Chapter 135: Denise Carver Stood in the Center of the Living Room

Denise Carver stood in the center of the living room, clad in a neon green sweater with an exaggerated perm that made her resemble a walking Christmas tree.

"My goodness, is that Clara?" she exclaimed dramatically, clapping her hands. "I barely recognize you after all these years!"

Howard Carver frowned and tugged at his wife's sleeve. Dressed in a beige turtleneck with slicked-back hair, he looked much younger than his age.

"Keep it down," he warned in a low voice.

Denise pursed her lips. "Can't I be happy? Daniel and Helen have missed Clara terribly since she left for Ashford University."

She enthusiastically grabbed Clara's hands, examining her from head to toe. Clara wore a soft apricot sweater with a brown maxi skirt, a butterfly hair clip completing her gentle, elegant look.

"Just look at this poise! Only someone who's lived in the capital could carry themselves like this," Denise marveled.

Tessa Carver rolled her eyes from the couch. Her tight crop top and JK skirt paired with heavy eyeliner screamed teenage rebellion.

"Mom, must you be so loud?" She shook her phone impatiently.

Denise immediately glared. "Look at your cousin, then look at you! Always glued to that phone!"

Daniel Whitmore glanced around. "Where's Raymond?"

Diane Harrow poked her head out from the kitchen. "On a client call in the study. Even during the holidays, he can't catch a break."

The grandmother instantly declared, "We'll wait to eat until Raymond finishes."

The grandfather nodded in agreement. "Yes, we'll wait for him."

Diane looked uneasy. "But—"

"It's settled!" The grandmother's tone brooked no argument.

Helen silently retreated to a corner seat. Rescued from a river by Daniel as an orphan with no family, she'd never been accepted by her in-laws.

Clara sat beside her mother, making no effort to charm her grandparents. In this household, she and her mother would always remain outsiders.