Chapter 87

In the Palmer family manor, Emerson, Wallace, and Benjamin, recently returned home, sat on the living room sofa. All three wore grim expressions.

"Benjamin," Wallace began, his voice edged with anger, "if you hadn't been so close to Marco and his friends, and trusted them so blindly, we wouldn't have lost so much face tonight. Chase them out tomorrow."

Benjamin knew he'd made a mistake, and his father's anger was directed at Marco. Unable to retort, he simply replied, "Okay, Dad. I'll drive them out tomorrow."

However, Emerson interjected, "No, we cannot drive them out."

Benjamin and his father stared at him in astonishment.

"Why not?" Wallace asked, puzzled.

Emerson's eyes deepened. "Because they're Gilmore's enemies. Gilmore is the one who made us lose face tonight, and we can't let it go. We can use Marco to get revenge."

"Dad," Wallace suggested, "we have skilled killers in our family. We could simply send them after Gilmore."

Emerson shook his head. "No. The Foster family protects Gilmore, and he's now Claire's boyfriend. We can't touch him. If Gilmore were to die by our hand, Denton wouldn't stand idly by. Even though he retired from martial arts years ago, his influence remains immense. A word from him, and those martial arts masters would wipe out our family."

Wallace's face tightened. He knew Denton's legendary status in the martial arts world. Despite the Palmer family's power, they still feared Denton, a ruthless hero and head of a prominent family.

Emerson turned his gaze to the resentful Benjamin. "Benjamin, there's no need to be so concerned about the engagement being called off tonight. We didn't lose much. Gilmore is Claire's boyfriend, so what? He's from an ordinary family, but Claire is Denton's only granddaughter. Do you think he'll marry her off to such an ordinary person?"

He placed a hand on Benjamin's shoulder and patted him gently. "Don't let a small setback ruin the grand scheme. In the end, Denton will see you, superior to Gilmore in every way, as the most suitable candidate to be Claire's husband. Do you remember why I want you to marry her?"

Benjamin's eyes lit up. "I won't forget. You told me Denton spent decades accumulating wealth in the martial arts world. Once I marry his granddaughter, Claire, the Carter family's wealth will be ours. More importantly, decades ago, he obtained a treasure map—a map to the King's Treasure. By marrying Claire, we'll eventually obtain the map and the treasure, ensuring the Palmer family's wealth for generations to come."

Emerson nodded in satisfaction. "Yes, our ultimate goal is the Carter family's wealth and the King's Treasure." He'd discovered the treasure map decades ago, and only Wallace and Benjamin knew.

He then looked at Benjamin. "Arrange for Marco and Marlon to leave secretly. Tell them Gilmore discovered them and asked the Carter family to kill them."

Benjamin understood. "I got it, Grandpa. This will make Marco's group hate Gilmore even more."

Emerson's eyes were deep and calculating. "Tell them to hide for now, and not to seek out Gilmore. When the time is right, tell them to act."

Benjamin's eyes flashed. "Yes, Grandpa."

The next day, Benjamin arranged a meeting with Marco and Marlon, informing them he was providing them with new lodgings. They were puzzled.

"Mr. Palmer," Marlon asked, "do you consider us a burden?"

Benjamin quickly shook his head. "No. But I'm afraid you can no longer stay here. I'll find you temporary housing."

"Then why must we leave?" Marlon pressed.

Benjamin recounted the events of the previous night at the Carter family's home, explaining Christine's deception with Gilmore, and fabricating a story that Denton demanded Marco's execution. He portrayed himself as saving Marco's life by sending him away.

Marlon and Marco were shocked and touched by Benjamin's supposed selflessness.

Marlon knew Denton's terrifying reputation in Oakhaven. They thanked Benjamin profusely for his supposed kindness.

Benjamin, playing the role of a merciful man, assured them of his loyalty and warned them about Gilmore's continued threat.

This fueled Marlon and Marco's hatred for Gilmore, solidifying their belief that he was the reason for their misfortunes. Marco vowed revenge.

Soon, Marlon and Marco left in a car provided by Benjamin.

Later, Wallace approached Benjamin. "Have they left?"

"Yes, Father," Benjamin replied, "and I told them Gilmore wants them dead. You should have seen their faces; they were practically frothing at the mouth!"

Father and son exchanged chilling smiles.

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