Chapter 29 The CEO Undermined
Chapter 29 The CEO Undermined
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“Rose, how much longer are you going to keep me hidden? Following you around without a clear status makes them misunderstand my intentions. Though Houston usually exuded an air of confidence and charisma, his rare display of vulnerability tugged at Rose’s protective instincts.
“Houston, I know this has been hard on you. I’m just afraid my mom won’t accept that we got married so quickly, which is why I’ve been hesitant to tell her.”
Houston smiled faintly and pulled Rose into his embrace. His strong arms wrapped around her protectively.
“Rose. I promise our mom will like me.
Looking into Houston’s sincere and clear eyes, Rose couldn’t imagine anyone disliking him.
Rose smiled. Then I’ll go tell her now.”
“Alright.” Houston’s happiness was unmistakable.
When Rose got home. Sam and Linda were already sitting on the sofa, their stern gazes fixed on her.
Rose walked over and sat down across from them. She opened her mouth to reveal her relationship with Houston, but Sam and Linda spoke first.
“Be honest–what’s your relationship with Houston?”
Before Rose could respond, Linda fired string of questions.
“Do you know anything about his family? Do you know what he does for a living? Do you know about his relatives?”
Rose realized she couldn’t answer any of them. The intense questioning sent chills down her spine. To hershock, she found that she didn’t truly know much about the man she had married.
Based on Rose’s inability to answer, Sam and Linda quickly made their decision.
“From now on, you are not allowed to see him anymore. Rose, Jackson is your destined match. Focus on getting along with Jackson from now on.”
Rose couldn’t argue. She remained silent.
The next morning.
With Sam and Linda’s blessing, Jackson arrived at the Marshall house holding a bouquet of roses, ready to escort Rose to
work.
Reluctantly, and only to appease her parents, Rose followed Jackson out the door.
Unfortunately, just as they left, they ran into Ethan, who was being sent off by Vivian
Vivian, feigning casual conversation, said, “Rose, I was worried you’d take forever to move on after your breakup. I didn’t expect you’d find someone new so quickly. I’m truly happy for you.”
Her words were clearly aimed at Ethan, insinuating that Rose’s feelings for him had been shallow.
Ethan’s expression turned sour, and he sniped, “Rose, I thought you were someone with high standards who wouldn’t settle. I didn’t expect you to be so desperate. I’m really disappointed”
Rose shot him a glare and retorted, “Ethan, don’t embarrass yourself. There’s nothing about you that can compare to the man
beside me.”
Ethan glanced at Jackson dismissively, his tone laced with mockery. “What is he a god sent from heaven?”
Rose smirked. “You’re not far off. He sat for the SATs the same year as you and ranked first nationwide. And you? Somewhere in the thousands, wasn’t it?”
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Ethan hadn’t anticipated Rose’s sharp comeback and was immediately stumped. After a moment of silence, he bit out sarcastically, “Rose, you’ve done well for yourself. Breaking up with me and finding someone so extraordinary right away
Rose countered coolly, “Not as well as you, starting with someone else before we even broke up.”
Ethan and Vivian were left in an uncomfortable silence.
Vivian, unwilling to back down, snapped, “Rose, you’d better hold on tight to your exceptional boyfriend. Don’t start looking elsewhere while keeping what you already have.”
Rose frowned, realizing she was likely alluding to her kiss with Houston.
Rose laughed coldly. “Isn’t that your husband’s expertise?”
Vivian was visibly furious. You-
At that moment, the elevator arrived at the ground floor. Rose stepped out without hesitation. Jackson hesitated momentarily before following her with brisk steps.
Ethan stood there, staring at their departing figures, his expression a mixture of emotions he couldn’t quite hide.
“Rose Jackson called out, chasing after her.
Rose paused, waiting for him to catch up, but as soon as he reached her, she quickened her steps again.
Jackson suddenly grabbed her by the arm, his expression darkening Rose, is it true what they were saying?”
Rose looked at him, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“Are you really seeing two guys at the same time?”
Rose’s face alternated between pale and flushed before she retorted sharply, “Mr. Jackson, let’s be clear–I never agreed to date you. From the moment we met, I told you clearly that the person I care about is Houston. If they misunderstood me and. assumed I’m involved with two people, isn’t it because of your unwarranted assumptions?”
Jackson froze, seemingly taking time to absorb her words.
After a moment, clarity washed over him, and he realized his mistake. Ashamed, he hurried to catch up to her.
“Rose. I’m sorry. I made a mistake.”
Seeing his sincere expiression, Rose suddenly connected the dots. She blurted out, “Are you an Asperger’s patient?” Asperger’s patient?”
Jackson looked startled, “How could you tell?”
Rose answered tactfully. “You seem to have some difficulty with understanding and processing language. Earlier, when I was having such a heated argument with them, you stayed silent the whole time. I suspect you might have a fear or aversion to social interactions in group settings. But you’re a top scholar with high intelligence, so I guessed you might be a high- functioning Asperger’s patient
Jackson’s eyes filled with hope and excitement as he looked at her. “Rose, do you know how rare it is for someone to notice that I’m an Asperger’s patient? Most people don’t pick up on it anymore because I’ve learned to adapt and mimic so well. But you recognized it right away. You must be the person who understands me the most in this world. Meeting you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Overcome with emotion, Jackson reached out and held Rose’s hand.
Aloud honk suddenly blared from a car parked on the side of the road. Startled, Rose pulled her hand back abruptly, unsure whether it was Jackson’s actions or the honk that had scared her.
Jackson frowned in irritation at the car, only to see Houston roll down the window. His perfectly sculpted face was clouded with a dark, stormy expression.
After a moment of hesitation, Jackson mustered his courage and strode over to Houston, openly challenging him. “Houston, I’m determined to make Rose mine. You’re not worthy of her, so I sugges you step aside.”
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Chapter 29 The CEO Undermined
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Houston regarded him with the same expression one might give a fool. I’m not worthy of her? And you are?”
Jackson retorted, “I’ll admit you’re more handsome than I am, but besides that, what else do you have going for you?”
Houston was momentarily rendered speechless by Jackson’s boldness.
Jackson’s gaze fell on Houston’s car, and a smug sense of superiority flickered in his eyes. “Judging by your age, you’ve probably been working for years. Yet all you’ve managed to afford is an economy car. On the other hand, I just graduated, and my parents gave me a multimillion–dollar luxury car as a graduation gift. If Rose marries me, her standard of living will be far higher than it ever could be with you.”
Houston was utterly baffled by Jackson’s misplaced confidence.
