Chapter 82

Gilmore entered the Carter house and saw a chilling sight: dozens of men in black, each with two axes strapped to their waists, stood in two rows, radiating a palpable killing intent. However, Gilmore acted unconcerned. He calmly walked between the rows, approaching the sofa where Claire sat. He smiled apologetically. "Sorry I'm late, Claire!"

Claire, still shaken, thought, Why is Gilmore here? And will Grandpa let him leave safely? Her worry intensified. She started to speak, but Gilmore gave her a reassuring nod, confusing her. Could he know how to handle Grandpa?

Gilmore bowed respectfully to Denton, who sat looking powerful and dignified. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Carter!"

Denton's sharp gaze remained fixed on Gilmore. He didn't speak or move. The tension in the room was suffocating; Claire, her parents, and the three Palmer men felt the air thicken. Denton continued to stare, observing Gilmore's reaction. He'd been watching since Gilmore entered, hoping to see panic or fear at the sight of his guards. But Gilmore remained unfazed. He showed no fear of the men's aura, or the axes at their waists. He walked forward with his head held high, seemingly unconcerned for his own safety. Denton was surprised.

These black-clad men were cold-blooded warriors he had trained. Their aura alone could terrify most people. Only someone exceptionally brave could remain calm facing them. Gilmore's courage exceeded Denton's expectations. Denton wanted to see if Gilmore could remain calm under his intense gaze.

Even Denton's powerful aura failed to affect Gilmore's expression. Gilmore wasn't pretending; his calm stemmed from immense inner strength and the vast flow of mana within him. Denton's aura, or even a group of hostile lions, wouldn't faze him. His expression was as still as a frozen lake—exasperatingly calm. Denton, a powerful figure in Oakhaven, felt a sense of defeat, something unimaginable after decades of influence. This was the first time someone had been completely unaffected by his intimidating presence, and Gilmore was just a young man.

"Dad, your son-in-law is here," a respectful voice announced.

Denton shifted his gaze from Gilmore to David, who had approached. David's respectful greeting concealed a trace of surprise at the sight of his father-in-law's Phantom Guards. David, a seasoned businessman, was usually fearless, but Denton's aura, forged in bloodshed, was different. Denton, seeing David's respectful demeanor, finally relaxed his murderous expression toward Gilmore.

"David, take a seat." "Yes, Mr. Carter."

After greeting Christine, Christopher, and the Palmers, David sat. Christine arrived, her face paling at the sight of the men.

"Grandpa, who are these people?" she asked suspiciously. "Christine, sit down," Denton replied, ignoring her question.

Denton then looked at David and pointed at Gilmore. "Did he come with you?"

David nodded. "Yes. Gilmore happened to be at my house. When he learned you wanted to see us, he wanted to see you too, so he came with us."

This surprised Denton, Claire, her parents, and the Palmers. Why would Gilmore want to see Denton?

Denton frowned, asking David, "What's the matter?"

"Gilmore told me he and Claire truly love each other, and he wanted to see you," David explained.

This shocked everyone. Gilmore likes Claire? But isn't he Christine's boyfriend?

David, understanding their surprise, explained that Gilmore had encountered Benjamin at a restaurant and pretended to be Claire's boyfriend to help her. Benjamin had followed them and even reported their pretend kiss to Denton, infuriating him. Denton demanded Claire marry Benjamin and threatened to kill Gilmore. Gilmore, having learned this from his God's Eye, had fabricated Claire's supposed refusal to marry Benjamin to create urgency. This led David to agree to help. David didn't know Claire hadn't actually told Gilmore about Denton's demands.

Denton looked puzzled. "Didn't you announce at Christine's birthday party that Gilmore is Christine's boyfriend? Now he likes Claire? Aren't you angry?"

David laughed. "Mr. Carter, it's a long story. Let me explain."