Chapter 149: Denise Carver Approached in Her Stilettos

Denise Carver approached in her stilettos, gracefully linking arms with Howard Carver. "What a coincidence, Helen. Fancy running into you here."

Helen Whitmore gave a slight nod. "Hello, Denise."

"What brings you to the sales office? Don't tell me you're house hunting?" Denise widened her eyes in exaggerated surprise.

"No," Helen replied softly. They'd already purchased a property yesterday.

"Is that so..." Denise studied her with a knowing look, her smile widening. "We're here for Waverly Pearl—the hottest luxury development right now! The high-rise units are selling like hotcakes. Everyone's scrambling to get one."

"Luckily Tessa knows the sales manager here, so they reserved a unit for us."

"We just signed the contract."

Denise spoke animatedly, her entire demeanor radiating smug satisfaction.

She watched Helen closely, delighting in the flicker of surprise on her face.

Bet you didn't see that coming?

Jealous?

Too bad you can't afford it.

Helen was indeed surprised—not by envy, but because she hadn't realized her in-laws were moving again. They'd just upgraded to a new place three years prior.

"...That old place was too cramped. The neighborhood wasn't nearly as nice as this one," Denise dismissed airily.

Helen nodded. "What will you do with your current home then—"

Howard started to answer, but Denise tugged his sleeve sharply. She lifted her chin. "We're keeping it. Why sell or rent when we can wait for appreciation?"

The Carver family certainly had that luxury.

"Helen, have you seen the high-rise models here?" Denise abruptly changed the subject.

Helen shook her head. "No."

Yesterday Clara had headed straight for the villa section without glancing at the towers.

"Let me tell you, the finishes are exquisite! All imported appliances, layouts designed by an Italian architect..." Denise gushed. "And the landscaping—premium turf, professional running tracks, sports courts..."

"Living here could add ten years to your life!"

Howard couldn't help interjecting: "That's a bit much, don't you think?"

"Not at all! You saw everything yourself just now," Denise shot back with an eye roll.

Howard fell silent. He simply felt this boasting was inappropriate in front of his sister-in-law.

But that was precisely the reaction Denise wanted.

Her eyes gleamed. "Helen, that old faculty housing you've been in for years is overdue for an upgrade. Why not buy here? We could be neighbors."

"Though the pricing..." She paused deliberately. "Might be steep. But Daniel teaches at that elite prep school, doesn't he? With some private tutoring, he could easily cover the costs."