Chapter 162

The next day was Mr. Emerson's funeral. Before nine o'clock, cars arrived consecutively at the Palmer family manor. Emerson, the patriarch of one of Oakhaven's ten wealthiest families, had enjoyed prominent status. Now deceased, Oakhaven's business elite came to pay their respects.

Sad music played in the villa's funeral hall. Guests entered, accepted incense from Palmer family servants, bowed before Mr. Emerson's memorial tablet, and offered condolences to the family. Everything proceeded calmly and orderly. Then, a car arrived, and someone announced, "The master and young master of the Weston family are here!"

A commotion ensued. The young master was Tobias; the master, his seventy-something grandfather, Norman Weston, looked energetic despite using a crutch. He was impeccably dressed in a black suit, silver-rimmed glasses, and neatly combed graying hair. Oakhaven's business heavyweights greeted Norman, whose family topped the list of the ten wealthiest. He was universally respected. Norman and Tobias entered the hall, where Russel and Herbert rose to greet them.

"Mr. Norman, thank you for coming to see my father off," Russel said respectfully.

Norman replied, "Russell, your father and I were business friends for decades. How could I not pay my last respects? My condolences."

Russel and Herbert nodded. Maids offered incense to Norman and Tobias, who bowed and lit it.

Another car arrived. "It's Mr. Denton and his granddaughter, Claire!" someone announced. Russel and Herbert frowned; Gastronova Ventures, the Palmer family's company, had been destroyed by the Evermore Group, making the Palmer and Carter families, to some extent, enemies. Though prejudiced against the Carters, they swallowed their displeasure as Mr. Denton and Claire arrived to pay their respects. Denton entered with Claire and Gilmore.

The Palmer brothers and Tobias reacted with fury upon seeing Gilmore. Tobias had seen Gilmore in surveillance footage from the Langford Tower and recognized him immediately. Gilmore, having seen Tobias's gift (bloodstained sheets) in the hotel room, wasn't surprised by the hostility. He had Elaine, Tobias hadn't. After offering incense, Mr. Denton offered condolences. Gilmore and the others left the hall. More cars and people arrived.

"Denton, please wait," someone called. Denton turned to see Norman and Tobias approaching.

"Norman, it's been a while!" Denton smiled.

Norman nodded. "Yes. How are you?"

Denton sighed. "My old leg problem persists."

Norman, with a hint of sadness, replied, "Take care of yourself, Denton. I didn't expect Emerson to leave us so soon."

Denton sighed, "Yes, I was close to Emerson. His sudden passing saddens me greatly."

Norman asked, "Denton, who do you think killed Emerson?"

Denton replied, "It's hard to say. I can't guess who would attack him."

Nearby, Gilmore felt awkward. If they knew the killer was close by, he mused, they'd be surprised.

While the old men spoke, Tobias approached Claire.

"Claire, long time no see. You've gotten prettier," he said.

"Thank you," Claire replied simply.

Tobias glanced at Gilmore and asked, "Claire, is this your boyfriend?"

"Yes," she replied.

"I think I've seen your boyfriend somewhere," Tobias mused.

Claire smiled politely. "We live in the same city. It's normal to see each other."

Tobias then exclaimed, "Oh, I remember! I saw your boyfriend at the Langford Hotel last night with another girl!"

Claire's smile faltered.

"Tobias, you must be mistaken. Gilmore and his family dined at my house last night," Claire said defensively.

Tobias smiled. "Claire, it seems you don't believe me. I have video of your boyfriend entering a hotel room with another girl. I'll send it to your WhatsApp." He sent the video.

Claire remained calm, saying she'd watch it later. Norman and Denton finished their conversation.

"Denton, the party for the top ten wealthiest families will be at the Weston manor in three days. Let's have a drink then," Norman said.

"Okay," Denton replied.

Tobias waved goodbye to Claire. "That's for sleeping with my woman, brat!" he thought, referring to Gilmore. "After Claire sees the video, you'll face her wrath!"

However, Gilmore was distracted. He saw a man in a black trench coat, cap, sunglasses, and mask, walking towards Claire and Gilmore. A glint appeared in Gilmore's eyes. The murderer had appeared.

(The final section repeating website information was removed as redundant.)