Chapter 59

It was nine o'clock in the evening. After dinner, Gilmore, Lilian, Robin, Ian, and the others left the Milky Way Hotel, their faces alight with pleasure and surprise. They were still savoring the delicious meal and the astonishing news: Gilmore had won two million dollars in the lottery. He had gone from poor to rich overnight, much to the envy of his classmates. It seemed like sheer luck had changed everything.

But his classmates also considered the dinner a tremendous treat, something to boast about. The delicious food had deeply touched them, and they were immensely proud of Gilmore, who had become a wealthy man within a year of university. They couldn't wait to share this incredible story. Bragging, after all, was the spice of life.

Outside the hotel, several classmates gratefully thanked Gilmore for his hospitality, promising never to forget the evening. They approached one by one to shake his hand and say goodbye. Those from well-off families even offered him a ride home.

Before Gilmore could respond, Ian, with a smirk, said to Ollie Field, "Come on, Gilmore's worth $160,000 now. How could he not have a car?"

"He must have a luxury one!"

Spotting a Mercedes nearby, Ian pointed and exclaimed, "Like that one over there! A Mercedes worth nearly a million!" He then looked at Gilmore and asked, "Am I right?"

Ian's statement, born of jealousy, was a thinly veiled attempt to one-up Gilmore, who had already spent $160,000 on dinner. Gilmore's lottery win only fueled Ian's envy, making him feel like a loser. Thus, when Ollie asked about Gilmore's car, Ian saw a chance to humiliate him. Gilmore had likely not yet bought a car after his win, and even if he had, could it compare to Ian's BMW, worth five or six hundred thousand dollars?

The others looked embarrassed. Robin, sensing the irony in Ian's voice, was clearly annoyed. "Ian, what do you mean by that?" she asked.

Ian, unconcerned, smiled. "Relax, Robin. I'm saying Gilmore's a multimillionaire now. A luxury car worth several million is nothing to him. Am I right?"

Even Lilian couldn't stand it any longer. She approached Gilmore, saying, "Gilmore, my car's here. I'll drive you home."

Ian, having not thanked Gilmore for the extravagant meal, had instead ridiculed him, a fact Lilian clearly disapproved of. She retrieved her car keys, pressing the button to unlock her BMW. Her offer to drive Gilmore home sparked envy, particularly in Ian, who felt a surge of jealousy. Ian's questions about luxury cars had already embarrassed Gilmore, but Lilian's offer to drive him home was, in Ian's mind, simply a chance for them to get closer.

Ian was at a loss. But Gilmore remained calm. He pulled out his own car keys and pressed a button. Atop the parking lot, the most expensive Mercedes buzzed to life, its headlights flashing. It was Gilmore's car.

Everyone was stunned. That nearly million-dollar luxury car belonged to Gilmore! Ian's face burned with shame; he wished he could disappear. Everyone looked at Ian with disdain.

Gilmore unlocked his Mercedes, then, with a gentlemanly smile, said to the surprised Lilian, "Let me drive you home. You've had some wine; it's dangerous to drive."

Everyone watched, wide-eyed. They knew Gilmore had also been drinking. His offer was clearly a romantic gesture.

The others smiled knowingly, letting the moment play out. Only Ian clenched his fists, seething with anger and resentment. But he could do nothing.

Lilian, still flushed from the wine, murmured, "Butwhat about my car?"

"Don't worry," Celia said, taking Lilian's keys with a sly smile. Celia, who had previously looked down on Gilmore, had completely changed her mind after the lavish meal. She now believed he was worthy of Lilian. She helped facilitate Gilmore's plan by suggesting that she take Everly home.

"My brother has a room at the Milky Way Hotel. I'm not going back to Springvale tonight," Everly stated. Celia, surprised, then offered to show Everly around before she checked into the hotel. Everly looked to Gilmore for permission; he gave his assent.

Gilmore then extended his hand to Lilian. "Let's go. I'll take you home."

Robin and the others chuckled, offering their well wishes.

Lilian, blushing, got into Gilmore's Mercedes. Gilmore waved goodbye, enjoying the moment. He then drove away from the Milky Way Hotel. Ian was left fuming.