Chapter 81

“What? You’re not calling? Or don’t you believe Gilmore is Christine’s boyfriend? Don’t worry, I’ve already called your aunt and uncle. They’ll be here at the Ye mansion immediately. Tonight, I want Gilmore—who dared to play with your and Christine’s feelings—to know what I, Denton, am capable of.”

Denton’s words rang loudly in Claire’s ears, causing her to frown and panic. Even though she knew Gilmore wasn't Christine’s real boyfriend, only her contract boyfriend, she had no proof. Her grandfather had already told her aunt and uncle to come to the Carter mansion. But her uncle had announced at Christine’s birthday party that Gilmore was Christine’s boyfriend. If he came now, would he recant? That was impossible.

Claire felt despair. She knew her grandfather was furious and wouldn't let Gilmore go. She remembered his ruthlessness before his retirement as a killer and warrior. She glanced at the burly men in black, sharp axes strapped to their waists. If Gilmore came to the Carter mansion, his survival was uncertain.

Her attitude softened, and she pleaded, “Grandpa, I promise, from tomorrow on, I won’t see Gilmore again. Please let him go?”

“No!” Denton’s refusal was immediate. “If I let him go, you’ll continue to cause trouble and be ruined.”

“Grandpa, please! I won’t make trouble,” Claire begged, her voice low. She was anxious and didn’t know what to do, except beg for Gilmore’s release.

The three Palmer men were secretly pleased. Benjamin recalled Gilmore’s defiance in the restaurant yesterday. He silently mocked, “A fool will soon taste death at Mr. Denton Carter’s hands.” However, he feigned worry, pleading with Denton, “Mr. Denton, Claire knows she was wrong. Please spare Gilmore.”

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Mr. Emerson’s eyes. He thought, “He’s a worthy member of the Palmer family. His plea is a smart move, perfectly timed. It impresses Denton and shows Claire Benjamin’s concern.”

But Claire’s reaction was unexpected. Her eyes were icy as she addressed Benjamin: “Who needs your hypocrisy? Aren’t you the one who wants Gilmore dead? Do you think a show will make me fall for your tricks and marry you? Stop dreaming!”

Her words, spoken before both families, were deeply hurtful. Denton’s face darkened, radiating a powerful aura. Claire’s heart skipped a beat. She’d vented her anger but also enraged her grandfather. He definitely wouldn’t spare Gilmore now. She hated Benjamin; his false kindness had caused this.

“I’ll give you two choices!” Denton declared. “One: Gilmore dies. Two: You and Benjamin immediately set a wedding date!”

Claire was shocked. She finally said, “But Grandpa, we have an agreement…”

Denton interrupted. “I thought you could handle things, but you’ve disappointed me! If I let you continue, you’ll not only be fooled by a two-timer but also tarnish the Carter family’s reputation. It might be too late to stop you then. Therefore, for your reputation and the Carter family’s, our two-year agreement is terminated!”

Benjamin, Wallace, and Emerson were ecstatic. This was exactly what Emerson wanted—Gilmore’s death and Claire’s marriage to Benjamin! He'd achieved his goal.

Claire’s eyes filled with tears. She stepped forward, shaking Denton’s arm, almost crying. Denton, annoyed, said, “You don’t want to choose? I’ll choose for you.” He shouted, “Guards!”

Footsteps sounded. Ten bodyguards in black suits rushed in. They approached Denton, asking, “How may we serve you, Mr. Carter?”

“Go to Villa 1 in the Palazzo and bring Gilmore Reed here. If he resists, kill him without mercy,” Denton ordered coldly.

“Yes, Mr. Carter,” the bodyguards replied.

Claire’s face paled, tears falling. She knew her grandfather was determined to kill Gilmore unless she married Benjamin. She glanced at her distraught parents, seeing them as her last hope.

She approached them, pleading, “Mom, Dad, please beg Grandpa for me. Ask him not to kill Gilmore.” Christopher and his wife, seeing their daughter’s sorrow, felt empathy but were troubled. Though Denton was heartless, Claire was begging for a cheating man. This seemed hopeless. So, though they loved their daughter dearly, they supported Denton’s actions.

Miranda wiped Claire’s tears, trying to persuade her, “Claire, listen to your grandpa! Don’t think about Gilmore. He’s scum. You’re the eldest daughter of the wealthy Carter family. Only an outstanding person like Benjamin is worthy of you.”

Claire knew her mother wouldn’t help. Her tears flowed uncontrollably.

The bodyguards were about to leave when Claire, determined to save Gilmore, decided to agree to her grandfather's request and marry Benjamin. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a word, a clear voice sounded from the entrance, "You don't need to send your men to the Palazzo, I'm already here."

Claire was shocked. "That's Gilmore's voice!" she thought.

Everyone looked towards the door. A smiling Gilmore walked in, followed by David and Christine. The Palmer men’s eyes gleamed with excitement. A good show was about to begin!