Chapter 97

Despite his fury, Benjamin maintained a composed demeanor. He refused, however, to drink with Gilmore. Turning to Denton, he offered a toast: “Please allow me to propose a toast to your long and happy life!”

Denton waved his hand. “Thank you, but I’m too old to drink much now. Gilmore will drink for me.”

Benjamin was embarrassed. He hadn't anticipated this. He wondered, Why does he still favor Gilmore? Why isn't he angry about the restaurant sale?

Then, a thought occurred to him: Perhaps Denton genuinely can't handle alcohol. Gilmore's holding a wine glass; it's natural he'd drink for him. Benjamin smiled knowingly.

“Since you can’t drink much, then don’t,” he said to Denton. “Let’s eat.” He set down his wine glass and served Denton food, pointedly ignoring Gilmore.

Gilmore, unconcerned, raised his glass. “Cheers to my successful sale of Evermore Diner shares, and to the Evermore Group’s bright future!”

Claire smiled gracefully. “Cheers! To the Evermore Group’s future!” They clinked glasses and drank.

Benjamin, his father, and grandfather were stunned. Shouldn’t Claire be furious? He sold half the shares! And what was this "Evermore Group"? Something felt wrong.

"Don't be angry at Gilmore for selling the shares," Benjamin told Claire. "Even without the restaurant, he can still achieve great things. He was trying to provoke you with flattery." He pretended concern to goad her into anger, but failed.

Instead, Claire smiled—a rare sight—and said, “I’m not mad. The shares he sold were from a branch restaurant of the Evermore Group. He sold them for 100 million, giving the Evermore Group capital for expansion. We now have the funds to develop the group, and I increased my Newhaven Commercial Plaza performance by 500% in one day!” She looked sweetly at her grandfather. “Grandpa, have I met the conditions to lift my restrictions?”

A kind smile touched the old man’s face. He nodded. “Our agreement was for a 10% increase in Newhaven Commercial Plaza performance over two years. But after cooperating with Gilmore, you’ve increased it by 500%! You far exceeded expectations. Your restrictions are lifted. I won’t interfere with your future decisions. You can marry whomever you choose. But you and Gilmore must thank Benjamin properly. You wouldn’t have succeeded without him. You should toast him.”

Claire and Gilmore replied together, “Yes, Grandpa!” “Yes, Mr. Carter!” They raised their glasses to Benjamin. “Mr. Palmer, thank you for your help! Cheers!”

Benjamin was dumbfounded. Gilmore and Claire had formed the Evermore Group. Gilmore had only sold him half the shares of one restaurant, not the entire group. They were still partners.

Worse, he'd spent 100 million on Evermore Diner, which remained under the Evermore Group's control! He felt like a fool. One hundred million dollars!

Claire and Gilmore remained close, and Mr. Carter was proud. The Palmer family gained nothing. Benjamin felt like he would vomit blood. Mr. Emerson and Wallace looked equally devastated. They’d fallen into Gilmore’s trap again. One hundred million dollars! They felt utterly betrayed. Their hatred was profound.

Though close to collapsing, Benjamin maintained his composure at the banquet, forcing a smile and raising his glass. “My pleasure!” The Palmer family forced smiles, appearing distracted, while Gilmore and Claire enjoyed themselves, exchanging loving glances. This only increased the Palmer family’s distress.

Chapter 97 (Continued)

The banquet over, the Palmer family saw the Carters off. Back in their hotel suite, Emerson sat heavily, his face grim. Benjamin and Wallace barely dared to breathe.

“Grandpa… what about the 100 million?” Benjamin asked cautiously.

Emerson's rage was palpable. He hadn't anticipated this miscalculation; Gilmore had outmaneuvered him. “I hope he doesn’t spend it. Otherwise, he’ll pay!” He slammed his fist on the armrest, shattering it.

Benjamin was shocked by his grandfather’s strength. Though not currently a martial artist, Emerson had been one decades ago. Wallace voiced a concern, “Will Denton be troubled if he learns of our plans against Gilmore?”

“Yes,” Emerson replied gravely. “We mustn’t let the Carters know who attacked Gilmore.”

Wallace muttered, “What about Marlon Salazar? He wants revenge on Gilmore for the Chapmans. No one would suspect us if Gilmore… disappears.”

Emerson, regaining his composure, nodded. “Hmm… Alright. Let Marlon handle him…”