Chapter 95

The next day at noon, Gilmore and Gerald drove to the Atlas Hotel parking lot. The Atlas Hotel, a five-star establishment owned by the Palmer family, was Oakhaven's most famous hotel. Gilmore had been summoned by Benjamin the previous night; today, they would sign the contract for 50% of the Evermore Diner shares. Gerald, concerned for Gilmore's safety, accompanied him.

Gilmore carried a document as he and Gerald exited the car and entered the hotel. The chairman's office was on the top floor. Two guards in suits and sunglasses stood before the door. As Gilmore and Gerald approached, the bodyguards raised their hands, sternly demanding, "Who are you?"

"I'm Gilmore. Benjamin invited me," he replied.

One bodyguard scanned him and said, "You may enter, but not your companion."

Gilmore told Gerald, "Wait for me outside." Gerald nodded, acknowledging that while he couldn't enter legally, he could intervene if necessary.

The bodyguards opened the door, instructing, "Go in!" Gilmore entered, and the bodyguard swiftly closed the door behind him.

"Welcome, Gilmore! You're here!" Benjamin's joyful voice greeted him. Benjamin rose from his large desk chair. Ms. Patterson and Mr. Alex sat on the nearby sofa. Gilmore recognized them.

Gilmore nodded slightly. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"No worries! Please sit," Benjamin offered, gesturing to the sofa.

Gilmore sat. Ms. Patterson retrieved two cups of coffee and placed them on the table before Gilmore and Benjamin.

Benjamin took a sip, then addressed Gilmore. "Let's be direct. Yesterday, you quoted 100 million for 50% of the Evermore Diner shares. After family discussion, they considered your price unreasonably high. However, after further consideration—Evermore Diner's charm, its character, and, most importantly, the opportunity to cooperate with Claire—they agreed to your price. Claire has always been my dream girl, so I persistently pleaded with my family."

Gilmore nodded. "You have keen eyes, Mr. Palmer. It's a good deal."

Benjamin forced a smile. "Of course!" (He inwardly cursed, "Yeah, a good deal for you, bastard!") He was suffering a significant loss, one he wouldn't have incurred without Claire and the Carter family. However, as his grandfather had noted, Gilmore might be unable to utilize the funds anyway.

"Mr. Alex, please bring the contract," Benjamin instructed his lawyer.

Alex quickly retrieved a document from his briefcase.

"Hold on," Gilmore interjected.

Benjamin and the others looked at him. "Yes?" Benjamin asked.

"Let's sign my contract, not yours," Gilmore said amicably.

Benjamin immediately understood Gilmore's distrust of Alex's potentially problematic contract. He knew Alex had manipulated the wording to disadvantage Gilmore, but Gilmore's preparedness thwarted the plan.

"Ah, so you brought your own contract," Benjamin said to Alex. "Please put ours away."

Alex complied.

Gilmore placed his documents on the table. "Please review my contract."

Benjamin glanced at Ms. Patterson and Mr. Alex, who began reading the contract. After reviewing it, they nodded their approval to Benjamin.

"Good! We can sign," Benjamin declared, his face brightening.

Gilmore agreed. "Let's do this."

Alex produced two pens and an inkpad, and they signed and fingerprinted the contract, creating two sealed copies.

Gilmore then stated, "Now, may I receive the funds per our agreement?"

The 100 million pained Benjamin, but he instructed Ms. Patterson, "Transfer 100 million to Mr. Reed's account." Ms. Patterson nodded and asked Gilmore for his account number. Gilmore produced a bank card from Juliss Bank—provided by Claire—and instructed her to transfer the funds to that card.

Ms. Patterson called the bank, transferred the funds, and returned the card to Gilmore, confirming the transfer.

"Beep! Beep!" Gilmore received a message from Claire: "100 million arrived!" As the card's owner, Claire received immediate account information.

Gilmore announced, "The deal is closed. I'll be leaving."

Benjamin, however, invited him to lunch at the hotel to celebrate. Gilmore, suspecting a trap, used his "God's Eye" ability to see what awaited him. A knowing smile played on his lips.

"Since you're offering, I'll join you," he replied.

"Excellent! You're my guest. Let's go downstairs." Gilmore and Benjamin left, followed by Ms. Patterson and Mr. Alex.

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