper look at it, it seems like Mr. King was right earlier. The dress Rose is wearing does look like a second hand dress, plus this make up you are wearing is definitely concealing your beauty.” Mrs. Phillip, who was part of the women who had seen Rose's beauty this morning suddenly said.
The rest of the other women who had also seen Rose's real face nodded their heads. Only the women who hadn't seen Rose's face were the only ones confused as to what Mrs. Phillip was saying.
“Yes, and here you are claiming how much you care for the poor girl. I can't believe that you'd use the excuse that you didn't want to force her to do something against her wish. There is no forcing in this case.” Mrs. Phillip also added. And just like the other women in the crowds also start voicing out their thoughts.
"That's right, we all know how Ruby Gray would make sure to stun everyone with her outfit, so how can her daughter be dressed in a second hand dress like that.”
" Is it because she is her step daughter? Look how her daughter is glittering while the eldest daughter is dressed in such a plain looking dress.”
"Even though she looks plain. I have to admit that she appears more elegant and stunning in that simple dress. Unlike the younger one who looked like she was thrown and brought out from a river of sparkling dust, she even lacks elegance and manners.”
Beatrice gritted her teeth. ‘Damn you Mrs. Will! Damn you! I will make you pay for this.’ she felt like slamming something but swallowed back her anger.
‘I have yet to show you my big gun yet and you're already shooting yourself. How pathetic!’ Rose thought, she can imagine herself throwing her head back and bursting into a loud laughter.
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