Chapter 78

Benjamin stood up, sent the image from Marco's phone to his own via WhatsApp, and then returned Marco's phone. Marco gathered a file from his desk, turning to Marlon and Marco (presumably a typo, perhaps it should be just Marlon or another name?). "I need to go to the old residence. You two can leave now."

"Copy that." They left.

Benjamin didn't delay, quickly leaving with the file.

The Palmer family manor.

Two men sat on a couch in the study of the luxurious villa. The white-haired octogenarian, dressed in a gold-embroidered suit, showed the marks of his eighty years. Despite the dim lighting, his eyes were bright and piercing. He didn't look his age; rather, he resembled a weathered but powerful emperor. His presence was intimidating. This was Emerson Palmer, the family patriarch.

The other man, in his fifties, possessed a considerable presence, though less domineering than Emerson's. This was Wallace Palmer, Benjamin's father. If Emerson was the family's behind-the-scenes mastermind, Wallace was the public face. Benjamin was the heir.

Benjamin entered the study. "Grandpa, Dad, I apologize for keeping you waiting," he said respectfully.

Emerson gestured. "You're here. Have a seat, Benjamin."

"Yes, Grandpa," Benjamin replied, sitting upright on the couch.

Just then, Cooper returned, having delivered a message. The gray-haired man, in a formal suit, looked solemn. He carried a tray with three cups of coffee.

"Mr. Emerson Palmer, Mr. Wallace, Mr. Benjamin, your coffee," he announced, placing the cups on the coffee table. He then left, thoughtfully closing the door.

The three men were alone.

"Benjamin, how is Gastronova Ventures performing this month?" Emerson asked, taking a sip of his coffee. Wallace turned to his son. The family had high hopes for Benjamin, hence the monthly assessment. Mr. Emerson regularly reviewed Gastronova Ventures' performance, which was under Benjamin's management, to assess his abilities. Mr. Emerson and Wallace were pleased with Benjamin's progress so far.

"Grandpa, Gastronova Ventures has shown significant improvement in sales, profits, and market share," Benjamin said, handing the file to Mr. Emerson.

Mr. Emerson read it. After about five minutes, a contented smile spread across his face. He then passed the file to Wallace.

Mr. Emerson looked at Benjamin. "Those two catering giants that once dominated Gastronova Ventures have been surpassed. In such a competitive market, you've not only kept us afloat but increased turnover and profit—all within a year. Giving you control of the business was the right decision. You are indeed the heir of our family."

Benjamin, though delighted, maintained a humble demeanor. "Grandpa, I couldn't have achieved this without your guidance. I still have much to learn."

Mr. Emerson smiled. "Benjamin, I've always told you to strive for excellence. You've done that. You are destined for greatness."

"Thank you, Grandpa," Benjamin replied humbly.

Wallace, having finished the file, nodded approvingly. "Benjamin, you've done well. Keep it up."

"I will, Dad," Benjamin replied.

"Now that the family business is thriving, how is your relationship with Claire going?" Mr. Emerson abruptly changed the subject.

Wallace added, "Yes, how are things, Benjamin?"

Their marriage was arranged by Mr. Emerson and Mr. Denton Carter, a union beneficial to both families. Claire opposed the marriage. Though Mr. Emerson and Wallace knew her resistance was futile, they still hoped for a successful relationship.

Benjamin frowned, appearing troubled.

"What's wrong?" Mr. Emerson asked, observing Benjamin's expression.

Wallace also asked solemnly, "What happened between you two?"

Benjamin showed Mr. Emerson a photo on his phone. "Grandpa, look at this!"

Mr. Emerson took the phone, confused. The photo depicted Claire and Gilmore kissing. His face darkened, his eyes widening in anger.

"Who is this man?" Mr. Emerson demanded.

His rage was palpable. Wallace hadn't seen his father this angry in a long time. He looked at the phone; his face mirrored his father's. How could Claire be with another man while engaged to Benjamin? This could ruin the Palmer family's reputation.

Benjamin explained: "His name is Gilmore Reed, a student at Oakhaven University and Christine Foster's boyfriend. He's known to David Foster, the patriarch."

"Why is he with Claire if he has a girlfriend?" Wallace asked, frowning.

Benjamin stated flatly, "Claire went out with Gilmore to sabotage this arranged marriage, humiliating me and the family. Gilmore was simply cheating on Christine."

Mr. Emerson sneered. "Humiliate the Palmer family? Two-timing? Claire will pay! As for that man I'll cripple him!"

Mr. Emerson looked at Benjamin. "Benjamin, don't worry. Grandpa will get justice for you!"

The non-English characters at the end have been removed as they are not relevant to the text.