Chapter 135

Gilmore entered the office and closed the door. He saw Claire sitting at her desk, dressed in office attire, reading a document. Her long hair cascaded around her neck, pooling on her left chest. She frowned slightly, focusing on her work, yet still looked beautiful.

Gilmore approached her, placing a briefcase on her desk before sitting down. He cleared his throat pointedly and asked, "Well, Miss Carter, am I not welcome? Why don't you look at me?"

Claire didn't look up. Writing on a document, she said coldly, "I heard you went to Vista Verde to find an actress. Why are you back so soon?"

Gilmore understood her coldness. She was jealous. It seemed she'd learned from his parents that he'd gone to Vista Verde to find Lilian.

He smiled. "That's right. I went to Vista Verde to find Lilian. I had important business to discuss with her."

Claire finally looked up, her expression still cold. "Well, nothing's more important than dating your lover."

Gilmore sighed. "If that's what you want to say, how can I respond?" He stood, opened his briefcase, took out two documents, placed them before her, and said, "Review these. I have to go." He picked up his briefcase and left.

Claire watched him go, feeling sad. Her coldness stemmed from a desire for an explanation. She wanted to hear him deny going to Vista Verde to see Lilian, but he hadn't. This saddened her.

She calmed down, picking up the documents. As she read, her frown gradually disappeared, replaced by high spirits.

Chapter 133

The two documents dramatically changed her emotions. They were Gilmore's sponsorship contract with NexusTV. Evermore Diner would be the title sponsor of Him, Friends, Run, receiving vigorous advertisement on the program. The next episode would be filmed at the Oakhaven Evermore Diner, promoting it nationwide. Crucially, the contract also mentioned Lilian's role as Evermore Diner's spokesperson, including a dedicated NexusTV advertisement.

Claire thought, "So he went to Vista Verde to discuss a collaboration with NexusTV, not to date Lilian." Feeling guilty about her cold reception, she immediately called him.

After a few rings, Gilmore answered. "Hello, Miss Carter. Are you not angry with me anymore?"

Claire bit her lip. "Gilmore, I misunderstood you. Are you free tonight? I'd like to have dinner and discuss the television station."

"Of course, my pleasure," he replied.

Delighted, Claire smiled. "It's settled then. See you later."

"See you later," he said.

That night, at a fancy Western restaurant in Oakhaven, Gilmore and Claire dined on steak and foie gras. They discussed Evermore Diner's plans for commercials and variety show participation. He informed her that the NexusTV production team would arrive in five days to film and advertise. The Evermore Group needed to be prepared. Claire assured him they would be. She mentioned that 80 new Oakhaven branches were nearing completion, set to open in ten days.

Gilmore, remembering a task assigned to Dave, decided to call him to inquire about the progress of ingredient and supply delivery, and chef recruitment.

Chapter 133 (Continued)

Claire nodded. Gilmore called Dave.

Dave answered respectfully, "Any orders, boss?"

Gilmore was surprised. When had Dave started calling him "boss"? Previously, he'd been addressed as Mr. Reed. He didn't know that Stuart had told Dave that Gilmore would be a powerful backer for him and the Thompson family; Dave practically worshipped him. Dave's use of "boss" was a polite term of respect, indicating loyalty.

Gilmore said seriously, "Wait, Dave, why 'boss'? I'm not part of any groups with you."

Dave hurriedly explained, "I know! I won't be in those groups anymore. I want to get rich with you, so I called you boss."

Gilmore accepted this, understanding Dave's logic in calling him boss after Gilmore paved the way for his family's success. "Okay, I don't mind."

"Yes, boss," Dave said happily. "What can I do for you?"

"I need an update on the food purchasing company, the logistics team, and the agreements with vegetable farmers," Gilmore asked.

"Don't worry," Dave replied, "My dad has good local connections. Everything—company procedures, vehicle licenses, and farmer agreements across the four counties—was completed in a day."

Gilmore was pleased; he'd chosen the right person. Dave's success was due in part to his father's connections. Dave had mobilized many friends, assigning them to villages to sign agreements. This provided them with jobs and steered them toward productive paths.

Gilmore asked, "Have you found chefs skilled in rustic cuisine?"

"I've recruited hundreds from Elmwood; they're ready for Oakhaven," Dave replied.

Gilmore was delighted. "Good job, Dave! I'll let you know when to bring them to Oakhaven."

"Yes, boss," Dave replied. "Any other orders?"

"No. The branches open in a few days. When you and your brothers come to Oakhaven, I'll treat you all to drinks!"

"Thank you, boss!" Dave exclaimed.

Gilmore was thrilled. Everything was ready for the grand opening!