Chapter 28 Different Values, Separate Paths.
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“Vivian, you and I don’t share the same values. From now on, let’s stick to our own paths. There’s no reason to pull me into your marriage with Ethan. Even if it doesn’t feel awkward to you, it certainly does to me. Rose was seething. Grace had. invited her to the Brown family home, only for her to endure Samantha’s humiliation and Vivian’s manipulative attempts to guilt her. Did they really think she was weak and easy to bully?
Although her words were subtle, they made it clear that Rose was cutting ties with Vivian. Vivian stood there stunned, unable to react for a long time.
Grace, upset by her daughter’s inability to stand up to Rose, angrily snapped at her. “Rose, why do you have to speak so harshly? What’s this talk about you and Vivian having different values and going your separate ways? Acting like you’re so virtuous. Honestly, who cheated first in your situation with Ethan? As far as I can tell, that’s still unclear.
Vivian stared at her mother in shock. “Mom, what are you implying?”
Grace’s eyes moved to the white collar of Rose’s shirt. “If she hasn’t been sneaking around, why hasn’t she even cleaned her mouth properly?”
It dawned on Rose that Grace had noticed her kiss with Houston.
Maintaining her composure, she replied with a calm and dismissive “Pathetic. Then, she turned and left.
A flicker of doubt appeared in Vivian’s eyes. “Is Rose seeing someone new?”
Grace responded, “With her cautious and slow nature, how could she have kissed someone so quickly? I’m sure she’s been involved with this person for quite some time already.
When Rose got home, Houston immediately noticed her pale complexion and reddened eyes. His expression darkened as concern filled his gaze. “What did they do to you?”
Rose approached him and sat down, leaning her head on his lap like a small pet seeking comfort. “Houston, they bullied me.”
Houston’s brows furrowed, his eyes glinting with icy anger. Yet his voice was warm and indulgent. “Tell your husband–how did they bully my precious girl?”
Rose began to recount everything, from Samantha trying to repay her with a few hundred dollars to Vivian’s invitation for her to be a bridesmaid.
When she was done, Houston gently stroked her hair and commended her. “Rose, you handled it perfectly. You and Vivian don’t share the same values, so it’s best to go your separate ways. From nowyon, don’t have any further contact with her.”
At that moment, Houston seemned like a protective older brother, firmly shielding his family.
“Okay,” Rose replied softly.
The coldness in Houston’s eyes deepened. “They act this way because they assume your polite nature means you won’t fight back. But if you keep swallowing your anger, this bitterness will stay with you forever. Rose, you’ve said it yourself- emotional frustration leads to liver stagnation. I don’t want your health to suffer. The next time they bully you, don’t hold back. Argue with them all you want. Your husband will back you up, and I’ll clean up any mess afterward
Rose’s sadness melted away under Houston’s affectionate support. She laughed lightly. “If you keep treating me like this, I’ll end up being spoiled beyond reason.”
Houston’s voice softened as he replied, “I’m more than willing to spoil you”
Houston and Rose were so focused on their conversation that they didn’t notice the front door being suddenly pushed open Several figures entered, catching Rose off guard and prompting her to stand up in surprise.
Sam and Linda were leading the group, with Jackson following behind. The sight of Houston left all three of them momentarily frozen in shock.
Rose instinctively moved toward Sam and Linda, an unconscious action that lelt Houston sitting alone, seemingly unsupported.
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Chapter 28 Different Values, Separate Paths:
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Yet, Houston’s lone figure on the sofa radiated a powerful presence. His composed and unshaken demeanor contrasted sharply with the awkward tension of the three standing before him, amplifying their discomfort.
As Rose reached Sam and Linda, she struggled to find the right words to break the tension. Sam, lowering his voice, reprimanded her. “Rose, why haven’t you sent Houston home yet?”
He was outright dismissing Houston
Rose hurried to explain. “Houston had a bit too much to drink and, for the first time in a while, managed to sleep deeply. You know how much of a luxury good sleep is for him. I couldn’t bring myself to wake him, so I let him rest until now.”
Sam glanced at Jackson, who looked utterly embarrassed, then at Houston, who maintained his calm, composed air. While Sam admired Houston’s poise, he couldn’t help but think this was the worst possible moment for such an aura.
“Houston, since you’re awake, why don’t I drive you home?” Sam, willing to play the bad guy to secure his daughter’s future happiness, attempted to get Houston out of the picture.
Unexpectedly, Houston responded, “I wouldn’t dream of troubling you, Mr. Sam-
Sam relaxed, relieved. He wasn’t eager to drive Houston home and preferred to stay and interact with Jackson instead.
But Houston continued, “Rose can take me.”
Sam was so stunned he almost lost his breath
Rose, quick to grasp the opportunity, said, “Alright, I’ll take him.”
Without hesitation, Houston strode out with confident steps. Sam was left standing there, completely dumbfounded.
After Houston left, Linda muttered in frustration, “Why is Houston coming to our house every other day?”
Jackson, keenly aware of how men think, chimed in. “Madam Linda, that guy might actually have feelings for Rose.”
Sam, as if a light bulb had gone off in his head, slapped his forehead. “That sly fox! Instead of chasing Rose outright, he’s taking the indirect approach, using flattery and patience to worm his way in. With all this subtle manipulation, my poor Rose will end up completely under his thumb!”
Jackson, however, remained confident. “Madam Linda, I can assure you that Rose wouldn’t fall for someone who works as a
real estate consultant.”
Hearing this, Sam and Linda inadvertently learned about Houston’s occupation. While they believed that no job was inherently inferior, they also felt that compatibility in a marriage required more than just similar family backgrounds–it also demanded aligned levels of education and professional standing.
To Sam and Linda, a salesperson’s talent for persuasion posed a risk. Their reserved and straightforward daughter, Rose, could easily become someone under Houston’s control. For them, a marriage between the two seemed like a mismatch in Every sense.
This only strengthened their dislike of Houston.
Linda made a firm promise to Jackson. “Jackson, as long as you truly care for Rose, Sam and I will fully support your relationslup with her. And as for Houston, we’ll make sure Rose stays away from him”
Jackson nodded with satisfaction.
At the same time, Rose and Houston were walking side by side along the ginkgo–linest path in the Bloomingdale Residence.
utumn had crept in unnoticed, and the cool night air brushed gently under a sky full of stars
Suddenly. Rose’s phone rang. It was Linda. Though her tone was subdued, it was unmistakably furious. “Rose, there’s an important guest at home. Come back immediately! Does Houston not know how to find his way back? Do you have to take this long to send him off?”
I’ll
Tll be back soon, Rose replied.
After ending the call, Rose turned to Houston with an apologetic look.
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Chapter 28 Different Values, Separate Paths
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Houston stopped walking, his deep black eyes glimmering like stars against the night sky, filled with a faint but hopeful light.
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