Chapter 158: Daniel Whitmore Kept Digging the Soil

Daniel Whitmore kept digging the soil, ignoring Brooke Walsh's sarcastic remarks.

Inside the house, Helen Whitmore heard the commotion and immediately turned away.

She had no intention of wasting her breath on such a person.

Brooke carried a vegetable basket, muttering under her breath, "So what if they're moving out? They're still the ones who got chased away..."

"Brooke, back from grocery shopping?" Mrs. Palmer, their neighbor, greeted her.

"Yep! Got these eggs for half the price at the morning market!" Brooke proudly shook her basket.

She was notorious in the neighborhood for her penny-pinching ways.

"I should learn your budgeting skills. By the way, I heard Mr. Whitmore next door is moving?"

Brooke smirked. "That's right. Wonder where they'll end up—nowhere as convenient as here, I bet."

She secretly gloated. Throwing a tantrum at their age?

Good riddance. At least she wouldn’t have to trim those annoying vines anymore.

Mrs. Palmer lowered her voice. "Could it be because of that argument last time?"

Brooke lifted her chin. "Who knows? If that's the reason, it just proves how petty some people are!"

"You’re something else. Now you can use their yard for your vegetable patch..."

"That’s exactly what I’m planning!" Brooke’s eyes gleamed.

"Still chatting here?" Mrs. Heilbronn hurried past. "Go get the housewarming candies before they run out!"

Brooke froze. "What candies?"

"The Whitmores are handing out treats for their new home. As neighbors, you must’ve gotten yours already. I need to hurry..."

"Wait!" Brooke grabbed her arm. "Why would Daniel give out candies for moving? It’s not a wedding..."

"You didn’t know? The Whitmores bought a villa! They’re giving housewarming treats to the neighbors."

Brooke’s eyes widened. "A villa?! They bought it?!"

"Yes! That Waverly Pearl estate nearby. Heard it’s absolutely stunning!"

Brooke’s face turned ghostly pale. "That’s impossible..."

"My husband helped move some plants last week. Saw it with his own eyes—two huge yards, beautifully decorated. Gotta go get those candies now..."

Brooke stood rooted, as if struck by lightning.

Her cheeks burned with humiliation.

* * *

On their first night in the new home, Daniel cooked dinner himself.

Helen raised her glass. "To our new home and new life. May it only get better."

"Clink—"

Three glasses met, their laughter drifting through the open window.

Moonlight bathed the garden in warmth.

The next morning, Daniel received a call from Ruth Caldwell.

"Mom?"

"I heard you’ve moved?"

Daniel’s heart skipped. "Yes."

"Tradition says you should host a housewarming for family. Tomorrow’s the Lantern Night—we always celebrate at your brother’s place. This year, it’ll be at yours."