Chapter 83

Her daughter's boyfriend liked another woman. David wasn't angry, but he seemed willing to help. Why?

David's statement baffled both the Carters and the Palmers; they found it unbelievable. Denton, stunned, finally asked, "Can you explain this?"

David nodded. "Actually, Gilmore isn't Christine's boyfriend."

This surprised everyone, especially Claire, who was shaken. Had Christine already told her uncle the truth?

Emerson asked, "Mr. Foster, why did you announce at your daughter's birthday party that Gilmore is her boyfriend?" (He addressed David formally because they weren't relatives, and David's prominent position in Oakhaven's business circle demanded respect.)

David smiled. "I announced it because I didn't want to push my daughter into the Chapmans' pit."

Emerson, Denton, and the others understood. The Chapman family, having lied about their vaccine, were bankrupt and ruined. A relationship with Marco Chapman would have been disastrous for Christine. Had David known about the Chapman family's fraud beforehand?

As if anticipating their questions, David continued, "Yes. Before the investigation, I knew their vaccine was fraudulent. I had a close relationship with Roger and knew about his dealings. I advised him against it, but he ignored me. So, I let Gilmore pretend to be Christine's boyfriend, allowing her to easily break off the relationship and preventing the Foster family from being implicated."

Denton and the others were surprised, especially Emerson and Benjamin.

Chapter 88

Initially, the Carters and Fosters believed they could punish Gilmore together for being Christine's boyfriend and a two-timer, envisioning a horrible end for him. They never expected David to reveal Gilmore wasn't Christine's boyfriend, but a hired actor preventing her involvement in the Chapman scandal.

They were dumbfounded. Even Emerson, a shrewd man, was at a loss. How could they punish Gilmore now?

Denton, reeling from the shock, was caught completely off guard. Too many unexpected events had occurred. David's explanation, while wise in protecting the Fosters, still left Denton questioning Christine. He asked, "Christine, your father said Gilmore isn't your real boyfriend. Is that true?"

Christine solemnly nodded. She produced a contract detailing her and Gilmore's arrangement to pretend to be a couple. Denton, upon reading it, was astonished.

Emerson, Benjamin, and Wallace realized the situation had shifted against them. Gilmore wasn't guilty of cheating, and his relationship with Claire didn't violate her agreement with Denton.

Denton showed Emerson the contract. Emerson, embarrassed, declined to look at it.

Chapter 83 (Continued)

Emerson felt embarrassed. The situation wasn't as he'd imagined. Benjamin was surprised; Claire didn't need to marry Gilmore immediately. Yet, he was unwilling to let them be together.

Benjamin apologized to Denton, explaining his actions stemmed from concern for Claire. Denton, while not blaming Benjamin, was displeased with the Palmers. If not for Emerson's false information, he wouldn't have created such a scene. His actions, made before knowing the truth, had caused him to lose face.

Gilmore, observing silently, then spoke, sarcastically addressing Benjamin: "Mr. Carter, this misunderstanding is my fault. However, this was all because I feared that Claire would be hurt. I was too worried. Please forgive me,"

Gilmore's sarcastic words accused Benjamin of associating with Marco Chapman, calling him "scum." Benjamin, furious but needing to maintain composure, denied the accusation, emphasizing his distance from Marco. He knew that being associated with Marco could severely damage the relationship between the Carters and Palmers.

Gilmore countered by mentioning seeing Marco stalking them in the parking lot and having security footage as proof, producing a memory card. Benjamin was shocked and speechless.