Chapter 142

Father and daughter's synchronized verbal attack struck like daggers. Brenda Murphy's smug expression twisted instantly.

"You—" She instinctively sniffed her sleeve, as if actually detecting the sour odor Evelyn had mentioned.

"Mark my words!"

She fled in humiliation.

A shower was urgently needed.

Evelyn gripped the mop, feeling like a triumphant warrior.

Victoria sighed with mixed satisfaction. "A young lady shouldn't threaten people with cleaning tools."

"She started it." Evelyn crouched to gather the scattered wisteria blossoms tenderly.

William had already begun quietly tidying up. "When the weather clears, I'll move the trellis to the yard."

He avoided conflict.

And refused to let his family suffer.

Evelyn spoke suddenly. "Dad, tolerance only emboldens bullies."

Today Brenda destroyed their flowers. Tomorrow she'd escalate.

William sighed. "After decades as neighbors, I know her nature. But we must maintain civility."

Victoria agreed. "Let it go. She's not worth it."

"Then..." Evelyn blinked. "What if we moved?"

Her parents exchanged amused glances, dismissing it as childish fantasy.

Move?

Impossible!

No.2 High School occupied prime downtown real estate with astronomical housing prices. Their savings could barely afford a suburban studio.

William's daily walk to school was perfectly convenient.

......

The fourth day of the new year dawned clear after snowfall.

Evelyn rose before sunrise.

When her parents awoke, steaming breakfast awaited them.

Fragrant yam porridge. Golden-brown pan-fried buns. Sandwiches with tender corn kernels.

"Delicious!" William's eyes lit up. "Almost as good as my cooking!"

Victoria sniffed. "Our daughter surpasses you."

"Only thanks to my superior genes." He puffed with pride.

Victoria ignored him.

After breakfast, Evelyn suggested a family stroll.

Basking in winter sunlight, they ambled along the riverbank.

Evelyn subtly guided them around a bend.

Before they realized, they stood before a gleaming new real estate sales office.