Chapter 449: Denise's Eyes Lit Up

Denise's eyes lit up as she slapped her thigh. "Don't Daniel and Helen live in that house by the lake? Perfect for hosting all the relatives from back home! Three floors plus a basement, decorated like a five-star hotel—even sleeping on the floor beats staying at some motel!"

"Not just a dozen people, we could fit twice as many!" She grew more animated. "And the villa's back gate leads straight to the wedding banquet hall. No need for taxis—just a short walk. So convenient!"

She'd completely forgotten her own home was in the same gated community.

Daniel finally seized his chance to speak after multiple failed attempts. "Helen and I discussed it. The relatives will stay with us."

Just three days, after all.

With Grandma Ruth's insistence and Denise's slippery maneuvering, Helen had no choice but to relent.

It wasn't that she looked down on country relatives. Her new novel's outline had just been approved by her editor, requiring a quiet creative space. Yet under these circumstances, compromise was inevitable.

"Don't worry, Mom. We'll take good care of everyone," Helen forced a smile.

* * *

Gripping the steering wheel, Helen told Clara in the passenger seat: "All the relatives moved in. Your father's hosting them, so I had to pick you up."

Clara buckled her seatbelt. "You're a pretty steady driver, Mom."

She remained oblivious to what awaited.

Helen smirked proudly. "Of course! I'm a quick learner!"

* * *

The house by the lake buzzed with activity.

"Daniel, is this really your home?" A wrinkled great-aunt leaned on her cane, circling the living room. "Goodness, this must've cost a fortune!"

As Ruth's elder, she outranked even Grandma Ruth in seniority.

"Why's there bird feathers glued to this lamp?" She tiptoed to touch the crystal chandelier's feather ornaments. "Where's the switch? Let's see if it—Hmph! Just regular bulbs!"

Daniel wiped his brow. "The feathers are decorative..."

"Then why bother if they don't light up? Wasting money!"

"..."

"This vase is lovely!" She moved to the curio cabinet. "Your grandfather collected these too, but never this fine. Must've cost plenty?"

Though toothless, her energy was boundless as she critiqued every corner.

"Walter Young, come here!" She beckoned her great-grandson. "Snacks! Weren't you hungry? Take whatever—your Uncle Daniel's rich now!" She grinned at Daniel. "Right, Danny?"

"Make yourselves at home."

The great-aunt had brought her entire clan. With free room and board plus a city excursion, why not come?

Among the three Whitmore brothers: eldest Raymond struck gold in business, moving their parents to the city; second-born Howard secured an secure public-sector job, marrying an official's daughter. Only Daniel, the college graduate, became a "poor schoolteacher."

The great-aunt long believed Ruth's sons had uneven fortunes.

Until today, stepping into this villa...