Chapter 139
Ben inhaled his Evermore Diner takeout with satisfaction. His demeanor was even-keeled. Beforehand, he'd firmly believed Gastronova Ventures offered superior food, dismissing Evermore Diner's offerings as mediocre. However, after tasting Evermore Diner's cuisine, he felt he'd never experienced truly good food. Gastronova Ventures' vegetables were never as fresh, and its chicken lacked Evermore Diner's tender texture. Furthermore, Evermore Diner had developed innovative dishes, such as its tonic drink. The diner lived up to its promise of natural, healthy food, unlike Gastronova Ventures, which served heavily seasoned, high-calorie, high-cholesterol meals. He finally understood Evermore Diner's popularity and preferred it decisively. This realization was intolerable; he feared Gastronova Ventures' imminent failure.
Benjamin turned to Carol. "We must hurry and execute the plan…"
"Understood, Mr. Palmer," she replied solemnly.
While Benjamin and Ms. Patterson plotted against Evermore Diner, Gilmore sat in Claire's office. He'd seen through their scheme, his eyelids twitching, pupils contracting, though his expression remained impassive. He attentively listened to Claire's report on Evermore Diner's monthly performance. Gilmore's parents and Gerald were also present. Since opening eighty branches, Gilmore's parents had transitioned from the kitchen to management.
Claire addressed the group: "Since opening our eighty Oakhaven branches, business has been excellent this month. We currently hold 50% of the market share; Gastronova holds 10%, and the remaining 35% is divided among other major caterers. Evermore Diner is the largest catering brand in Oakhaven."
The room erupted in applause.
"Great! The biggest catering brand!" Harlan exclaimed.
Sophia beamed. "I never thought our restaurant would be so popular in Oakhaven." She recalled tourists at her Springvale food stand predicting this success, a prediction she'd initially dismissed.
"To further develop our business, we should expand to other major Vane cities," Claire declared confidently.
Chapter 139 (Continued)
She turned to Gilmore. "Gilmore, do you have anything to add?"
"You have my full support. Do what you think is best for the business," he responded simply.
"Okay, then I'll execute my plan," Claire said. "That concludes today's meeting."
Gilmore nodded, then stood and turned to Gerald. "Come with me. I need your help."
As Gerald prepared to leave with Gilmore, Claire asked curiously, "Gilmore, what are you doing?"
Gilmore smiled enigmatically. "It's a secret."
He exited the office with Gerald.
Ten minutes later, Gilmore drove his Mercedes to the Lunar Café in Oakhaven.
"Gilmore, are you hungry?" Gerald asked, eyeing the restaurant sign.
"No," Gilmore replied. "We need to install pinhole cameras in two private rooms. It's an espionage mission."
Gerald was surprised. Gilmore had even purchased two pinhole cameras earlier, adding to the mystery. Only now did Gerald understand their purpose.
"But why here?" Gerald asked, puzzled.
"A little bird told me Gastronova Ventures is failing, and Benjamin plans to sabotage us," Gilmore explained. "He's invited some of our chefs to dine here, intending to bribe them into tampering with our dishes." (Gilmore possessed the "God's Eye," hence his knowledge.)
"Why not call the police?" Gerald asked, exasperated.
Gilmore smiled. "We will. The cameras are for evidence. Once we catch them red-handed…"
Gerald understood. "Got it."
"Set the cameras in the first two private rooms on the third floor. Hide them well for a good view," Gilmore instructed.
"Got it," Gerald nodded.
They entered the restaurant, reserved two rooms, ordered food, installed the cameras, paid, and left.
Later, a Rolls-Royce arrived at the Lunar Café.
Chapter 189 (This chapter seems to be mislabeled and should likely be a continuation of Chapter 139 based on the content. I've incorporated it above)
Please note: The original text contained some unusual wording ("Benis buped," for example) which I have corrected based on assumed meaning. The repeated advertisement for FindNovel.net has been removed.