Chapter 24 Blind Date, Relentless Pursuit
Houston lowered the car window, his chilling gaze locking onto Ethan.
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Under the faint glow of streetlights, part of his strikingly handsome face was shrouded in shadow, giving him an air of aloof nobility that couldn’t be ignored.
Unexpectedly, Rose appeared before his window. Fearing Ethan might harm Houston in his rage, she quickly said, “Houston, go ahead. I’ll take care of this.
The light shifted, and Houston’s expression remained unreadable, but his lips seemed to curve in a subtle, contented smile.
“Rose, if you need help, don’t hesitate to call me,” he said as he sped off.
Ethan closely listened to Houston’s voice, recalling the chilling tone from that night when he’d been threatened. Tonight, however, Houston’s voice was warm and soft, a stark contrast to the previous dark, foreboding sound.
They were two entirely different voices, yet their distinctive tones were surprisingly similar.
Unsure. Ethan held back, unwilling to act rashly.
Vivian watched Houston drive off and sneered, “Rose, who is he? He’s dropping you off so late–could he be your new boyfriend?”
Ethan’s jealousy flared. It hadn’t even been a full month since his breakup with Rose, and she was already with someone else. He couldn’t hide the frustration in his voice.
“No wonder you dumped me so quickly–you must have already found someone new,” he said, his tone bitter.
Rose shot him an angry look. “Do you think everyone’s like you? Letting desire control you and betraying me?”
Not wanting to let Vivian and Ethan spread rumors about her and Houston, Rose casually responded. “He’s just a patient. He was simply giving me a ride home. She then turned and started walking away.
Ethan wasn’t an idiot. He knew Houston had been dropping Rose off multiple times, which clearly meant there was more to it. Filled with jealousy, he sneered, “Rose, as your ex, let me give you a little advice. Men like him–rich and powerful–don’t take relationships seriously. Especially not with someone from a modest background like yours. He’s just using you. You should keep your distance from him.”
Rose stopped in her tracks, her mind finally putting things together. She turned around, her gaze piercing. “Is this why you broke up with me?”
Ethan fell silent, not knowing how to respond.
Rose continued. “Did you really think my background wasn’t good enough for you, that I couldn’t help you in your career?”
For a moment, Ethan’s expression froze, his stance awkward. He didn’t know how to respond.
Rose, uninterested in his response, turned and walked away without a second glance.
Vivian, observing Ethan, felt a mixture of emotions. She realized that Ethan wasn’t with her out of love; it was more likely because her father’s influence could provide the connections to propel his career forward.
At home, Rose was inet with an excited Sam, who had just finished his call with Linda He beamed at Rose, I got a report back from the matchmaker about your date with Jackson. She says he’s really impressed with you. Tomorrow, he’s planning
to come over and meet
Hase stood in stunned silence, confused.
Hadwi I made it clear to Jackson that I ain’t interested? Why was he still so persistent with me!
The following day. Sam went to the supermarket and picked up a lot of expensive fresh fruit. On his way home, he was in an umnsually good mood. As he passed by the neighbors, they couldn’t resist teasing him. “Sam, what’s the special occasion for all the delicious food today?”
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Chapter 24 Blind Date, Relentless Pursuit
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Sam, straightforward as ever, replied, “Oh, today Rose’s blind date is coming over. He’s a postdoc from Kingsford College. and since he’s been living abroad, I bought some things I thought he’d like.”
The neighbors, who had earlier expressed regret over Rose missing out on a domestic PhD husband, now viewed her Kingsford College date with admiration.
“Rose is truly remarkable: even the men she casually chooses are beyond what other girls could ever dream of”
One neighbor jokingly added, “You better keep a close eye on him. Don’t let someone else steal such a great guy.”
Grace, walking down the street, overheard the conversation and felt both embarrassed and angry.
Sam, unfazed by his old friend’s feelings, smiled proudly. “You all know Rose has always been outstanding. She’s always been top of her class. It’s only natural she attracts someone like him.”
Aaron’s expression turned sour. His daughter had a lower education level, and to secure a high–achieving boyfriend like Ethan, she had to take him from Rose.
Sam didn’t care, humming a tune as he returned home with the groceries.
Grace muttered to herself, “He loves to boast. There’s no way someone from Kingsford College would be interested in Rose.
Reality quickly proved Grace wrong.
When they got home, they heard loud chatter from the Marshall family’s house. Grace couldn’t resist glancing over.
The Marshall family’s door was open, and she saw a tall, slender, fair–skinned man with gold–rimmed glasses sitting next to Rose on the couch.
The coffee table was piled with expensive gifts.
Grace couldn’t help comparing him to her son–in–law. While both men were well–educated, Ethan came from a poor family. dressed simply, and never bought them gifts.
In contrast, Jackson came from wealth, and everything about him, from his manners to his choice of gifts, spoke of elegance.
Grace felt uncomfortable, thinking her son–in–law seemed lacking by comparison. She walked into the house with a sour
expression.
Sam, wanting to give Rose and Jackson some private time, slyly pulled out two movie tickets and said to Rose, “Rose, why don’t you take Jackson to see a movie? It’ll be the perfect way to end the evening before dinner.”
Hour looked reluctant.
Jackson, confident and straightforward, grabbed Rose by the arm and pulled her up from her seat. “Rose, let’s go see a movie”
Under Sam’s sharp gaze, Rose reluctantly agreed.
They left and went to the theater, where Jackson hough Rose some popcorn and a cup of milk tea.
As the movie began, Rose found the romantic plot utterly unengaging. She kept eating popcorn, and when it was gone, her throat began to hurt.
Wanting something soothing, she realized the milk tea might make her throat worse. She held onto it but didn’t drink.
“Don’t you like the milk tear Jackson asked suddenly “Should I get you a new one?”
Rose, not wanting to trouble him, shook her head and smiled. “No, I like it.”
She absentmindedly sipped ran the straw while her mind wandered away from the movie
