He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 44

What Maxwell hadn’t expected was that Ryan might actually have a girl he liked.

"I want everything there is to know about that girl," Maxwell ordered, clearly agitated.

His secretary replied cautiously, "Mr. Jefferson has been keeping things quiet. If we move too quickly, it might put him on alert."

Maxwell frowned. "I don’t care. We don’t let just anyone marry into the Clarke family. Find a way to get the information—quietly."

"Yes, sir," the secretary replied respectfully.

It was Houston’s first visit to the Bloomingdale Residence as Rose’s fiancé, and his car was packed to the brim with luxury gifts.

Rose and Linda met him outside. On the way over, Linda whispered to Rose, ever the skeptic.

"Rose, now that Houston’s your boyfriend, that makes him family. You know your dad and I aren’t getting any younger—we’ll be needing his help in the future. Don’t say a word to him about it, though. I want to see for myself how he treats us. You can tell a lot about a person from the little things."

Rose couldn’t help but smile.

When they reached the parking lot, Houston had just pulled into a spot. Rose ran over with a bright smile. "Houston!"

Not seeing Linda behind her, Houston instinctively reached out and gave Rose’s cheek a gentle pinch. "I picked up a few gifts for your parents. Come help me carry them."

Linda overheard—and instantly frowned. He’s making my daughter carry the gifts?

But the second Houston opened the trunk and revealed a trunk full of luxury gifts, Linda swallowed her irritation.

"Houston, why on earth did you buy so much?" Rose exclaimed.

Houston smiled. "I stopped by the mall this afternoon and saw a few things you might like—ended up buying more than I planned."

"That must have cost a fortune," Rose said, worried.

Houston replied warmly, "What’s the point of making money if not to spend it on you?"

Linda’s smile stretched wide. A man who spoils my daughter? Now we’re talking.

"Houston, you really didn’t have to do all this. We’re family now—make yourself at home. No need to spend so much. Besides, you’ll need to save up to give Rose the wedding she deserves."

Linda’s smile faded. Is she worried Houston can’t afford it?

Linda noticed—and couldn’t stop smiling. Maybe this guy isn’t so bad after all.