Chapter 16 Defying Authority, Challenging Power
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Ryan, as usual, had no patience for his young stepmother, Charlotte. His sharp tongue wasted no time cutting through the
tension.
I always thought your life was all about shopping and showing off. Who knew you were also skilled at throwing your weight around and bullying others? I wonder if my father is aware of the way you behave.”
Already furious from her confrontation with Rose, Charlotte now found herself trembling with rage at Ryan’s words.
“Ryan, your father dotes on me unconditionally. If I wanted Rose fired or even eliminated, he’d still protect me. But honestly, she’s such a nobody that I can’t be bothered to put in the effort.”
Ryan’s deep, piercing eyes turned icy, and his lips curved into a dangerous smirk, radiating an air of cold dominance. He would never allow harm to come to someone he cared about.
“You want her fired: Then I’ll make sure she stays–just to spite you.”
Charlotte interpreted his defiance as nothing more than an act of rebellion, unrelated to Rose herself.
“Ryan, are you deliberately defying me?” Charlotte challenged.
Ryan’s tone remained icy. “You’re overestimating yourself. Do you really think you matter to me?”
It was obvious that his real challenge was directed at Charlotte’s father, Noah, the man with overwhelming influence and control.
“Ryan, you- Charlotte was left sputtering in frustration. But every y encounter with Ryan seemed to end with her blood boiling, so this was hardly new.
Ryan gave her a dismissive glance and strode away without a second thought.
Fuming, Charlotte stomped off to the VIP suite to calm herself down.
Elsewhere, Rose was graciously hosting Dr. Jason’s team and Owen in the VIP dining room.
Kaising her glass, she spoke with genuine appreciation. Dr. Jason, I’ve heard so much about you and your remarkable work. I never imagined you’d end up being my mom’s doctor–she’s so fortunate. I don’t usually drink, but tonight, I have to make an exception. This toast is for all of you. I’ll drink it all in one go–feel free to drink at your own pace?
As she lifted the glass to her lips, a hand reached out and stopped her mid–motion.
Turning, she saw Houston and greeted him with a smile. “Houston, you’re here!”
Houston lightly tapped her forehead and said, “No drinking from now on. Especially when I’m not around, you’re absolutely not allowed to drink. He then raised the glass towards Dr. Jason. “Tll drink this toast on behalf of my wife.”
Rose, however, said, “Houston, you shouldn’t drink. Alcohol will stimulate your nerves and interfere with your sleep.”
Without hesitation, Houston handed the glass to Owen. “You drink for us.
Owen looked utterly wronged. “Seriously? I’m one of Rose’s invited guests too! Is this how you treat a guest of honor?”
Ignoring his complaints, Houston pulled Rose close and settled her beside him.
The
room soon filled with cheerful conversation and laughter, creating a lively and harmonious atmosphere.
Halfway through dinner, Houston stepped out to take a phone call.
It was from his father. Noul “Your mother mentioned that you’re at Starlit Savory tonight.”
Houston’s expression turned cold. “She’s not my mother,” he replied firmly, his tone laced with irritation
A stepmother til your mother,” Noah shot back, equally stern.
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Chapter 16 Defying Authority, Challenging Power
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How does she qualify as my mother? Houston snapped. Did she give birth to me? Did she raise me?”
Nooh, visibly annoyed, sighed before contiming “Alright, let’s leave that aside for now, Why did you upset her again? You made her cry, Cin apologize
Houston replied daily. “Then have her apologize to Dr. Marshall firs
Noah had already been informed by the stall that Houston’s insomnia was extremely severe and that no top specialist had been able to resolve it. By chance, however, a little–known doctor from Crestview Health Institute had succeeded in ensuring Houston could sleep for three to four hours a night without the use of medication. “Dr. Marshall–is she the doctor treating you insomniar
“Yes,” Houston answered without hesitation.
Noah sighed heavily. “She might be helpful to your health, but she’s still an outsider. Is it worth straining your relationship with your mutlier over someone like her
Houston’s tone was sharp and unwavering. “In my eyes, Dr. Marshall has been a great help to me, but the woman at your side jhas no significance to me. That’s why Fin siding with Dr. Marshall this time.”
Noah’s voice grew agitated. Do you even hear yourself? How can you even compare? Your mother is family, but Dr. Marshall is just your doctor. Can’t you tell which one matters more?”
Houston nearly revealed the truth–that Rose wasn’t just his doctor but also his wife. The bond they shared was far deeper than any other
Bot wanting to protect her and keep her away from the Clarke family’s influence, he decided to keep it a secret. His voice was resolute “Dr. Marshall is under my protection.”
Noah’s anger boiled over, and the sound of something breaking echoed through the phone. “Are you deliberately provoking
Challenging Noah was inevitabile, a step he had long anticipated. In the past, he fund swallowed his pride, biding his time until he gamed enough power to stand his ground. But now, even at a young age, he had risen to prominence in Crestview–a force his father could no longer ignore. Houston no longer felt the need to suppress his sharp edges in Noah’s presence.
When Noah’s question was met with silence, he demanded. “Is this really how you feel?”
Houston’s reply was cold. “Keep your wife away from Dr. Marshall, and we can coexist peacefully. If anything happens to her.
With that, he hung sapa
On the other side of the call, Noals was livid, his fury evident in his tense demeanor.
But as his temper cooled, reason returned. He turned to Charlotte and warned her collly, “Stay away from Rose.”
anli
Charlotte, young and beautiful, couldn’t believe she had been overshadowed by someone as unremarkable as Rose, Resentment and indignation churned within her
Later that night, Houston drove Rose home
During the ride, Rose received a call from the hospital. Her supervisor informed her she could return to work the next day.
Fostatic, Rose agreed immediately..
After hanging up, she turned to Houston, her eyes gleaming with joy. “The hospital must have finished investigating Madam Charlotte’s complaint Nose that the truth is out, they’ve called me back to work tomorrow.
Houston glanced at Hose, her clear and innocent eyes entirely unaware of the power struggles happening behind the scenes
He silently wished that she would retain her unspoiled innocence forever
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Chapter 16 Defying Authority, Challenging Power
“Congratulations, he said with a relaxed smile.
Rose’s face lit up with a radiant grin.
When they arrived at her neighborhood, the chilly night breeze greeted them. Rose pulled her coat tighter and prepared to step out, but Houston suddenly grabbed her hand
“Houston?”
Without a word, he pulled her into his arms and gently placed a hand over her eyes.
“Rose, don’t look,” he said softly.
Rose, puzzled, asked, “What’s going on?”
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