Chapter 145
Ten days later, in the Palmer family manor's back garden, Enerson stood in a pavilion, hands clasped behind his back, his expression impassive. Outside, Herbert and Russell knelt on the ground.
Russell, his voice indignant, reported to Enerson, "Benjamin should be held fully responsible for Gastronova Ventures' bankruptcy. He embezzled $100 million from company funds, crippling our capital and making recovery impossible."
Russell then glanced at Herbert, who winked conspiratorially and said to Enerson, "Dad, Gastronova Ventures' general manager, Carol Patterson, can testify to Benjamin's embezzlement and stock market investments. I can call her here now."
Enerson, his back to them, said, "No need. Gastronova Ventures was half our family's core assets—gone. Focus on our other businesses. Don't make the same mistake again."
Russell and Herbert were surprised Enerson didn't scold them, secretly relieved. "We won't, Dad," they replied immediately.
But Russell persisted, looking at Enerson and saying, "Dad, are we just going to let the Evermore Group get away with this?"
"Of course not," Enerson's voice was gruff. "The Evermore Group caused our family great loss. Mind your own business. I'll handle the revenge."
Herbert and Russell rose and left the garden. Enerson slowly turned, his expression cold, his eyes blazing with rage.
"Cooper!" he called.
The Palmer family's butler, Cooper, immediately appeared. Solemnly, he cupped his hands and asked, "Mr. Palmer, what can I do for you?"
"Cooper, kill Gilmore Reed now. Don't keep me waiting!" Emerson clenched his fists, ordering in a low voice.
Gastronova Ventures, the Palmer family's core asset, was gone. Who had done this? Emerson had sent Cooper to investigate; it was undoubtedly Gilmore.
Chapter 143 (Partial - cleaned and re-ordered to follow narrative flow)
Seeing Tulmon take down more than half of the Palmer family's business, even the sophisticated Emerson was losing his composure.
Cooper asked Emerson, "Killing him is easy, but what if the Carters find out?"
"I don't care," Emerson said sharply, "Kill Gilmore Reed and his entire family. Burn the bodies. The fire will destroy the evidence. The Carters won't find out."
Emerson thought, Gilmore Reed must die! If he didn't kill Gilmore, the Palmers would never have peace.
"Yes, Mr. Palmer. I won't leave any evidence," Cooper responded.
"Once it's done, get Benjamin back. If Gilmore Reed dies, Denton Carter will likely marry Claire Carter to Benjamin."
"Yes, Mr. Palmer," Cooper replied.
Emerson sighed. Wallace was murdered by Marlon Salazar; Benjamin destroyed Gastronova Ventures. One tragedy after another nearly broke him. But Emerson had established the family rules; he couldn't openly cover for Benjamin, who had brought shame and heavy losses to the family.
He couldn't bear to see Benjamin's future destroyed. Benjamin was his chosen successor. Furthermore, Emerson still wanted Denton's treasure map, and Benjamin was the key to obtaining it. If Benjamin married Claire, acquiring the map would be simple.
Emerson turned to Cooper, saying solemnly, "Cooper, a party is in five days. All Oakhaven's prestigious families will attend. I don't want to see Gilmore Reed or Claire Carter there!"
"Mr. Palmer, I can handle it within two days. If the opportunity arises, I'll eliminate Gilmore Reed tonight. He won't attend the party with Claire Carter."
"Tell Benjamin to prepare. He must win Claire's heart," Emerson nodded. Benjamin, though expelled, was still useful. Emerson had secretly arranged accommodations for him.
"Yes, Mr. Palmer." "Get to work," Emerson dismissed Cooper.
Cooper left.
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For example: "A white fringe…," "All the rich… Oakhaven…" These need to be incorporated into proper paragraphs to make sense. The text about the Oakhaven party needs to be structured into a logical narrative. Similarly, the scene in Claire's office lacks proper paragraph breaks and punctuation.