Chapter 15 Rose Picks Up Houston, A Heartfelt Moment
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Owen immediately switched to flattery. “Houston, don’t hold a grudge. Think about all the running around I did for Madam Linda today. Can’t you let me off the hook just this once?”
Houston ignored Owen’s attempt to butter him up, focusing on his call with Rose. “Rose, Owen is my cousin. He can be a bit reckless, so I hope you’ll be patient with him.”
Rose felt immense gratitude towards Owen for stepping in to support her today. His boldness, instead of irritating her, felt refreshingly honest and even appealing.
“Houston, Owen helped me a lot today. Rose said sincerely. “I’d like to invite him and Dr. Jason to dinner. Will you join us?
Houston hesitated. Dr. Jason had already charged him a fortune for Linda’s treatment, and Owen’s monthly allowance was extravagant enough. Did these two really need a dinner invitation?
But Rose’s gratitude and thoughtfulness were priceless to him. He didn’t want to discourage her kind intentions.
“You’re very thoughtful. Dr. Jason does deserve our thanks. I’ll be in Crestview at 4 p.m. this afternoon. I’ll meet you at the hotel afterward”
“Okay Rose replied.
After hanging up, she handed Owen’s phone back to him and said, “Tonight at 6 p.m. at Starlit Savory. Don’t forget to come.” Then she hurried away.
“Rose, where are you off to?”
“I’m going to the airport,” she called back without turning around.
“Seriously, Houston’s a full–grown adult. Does he really need you to pick him up?” Owen stood there, stunned.
Then, an idea struck him, and he quickly sent Houston a text. “Rose is coming to pick you up. Make sure you keep your identity under wraps.”
When Houston read the message, a warm smile spread across his face, his heart filled with happiness?
By 4 p.m., Rose was at the airport. During her lunch break, she had gone home to tidy up, take a shower, and change into a clean outfit before heading out
When Houston emerged from the terminal, his tall figure and commanding presence stood out immediately. Rose spotted. him right away.
She stood gracefully among the crowd of people waiting for arrivals.
Houston quickened his steps towards her. “Rose”
Ruse moved towards him in return.
Before they could meet, a couple nearby rushed past them, hugging each other enthusiastically. The girl held a bouquet of bright red roses.
Rose saw this and stopped in her tracks. She glanced around and noticed that most people waiting for arrivals were holding llowers, chocolates, or other gifts. She looked down at her empty hands, suddenly feeling embarrassed. When Houston reached her, she gave him an awkward smile.
sorry, I didn’t think to bring a gift for you”
Houston reached out, gently ruffled her hair, and handed her a gitt instead. “It’s okay. I brought something for you.”
His thoughtful gesture left Rose feeling both touched and guilty.
In that moment, she suddenly realized that she hadn’t been a good wile.
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Chapter 15 Rose Picks Up Houston, A Heartfelt Moment
+5 Free Coins
She had gone two or three days without her phone, not thinking about how worried Houston must have been when he couldn’t reach her.
She also realized her heart was still entangled in her past relationship, preventing her from fully committing to her marriage with Houston,
This moment of self–reflection awakened in Rose a sense of responsibility and commitment to her role as Houston’s wife.
She received Houston’s gift, not particularly curious about what was inside, but hugged it to her chest as though it were priceless.
“Thank you, Houston.”
Houston gently took her hand and led her out of the airport. “Actually, I should be the one thanking you. Rose, in all my life. no one has ever come to pick me up from the airport before. You’re the first.”
Rose was surprised. She remembered her first international flight as an exchange student. Her parents had been so anxious, worrying about motion sickness, the pressure changes during takeoff, or whether the airplane food would suit her. They had come to see her off with bags of essentials and had greeted her return with arms full of gifts and snacks.
Though Houston spoke casually, Rose felt a deep sadness for him. Not one to linger in melancholy, she decided to cheer him up. Tightening her grip on his arm, she smiled and said. “From now on, I’ll always come to pick you up.”
Houston chuckled. “Rose, if you keep doing this, you’ll spoil me.”
Thinking of her past with Ethan, Rose replied, “That’s okay, You’re worth it.”
Houston’s smile faded at the thought of Ethan. To compare him to that man was unacceptable.
“Rose, I want to be spoiled by you. Rose stopped momentarily, feeling a bit taken aback.
As they exited the airport, the frequent looks and hushed comments from onlookers caught her attention. Are we really standing out that much? She wondered.
She soon heard a hushed but excited voice nearby. “Oh my gosh, isn’t that Ryan, the legendary business mogul? He’s even more stunning in person!”
Rose chuckled, realizing they had mistaken Houston for someone else.
She flagged down a taxi and, showing her consideration, opened the door for Houston.
Houston’s expression briefly stiffened at the sight of the taxi, but he said nothing and bent down to
get in.
From behind, Rose heard the disappointed voice of the same woman. “It can’t be Ryan. Ryan wouldn’t take a taxi, and he doesn’t even have a girlfriend.”
“But he really does look like him, another added,
Hose smiled to herself and climbed into the taxi.
By 5:30 p.m.
Rose was at Starlit Savory, showing up thirty minutes early to ensure everything was ready for the evening › dunner with their esteemed guests.
Aware that Houston was exhausted from traveling, she helped him relax with hypnosis so he could rest before the dinner.
To her surprise, she ran into someone she hadn’t expected–the sharp–tongued Charlotte from the hospital.
When Charlotte spotted Rose, a disdainful smirk appeared on her face. ‘Dr. Marshall, I didn’t expect someone about to lose their job to be dining at such a luxurious hotel
Rose wasn’t someone who often visited luxurious places, but for the people who had saved her mother’s life, she didn’t hesitate to spend generously
Rose replied, “You’ve accused me of neglecting my duties, but the hospital values fairness Whether I was derelict in my duties or not, I trust the hospital will clear my name.”
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Chapter 15 Rose Picks Up Houston, A Heartfelt Moment
+5 Free Coins
Charlotte sneered, her lips curling into a mocking smile. “Dr. Marshall, you’re both naive and foolish. If I dislike someone, i can make sure they’re out of Crestview in no time, not to mention the entire health institute” Her tone was dripping with intimidation.
Rose, full of pride and courage, didn’t waver. “Madam Charlotte, Crestview doesn’t bend to your will, especially not someone like you who’s contributed nothing to it. With that, she walked away, her dignity intact.
Charlotte gritted her teeth, furious. She wasn’t used to encountering someone who didn’t crumble under her threats.
From nearby, a tall figure observed the exchange
As he watched Rose face the affluent woman with bold confidence, his mesmerizing eyes softened with a smile of approval.
When Charlotte turned around and saw him, her furious expression instantly gave way to embarrassment.
“Ryan, what brings you here?” she asked awkwardly.
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