Chapter 139: Clara Whitmore's Past Remained a Taboo Subject in the Whitmore Household

Clara Whitmore's past remained a taboo subject in the Whitmore household. Years ago, Daniel Whitmore and Helen Whitmore had rushed to the capital overnight, only to return tight-lipped about their daughter's affairs.

Whispers swirled through social circles—claims that Clara had abandoned her studies for some wealthy heir. Some said the boy came from old money, no wonder she'd dropped out to chase that golden ticket.

Daniel's brow furrowed. Helen clenched her napkin.

"We broke up ages ago." Clara's tone was calm, as if discussing the weather.

Denise Carver clicked her tongue. "Those old-money families don't marry just anyone. He was probably toying with you." Her eyes gleamed. "A girl's reputation matters. All those wasted years... surely you got some compensation?"

Visions of million-dollar breakup settlements from soap operas danced in her head. The more she thought, the more bitter she grew—why should her niece have landed such a catch?

"What compensation would you suggest, Aunt Denise?" Clara's gaze turned razor-sharp.

"Money. Property..."

"Enough!" Daniel slammed the table. "Denise, know your place!"

She bristled. "I'm showing concern!"

Helen grasped her daughter's icy hand. "Slander carries legal consequences, Denise."

The usually meek Helen's counterattack stunned Denise. She kicked her husband under the table. "Cat got your tongue?"

Howard Carver kept shoveling food into his mouth. Tessa Carver pretended to scroll through her phone.

Grandmother Catherine threw down her chopsticks. "Must we ruin the holidays? Denise's blunt, but she's right. Those capital playboys think they can discard our girls without repercussions?"

"Mother!" Daniel's eyes reddened. "Clara is your granddaughter!"

Helen took a steadying breath. "We're done here." She pulled Clara up. "Daniel, we're leaving."

Catherine hurled a teacup to the floor. "Outrageous! Sons forget their mothers once they take wives!"

She pointed at Helen's retreating back. "That vixen and her little harlot can stay gone!"

The shattering porcelain echoed through the dining room. Daniel didn't look back as he slammed the door behind them.