Chapter 142: Father and Daughter's Synchronized Verbal Attack Struck Like Daggers

Father and daughter's synchronized verbal attack struck like daggers. Brooke Walsh's smug expression twisted instantly.

"You—" She instinctively sniffed her sleeve, as if actually detecting the sour odor Clara had mentioned.

"Mark my words!"

She fled in humiliation.

A shower was urgently needed.

Clara gripped the mop, feeling like a triumphant warrior.

Helen sighed with mixed satisfaction. "A young lady shouldn't threaten people with cleaning tools."

"She started it." Clara crouched to gather the scattered wisteria blossoms tenderly.

Daniel had already begun quietly tidying up. "When the weather clears, I'll move the trellis to the yard."

He avoided conflict.

And refused to let his family suffer.

Clara spoke suddenly. "Dad, tolerance only emboldens bullies."

Today Brooke destroyed their flowers. Tomorrow she'd escalate.

Daniel sighed. "After decades as neighbors, I know her nature. But we must maintain civility."

Helen agreed. "Let it go. She's not worth it."

"Then..." Clara blinked. "What if we moved?"

Her parents exchanged amused glances, dismissing it as childish fantasy.

Move?

Impossible!

No.2 High School occupied prime downtown real estate with astronomical housing prices. Their savings could barely afford a suburban studio.

Daniel's daily walk to school was perfectly convenient.

* * *

The fourth day of the new year dawned clear after snowfall.

Clara rose before sunrise.

When her parents awoke, steaming breakfast awaited them.

Fragrant yam porridge. Golden-brown pan-fried buns. Sandwiches with tender corn kernels.

"Delicious!" Daniel's eyes lit up. "Almost as good as my cooking!"

Helen sniffed. "Our daughter surpasses you."

"Only thanks to my superior genes." He puffed with pride.

Helen ignored him.

After breakfast, Clara suggested a family stroll.

Basking in winter sunlight, they ambled along the riverbank.

Clara subtly guided them around a bend.

Before they realized, they stood before a gleaming new real estate sales office.