He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 45

Grace’s face darkened instantly.

Houston didn’t even greet her. He simply walked inside with Linda.

In the kitchen, Linda called out to Sam, who was busy cooking. "Honey, come help!"

Sam came out, spatula still in hand. "Whoa—how’d you end up carrying so much stuff?"

Linda shot him a look. "Didn’t you see? Houston’s carrying even more. Go give him a hand."

Sam looked at his wife, confused. Just a few days ago, they’d been plotting how to break up Houston and their daughter. Now Linda was acting warm and friendly.

Was she bought off by all these gifts? No way. Linda would never trade Rose’s happiness for a pile of presents… right?

Sam reached out to take some of Houston’s bags, but Houston politely declined. "It’s alright. I’ve got this. Go help Rose instead."

Sam turned to look at Rose, who was carrying nothing heavier than a small bag of ginseng.

He was stunned.

Linda set her bags down and pulled Sam into the kitchen.

Sam, glancing back at Houston the whole way, muttered to Linda, "That guy knows what he’s doing. You two better not fall for it too fast."

Linda replied, "I think he’s genuinely good to Rose."

"How can you tell?"

"I can see it. Would someone who didn’t care about her spend that much time and money picking out gifts for us?"

Sam snorted. "Please. You’ve got to spend a little to impress. If he hadn’t thrown some money around, do you really think Rose would’ve fallen for him this fast?"

Linda wasn’t backing down. "I saw how he carried everything himself and didn’t let Rose lift a finger. That really moved me. Remember when she was with Ethan? She was always the one taking care of him. We used to think Ethan was great because he was smart. Now, I think Houston’s every bit as good—and Rose will be happier with him."

Sam sighed. "You don’t know what you’re talking about. When money’s tight, love fades fast. Houston’s a good guy, sure—but his job isn’t that great."

Linda said, "He’s young. He still has time to grow."