Chapter 117

Lilian's villa was perched on a quiet hill in Vista Verde, one of many in the area. This hilltop villa, however, carried an astronomical price tag. Even Lilian, a top female celebrity of the new generation, had to use almost all her savings to buy it.

She arrived at the villa's entrance in her BMW, navigating the winding road. The villa was walled, with an iron gate. She honked twice; the security guard immediately opened the gate, and she drove inside. The BMW stopped in the courtyard. Gilmore and Lilian exited.

Two middle-aged security guards bowed respectfully. "Miss Morales, welcome back," they said, eyeing Gilmore with interest. Lilian had never brought a man home before, making him a subject of curiosity.

"This is my boyfriend, Gilmore Reed," Lilian explained.

They smiled. "Greetings, Mr. Reed."

Gilmore nodded. Lilian ushered him inside. Despite the villa's hilltop location, Gilmore found the decor less luxurious than his own palazzo. This wasn't surprising; Christine's palazzo, supported by the powerful Foster family, was lavishly furnished. Lilian didn't spend much time at the villa, visiting only occasionally; she didn't need opulent surroundings.

A middle-aged maid appeared with a cup of tea. Smiling, she presented it to Lilian. "Miss Morales, please have some tea." She then placed another cup before Gilmore. "Sir, please have some tea."

"Thank you," Gilmore replied.

The maid, surprised by his politeness, responded respectfully, "Mr. Reed, you're too polite."

"This is Gina," Lilian introduced the maid. "She looks after the villa when I'm away."

Gina smiled. "Miss, you haven't eaten yet, have you? I'll prepare a meal for you both."

Lilian smiled. "Thank you for your hard work, Gina."

"What are you talking about, Miss Morales? It's my job."

Gina went to the kitchen.

"When I was a child, Gina was my nanny," Lilian explained to Gilmore. "Her husband and child died of a terminal illness, so I asked her to care for this villa. I consider her family." Lilian had entrusted Gina with the villa and her own care, hoping to provide Gina with a sense of belonging after her losses. This was Lilian's way of repaying Gina's kindness.

Gina soon prepared dinner, filling the table with delicious food. "Miss Morales, Mr. Reed, dinner is ready!" she called cheerfully.

They joined her at the table and enjoyed the meal.

Meanwhile, at the Field family villa—one of Vista Verde's top ten conglomerates—Clinton sat in a well-lit, spacious dining hall. A well-dressed maid served exquisite dishes, but Clinton had no appetite. His rage over earlier events simmered.

"Housekeeper!" he yelled.

A man in his fifties, dressed in a suit, entered. "Mr. Field, what can I do for you?" he asked respectfully.

"Send Clive here. I want to speak with him!" Clinton commanded.

"Yes, Mr. Field," the housekeeper replied, leaving immediately.

Soon, Clive Ray entered. Six feet tall, with short hair, sharp eyes, and a cold demeanor, his muscular physique was evident even in his suit. He possessed a powerful presence, like a tiger entering the room. The maids visibly cowered.

Clive was an elite external force martial artist, hired at great expense from Sunsbury. Novice external force martial artists possessed the strength of a bull; intermediate, that of an elephant; elite, that of a tiger—an unstoppable force. Clive was such a force. Even Clinton felt the pressure of his aura.

"You wanted to see me, Mr. Field?" Clive greeted him respectfully.

Clinton nodded, then dismissed the maids. Once they left, he turned to Clive. "Clive, I need you to deal with someone."

"Who is it, Mr. Field?" Clive asked.

Clinton recounted Gilmore and Lilian's humiliation of him. His eyes flashed with rage. "Gilmore not only competed with me for a woman but also humiliated me. I won't tolerate it!"

"Mr. Field, I'll send men to the Grand Majesty Hotel to capture him," Clive offered.

"No," Clinton said, waving his hand. "They may have realized they offended me and left. Lilian likely took Gilmore to her hilltop villa. They'll spend the night there. I'll separate them!" He continued, "Bring a group of martial artists. Capture them both."

"Yes, Mr. Field."

Clive left, full of purpose. Soon, the sound of cars approaching could be heard. Clive returned with approximately thirty martial artists in five cars.

At the same time, at the hillside villa, Gilmore's pupils shrank. "This is bad!" he exclaimed involuntarily.

Lilian and Gina turned to him. Gina asked, "Mr. Reed, is something wrong with the food?"

Gilmore quickly explained, "No, it's delicious. I've just eaten so much." He showed her his empty plate.