Chapter 96

In a luxurious private room at the Atlas Hotel, Gilmore and Benjamin sat down. Ms. Patterson, Mr. Alex, and Gerald were in the adjoining private room. The waitress served them tea. Although seated, Benjamin didn't immediately order food; he seemed to be expecting someone.

Gilmore took a sip of tea and asked, "Did you invite someone else?"

Benjamin smiled. "Yes, they'll be here soon."

Gilmore nodded. Shortly after, they heard voices and footsteps outside. A waiter opened the door, and Mr. Emerson and Wallace entered, followed by Denton, Claire, Christopher, and his wife. Nearly all the key members of the Carters and Palmers had arrived.

"Welcome! Please have a seat," Emerson said warmly to the Carters.

Denton, surprised to see Gilmore, asked, "Why are you here?"

Before Gilmore could answer, Benjamin said, "I just bought Evermore Diner from him. He was invited to celebrate the deal."

Denton frowned, glanced at Gilmore, and sat down in silence. Benjamin was delighted, believing Mr. Carter was disappointed by Gilmore's sale. A hint of smugness flickered in Emerson and Wallace's eyes; they knew Benjamin had deliberately informed Mr. Carter, despite his innocent demeanor. Gilmore remained expressionless, aware of Benjamin's self-congratulatory attitude.

Emerson seated everyone. Claire sat beside Gilmore, making Benjamin jealous, but he quickly suppressed his emotions, focusing on his plan to discredit Gilmore to Mr. Carter.

"Please serve the dishes," Wallace ordered the waitresses. They left and returned shortly with the food. A variety of delicacies were placed on the table, followed by wine.

Emerson raised his glass of red wine. "Denton, we're here to apologize for our rudeness at your home. Let me propose a toast."

Denton raised his glass. "What's past is past. Cheers!"

They drank. Wallace and Benjamin then toasted Denton and Christopher.

Afterward, Emerson casually asked Benjamin, "I hear you bought a restaurant?"

"Yes," Benjamin replied. "I purchased a 50% share of Evermore Diner in Newhaven Commercial Plaza from Gilmore."

"Evermore Diner" Emerson mused. "The one where you and Claire ate and made famous?"

Denton nodded. "Claire and Gilmore opened it. I went on opening day, but never expected it to become so popular because of a video."

Emerson asked curiously, "You seemed to enjoy the food in the video. How was it?"

Denton replied, "The food was delicious and unforgettable."

Emerson looked at Benjamin. "Did you hear that? Mr. Carter loved the food. You must maintain its quality."

"Don't worry," Benjamin said, seemingly casually but sincerely, "I won't sell it."

Denton raised an eyebrow. "How much did you pay?"

Benjamin stated firmly, "100 million dollars."

Emerson and Wallace feigned shock, but Claire's parents were genuinely astonished. Gilmore and Claire remained calm; they saw Benjamin as a pathetic fool trying to win Denton over with his extravagant purchase.

"Why 100 million?" Emerson asked anxiously.

Benjamin confidently replied, "Grandpa, it wasn't just for the restaurant. I wanted Mr. Carter's favor and Claire's hand. It's a good investment—for Claire, and the future Palmer family wealth. I followed my heart, and I won't regret it."

Emerson nodded. "You have my support. Claire and Mr. Carter deserve our wealth." Wallace agreed.

The Palmers anticipated the Carters' emotional response, expecting to look down on Gilmore and favor Benjamin. Instead, a round of applause erupted. Their initial assumption that Mr. Carter was applauding was quickly dispelled; it was Gilmore.

With a bright smile, Gilmore clapped. "I'm moved by your sincerity and love. To Claire and the Carter family!" He raised his glass and drank.

Benjamin's face twitched. Gilmore was embarrassing them. He was furious. "What the hell is wrong with him?"

(The final sentence fragment "朗" appears to be a non-English character and has been omitted.)