Chapter 76

Marlon informed Benjamin that Gilmore had sent a video of the Chapman family producing counterfeit vaccines to regulatory bodies and television networks, leading to their bankruptcy. He also revealed that Gilmore had become Christine's boyfriend, with her father's consent, taking her away from Marco.

Benjamin was unconcerned about the Chapman family's bankruptcy; his focus was on Gilmore's accomplices. Learning that Gilmore had destroyed the Chapman family using a secretly recorded video, Benjamin concluded Gilmore lacked powerful backers. He deemed Gilmore merely sneaky. Benjamin felt superior and unafraid.

What truly surprised Benjamin was Gilmore's relationship with Christine Foster, and David Foster's acceptance of it. He found Gilmore's ability to attract women impressive, but questioned how he could date Christine and Claire simultaneously, unaware they were cousins. He wondered if Gilmore understood the danger.

"Mr. Salazar, see if you can" Benjamin touched his neck. Marlon understood the implication but responded seriously, "Sorry, sir, I'm afraid I can't"

Benjamin's displeasure was evident. "Mr. Salazar, don't tell me you're afraid of him simply because he destroyed the Chapman family?" He understood Marlon's inaction at the restaurant, but questioned the lack of covert action. Benjamin resented Marlon's repeated displays of cowardice.

"Mr. Palmer, please calm down," Marlon said, head bowed. "I'm not a coward. Gilmore destroyed my former employer's family. I yearn for revenge. However, Gilmore is constantly protected by Gerald, the Fosters' enforcer. Even if I acted, killing him would be difficult. Furthermore, Gilmore is Christine's boyfriend, with David's approval. If Gilmore were killed, the Fosters wouldn't let it go. A conflict between the Foster and Palmer families would be disastrous."

Benjamin fell silent, realizing the Fosters were protecting Gilmore. This explained Marlon's inaction at the restaurant. Marlon was right; Gilmore had the Fosters' backing. His death would ignite a devastating feud, making Benjamin a pariah within his family, irredeemable for his actions.

Benjamin's harsh expression softened. He looked at Marlon, his tone gentler. "Mr. Salazar, I shouldn't blame you."

"Never mind, Mr. Palmer," Marlon replied.

Benjamin continued, "Mr. Salazar, do you have any ideas to eliminate Gilmore without provoking a family war?"

Marlon, after a moment's thought, presented a plan: "Mr. Palmer, I have a plan. We can eliminate Gilmore without involving your family; you needn't do anything."

"Mr. Salazar, tell me," Benjamin urged.

Marlon whispered the plan in Benjamin's ear. Benjamin's eyes lit up. "It's great! I don't think Claire can delay the wedding much longer with the pressure from her family."

Benjamin instructed Marco, waiting in the driver's seat, to remain in the parking lot and act accordingly upon Gilmore and Claire's arrival. Marco, aware of the plan, assured him.

Marlon drove Benjamin's Rolls-Royce away, leaving Marco to conceal himself in a dark corner. Ten minutes later, Gilmore and Claire appeared. Claire noticed someone moving in the shadows.

Gilmore, possessing exceptional senses, was also aware of the surveillance but feigned ignorance. Claire urged him not to reveal his awareness; she believed Benjamin was testing their relationship. She suggested they act convincingly as lovers to deceive Benjamin. She took Gilmore's arm, and they appeared as a loving couple.

They entered their Ferrari, but Claire stopped, suggesting a fake kiss to convince Benjamin. Gilmore reluctantly agreed. Claire leaned close, and unexpectedly, kissed him passionately. Gilmore was shocked by her sudden and genuine kiss.

(The ending is abrupt, suggesting a continuation in the next chapter.)