Chapter 137

Cheers erupted from Claire's office in Newhaven Commercial Plaza.

"Calmore, I sold all the Gastronova Ventures stock! I just made a 10-million-dollar profit!" Gerald jumped from his chair, overflowing with excitement.

"Hey, Gilmore, the Evermore Group's 100-million-dollar investment in Castronova Ventures' stock just earned me another 50 million!" Leaning back on the leather couch, legs crossed, Claire smiled victoriously.

Gilmore gently closed his laptop, looked up at the celebrating pair, and said, "I spent 540 million on Gastronova Ventures stock. After selling, I made 400 million."

"What?" Gerald gasped, then his admiration poured out. "Gilmore, you got so rich so fast! I wish I could be that rich!"

Gilmore chuckled. "Hey, you're already rich enough."

Gerald giggled. "Yeah, I've earned 40 million dollars, all thanks to you."

Gilmore had become Gerald's financial advisor. These days, Gilmore asked Gerald to invest in stocks with him. Because Gilmore possessed uncanny market foresight, every stock he bought skyrocketed. With Gilmore's help, Gerald's wealth grew dramatically; from less than $150,000 to 40 million dollars. He, too, had become rich overnight.

Days earlier, Claire, following Gilmore's advice, had invested all of Evermore Group's remaining liquid funds in Castronova Ventures Group's stock, subsequently profiting 50 million after selling. She finally recognized Gilmore's exceptional stock market acumen.

"Gilmore, we should split the 50 million. After all, I used Evermore Group funds," Claire suggested.

"No need. All profits stay in Evermore Group's liquidity pool. You can use it if you want," Gilmore replied, shaking his head.

Gilmore already possessed around one billion dollars in assets, plus another billion in Horizon Group shares (10% ownership). He was a billionaire whose wealth rivaled Oakhaven's most powerful families; a low-key tycoon. The 50 million Claire suggested splitting was insignificant to him.

Claire nodded. "Okay, I'll put the money in Evermore Group's liquidity pool as a development fund."

13:03 Fri, Aug 23

Chapter 137

Gilmore stood up. "We've been here an hour. Let's celebrate the opening of our 80 branches!"

The three had spent the past hour in the office, selling stock on their laptops. Knowing Gastronova Ventures Group's stock price would plummet, Gilmore had instructed Gerald and Claire to sell their holdings hours in advance. Gilmore alone dumped over 800 million worth of stock; Claire, 160 million; and Gerald, 40 million.

This massive sell-off caused Gastronova Ventures' stock price to crash dramatically. This is why Benjamin found that the stock price, which had been rising, suddenly dropped by 300%.

Claire nodded. As CEO of Evermore Group, she should attend the opening ceremony.

After selling their stock, Gilmore, Claire, and Gerald left the office. While they celebrated their fortune, Benjamin sat in his office, nearly overwhelmed by despair. His company's stock had plummeted, creating serious financial difficulties. Worse, he had used 100 million in company funds to buy his own company's stock while the price was still rising the previous day. Expecting a large profit, he instead suffered a massive loss, his 100 million reduced to less than 1 million. Selling now would wipe him out. He couldn't even cash out the remaining million.

While 100 million wasn't insignificant to the Palmer family business, problems with Gastronova Ventures' liquidity would create a crisis. If his uncles learned of his 100-million-dollar loss, they would report him to his grandfather, Emerson, jeopardizing his chances of inheriting the family business.

Snapping out of his stupor, Benjamin tried to devise a plan to conceal his loss. His only idea was to quickly crush Evermore Diner, allowing Gastronova Ventures to maintain its dominance in the catering industry. This would mask his losses.

However, Benjamin's plan failed. Castronova Ventures' sales plummeted by 30% the month after Evermore Diner's chain opened, dropping a terrifying 50% by month's end. Evermore Diner, however, grew increasingly popular daily. Within a month, half of Gastronova Ventures' former customers had switched to Evermore Diner, quickly making Evermore Group the second-largest catering brand in Oakhaven.

13:03 Fri, Aug 23

Chapter 137

They were only one step from surpassing Gastronova Ventures to become number one. Gastronova Ventures was in crisis.

"Knock knock."

In his office, the exhausted and haggard Benjamin slumped in his chair. The knock startled him.

After composing himself, he asked, "Who is it?"

"Mr. Palmer, it's me," Ms. Patterson replied.

"Come in!" Benjamin sighed in relief.

Ms. Patterson entered, her expression serious. Benjamin had a bad feeling.

"Ms. Patterson, are you going to tell me our sales dropped again?"

"Yes, Mr. Palmer."

"By how much?"

"70%."

"What? How did it drop another 20% in just two days?"

"We've lost too many customers. They've all gone to Evermore Diner."

Benjamin's face drained of color. "How is this possible? Evermore Diner snatched 70% of Gastronova Ventures' business in just one month! How?"