He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 77

Despite Ethan’s usual cockiness, he couldn’t hold up in front of Vivian’s father. His youthful arrogance faltered as a ripple of fear tightened in his chest.

Flustered, he quickly defended himself. “Dad, I didn’t really want to break up with Vivian. I just couldn’t take it anymore and wanted to give her the cold shoulder for a few days… hoping she’d fix her bad temper.”

Vivian’s father let his anger fade and returned to his calm, cultured demeanor, though his sigh was laced with disappointment. “That’s ridiculous. You’re about to be parents—you can’t keep fighting every other day. A peaceful home brings prosperity.”

Ethan lowered his head, sullen. “I understand, Dad.”

Seizing the moment, Vivian’s father pressed further. “Vivian’s due date is approaching fast. It’s time to schedule the wedding. Make it official.”

Ethan mumbled, “Yes, I’ll ask my mom to meet with the Brown family soon… to talk about the dowry.”

He was like a lifeless puppet under Vivian’s father’s control—told to go east, he went east; told to go west, he followed without question.

And he hated it.

The old man gathered his sons and grandsons for a formal announcement regarding the upcoming birthday celebration.

“This year,” he began crisply, “I’ve decided to use the event to challenge the younger generation. You four branches have done well expanding the family, but few of your children are married. After much consideration, I’ve decided to hand the planning of the banquet to my legitimate grandson, Houston, and his wife.”

The moment he spoke, his sons and daughters-in-law stirred restlessly.

“What? You’re giving the birthday celebration to Houston?” someone blurted.

Sarah, from the ever-competitive second branch, immediately objected. “Father, didn’t you say the task would go to a married grandchild? Houston doesn’t even have a girlfriend—he’s clearly not qualified.”

The old man gave a sly smile.

“Who said Houston isn’t married? That boy secretly tied the knot. He chose to keep it low-key, and fooled us all.”

A wave of gasps passed through the room. It felt like a loud slap from Houston himself. Everyone’s expressions turned hostile.

Melinda jumped in quickly. “Father, none of us have ever even heard of Houston dating, and now suddenly he has a wife? That boy’s too clever by half. What if he married some random girl just to get his hands on the birthday planning? Once he’s reaped the benefits, who’s to say he won’t dump her?”

The old man countered calmly, “Don’t judge a gentleman by a scoundrel’s standards. Houston married in secret long before I made this decision. This arrangement wasn’t premeditated.”

Houston’s power was now nearly equal to Noah’s. If he successfully hosted this banquet, he’d gain face time with Crestview’s top politicians and tycoons. With his scheming mind, he could easily lure Noah’s business allies away. That could tip the balance—and allow him to surpass Noah.

And if that happened, Houston would definitely seek justice for his late mother.

As the woman who had taken that mother’s place—Piaopiao knew she would be his first target.

No. She couldn’t allow Houston to rise. She wouldn’t let him succeed. This birthday banquet? Over her dead body.

The old man watched the rising tension among his children and daughters-in-law with growing disgust. Sensing his displeasure, the women finally quieted down.

He gave the final word, voice stern and unyielding. “This is settled. No more arguments.” With that, he stood and left, shutting down any chance of protest.

The room was left in confusion and silence.

Until someone asked the question everyone was thinking: “Who on earth did Houston marry?”