Chapter 452: The Parents Arrived Late

The parents arrived late, immediately scolding their children the moment they stepped inside.

"You little brat! Who said you could touch other people's things?"

"I'll break your legs!"

Then they turned to Daniel Whitmore with forced smiles.

"Daniel, kids don’t know any better. Don’t take it to heart."

"Exactly! You’re a successful businessman now. This small loss shouldn’t matter, right?"

Daniel’s lips twitched.

In the end, he just waved it off.

His heart ached as he stared at the shattered television.

It was the latest model—cost him an entire month’s salary.

"Everyone, go home and get some rest."

The next morning, Clara Whitmore was jolted awake by noise before dawn.

Groggy, she fumbled for her phone.

5:30 AM.

Then she remembered.

She threw off the covers and rushed downstairs.

In the living room, several middle-aged women were huddled together, watching loud videos on their phones.

"HAHAHA! This is hilarious!"

"Look at this one!"

Clara frowned.

Her mother’s study was on the first floor. With this racket, writing was impossible.

Before she could speak, the study door swung open.

Helen Whitmore stepped out, her face stormy.

The moment she saw Clara, her expression softened.

"Did we wake you?"

Clara shook her head. "I’ll go buy breakfast."

She couldn’t stand the noise.

Helen nodded. "Be careful."

As Clara left, she sighed.

She turned back toward her study but was stopped by Ruth Caldwell.

"What time is it? Why haven’t you made breakfast?"

Helen kept her patience. "Clara went to get breakfast. She’ll be back soon."

"Buying it?" Ruth’s voice rose. "What a waste of money!"

"Cooking for this many people isn’t practical."

"What’s impractical?" Ruth scoffed. "My daughter-in-law cooks for a dozen people by herself!"

She eyed Helen up and down.

"Do you look down on us country folks?"

Helen’s temple throbbed.

Ruth grew more agitated. "I gave you eggs as a wedding gift! Is this how you repay me?"

She recalled the things she’d heard from others.

This daughter-in-law locked herself away all day. Who knew what she was doing?

A wife who couldn’t even cook—what kind of woman was that?

Helen took a deep breath, forcing down her anger.