Chapter 74

Benjamin smiled and asked Claire, "Is this another shield you've found?"

Gilmore, Gerald, and the others were puzzled. What did he mean?

Claire laughed coldly. "Benjamin, I don't know what you're talking about. Gilmore is my boyfriend, not a shield. Even if I needed one, you wouldn't qualify. I have no interest in you."

Benjamin visibly suppressed his anger. He said, "Claire, give up this pointless fight! Your marriage isn't decided by you. No matter what you do, you can't change your fate of marrying me. Haven't you learned from Brandon Wilson's failure?"

Gilmore then understood Benjamin's "shield" referred to a boyfriend; Christine had used the same tactic to reject Marco. He chuckled inwardly, "Looks like I'm becoming every woman's shield. Call me the 'best actor of boyfriends.'"

He realized Benjamin's words implied their families were planning a marriage between him and Claire. Claire clearly disliked the arrangement and Benjamin. Gilmore understood her cold treatment.

"Benjamin, are you jealous of Brandon?" Benjamin's ridicule amused Claire. "You should be. Even a jerk like Brandon could be my boyfriend. Your failure must be frustrating. I find you disappointing and pathetic. The whole thing is that I don't like you." She shrugged, looking at him sympathetically.

Benjamin's face darkened, and his suppressed rage was palpable. Just as he seemed about to explode, he regained his composure. The tension eased.

He looked coldly at Claire. "Claire, don't get cocky. One day, you will be my woman and yield to me."

"Mr. Palmer, I'm afraid your wish will fall flat," Gilmore retorted. "Claire will be my woman, not yours. She doesn't need to yield to anyone, and I will pamper her." He stood up for Claire, defying Benjamin.

Benjamin's eyes blazed with rage, his fists clenched. Claire's defiance was possible because of her family's wealth and her arranged marriage to the Palmer family. To Benjamin, Gilmore was merely an "insect." He was enraged by Gilmore's boldness. This time, he showed ruthless murderous intent.

Undeterred, Gilmore remained calm; he possessed overwhelming power and could easily subdue Benjamin. Gerald was also strong.

Marlon, having previously fought Gerald, intervened, "Mr. Palmer, let's go to dinner. You don't need to stoop to his level." He knew a fight would be pointless.

Benjamin scowled, slowly loosening his fists. He realized displaying murderous intent in public was damaging to his reputation. He nodded coldly, and left with Marlon.

Even after Benjamin left, Claire remained composed, secretly happy that Gilmore had defended her and declared her his woman.

Later that evening, Gilmore recalled saving Claire and demonstrating his business acumen. He had once again protected her. Claire, captivated by his charisma, realized she had fallen for him.

The restaurant manager arrived with waitresses, serving their food. Claire then served Gilmore's parents, treating them with the respect she would show her own. Irene was surprised by this display of deference from Claire, concluding that Claire truly loved Gilmore. Gerald, admiring Gilmore, lamented his own lack of a girlfriend.

They ate happily, forgetting Benjamin's earlier outburst. Afterward, Claire called Gilmore back, having something to tell him. He sent his parents and Gerald home first.

"Gilmore, wait. I have something to tell you. I'll ride home with you."

Gilmore waited, curious about what Claire wanted to say.

(Note: The repeated "Chapter 74" headers and the final advertising blurb have been removed for clarity.)