Chapter 99

Gilmore didn't expect Claire's "brief visit" to last until nightfall. She quickly befriended Everly, who had just returned from school. The two girls chatted and laughed as if they'd known each other for years, puzzling Gilmore and Gerald. Did all girls become such close friends in under an hour? They discussed everything from clothes and shoes to makeup and the day's activities.

This was an eye-opener for Gilmore and Gerald. Claire, the pampered daughter of a wealthy family, even helped Everly prepare a sumptuous dinner. Gilmore initially expected the food to be unpalatable, but it was delicious. Claire wasn't like a typical rich girl. Gilmore gave her a thumbs-up. "Not bad! Your cooking is better than I thought!"

"I didn't prepare this myself. I did this with Everly. You should praise her too," Claire said humbly. This was a calculated move; by befriending Everly, Claire aimed to get closer to Gilmore.

"That's right! You're so biased, Gilmore. You're only praising Claire, not me," Everly pouted, feigning disappointment. Gilmore pinched her nose. "You little girl, when have I ever not taken your side? Of course I know you cook well!"

"But Claire is a rich girl who can cook well. How can you think I'm biased for complimenting her?"

"Gilmore, you're pinching my nose again. You're always treating me like a kid," Everly grumbled, rubbing her nose. "So what? Aren't you a kid? Or do you think you're an adult now? You're still too young!" Gilmore pinched her nose again.

"I'm an adult, and I'm not a child," Everly said, looking despairing.

Gerald and Claire laughed at the siblings' bickering. Dinner ended on a happy note, with Claire and Everly cleaning up together. Once finished, Claire settled onto the sofa and said to Gilmore, who was drinking water, "Gilmore, pour me a cup too."

Gilmore looked at her. "Aren't you going back?"

Claire showed no urgency to leave. "It's still early. I'll go back later."

Everly also sat down. "Gilmore, it's not every day that Claire visits. I still have so much to talk to her about!"

If Gilmore hadn't known the girls had met only an hour earlier, he would have thought they were old friends. The ease of their friendship was remarkable.

Gilmore, playing the role of older brother, told Everly, "Go to your room and study."

Reluctantly, she agreed. "Okay." Turning to Claire, she said, "Claire, I'll go upstairs first."

Claire smiled. "Go ahead!"

Everly then went upstairs.

"Cough, um, I'll go take a shower," Gerald said, clearly wanting to avoid being a third wheel. He left without waiting for a reply.

Gilmore shrugged, unsure of Gerald's motives. He continued drinking his tea and using his phone. Claire sipped her tea, occasionally glancing at him.

"If you have something to say, just say it. Don't keep looking at me," Gilmore said, without looking up.

Claire, surprised he noticed, denied it immediately. "Me? Look at you? I'm just checking out your house decor! It's not bad!"

"Christine gave me this place. The decor was her masterpiece," Gilmore replied.

"Gilmore, did you fall in love with Christine while pretending to be a couple with her?" Claire asked, testing him.

Gilmore didn't answer, instead looking directly at Claire. "Did you fall in love with me because I pretended to be your boyfriend?"

Claire was stunned. A faint blush appeared on her face. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm going to check on Everly."

She rushed upstairs. Gilmore wanted to stop her from disturbing Everly's studies, but she was already gone. He resumed using his phone.

Around nine o'clock, Gerald came downstairs. "Gilmore, I'm going to Evermore Diner to pick up your parents. Do you want me to send Miss Carter back?"

Gilmore looked upstairs and sighed. "Forget it. I don't think she's leaving tonight. You can go ahead!"

A knowing smile appeared on Gerald's face. "Oh, does this mean you're going to have a wonderful night with Miss Carter tonight?"

"Gerald, do I look like that kind of guy to you? I'm a gentleman. Claire will be sleeping with Everly," Gilmore said dismissively.

Gerald was speechless.

Chapter 99 (Continued)

Gilmore, a gentleman? Bah! Gerald knew Gilmore had feelings for Christine, and also his first love, Lilian Morales. Sooner or later, Claire would also become Gilmore's woman.

"Fine, fine. I hope you keep your word, gentleman. I'm leaving," Gerald said, departing the villa.

After he left, Gilmore sighed to himself, "Can't blame Gerald for not believing I'm a gentleman. Even I don't believe that." But despite the alluring situation, nothing would happen between him and Claire that night. He had another appointment—with Marlon—an opportunity he couldn't miss. He looked upstairs, one last glance at Claire, then left the villa in his Mercedes.

(The final section with non-English characters is omitted as it's unclear and likely irrelevant to the text cleanup.)