He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 126

Grace shot Ethan a sideways glance. “Now that’s more like it.”

In the living room, as Grace and Ethan’s voices echoed, Vivian lay quietly in bed—unusually calm.

Her feelings for Ethan had faded.

A man with no money, no responsibility, and a wandering heart—how could he compare to Houston? Handsome, wealthy, and emotionally restrained, Houston made Ethan look utterly useless.

Vivian couldn’t bear the idea of being tied to a man like Ethan for life. Her ambition was already stirring—how could she win a man like Houston?

Without hesitation, she picked up her phone and texted him: “Houston, keep your wife in check. If I ever see her getting into Ethan’s car again, I won’t let it slide.”

She hit send with gleeful anticipation.

Surely, when Houston saw how close Rose and Ethan were, he’d feel disappointed in Rose. And when that happened, Vivian would step in—gentle, wounded, and innocent. Sooner or later, he’d look her way.

She knew Houston was annoyed by her. But she believed in persistence. A relentless woman always wins.

Even if it began as a toxic entanglement, wasn’t it still fate?

…

Elsewhere.

Houston’s expression darkened as soon as he read the message. His handsome face clouded like a storm front.

He hated Vivian’s shamelessness—especially her intrusive texts—but the part about Rose getting into Ethan’s car… that hit differently.

He glanced toward Rose, who was quietly studying at her desk. Lips parted slightly, he considered asking—but in the end, couldn’t bring himself to interrupt her.

Just then, a message from Daniel popped up. It was a forward from Ethan—Ethan had messaged Daniel trying to take credit for Rose’s “value,” attempting to leverage it for personal gain.

Daniel added: “Sir, Ethan wants to use Rose as a bargaining chip. How should we deal with him?”

Houston’s gaze deepened. His eyes lingered on Rose. Her feelings for Ethan… They would determine how harshly he should act.

If Rose still harbored even a trace of affection, Houston knew that eliminating Ethan mercilessly might only cause her lifelong pain.

But Ethan was still his rival. A scheming hypocrite.

In the end, the decision came quietly—Houston’s lips curved coldly. “Give him a taste of what he wants.”

Daniel was baffled. “Sir, isn’t that letting him off too easily?”

Houston replied calmly, “The higher he climbs, the harder the fall.”

That was the Houston Clarke everyone feared. Spending this much effort on a nobody like Ethan? Clearly, the CEO had time to spare.

Ethan froze for a moment. He hated the way she ordered him around. But he still didn’t dare offend her—so he obediently carried the dishes to the kitchen.

By the time he got to the hospital, he was already over ten minutes late.

He rushed to explain, but to his surprise, his supervisor greeted him warmly. “Ethan! You’ve got serious connections, huh? Why didn’t you tell us earlier? Work hard—your future’s looking bright.”

Ethan instantly understood—Ryan had put in a word for him.

Heaven is near, he thought joyfully.

He strutted back to his office. Passing Rose’s clinic, he caught a glimpse of her surrounded by patients. She looked radiant in action.

This Rose… she really shines.

Far more than Vivian, who now lay at home depending on others.

I was blind, Ethan thought bitterly. I let Rose go, and picked the wrong woman.

He remembered that his sudden career boost had come through Rose. Shame flooded him.

By lunchtime, he stopped by her clinic and offered awkwardly, “Rose… want to grab lunch? My treat.”