Chapter 107

Gilmore returned to Elmwood and checked into the Milky Way Hotel, his previous lodging. The four-hour drive from Oakhaven ended at noon. He settled onto the sofa in his room and made a phone call.

After a brief ring, a confused voice answered. "Hello, who's calling?"

"Dave, it's Gilmore. Remember me?"

He was speaking to Dave Thompson, the illegitimate son of Stuart Thompson, Elmwood's wealthiest resident. Dave had previously caused Gilmore trouble at Lilian's house. During that encounter, Gilmore revealed he was also Stuart's illegitimate son. Dave, grateful, had even helped Gilmore by crippling Ian Thompson, who'd threatened him.

To resolve Evermore Diner's food supply issues, Gilmore sought Dave's cooperation. Dave was a powerful figure in Frostholm (where Elmwood is located), and his father's wealth and connections would be invaluable to Gilmore's plans.

"Of course I remember you, Mr. Reed. How did you get my number?" Dave replied happily.

"Who in Elmwood doesn't know you? It was easy," Gilmore responded. He could easily obtain Dave's number using his "God's Eye" technology, but Dave assumed it was his own notoriety that made obtaining his number simple.

"Mr. Reed, where are you?" Dave asked.

"I just arrived from Oakhaven. I'm at the Milky Way Hotel. Lunch?" Gilmore suggested.

"You're back! I'll be right there. My treat," Dave offered generously.

"Okay, call when you arrive," Gilmore said before hanging up. He then booked a private dining room.

Chapter 107 (Continued)

About ten minutes later, Dave called.

"Hello, Dave, you're here?" Gilmore answered.

"I'm on the second floor. Where are you?" Dave replied.

Gilmore gave him his room number. A knock came shortly after.

"Come in!"

Dave entered, looking drastically different. His long, curly hair was cut, and he wore a white suit instead of his usual black leather jacket—a complete transformation into a businessman. Since Stuart's crippling car accident, Dave had been groomed as his successor, moving beyond his previous role guarding bars and construction sites.

"Mr. Reed!" Dave approached, extending his hand warmly, a far cry from his previous "cool killer" demeanor. His new role had altered both his appearance and his mannerisms.

Gilmore shook his hand, smiling. "We last met recently, but you've changed a lot."

"I'm learning business from my father," Dave explained.

"You're smart. You'll be a successful businessman," Gilmore predicted.

They sat down. Gilmore had pre-ordered food, and the waiters began serving. He'd also ordered an expensive bottle of Lafite, worth $4,000.

Dave was surprised. He thought Gilmore considered him a friend, yet this seemed an extravagant gesture.

"Did you order this expensive wine for me?" he asked.

Gilmore nodded earnestly. "Yes. Is there anyone else here?"

Dave was moved by the confirmation. He wouldn't have become Stuart's successor without Gilmore's revelations about his parentage and Ian's threat. This expensive wine signified brotherhood.

"You're a student; it's not easy for you to make money. I'll pay," Dave offered.

Gilmore smiled, refusing. "Don't underestimate me. I'm not just here for Lafite; I want to discuss a $20 million business deal."

Dave was stunned. He found it hard to believe.

Gilmore produced a document from his briefcase and placed it on the table. "Read this."

Dave read the document for half an hour.

"You want to establish a food purchasing company and logistics fleet with me?" Dave asked incredulously.

Gilmore nodded. "I want you to build the company within a month, sign contracts with all Frostholm farmers, ensuring their produce reaches all Oakhaven Evermore Diners within twelve hours. Evermore Group will pay market price. We split the profits 50/50."

Dave was still in shock. "How do we get $20 million to start?"

"I'll provide the funds. You run the company. We split the shares equally," Gilmore stated calmly.

Dave was astonished. This was a stroke of incredible luck. Twenty million dollars, half of a company, without investing a cent—a gift from heaven!