Chapter 62

The unlocked villa door burst open. A gust of wind rushed in, followed by five masked men in black leather jackets, each carrying a sharp dagger. They slammed the door shut behind them.

Gilmore, sitting on the sofa, was immediately surrounded. The men were Dave Thompson and four of his associates; their faces were masked to conceal their identities.

To their surprise, Gilmore remained remarkably calm. Under normal circumstances, anyone else would have panicked and screamed, but Gilmore was unnervingly composed. He calmly finished his water, showing no sign of fear.

Dave, astonished by Gilmore's composure, secretly admired it. He couldn't believe Gilmore was so collected, though he fully intended to make him beg for mercy later. Dave dismissed Gilmore as a coward, merely pretending to be unflappable—a type he'd encountered before.

"Are you Gilmore Reed?" Dave demanded.

Only then did Gilmore put down his cup, looking up. "You're Dave Thompson, aren't you?"

Shock registered on Dave's face. His men were dumbfounded. How did he know our boss's name without seeing his face? they wondered.

Dave, however, refused to acknowledge his identity, even though Gilmore had seemingly recognized him.

"Dave Thompson? Who's Dave Thompson? Tell me if you're Gilmore Reed," he growled.

Gilmore nodded. "Yes, it's me." He met Dave's gaze without flinching. "Ian Thompson sent you, didn't he?"

Dave and his men were speechless. How did he know that?

"Fine. You seem confused. Let me tell you everything," Gilmore sighed.

Dave, even more bewildered, thought, What is he trying to say?

"Did Ian Thompson tell you that I won two million dollars in a lottery and that you were to take my money?" Gilmore continued.

Dave stumbled, breaking into a cold sweat. This was unbelievable! He couldn't believe Gilmore knew everything.

"How did you know all this?" Dave asked, astonished.

Gilmore smirked. "Ian Thompson told me."

"What?" Dave and his men were stunned.

"Why did he tell you?" Dave asked, confused.

"Because he's worried you'll fight him over his father's money," Gilmore replied.

"No way! Uncle Stuart is hale and hearty. It's too early to worry about his estate," Dave said.

Gilmore sneered. "Do you really think so? Are you naive enough to believe Stuart hired a lawyer for you purely out of familial affection?"

"Or what?"

"He did it because he was diagnosed with terminal cancer."

"Nonsense! He's in good health."

"You can check for yourself. His diagnosis report is in an envelope under his pillow. It'll prove I'm right. He was diagnosed three months ago. Ian knows, and he's afraid you'll fight him for his father's money."

Dave was shocked, but on reflection, it made sense. Stuart had been imprisoned for ten years before suddenly employing a high-powered lawyer several months ago. Recently, Stuart had been looking thinner and weaker, which Dave had attributed to exhaustion. Now, he had to reconsider.

He was also astonished at Gilmore's knowledge.

"So what if I am? Ian is Uncle Stuart's only son and heir. Why would he worry?" Dave asked.

"That's the thing. He doesn't have to worrybecause you're also Stuart's son!"

"What?" Dave was incredulous. How could I be Stuart's son? I'm his nephew! he thought.

"It's because of your so-called father, Mark Thompson. He's infertile. Your mother had an affair with Stuart, and he's your biological father," Gilmore stated calmly. "Stuart didn't know until your mother told him recently. Knowing his time was short, he worked to get you out of prison, intending to leave you half his estate."

Dave was speechless.

"If you don't believe me, call your mother," Gilmore said evenly.

Dave, though almost convinced, still called his mother. After a brief silence, she confirmed the truth.

Dave hung up, the revelation sinking in.

(The final section with "SEND GIFT" and website information appears to be unrelated promotional material and has been omitted.)