Chapter 106

“Gilmore, put me down!” Claire’s face was as red as an apple. She never imagined he would carry her downstairs and formally introduce her to everyone. She was extremely happy he had told his family she was his girlfriend, but felt embarrassed by his carrying her. She knew he was doing this because she had seduced him the previous night, but now deeply regretted it and vowed never to do so again.

Regardless of her protests, Gilmore simply smiled and said, “I also want to carry you outside for some fresh air, and to work.”

Claire’s eyes widened. “Is he crazy?” she thought.

On the sofa, Gilmore’s parents, Everly, and Gerald, looked at the couple in disbelief. Please don’t flirt in front of us—we already know you’re a couple, they thought.

Claire pinched Gilmore’s arm. He grimaced in pain.

“Put me down, or I’ll pinch you again,” she warned in a low, menacing voice.

He immediately put her down. He hadn’t really meant to carry her to work; he’d been joking. He never expected her to dare pinch him.

After breakfast, Gerald drove Everly to school, while Gilmore drove his parents and Claire to the Newhaven Commercial Plaza. As soon as they arrived, Gilmore said, “Dad, Mom, Claire, I’m going to Elmwood. I won’t be back until tomorrow.”

Harlan asked, confused, “What business do you have there?”

Claire remembered his plan to launch Evermore Diner branches in Oakhaven. She assumed he was going to Elmwood to address food supply issues and hire chefs.

Gilmore explained, “I’m planning to open some branches of Evermore Diner in Oakhaven. I need to go to Elmwood to sort out the food supply.”

Only then did his parents learn of his plans. They were delighted. Sophia smiled and said, “Take care.” Gilmore nodded. His parents and Claire got out of the car. Claire, standing by the car window, said, “I’ll be waiting for good news from you.” Gilmore nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.” He then drove away.

Chapter 106

That same day, news of Wallace Palmer’s death hit Oakhaven like a bombshell. After reviewing warehouse surveillance footage from the east port, police identified Marlon as the murderer and launched a city-wide manhunt. The footage also revealed that Wallace had kidnapped Marco Chapman, who was found bound and gagged in a wooden box. This led to an investigation of the entire Palmer family. Although the remaining family members were eventually cleared, the family’s reputation was severely damaged.

After the police departed, Emerson sat in the living room, gloomy and furious, with his family. Benjamin’s face was etched with grief and hatred. He couldn’t believe his father had been killed by Marlon. Benjamin’s two uncles and three cousins were also present.

“Dad, we’ll avenge Wallace!” “Dad, we must not let him die for nothing.” “Grandpa, we must find Marlon Salazar and destroy him!”

Russell Palmer, Herbert Palmer, and their three sons expressed their outrage to Emerson. Before his death, Wallace had managed the family’s finances, giving him considerable power over his brothers and nephews. Although they ran several smaller family companies, they lacked significant decision-making authority. Wallace’s death left the chairman position vacant, giving his brothers a chance to seize control. Russell, Herbert, and their sons were secretly pleased but concealed their feelings, maintaining a show of sadness.

Emerson looked at his sons and said, “I will avenge Wallace. Now that he’s gone, you must manage the company effectively. I will resume control of the family business. Any major decision requires my approval.”

Russell and Herbert had expected their father to hand over power, but his decision to reclaim control left them disappointed. They submissively replied, “Yes, Dad.”

“Now, all of you get back to work,” Emerson ordered, dismissing his sons and grandsons. They left.

Only Emerson, Benjamin, and Cooper Merrett, the butler, remained. Emerson noticed Benjamin’s sadness and said, “You should go to the funeral. I won’t go with you. Tell him to rest in peace. We will avenge him.”

Chapter 106

Benjamin stood, sobbing, “I will, Grandpa.” He left the living room.

As soon as he was gone, Emerson turned to Cooper, asking, “Have you checked the suburban estate?”

Cooper whispered, “Yes. Thomas McEvoy and the other experts were burned to ashes. I’ve buried them.”

A sharp light flashed in Emerson’s eyes. “Last night, Wallace told me Marlon had captured Gilmore, so he sent nearly all our external martial artists to kill them. However, only Wallace and the martial artists were murdered, not Marlon and Gilmore. Marlon knew Wallace was in the east port warehouse—that’s suspicious. Someone must have helped them.”

Cooper’s eyes widened. “Did the Carters help secretly?”

Emerson’s eyes darkened. “We have no proof. Find Marlon. We must kill Gilmore. As long as he lives, we will have no peace.”

Cooper bowed. “I…”

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