Chapter 335: Helen Rolled Her Eyes

"You conducting a background check now?" Daniel Whitmore frowned. "Besides, Clara probably doesn't know much about his personal affairs. What's the point asking her? Next time, just ask Elias directly."

Helen nodded thoughtfully. "Fine, I'll ask him myself when I get the chance."

"Wait—you're actually serious?" Daniel's eyes widened.

Helen rolled her eyes. "Clara, do we have any rock sugar?"

"Yes, I'll get it." Clara rose and headed to the kitchen.

Once their daughter was out of earshot, Helen lowered her voice. "Clara lives alone, and this Professor Mercer is her neighbor across the hall. They're on good terms. Shouldn't I get to know him better?"

"Ah, right," Daniel scratched his head. "My wife's always so thorough. Heh..."

Helen shot him a glare. "Don't get cozy. What will Clara think if she sees you like this?"

"Ahem!" Daniel immediately straightened up. "I'll behave!"

Clara had already prepared a room for her parents, complete with a brand-new bed. The sheets and duvet covers were carefully chosen, freshly laundered, and sun-dried to perfection—soft and fluffy.

"Mom, Dad, rest for a bit," Clara said gently. "Later, I'll take you out to explore. You've been to Ashford University a few times, but we never got to properly sightsee. This time, we'll make up for it."

Daniel and Helen had indeed visited Ashford University three times before.

The first was when they dropped Clara off for college, hearts full of hope.

The second was after hearing she'd started dating someone—they came specifically to meet Grant Holloway. But he arrived late, rushed through a meal, and left.

The third was her graduation, only to learn she'd abandoned further studies to chase so-called love. That visit ended badly, with harsh words and tension.

The first two trips weren't exactly pleasant memories. Hopefully, this time would be different...

While her parents napped, Clara went to the market for fresh ingredients and fruit—all their favorites. Towels and slippers were already set out.

At dinner, Helen eyed the spread and raised a brow. "Not bad. You've inherited my skills."

Daniel muttered under his breath, "Pretty sure those are my skills..."

Helen pretended not to hear. Clara smiled and handed them chopsticks. "Shall we eat?"

After the meal, the three strolled through Ashford University's campus. The sunset painted half the sky crimson as students wandered in small groups.

Clara led her parents down the tree-lined paths to the library. Daniel froze at the sight of the grand building, mesmerized—until Helen physically dragged him away.

Back home, Daniel was still mumbling. "I never got to see Ashford University Library..."

As a rural kid who'd attended Calder Institute of Technology in his youth, he never had the chance to explore other campuses.

At bedtime, he pleaded with Helen. "Take me back another day, okay?"

Recognizing his bookish obsession, Helen agreed easily.

"Honey, you're the best~"