He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 43

At least Vivian had one thing going for her—she was determined to put an end to whatever feelings Ethan still had for Rose.

Sam and Linda had just returned from their trip when they overheard the neighbors chatting.

"Hey, I heard Rose is getting engaged on New Year’s Day!"

Sam and Linda were shocked. "Who told you that?"

"The Brown family’s daughter. She said your two families are hosting parties on the same day. It’s putting us neighbors in an awkward spot—we don’t know which celebration to attend!"

Sam and Linda exchanged looks, then quickly reassured them. "That’s impossible. It must be a rumor. Rose only just started seeing someone. It’s way too soon to be talking about an engagement."

Rattled, they rushed home and cornered Rose.

"Rose," Linda demanded, "the neighbors say Vivian told them you’re getting engaged on New Year’s Day. Is that true?"

Rose looked at her parents, hesitating for a moment.

Just that morning, she and Houston had discussed plans for New Year’s Day. He’d suggested getting their families together. After talking it over, they decided to host an engagement party.

She took a breath. "Mom, Dad… I’m with Houston now."

Sam and Linda exchanged another glance. Sam sighed, looking regretful. "I knew that kid had his eye on you. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t keep him away. That guy went and stole my daughter right out from under my nose."

Linda was even less amused. "How could you end up with Houston? What does he have besides good looks? I heard from Jackson he’s just a real estate agent—low pay, long hours. How are you going to build a stable life with him?"

Rose smiled. "Houston owns a house downtown—a garden home—and he drives a new Mercedes. We’re not talking about being rich, but he’s comfortable. And most importantly, he treats me well."

Linda frowned. "That’s not enough. Compared to Jackson, Houston doesn’t even come close. I can’t agree to this."

Rose answered calmly. "Mom, Houston may not have Jackson’s degrees, but he knows how to take care of the people he loves. When you had your heart scare, he was the one who contacted Dr. Jason. When we were buying the house, he handled everything. A man like that—a man who takes responsibility—is the kind of husband I want."

Sam sighed. "Honey, Rose isn’t getting any younger. If she’s found the right person, maybe it’s time to let her go."

Reluctantly, both parents began to come around.

Linda finally said, "Since you’re serious about him, call Houston and invite him over for dinner. I want to meet him properly before we go any further."

His team exchanged stunned looks. Mr. Jefferson was actually asking us for advice?

That afternoon, Houston left the office early.

But word spread fast. News of Houston shopping for in-law gifts quickly reached Maxwell’s secretary.

The secretary quickly reported to Maxwell. "Mr. Maxwell, it looks like Mr. Jefferson might be in a relationship. He called a meeting with the married employees to get tips on impressing future in-laws."

Maxwell was stunned. "Really?"

He had many sons and grandsons, but most of them, after achieving success, got distracted by women. The ones who were good at school couldn’t handle the cutthroat business world, and the ones good at business tended to be entitled playboys.

Ryan was the one exception.

Though he didn’t have an Ivy League degree, he had graduated from one of the country’s top engineering schools. After losing his mother at a young age, he’d gone straight into the real world after college, learning everything through hard work and experience. In the end, he’d become the one who most resembled Maxwell—a sharp, disciplined, self-made business elite, and focused solely on his career.

Maxwell had placed his hopes on Ryan. That’s why he’d asked his trusted secretary to keep a close eye on him.

His biggest worry? Ryan’s marriage. Everyone knew that the right partner could make or break a man’s future, and Maxwell feared Ryan might choose the wrong one. Deep down, he hoped Ryan would marry one of the well-connected society women he’d carefully picked out.