Chapter 77

Time seemed to stop. Ten seconds later, Gilmore felt breathless. He gently pushed Claire away from him. Claire leaned back, gasping for air. She couldn't believe she had kissed Gilmore. It was insane. If he hadn't stopped her, she would have continued, until she was dizzy and short of breath. But when their lips parted, Claire felt embarrassed. How could she have been so aggressive? Her cheeks flushed crimson; her ears burned. She wished she could disappear.

Gilmore watched her blush and stammer. He was accustomed to Claire's powerful demeanor; seeing her shy was rare. Actually, he found her current appearance captivating. However, he couldn't resist teasing her. He smiled. "You said it was a fake kiss, didn't you? Why did you kiss me?"

Claire lowered her head, silent.

Gilmore continued, "You kissed me. Don't pretend nothing happened. You must pay for that!"

Still blushing, Claire burst into laughter. "What!"

Gilmore chuckled. "What? Did that sound like a joke?"

Claire smiled. "No, it didn't. I should pay. Will you marry me?"

Gilmore laughed. "Forget it. You don't need to pay."

"No, I must pay. I'll marry you."

As they flirted, Claire started the car and drove away from the parking lot. After the Ferrari left, a man emerged from behind another car. It was Marco. He looked at the photo he'd taken—Claire and Gilmore kissing. His eyes were cold. "Gilmore, you've cheated on Christine. You're doomed!" he thought. Then he left.

Night fell on the Palmer family manor in Oakhaven. Benjamin sat in his spacious, luxurious office, reading a document. A woman in her forties, wearing a suit and with carefully applied makeup, stood beside his desk, waiting.

Finally, Benjamin finished and closed the document, a hint of joy on his face. He looked at Ms. Patterson. "Ms. Patterson, Gastronova Ventures' turnover and profit have increased by 10% compared to last month. The Group accounts for 28% of the Oakhaven market and has ranked first for the past six months. I think you and all the managers have done a good job. I'll give you the promised bonus this month."

Ms. Patterson's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Mr. Palmer!"

Benjamin, the eldest Palmer son and heir apparent, had been tasked by Emerson Palmer with overseeing Gastronova Ventures (a large restaurant group). He'd exceeded expectations, taking the company from third to first place in market share within a year. He'd become Oakhaven's most celebrated business prodigy. The document Ms. Patterson had brought was the monthly financial report, and it pleased him greatly.

"Ms. Patterson, thank you for your hard work. Have a good rest tonight." His voice was gentle.

"Okay, Mr. Palmer, goodbye." Ms. Patterson left.

Benjamin smiled, reopening the document. "Father and grandfather will be happy to see this!" he thought. Then he heard footsteps outside. He looked up as Marlon and Marco entered.

"Mr. Palmer," they greeted respectfully.

Benjamin nodded, then looked at Marco. "How was it? Did you get any photos of Gilmore and Claire?"

"Yes, Mr. Palmer." Marco showed him the photos of Claire and Gilmore kissing in the Ferrari.

Benjamin's eyebrows furrowed; sharpness gleamed in his eyes. He felt a surge of anger. Although Claire had used Brandon as a fake boyfriend, they hadn't even held hands. He hadn't considered Brandon a threat. But this was different. Claire had told him Gilmore was her boyfriend, and now this. She wouldn't have kissed Gilmore unless she had feelings for him.

"Mr. Palmer, are you alright?" Marlon asked, noticing Benjamin's expression.

Benjamin suppressed his fury. "I'm fine," he replied, then looked sharply at the photo. "Claire, don't blame me for being cruel!" he thought.

An elderly man in a classic suit, with silver hair, entered. It was Cooper, his grandfather's housekeeper. Respect flickered across Benjamin's face.

"Mr. Palmer, your grandfather and father are expecting you. They want to see this month's financial report."

"Cooper, I'm coming," Benjamin replied.

"Okay," Cooper nodded and left.

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