Chapter 332: Clara Whitmore's Cheerful Voice Carried Through the Phone

"Mom, Dad, why don't you come visit me in Boston for a few days?" Clara Whitmore's cheerful voice carried through the phone.

Daniel Whitmore felt his heart skip a beat.

He missed his daughter terribly. Besides, memories of his student days at Ashford University still felt vivid, filling him with an inexplicable nostalgia for the city.

"But aren't you busy with your thesis? We don't want to disturb you."

"I already submitted it. I've got free time now."

"What about the weather—"

Helen Whitmore cut off her husband's protest. "Don't listen to him. His eyes are practically sparkling."

Daniel rubbed his nose. "I never said no."

Clara laughed. "Then it's settled! I'll book your tickets right away."

She ended the call and swiftly tapped on her phone.

* * *

The Whitmores stared at their booking confirmation in surprise.

"Tomorrow?" Daniel's eyes widened. "And business class? This girl..."

Helen swatted his arm. "Isn't it sweet she wants to see us sooner? Business class is comfortable. Don't you remember how your back ached for three days after that last coach trip?"

"I just don't want her spending too much..."

"When your daughter shows such thoughtfulness, accept it happily." Helen was already packing. "Comfort matters when traveling."

Daniel raised his hands in surrender. "You're absolutely right, dear!"

Helen carefully placed several new dresses in the suitcase, followed by neatly folded casual clothes.

Meanwhile, Daniel crouched in their vegetable garden, distressed.

"These cucumbers are so crisp, and the tomatoes are perfectly ripe..." He wished he could transport the entire garden to Boston.

Helen massaged her temples. "Are you going on vacation or running a farmers' market?"

"But they're all organic..."

"They'll rot during the trip." She decisively closed the suitcase. "Just bring two jars of homemade chili sauce."

Daniel cast one last longing glance at the garden.

* * *

At the train station exit, Clara immediately spotted her parents.

"Mom!" She rushed forward.

Helen recounted Daniel's packing "adventures" from the previous night, sending both women into fits of laughter.

Daniel trailed behind silently, carrying their luggage.

"My apartment's just ahead." Clara pointed as they walked. "It's an older building, but the location's perfect."

They climbed seven flights of stairs without noticing the effort, chatting and laughing all the way.

Clara pulled out her keys.

The door across the hall suddenly opened.

Elias Mercer stepped out with an armful of laundry, freezing when he found himself facing three pairs of staring eyes.

The air turned to ice.