Chapter 158

William Langley kept digging the soil, ignoring Brenda Murphy's sarcastic remarks.

Inside the house, Victoria Langley heard the commotion and immediately turned away.

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

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

"Brenda, back from grocery shopping?" Mrs. Watson, their neighbor, greeted her.

"Yep! Got these eggs for half the price at the morning market!" Brenda 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. Langley next door is moving?"

Brenda 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. Watson lowered her voice. "Could it be because of that argument last time?"

Brenda 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!" Brenda’s eyes gleamed.

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

Brenda froze. "What candies?"

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

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

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

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

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

Brenda’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..."

Brenda stood rooted, as if struck by lightning.

Her cheeks burned with humiliation.

......

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

Victoria 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, William received a call from Margaret Roland.

"Mom?"

"I heard you’ve moved?"

William’s heart skipped. "Yes."

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