Chapter 12
With that, Rosalie opened all the jewelry boxes in front of her and checked all the shoes and bags. As she expected, these jewels, shoes, and handbags were things she had casually designed when she first started her private luxury brand.
15
These bags, made from crocodile leather she picked up randomly and designed on a whim. Though marketed as limited editions, creating a fake sense of exclusivity, truth was, she hadn’t put much effort into them.
At this moment, she couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for her parents‘ money. Buying all these probably cost a fortune, eight figures at least. “Zell really knows how to do business, huh, selling my own stuff back to me?”
If she could return everything, she definitely would. But since these were gifts from Zachary and Roxanne, not keeping any of them might make them think she didn’t like their gifts, and they might just buy her new ones.
She could only choose a few to keep. “Maybe Zell can give me a discount later,” she murmured as she set aside the chosen ones and went to rest.
The next day, Rosalie slowly opened her eyes. She had to admit, the mattress was really comfortable. Slowly sitting up, she stretched lazily.
Rosalie noticed a gentle morning breeze lifting the drapes, just in time for her to see a beautiful crimson sunrise over the horizon. This was why it was called Skyline Castle–because of the breathtaking ocean view right from her window.
Zachary and Roxanne really gave her the best room at Skyline Castle. It made sense that Xyliana wanted this room so much before.
The view instantly lifted Rosalie’s spirits, and she stretched with joy. After getting ready, she changed clothes and was about to head downstairs. But just before she stepped out, there was a sudden knock on the door.
Hearing the knock, Rosalie assumed it was a staff member calling for her and replied, “Come in, I’m going downstairs soon.”
When the door opened, it wasn’t the servant who walked in. “Rosalie, you’re up so early!” Sophia said with a sweet smile, greeting Rosalie warmly.
Rosalie turned her head when she heard the voice. She was puzzled, thinking, ‘Sophia? We hardly spoke yesterday. Why is she here so early?‘
Sophia had planned to get cozy with Rosalie, and also wanted to check if Xyliana had brought the bag she’d promised her yesterday.
But as soon as Sophia stepped inside, she was taken aback by the luxury items filling Rosalie’s room–clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, everything was there. A quick peek yesterday hadn’t shown just how much stuff there was. Clearly, Zachary and Roxanne were really serious about Rosalie.
Rosalie noticed Sophia scanning the room and raised an eyebrow. “Are you looking for something?”
“Oh, nothing. I just came by to see how you are doing,” Sophia said, her voice full of fake concern, acting like she and Rosalie had been BFFs since forever.
Sophia added, “After everything that happened last night, and how Xyliana couldn’t sleep, I thought you might be having a hard time adjusting since you’re new here, so I came by to say hi. After all, we’re going to be one big happy family now.”
Rosalie looked at Sophia, strangely reminded of Yuri. Sophia was just a distant cousin, but she acted so close to Xyliana and had only met Rosalie once before running over to say hello. She seemed a bit too eager.
Not really interested in Sophia, Rosalie replied half–heartedly, “Oh, I’m okay. So, Xyliana’s having a hard time, huh?” Just yesterday, Rosalie had been kicked out of the Moreno family, and suddenly her parents seemed like strangers–a tough pill to swallow.
It was understandable that Xyliana was upset.
Noticing Rosalie’s somewhat indifferent attitude, Sophia felt a bit awkward but still smiled, “Yeah, Xyliana’s really having a tough time, but I’m glad you’re okay, Rosalie.”
Rosalie couldn’t help but glance at Sophia, raising an eyebrow with a hint of sarcasm. “Thanks for being so concerned about me, leaving Xyliana first
1/2
Saly 12 Jul
thing in the morning to come comfort me.”
Rosalie got the picture–Sophia’s bond with Xyliana wasn’t that strong, otherwise she would not rush over to see Rosalie instead of staying with Xyliana.
Sophia didn’t catch on to Rosalie’s attitude and assumed Rosalie was now willing to chat. However, Sophia wasn’t in the mood for small talk, and her eyes were already wandering towards Rosalie’s bag on the table.
Sophia intentionally hinted at how much she liked Rosalie’s bag. “Isn’t this the limited edition handbag I saw yesterday when I came in?
“Ayliana promised to give it to me as a reward because she saw how much I liked it. Well, we didn’t know then that all these gifts were meant for you, Rosalie. I’m really sorry.”
Rosalie gave Sophia a sharp glance. Being as sharp as she was, Rosalie immediately picked up on Sophia’s hint about wanting the bag. No wonder Sophia came to her room so early–it was clear Sophia was here for the bag.
But they weren’t even acquainted; at most, they had met briefly yesterday. And now, here Sophia was, boldly asking for the bag.
Rosalie wasn’t having it at all and acted as if she hadn’t heard a thing, responding casually, “Oh, really? If you like it so much, you can just buy one yourself. I don’t mind us having the same one.”
Sophia’s expression instantly stiffened. She cursed inside, ‘My intentions are so obvious, yet she shows no reaction at all? She has just returned to the family and is clueless about everything. She doesn’t have a clue about social niceties.
In Sophia’s eyes, if Rosalie got along well with her, then if Xyliana ever caused Rosalie trouble, she could help sort things out. Otherwise, without a single close friend, Rosalie would definitely stand no chance against Xyliana, the heiress who grew up in the Yoder family.
Sophia steadied her nerves and flashed a clever smile. “I could buy it myself, but this bag is a limited edition. Just having money doesn’t mean you can get it.
“Anyway, you have so many bags and clothes, one more or less doesn’t matter. Why not give it to me as a welcome gift? That way, we can look out for each other in this family. Don’t you agree?”
Seeing that her previous approach didn’t work on Rosalie, Sophia decided to be direct. She made it so clear; surely Rosalie would get what she meant.
But Rosalie just shook her head with an easygoing smile. “No worries. I don’t really like this bag anyway. I’ll just have someone return it, and you can buy it back. It’s a win–win, don’t you think?”
Sophia’s face turned livid. She couldn’t believe that Rosalie had no understanding of social norms. Rosalie refused to hand over the bag and even offered to return it, expecting she to buy it herself–it felt like a complete humiliation.
2/2
