Chapter 11
Luke was nervous, afraid Gilmore would kiss Christine again. His worries proved unnecessary. Gilmore approached Christine, feeling guilty about their previous kiss. Having unexpectedly met her, he wanted to apologize formally.
Christine noticed Gilmore approaching. Her brows furrowed, a hint of confusion in her gloomy eyes. She had no idea what he wanted. If he attempted another kiss, she wouldn't let him. He would be taught a lesson.
Smiling, Gilmore sat on the sofa opposite Christine. She calmly awaited his explanation.
“Hello, Christine! I’m here to buy a house. I didn’t expect to see you,” Gilmore said, breaking the silence.
Slightly surprised, Christine silently wondered, "Gilmore is here to buy a house?" After his previous kiss, she'd investigated his background. His parents were farmers; his family wasn't rich. She didn't think he could afford a house like the Palazzo. Seeing Luke, however, she understood: Gilmore was accompanying Luke.
Christine nodded. “Welcome to Evergreen Properties,” she said.
“I was brusque the other day. I apologize,” Gilmore said, bowing slightly.
Christine sneered. “It was the first time in my life I've been used.”
Gilmore understood she knew about Tiffany's betrayal.
“Miss Foster, I was ill-considered, made a terrible mistake. If you like, I’m willing to compensate you,” Gilmore said sincerely, changing his manner of address to show respect.
Christine's attitude softened.
“How do you plan to compensate me?” she asked, curious.
Gilmore replied, “That will be your call, Miss Foster.”
Christine was at a loss. She couldn't think of anything.
“I can’t think of anything right now. I’ll tell you when I do,” she admitted helplessly.
Gilmore nodded. “That will do, Miss Foster. Let me know when you decide.” He paused. “Miss Foster… Can I add you on WhatsApp?”
Christine found this strange. “Why?” she asked.
Gilmore replied seriously, “When you’ve decided, you can contact me on WhatsApp.”
Detecting no ulterior motive in his eyes, Christine subconsciously showed him her WhatsApp QR code. He scanned it deftly.
“Please accept my friend request, Miss Foster,” he said politely.
Christine added him. A new friend, "Chrissie," appeared on Gilmore's list; her avatar was a pretty photo of Christine.
“Miss Foster, your avatar is so pretty,” Gilmore complimented.
Christine was speechless. He didn't seem repentant; adding her on WhatsApp and complimenting her felt like a pick-up attempt. She realized she'd been tricked again.
"Dammit!" she thought, wanting to lash out.
Then, she noticed someone entering. Her attitude changed instantly. Her brows relaxed; her eyes shone; her smile became sweet and alluring. She stood, gently took Gilmore's arm, and said softly, “Gilmore, didn’t you say you wanted to see the house? I’ll show you around.”
Gilmore froze. “What’s going on? Has my luck with women finally changed?”
Luke, nearby, was stunned. Were they in love? Had Gilmore won the heart of Oakhaven University's most admired goddess? He'd succeeded in minutes—a love expert!
Then, Luke heard, “Good afternoon, Mr. Chapman!” “Mr. Chapman, are you here to see a house?”
A tall young man entered, with a cold face, penetrating eyes, and a tough demeanor. Bosses and rich ladies became immediately obsequious. Luke gasped in recognition: Marco Chapman, Christine’s top suitor.
Luke groaned inwardly. If Marco saw them, Gilmore was doomed. He approached Marco, loudly greeting him to remind Gilmore to distance himself from Christine.
Marco ignored Luke and headed towards Christine and Gilmore. Luke tried to intercept him, but Marco's bodyguards blocked his way. He could only pray for Gilmore.
Gilmore had seen Marco. He understood Christine's sudden intimacy—a show for Marco. He wasn't sure if she was using him to reject Marco, or to make him jealous. Either way, he was being used. He'd unexpectedly swapped roles with Christine. Was this mutual help? Were his debts cleared?
(The final sentence "5/5" and the website advertisement should be removed as they are not part of the text itself.)