Chapter 134: Clara's Fingers Twisted Together

Clara's fingers twisted together. After a long pause, she finally murmured, "Dad, I..."

"When did you learn to fight like that?" Daniel suddenly mimicked her mop-swinging motion from earlier.

Clara was momentarily speechless.

"Ahem!" Daniel put on a stern face. "Young ladies should be more refined."

"Dad," Clara looped her arm through his, "just tell me—did it feel satisfying or not?"

Daniel's mouth twitched. "...Satisfying."

"Was it her who tore down our wisteria vine by the fence?"

There had been an empty plot between their houses that Brooke had arbitrarily claimed for vegetable gardening. The Whitmore's wisteria had barely crept over the wall when she yanked it out by the roots.

Daniel was mild-tempered, and Helen disliked confrontation. Over the years, Brooke had come to believe the land rightfully belonged to her.

"She said it was blocking sunlight from her vegetables." Daniel sighed. "Your mother couldn't sleep for days afterward."

Clara bit her lower lip. She hadn't realized how much her parents had silently endured all these years.

"Dad, what they said about me..."

"Don't listen!" Daniel's voice suddenly rose. "Nobody knows my daughter better than I do!"

Clara's eyes grew warm.

"Don't mention this to your mother. She takes things to heart."

"Okay."

* * *

On the second day of the New Year, Helen dragged Clara out of bed at dawn.

"Hurry up and get ready. Wear something nice—we're visiting your uncle Raymond's."

Among the four Whitmore siblings, Daniel was the third eldest. Raymond had built his fortune in construction materials and was now a prominent local businessman.

In previous years, only Daniel and Helen paid the New Year's visit. This time, Clara joined them.

"Happy New Year, Aunt Diane."

Diane stared at the graceful young woman at the doorway. "Is that... Clara?"

Helen handed over a gift with a smile. "Happy New Year, sister-in-law."

"You shouldn't have brought anything!" Diane accepted the present. "We've been waiting—come in!"

A shrill voice carried from the living room. "Oh my, Clara? After all these years of absence, what brings you back this time?"