Chapter 100

In a hillside villa outside the suburbs of Oakhaven, the living room blazed with light. An old man in gray clothes sat on the sofa, answering a phone call with a solemn expression. The old man was Marlon Salazar.

"Mr. Palmer," he said gravely into the phone, "don't worry! I'll find a chance to get rid of Gilmore as soon as possible!"

He hung up, his eyes flashing fiercely. The call was from Wallace, who simply wanted Marlon to eliminate Gilmore. Wallace would then arrange for Marlon Salazar and Marco Chapman to be sent to Amerest.

Marlon was indebted to Roger Chapman, head of the Chapman family, and longed for revenge. He hadn't acted sooner because the timing hadn't been right. Now, the Palmer family wanted Gilmore dead, and they would send him and Marco to Amerest afterward. This removed his hesitation. He decided to take the risk. He had to kill Gilmore.

He glanced at the wall clock: eight o'clock. He was alone; Marco was out. Since Benjamin had ordered them to move from the Palmer residence to this secluded mountain villa, Marco, unable to tolerate the rural isolation, frequented Oakhaven bars nightly, returning late.

Marlon poured himself a glass of wine. As he was about to drink, he heard a car outside. He wondered if Marco had returned early, but dismissed the idea; it had only been an hour since Marco left for the city. Only one other possibility remained: someone from the Palmer family. Few people visited this remote villa; the Palmers only sent food and supplies.

Therefore, Marlon assumed it was the Palmers. He set down his glass, rising to investigate. Unexpectedly, a person entered. Upon seeing who it was, Marlon's eyes glinted coldly. It was Gilmore.

What was Gilmore doing here? Had he brought Carter family experts? After all, Marco had taken photos of Gilmore and Claire, even telling Benjamin that Gilmore and Christine were a couple. Benjamin was using this evidence to pressure Gilmore. Furthermore, Benjamin had informed Marlon that Mr. Carter was furious at Marco for framing Gilmore and Claire, seeking revenge. Marlon's first thought was that his location had been compromised.

"Don't be nervous. I came alone," Gilmore smiled.

Marlon listened intently; he heard no one else. His expression relaxed. There were no Carter family experts, only Gilmore. Instead of fear, Marlon felt Gilmore had walked into a trap.

"I can't believe you found this place and walked in alone," Marlon said, a cold smile playing on his lips.

Gilmore seemed unconcerned. He sat on the sofa, looking at Marlon. "Wallace just called you to kill me, right?"

Marlon was shocked but concealed it. How did Gilmore know about Wallace's call? He didn't dwell on it. "You know I want to kill you. Why walk into this trap? You must have a death wish."

Gilmore smiled, poured himself wine, and took a sip before replying. "No, I'm not here to die. I'm here to save you from your impending death."

Marlon roared with laughter. "Do you think you can scare me with words?"

His laughter ceased, replaced by murderous intent. "You bankrupted the Chapman family and imprisoned Mr. and Mrs. Chapman. I'm sending you to hell."

Marlon raised his hand to strike.

"Wait!" Gilmore shouted.

Marlon glared. "What? Last words?"

Gilmore sneered. "Marlon, you really think you can kill me? You overestimate yourself. Why do you think you're still alive? I know where you live. If I told the Carters, do you think you'd have a chance? And if you kill me, do you think Wallace will send you to Amerest? They'll throw you to the sharks."

Marlon frowned. How did Gilmore know about Amerest? Gilmore was right; knowing Marlon's location, he didn't need to die. He only needed to inform the Carters.

Marlon became suspicious. "You mean, Wallace will get rid of me and Marco after we kill you?"

Gilmore nodded. "That's right. The Palmer family will escape blame, pushing it all onto you. You're their scapegoat. Once you kill me, they'll abandon you."

Marlon's eyes narrowed. "Why should I believe you?"

"Won't we know once we try?" Gilmore countered.

"How?" Marlon asked.

"Call Wallace and tell him you have me. Ask him what to do," Gilmore instructed.

"Then what?" Marlon pressed.

"He'll say he's sending someone. Once his man confirms you have me, he'll silence us all and burn this villa," Gilmore explained. "Wallace will destroy all evidence. Even if the police find out, people will claim you killed me because of my feud with the Chapmans."

Marlon wasn't entirely convinced, but his resolve faltered. If Gilmore was right, he'd become a pawn, dying needlessly.

He grabbed his phone and called Wallace. "Marlon, is something wrong?" Wallace asked.

"Mr. Palmer, I have him. He's in my villa. Should I kill him?" Marlon replied.

"No, don't. I'll send someone. Don't kill him yet," Wallace said, sounding surprisingly pleased.

"Yes, Mr. Palmer. I'll wait."

Marlon hung up, his frown deepening. Gilmore's prediction had been correct; Wallace was sending someone. Was this coincidence?

(The final sentence and promotional text have been removed as they were extraneous to the story's text.)