Chapter 159: Daniel Whitmore Gripped His Phone

"I need to discuss this with Helen first..." Daniel Whitmore gripped his phone, hesitation evident in his voice.

"Discuss?" The elderly woman's displeasure crackled through the line. "A grown man like you can't make a simple decision?"

"Mom, this isn't trivial..."

"Enough! Your father and I are coming tomorrow!" She cut him off sharply before slamming the phone down.

Daniel sighed and set his phone aside.

"What's wrong?" Helen stepped in from the garden, noticing her husband's troubled expression.

"Mom insists on celebrating the Lantern Night here tomorrow..."

Helen smiled. "Perfect. Let's invite Howard and Diane too—make it a family gathering."

The next morning, Helen headed to the farmer's market early.

By four in the afternoon, relatives began arriving.

Denise Carver froze in the foyer. Though she'd heard about the villa, seeing it firsthand left a bitter taste in her mouth.

She stood speechless for a long moment.

"Stop gawking," Howard Carver nudged her.

"Congratulations..." Denise forced a strained smile.

Tessa Carver eyed the surroundings eagerly. "Aunt Helen, can I look around?"

"Of course." Helen nodded warmly.

Tessa circled the living room twice before vanishing upstairs.

Diane Harrow had taken the day off, arriving with a thick gift envelope.

"Such a beautiful home." She pressed the envelope into Helen's hands.

"Diane, you shouldn't—"

"Keep it. We're family."

The elderly couple followed Diane inside, sinking onto the plush sectional.

Their eyes swept the space, widening at the understated luxury.

Every curated detail—selected by Clara and Helen—spoke of refinement.

"Daniel, how much did this place cost?" Walter Caldwell couldn't help asking.

"Clara handled the renovations. I'm not entirely sure..." Daniel deflected modestly.

"Must be at least five million," Denise interjected. "More than we'll earn in a lifetime."

Claire Porter stood stiffly nearby, her expression dark. "Third Brother has an exceptional daughter. No use comparing."

"Exactly," Denise added with a pointed smile. "Clara's so capable. Our Tessa could never measure up."