Chapter 167

"Good afternoon, Old Mr. Weston," Benjamin said, rising respectfully to greet Norman.

Norman smiled gently. "Hello, Benjamin. Have a seat."

Benjamin sat on the sofa, and Norman sat opposite him. Tobias stood behind his grandfather. Norman had dismissed his bodyguards, leaving only himself, Tobias, and Benjamin in the closed hotel room.

"Benjamin," Norman said, his gaze intense, "did you tell anyone about the secret of the treasure map?"

Benjamin replied calmly, "I didn't tell anyone, Old Mr. Weston."

"Is anyone else in the Palmers family aware of this secret?"

"No, my grandfather only told my father and me."

"Then from today onward, keep your mouth shut. Do not tell anyone else about this."

"Don't worry, Old Mr. Weston. I understand its importance. Revealing it would be disastrous."

"Good," Norman nodded. "Now, why did you kill Gilmore today?"

Benjamin's eyes flashed with hatred. "I had a serious conflict with him! He interfered with my relationship with Claire and, worse, his company, Evermore Group, bankrupted Gastronova Ventures, a vital asset to the Palmers. He took the woman I love and destroyed my family business. I wanted to kill him on the spot!"

Norman frowned. "Gilmore is the worst villain I've ever encountered," he said, annoyed. "And I'm sure he was involved in my grandfather's death," Benjamin added through gritted teeth.

Norman feigned surprise. "What do you mean, Benjamin?"

"On the night of my grandfather's death," Benjamin said fiercely, "he sent Mr. Merrett and Dean to kill Gilmore. They failed and were killed by a mysterious masked man. My grandfather was also killed by that masked man."

Norman had already investigated this. He pretended ignorance, asking, "Do you know who the masked man is, Benjamin?"

Benjamin sneered. "Is it obvious? In Oakhaven, only one person wouldn't want Gilmore killed by the Palmers: Denton. Gilmore was to be his grandson-in-law. And Denton is the only one in Oakhaven capable of killing my grandfather."

Norman nodded. "That makes sense. And Mr. Merrett—wasn't he a master of the forearm block from the Black Hawks in Sunsbury?"

"Yes, Mr. Merrett and his superior, Dean, were both Black Hawks experts. Your grandfather and Cooper were killed by Denton. The Westons will support your vengeance," Norman declared, meeting Benjamin's gaze. "But Denton is a powerful figure in Oakhaven; a master martial artist for decades. We may need help. If you can secure one ally, we can avenge the Palmers."

"Who?" Benjamin asked.

"Lawrence Ray," Norman explained, "the top expert in the Black Hawks, Mr. Merrett's superior. I've invited him to dinner."

"But where do we find him?" Benjamin asked.

Norman laughed. "I just met him at the hotel. Tell Lawrence what happened at dinner; I believe he'll want revenge and will cooperate."

Benjamin's eyes lit up. "Old Mr. Weston, I will convince Mr. Ray."

Norman smiled. "Avenging the Palmers depends on your success in persuading Lawrence."

A knock came at the door. Tobias asked, "Who is it?"

"Mr. Weston, the banquet is ready," Mr. Johnson announced.

"Fetch Mr. Ray and his son, Clive," Norman instructed.

"Certainly, sir," Johnson replied.

Norman stood, looking at Benjamin. "Let's go to the dining room."

"Alright, Old Mr. Weston."

They went to the private dining room, already set with a lavish feast. Mr. Johnson had already escorted Lawrence and Clive.

"Please, be seated, Mr. Ray! Clive, please." Norman greeted them warmly.

After several toasts, Norman said, "Mr. Ray, I haven't introduced Mr. Benjamin Palmer."

Lawrence glanced at Benjamin. "The Palmers? Is Cooper their butler?"

Benjamin replied, "Mr. Ray, Cooper was our butler, like family The night before last, he" His voice choked with grief.

"What happened?" Lawrence asked.

Benjamin gritted his teeth. "Mr. Merrett was murdered."

"You think Denton is responsible for Cooper and Dean's deaths?" Lawrence asked calmly.

Benjamin was surprised. "You know?"

"I visited the Palmers last night. Your uncles told me everything."

Benjamin's face brightened. "Mr. Ray, I'm ready to avenge Mr. Merrett with you."

Norman spoke, "You're no match for Denton. But the Westons won't stand idly by. We'll collaborate with Mr. Ray to eliminate Denton."

Lawrence smiled. "It's only Denton. I can handle him alone. And Gilmore Reed must die!" His eyes gleamed with cold fury.