Chapter 73

A gorgeous Rolls-Royce pulled into a parking space at Newhaven Commercial Plaza. Inside, a handsome man in a black suit and white Versace shirt spoke on his phone. He was about thirty, with strong features and an aura of power and influence. This was Benjamin Palmer, eldest son of the immensely wealthy and influential Palmer family of Oakhaven. He was their carefully groomed heir.

“Sorry, the subscriber you dialed is powered off…” Benjamin frowned, anger hardening his expression. An oppressive aura filled the car. Opposite him sat Marlon Salazar, an elderly man in grey, his breath steady, eyes mostly closed. Anyone familiar with the Chapmans would recognize him—their former employee.

“Mr. Palmer, Miss Carter didn’t answer your call?” Marlon asked.

Benjamin hung up. “Mr. Salazar, let’s eat,” he said instead. (Marlon was now Benjamin’s butler.)

“Yes, Mr. Palmer,” Marlon replied.

Benjamin glanced at a nearby red Ferrari. “Marco, stay here and watch Claire’s Ferrari,” he instructed his driver. “Call me immediately if she drives it or leaves with someone.”

“Yes, sir,” responded Marco Chapman, the driver. Since his family's downfall and arrest, Marco had fallen on hard times, a stark contrast to his privileged upbringing. Desperate for financial help, he'd learned a harsh lesson about fickle friendships and the capriciousness of life. Before the Chapman family's collapse, he'd been surrounded by friends; now, he was alone and impoverished. No one offered assistance until Benjamin Palmer, who gave him food and a job as his chauffeur. Benjamin had also promised to help him rebuild his life. Marco was profoundly grateful, viewing Benjamin as his savior.

Benjamin and Marlon exited the Rolls-Royce and headed for the elevator in the underground car park.

On the fifth floor of Commercial Plaza, at Everleigh Restaurant, Gilmore, Claire, and their companions were already seated. The restaurant manager, a well-dressed woman of about thirty, approached Claire with a warm smile. “Miss Carter, it’s been a few days. What would you like to order?” (As president of Commercial Plaza, Claire received preferential treatment.)

Claire picked up the menu. “I’ll look at the menu, please,” she said.

The manager nodded, then greeted Gilmore, Gerald, and the others. “Welcome! First time here?”

Gilmore and Gerald nodded.

“Welcome. Do you prefer light or spicy food?” she inquired.

They opted for light food, as did Gilmore’s parents and Irene. The manager proceeded to recommend dishes.

As she spoke, Benjamin and Marlon entered.

“Table for how many, sir?” a waitress politely asked Benjamin.

Ignoring her, Benjamin focused on Claire, who was studying the menu. He approached her, anger and jealousy evident in his eyes. The waitresses exchanged puzzled glances.

While the manager helped Gerald, Gilmore, and the others order, Claire also finished selecting her meal and placed her order. The manager inputted the selections into her PDA, exchanged pleasantries, and departed. Claire poured water for Gilmore’s parents.

“Mr. and Mrs. Reed, please have some water,” she offered. Gilmore’s parents appreciated the gesture.

“What a coincidence! I didn’t expect to see you here, Claire,” a gentle voice said.

Gilmore recognized the voice and saw Benjamin, impeccably dressed. More importantly, he also saw Marlon, who stood beside Benjamin. Gerald, too, recognized Marlon, despite the mask he'd worn during their previous encounter. However, neither Gilmore nor Gerald seemed particularly concerned; the Chapmans were no longer a threat. Marlon was simply Benjamin's employee now.

Gilmore remained calm. Claire, too, showed little reaction, simply saying, "What is it, Mr. Palmer?"

Benjamin maintained his composure, saying with a smile, “Why didn’t you answer my call? I wanted to invite you to dinner.”

Claire offered a strained smile. “Mr. Palmer, I’m sorry. My boyfriend explained on the phone. I’m dining with my boyfriend and his parents. Please leave.” Her tone was dismissive, impatient, showing no inclination to engage further.

Benjamin's gaze fell on Gilmore. “Are you her boyfriend?” he asked. His intuition told him Gilmore was the boyfriend, not Gerald.

Gilmore nodded. “Yes, I am Claire’s boyfriend.”