Chapter 92

Gilmore and Claire sat on the office sofa. Irene left after serving them coffee.

"Gilmore, you were right! The combination of rustic food and natural healthcare is very popular. We've succeeded!" Claire exclaimed happily.

Gilmore shook his head. "This is just the beginning. We still have a lot of work to do. We'll have truly succeeded once we've opened branches of your restaurant all over the city."

"Well, that's why I invited you here today. We're going to open a branch now," Claire said, rising to take a tablet from the desk. She sat beside Gilmore and tapped the map app. "I've sent someone to scout locations in Oakhaven. I've checked them out myself—they're all good options, considering location and popularity."

"Well, it's up to you. Whichever location you choose is fine," Gilmore said.

"But there's a problem. My chosen location is surrounded by Gastronova Ventures hotels and fast-food restaurants. Our branch would face strong competition," Claire shared, voicing her concerns.

Gilmore already knew Gastronova Ventures' background. It was a Palmer family enterprise—what a coincidence. He and the Palmers had a history of bad blood. Moreover, it was Oakhaven's largest restaurant group, with a multi-billion dollar market value. He was facing an inevitable commercial war against Gastronova Ventures, given his plans to brand Evermore Diner and open branches in every Oakhaven commercial plaza. Their existing animosity would only intensify the conflict.

However, Gilmore wasn't afraid of the Palmers' market competition. According to his "God's Eye," Gastronova Ventures would be defeated by Claire's natural healthcare restaurant and eventually close down, leading to the decline of the powerful Palmer family. He'd proactively implemented the natural healthcare restaurant to hasten their collapse.

"Our Evermore Diner will defeat Gastronova Ventures," Gilmore declared firmly to Claire.

Claire, who disliked the Palmer family herself, readily agreed, nodding with confidence and determination in her eyes. She then discussed expansion preparations. "If we expand, we'll have dozens of branches. We'll need reliable ingredient suppliers capable of handling the logistics, and hundreds of cooks to prepare the rustic food."

Gilmore nodded. "You focus on opening the branch. I'll handle the suppliers and employees."

Claire was inwardly curious. Is he capable of securing such a massive amount of ingredients? And where will he find hundreds of qualified cooks? But she trusted Gilmore implicitly; he was a man of his word.

Chapter 92 (Continued)

Evermore Diner's popularity proved Gilmore's acumen. That night, they discussed further expansion plans.

Meanwhile, at the Palmer family manor, Benjamin sat on the living room sofa, watching a viral video on his phone—Denton and Claire enjoying Evermore Diner. He frowned, turning to his father, Wallace Palmer. "Dad, why was Mr. Carter at that restaurant? And why is his video everywhere?"

"That's Claire's hype. I hear the restaurant belongs to her and Gilmore's parents," Wallace replied indifferently. "Shameful of her to use her grandfather for publicity."

"Why the catering industry? How much profit can a small restaurant generate?" Benjamin pressed.

"I believe she's trying to strengthen her bond with Gilmore. Why else wouldn't they start a profitable company? Of course, Gilmore can only manage a small restaurant with his limited abilities," Wallace scoffed.

Benjamin nodded. "That makes sense. Mr. Carter ended our engagement, but Claire's finances are still under his control. She can't use Carter family funds freely unless she successfully manages the Newhaven Commercial Plaza project. But that's unlikely, given its lackluster performance over the past six months."

"If Claire fails, Mr. Carter might suggest we remarry," Benjamin continued. "Running a restaurant won't improve her performance, but Gilmore's efforts are noticeable. She wants Mr. Carter to approve of Gilmore."

"Poor girl, it won't happen," Wallace sneered. "The restaurant won't improve her standing, and Gilmore isn't business material."

Benjamin pondered, then said, "Dad, an idea! Let's buy Gilmore's shares of Evermore Diner! Then I'll be Claire's business partner, not Gilmore."

Wallace's eyes lit up. A brilliant idea! Gilmore and Claire's success stemmed from their relationship. If Benjamin replaced Gilmore, Claire would focus on him, using the restaurant to strengthen their bond.

But Wallace frowned. "I'm afraid Gilmore won't sell."

Benjamin confidently reassured him. "Money talks. I doubt he'd refuse a high price. And even if he won't, his parents might."

Wallace nodded. "Alright, send someone to buy Evermore Diner tomorrow. Let's throw money at it." Money was insignificant compared to the Carter family fortune and the King's Treasure Map.

Chapter 92 (Continued)

The next morning, Gilmore drove his parents to Evermore Diner in his Mercedes. He noticed a luxury car parked outside and wondered about its owner. As they approached, three people exited the luxury car: Benjamin, a middle-aged woman, and a young man in a suit carrying a briefcase.

"Gilmore, good morning!" Benjamin smirked.

Gilmore was unsurprised to see Benjamin. When you see this guy, nothing good ever comes from it, he thought.

"Mom, Dad, leave this to me," Gilmore told his parents, who recognized Benjamin from their previous encounter. They disliked him but entered the diner as their son suggested.

"Look who we have here! What can I do for you, Mr. Palmer?" Gilmore asked.

"Big business, my friend! I've reserved a room at Everleigh Restaurant. Join me for drinks and a chat," Benjamin replied.

Intrigued by Benjamin's scheme, Gilmore shrugged. "Sure, at least I'll get a free meal out of it."

(Note: The final lines with non-English characters were omitted as they are likely decorative or unrelated to the text.)