Chapter 120

Two days later…

In a Vista Verde waterfront coffee shop, Gilmore and Lilian sat at a window table. Sunlight streamed in, the sky was clear, and soft, romantic music played. Lilian sipped her coffee, then looked at Gilmore.

“Gilmore,” she said, “Filming for this week’s episode of Run, Friends, Run is finished. I’m excited to return to Oakhaven to film the next episode.”

Oakhaven was her alma mater, but she was also eager to film at Gilmore’s restaurant, Evermore Diner. Following Gilmore’s request, the next episode would feature the diner and its food.

Gilmore sipped his coffee, gazing at Lilian. “Do you want to rest another day before returning to Oakhaven, or head back today?”

Lilian smiled. “It’s rare for us to be together. I’d like to spend another day with you before going back.”

Gilmore nodded, smiling. “All right, let me dote on my baby tonight.”

Lilian blushed, playfully teasing, “Who’s your baby!?”

Gilmore found her shyness charming. Anticipating their evening together, his imagination soared.

Just then, Lilian’s phone rang. She retrieved it from her handbag.

“Lilian,” Gilmore mused, “which handsome man is calling you?”

Lilian frowned. “It’s Helene.”

“Helene Field? Who’s that?”

“She was the Horizon Group’s vice president and Clinton’s younger sister,” Lilian explained. “She used to sponsor Run, Friends, Run. I’ve met her a few times. Apparently, a month ago, Graham—the Horizon Group chairman and head of the Field family—fainted from rage after Helene rejected his arranged marriage. While he was in a coma, Clinton temporarily took over the family and company, and Helene was ousted.”

Gilmore nodded. “So, the Field family fought over power.”

“Exactly,” Lilian said. “Helene couldn’t defeat the petty Clinton, so she lost all her power.”

“But why is she calling you?” Gilmore asked, gesturing to the still-ringing phone.

Lilian shook her head. “I’m not sure.”

“Then answer it and find out,” Gilmore said.

Lilian answered. “Hello, Miss Field?”

A woman’s voice replied, “Miss Morales, am I bothering you?”

Gilmore judged the voice to be beautiful.

Lilian quickly responded, “Miss Field, of course not. Why are you calling?”

“Miss Morales, I need to warn you. My housekeeper just told me the Field family sent an elite martial arts expert to track you and Mr. Reed. They intend to harm you. Be careful.” The woman’s tone was serious.

Lilian’s face paled. She recovered and said, “Miss Field, thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” Helene replied. “There’s deep hatred between Clinton and me. I don’t want you harmed by that evil man.”

Lilian said, “Then you should be careful too, Miss Field.”

“Thank you, Miss Morales. Clinton won’t harm me easily. Take care.”

“You too, Miss Field.”

Lilian hung up, looking stunned at Gilmore. “Gilmore, Helene said…”

Before she could finish, Gilmore interjected, “I heard. Clinton sent someone to track and attack us?”

He reassured her, “Lilian, don’t worry. As long as I’m here, I won’t let them hurt you.” His words brought Lilian immense relief.

However, Gilmore’s eyes hardened. His previous attack on Clive and others had caused heavy casualties, but it hadn’t deterred Clinton. He needed to deliver a decisive blow.

Through the cafe window, he spotted a black Land Rover parked nearby. Using his “God’s Eye,” he saw Clive and bodyguards inside, watching them.

Gilmore’s expression didn’t change. He sipped his coffee calmly. Then his eyelids flickered, his pupils constricted, and his face shifted subtly.

“Check, please!” he said, snapping his fingers at a waiter.

Lilian was surprised. They hadn’t finished their coffee.

Gilmore paid with his phone. “Lilian, let’s go!”

Lilian saw his serious expression and followed without question. They got into his BMW. Gilmore took the wheel. “I’ll drive. We need to lose our tail.”

Lilian understood. Once Gilmore started the car, they sped away.

Clive, in the Land Rover, saw them leave and ordered, “Quick, follow them!”

A chase ensued. Thirty minutes later, the Land Rover came to a stop on a winding road. They’d lost Gilmore.

Clive, furious, demanded, “Where’s Gilmore’s car?”

The driver, terrified, stammered, “Sir, I lost him…”

(The final promotional line has been removed as it is spam.)