Chapter 132

Helene walked Gilmore out of the villa. Gilmore took the portfolio, confused. He could have opened it immediately, but he'd promised Graham not to open it until he got home. Breaking his promise would compromise his trustworthiness, so he refrained. He knew Helene wouldn't tell him what was inside, so he didn't bother asking.

Helene walked silently beside him, occasionally peeking at him. She smiled. "I know what you're thinking. You're wondering what's in the folder."

He replied lazily, "Since you won't tell me, I won't ask."

She laughed. "I can't tell you; otherwise, my dad will scold me."

"Well, I'll find out when I get back," he said.

She nodded. "I see you're a man of your word." Changing the subject, she asked, "Gilmore, are you going back to Oakhaven soon?"

"Tomorrow. Call me when you're in Oakhaven, and I'll treat you well," he said enthusiastically.

"Thank you. My family has a branch office in Oakhaven. I'll see you again soon," she replied.

They reached the parking lot. Gilmore opened his BMW's door, got in, and closed it, saying, "Thank you for your hospitality. Bye!"

"Wait!" Helene stopped him as he started the car.

He looked at her, confused. "Is something wrong?"

Helene lowered her head and nodded slightly.

"Then tell me," he said.

Her eyes softened. "Gilmore, you still didn't tell me do I look good tonight?"

Gilmore was surprised. Looking at her bold, direct, gentle, and shy gaze, he understood her strange behavior earlier—walking him downstairs, asking him to turn around while she called the police, and now this question. She was in love with him!

He found it interesting. [Remove the promotional text here.]

He deliberately looked her over—from her face and neck to her chest, waist, and lower.

She felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny. "Gilmore, what are you doing?"

He smiled. "I'm admiring your beauty. You're like a radiant fairy. I can't breathe; my heart's racing. You've captivated me."

Helene found his words exaggerated but still felt delighted. "Gilmore, you don't say that to all girls, do you?"

"No! I swear, only to you," he replied immediately. He hadn't lied; he'd only said those words to Helene. He knew many sweet words, though, and had said different ones to Lilian, Claire, and Christine.

How could Helene know his tricks? She believed his oath, feeling sweetness in her heart. She pouted coquettishly. "I believe you."

She unknowingly displayed a girlish gentleness.

"Well, Helene, I've said you're beautiful. Can I go home now? Or should we find a hotel for 'deeper communication'?" he asked slyly.

Helene was puzzled. "'Deeper communication'?"

He said seriously, "Yes, doing something more."

Helene finally reacted. She pinched his arm. "Gilmore, you rogue!"

The pain made him grit his teeth. He thought, "God! Why do all the women I meet pinch my arm? And why are they so strong?" He felt he was on the verge of collapsing.

Chapter 10 (Note: This chapter seems out of place and possibly from a different story. It needs to be checked for proper placement.)

Helene related their feud, and then, abundantly, "Tony, don't do that to me again!"

He looked at her with surrender. "I'll be a gentleman in front of your home from now on."

Helene said maliciously, "It's our agreement. Don't let it die a murky death."

From outside the car window, Helene smiled and said, "Drive safely."

He nodded, started the car, then looked at her thoughtfully. "Helene, there's something you should know."

She looked directly into his eyes. "Are you trying to tell me you have a girlfriend?" She already knew about Lilian; she even called her today. She'd told Lilian that Clinton wanted to send someone to deal with her and Gilmore.

Gilmore asked curiously, "And you don't mind?"

Helene was confident. "It's a fair competition. Lilian likes you, and so do I."

[The remaining text appears to be a continuation of the conversation, which should be integrated into the previous Chapter 10 section. However, it's difficult to do so without knowing the full context. The use of numbers and phrases like "It" without clarity makes it difficult to understand the full picture and incorporate into the text. Context from surrounding chapters would be helpful for coherent editing.]