Chapter 98

A Mercedes sped past, heading for the Palazzo. Gilmore and Claire sat in the back seat. Their loyal bodyguard, Gerald, was driving.

Claire hadn't returned home with Denton and her parents; she was with Gilmore. Her grandfather had lifted her restrictions, giving her the freedom to choose her own path, and Denton respected her decisions. This is why she was in Gilmore's car. She was elated because Gilmore had earned one hundred million from Benjamin.

In the back seat, she smiled at Gilmore. "Mr. Emerson must be furious! The Palmers must hate us for taking their one hundred million!"

Gilmore chuckled. "You're right. He's furious and figuring out how to deal with me." His "God's Eye"—a skill unseen by Claire—had witnessed Emerson smashing his armrest and Wallace suggesting Marlon's assassination.

Claire, unaware of the God's Eye, assumed Gilmore was simply guessing. "Don't worry," she said. "You're my boyfriend now. No matter how much they hate you, they won't dare touch you because of my family."

Gilmore nodded. He knew the Palmers feared the Carters, preventing rash action. However, they could hire someone else. Marlon, the Chapman family's most trusted butler and a skilled martial artist, was a likely candidate.

Gilmore's eyes narrowed. He needed to address this threat, but killing Marlon wasn't his first choice. There was no blood feud; he wouldn't act recklessly. Marlon was a problem, but not one requiring immediate lethal action. Direct killing was a last resort; true masters eliminated threats without leaving a trace. Gilmore planned to use a proxy killer, a cleverer approach.

Chapter 98

In other words—murder by proxy! He wanted to use this tactic against Marlon, but couldn't leave Claire.

"Mr. Emerson invited us to the banquet, calling it an apology, but he really wanted to tell Grandpa and me about what you did!" Claire exclaimed happily. "They thought we'd be angry and disown you, but they didn't expect us to establish the Evermore Group!"

Gilmore had foreseen the events at the Atlas Hotel using his God's Eye. He'd shared his plan with Claire beforehand. Thus, when Benjamin repeatedly reminded Claire and Mr. Carter that Gilmore had sold the restaurant, they remained calm. Benjamin fell into the trap, readily offering one hundred million for half of the Evermore Diner's shares, expressing no regrets. As Gilmore predicted, Benjamin repeatedly professed loyalty to Claire and the Carters at the banquet, reiterating his willingness to pay. Upon realizing the trap involving the Evermore Group, he could only endure in silence; his willingness had already been demonstrated.

Denton also remained calm, having been briefed by Claire. This was all part of Gilmore's plan. Claire informed Denton that the one hundred million from the restaurant sale would solve their financial concerns regarding opening numerous Oakhaven branches. This allowed the Carters to expand the Evermore Diner throughout Oakhaven without additional expense.

Denton's reaction at the banquet? Pride in Gilmore's business acumen—selling 50% of the restaurant for one hundred million! The Palmers had laid traps, but were ultimately outmaneuvered by Gilmore.

Snapping back to the present, Gilmore smiled at Claire. "Now that we have Benjamin's one hundred million, let's put it to good use! We'll open Evermore Diner branches throughout Oakhaven and become the top brand."

Claire's eyes shone. "The next step is defeating Castronova Ventures and dominating Oakhaven's catering industry!"

"We have the funds. I'll handle recruitment and ingredient supply in the next two days," Gilmore stated seriously.

Claire nodded. "I've already arranged refurbishment; it'll be ready in two weeks."

Wednesday, August 2nd Chapter 98

Claire remained curious about Gilmore's ingredient supply solution. Current demand was low, easily met by local villages. However, once the branches opened, demand would skyrocket, requiring border-area suppliers. Securing those suppliers presented challenges: immense manpower and resources, and significant uncertainties. Yet, she trusted Gilmore's abilities. He'd consistently proven himself, selling 50% of the restaurant for one hundred million! He was remarkable.

The car arrived at the Palazzo. Gilmore exited, instructing Gerald, "Take Claire to the office, and pick up Everly on your way back." Everly, a high school student, had been driven to and from school by Gilmore.

"Of course," Gerald replied.

Claire interjected, "Wait, I'm free today; I'm not going to the office."

"Then he'll take you home," Gilmore said.

"No, I want to stay at your place," Claire insisted.

Gilmore agreed. "Alright! You're welcome to stay."

Claire smiled, exited the car, and closed the door. Watching them enter the villa, Gerald shook his head. "Hmm… Something's about to happen. I'm jealous. When will I find my own beautiful lady…" He sighed, started the car, and drove off to collect Everly.