Chapter 164
Norman looked at Benjamin lying on the ground and told Tobias, "Tobias, go help Benjamin up and take him to the hospital."
Tobias replied, "Yes, Grandpa."
This gesture earned praise from the surrounding businessmen, who admired Old Mr. Weston's kindness and benevolence.
After giving Tobias the order, Norman walked to a long Rolls-Royce. A bodyguard in a suit and sunglasses immediately opened the door for him. After Norman entered, he told the driver to leave.
Meanwhile, Tobias reached Benjamin's side and helped him up. With a concerned expression, Tobias asked, "Are you alright?"
Despite the throbbing pain in his cheek, Benjamin was touched by Tobias's help. He said, "Tobias, I'm fine."
"Come on, get in my car. I'll take you to the hospital."
"Tobias, thank you so much."
"We're both children of wealthy families. We should look out for each other."
Tobias helped Benjamin into his Maserati. Under the protection of two bodyguards' cars, they left the Palmer family manor.
At that time, the Carter family was returning home in their Rolls-Royce. Claire looked puzzled and asked her grandfather, "Grandpa, why didn't you let me call the police? Someone like Benjamin should be sent to jail."
Denton's face remained calm. "Claire, I didn't let you call the police, not because Norman pleaded for him. Even though he did, it wasn't out of mercy."
Claire was confused. "Grandpa, I don't understand."
Denton explained, "I let Benjamin go because Gilmore wasn't hurt. The Palmer family has fallen; even if Benjamin wanted to cause trouble, he couldn't. It made no difference whether we let him go or not."
"Then what did you mean when you said Norman wasn't pleading out of mercy, Grandpa?" Claire asked.
Denton smiled. "Norman doesn't care whether Benjamin lives or dies. He pleaded for him publicly to win favor and improve his reputation. He built the Weston family's wealth by winning people's support and cooperating with all ten prominent families. However, your uncle's Foster family—Evergreen Properties and Carter Semiconductors—refused to have him as a shareholder. The Weston family is hostile towards our family and your uncle's. They want to see us fall. If I hadn't let Benjamin go, Norman would have used it to accuse us of massacring the Palmer clan, putting the Carter family at a disadvantage and costing us business partners, allowing the Weston family to profit."
Claire finally understood. She realized Norman's kindness was a facade. "What a cunning old fox!" she exclaimed angrily.
Denton smiled and said nothing. He was used to such schemes; it was business.
Gilmore admired Mr. Carter's ability to see through Norman's intentions. He was clearly a man of experience, with nothing hidden from him.
"Gilmore, are you alright?" Denton asked with concern.
Claire also asked, "Did Benjamin hurt you?"
Gilmore shook his head. "Don't worry, Benjamin didn't injure me."
Denton asked, "Gilmore, have you studied martial arts?"
"I've only learned some basic self-defense," Gilmore replied.
Denton nodded. He could tell Gilmore lacked significant martial arts training; only basic combat skills. Otherwise, Benjamin would have been more seriously injured.
Denton said solemnly, "In the future, you might face unexpected attacks. Your basic skills aren't enough. I'll teach you some martial arts."
Denton wanted to teach Gilmore martial arts to protect him, considering him his future grandson-in-law.
Gilmore concealed his martial arts skills, but he didn't expect Denton's offer. He felt embarrassed but nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Carter, for your offer. But I'm not talented, and I'm afraid I won't be able to grasp the techniques."
Denton said confidently, "It depends on the teacher. A weak teacher can't train skilled students, but a strong teacher can make even ordinary students masters." He implied he was a powerful teacher, believing himself qualified as an influential figure in Oakhaven.
Gilmore flattered him, "Mr. Carter, you're right. With a master like you, I'll surely master excellent martial arts skills."
Denton nodded with satisfaction.
After taking Benjamin to the hospital, Tobias took him to a luxurious room at the Langford Hotel. As they sat on the sofa, Benjamin thanked Tobias.
"Benjamin, no need for ceremony. We should help each other," Tobias said frankly. "Though Denton seemed lenient, be wary of retaliation. Stay at the Langford Hotel; it's Weston family property, and Denton's men won't dare cause trouble here."
Benjamin nodded, touched by the Weston family's help, especially in his vulnerable state. He said, "Tobias, Denton and Gilmore have made my family miserable. I have nothing to repay the Weston family, but I have a big secret I'll tell you."
Tobias was curious. He maintained a smile. "Benjamin, you're too polite. We should help each other."
Benjamin's eyes flashed. "Tobias, have you heard of the rumored King's Treasure Map in Oakhaven?"
The smile froze on Tobias's face, replaced by shock.