James asked, “Thea, will you be going?”“Of course. Why not?” Thea looked up.When she was in university, she was a laughing stock.She did not have any self-confidence and constantly looked down on herself.Now that she had recovered her looks, her confidence blossomed.James nodded. “This is an important event yet there’s nothing suitable in your wardrobe. Come on, let’s go shopping. You don’t have any accessories either.”“Nonsense. Who says there’s nothing suitable? I think my clothes will do just fine.” Thea pouted.Go shopping? She could not afford it.James could read Thea’s thoughts. He smiled. “Come on. I’ll pay. Isn’t my card with you? All my savings for the past ten years are there. It’s quite a large amount.”“I-We better not.” Thea shook her head.She had always been thrifty.She never cared much for luxury items either.“Go on,” Gladys said. “It’s the birthday party of Longevity Pharmaceuticals’ chairman after all. It wouldn’t be right to stinge on this. We ha
“It’s alright.”James explained, “This is just an example. The rich at the Southern Plains spend hundreds of millions like it’s nothing. My boss is worth hundreds of billions.”“What about you? How much do you have?”“Not much, just hundreds of millions.”James was careful not to divulge too much.Thea was shocked. “How is having hundreds of millions not much?”Immediately, she yelled, “How could you do this, James? You seem honest most of the time, but you’ve done something so terrible. Do you only care about money?”“Isn’t this normal? Mom has mentioned that Howard uses his position to pocket money as well. He’s enjoyed so many benefits, including luxury cars and mansions. Grandfather closes one eye to his antics. Look at dad, getting scolded by mom for being too honest.”Thea considered it.She supposed he could be right.However, those were completely different matters.Whatever Howard did, it was all in the family.Whatever James did was illegal.“Jamie, why don’t you
“How dare you…”James was about to go berserk. Thea grabbed hold of him immediately. “Alright, let’s go.”She was familiar with his temper by now. He even beat someone up during a family meeting.If she did not stop him, this matter would get blown out of proportion.Those in the military were so hot-tempered.James did not lash out as Thea had a hold on him.Both of them walked toward the entrance.“Thea, is that you?”A woman at the entrance was staring at Thea in surprise.“Hmm?”Thea turned, noticing a woman about twenty-seven or -eight years old.She was wearing a long, blue dress and clutching a Chanel bag. Gold earrings dripped from her ears, a crystal necklace sparkled at her neck, and a gold bangle flashed on her arm.Decked out in gold and silver, she looked beautiful and elegant.She was on the arm of a man in his thirties. He wore branded clothing from head to toe, looking powerful and important.“W-who are you?” Thea could not recognize her.“Thea, it’s you!
“Let’s go, James.” Thea pulled James away.She was afraid that James would lose control and start bragging about his wealth.James had told her where the money came from. It was dirty.Though it was also worth noting James had mentioned that he went to court over this matter and got expelled from the military.The money was his final reward for his service.Technically, the money was legal.However, Thea was still worried when she thought about the source of the money.It was best they stayed out of trouble. If the higher-ups pursued this case, James would be in trouble.As such, she started to drag James away.Since Thea wanted to leave, James kept quiet.“Hmph!” Xena cackled. “Just say you’re poor and be done with it.”Zach had an idea. He approached Thea, saying, “Thea, which clothes do you prefer? I’ll purchase them as a gift for you.”“Thanks, but no thanks.” Thea dragged James away again.However, James felt like he had been greatly humiliated. How dare Zach talk a
Thea was rendered speechless. She had failed to hold James back, resulting in him beating someone up again.“Security!” The salesperson shouted.A few security guards at the entrance approached menacingly.The ruckus caught the attention of the other shoppers.All of them gathered around with the air of enjoying a show.Thea was slightly worried. “Jamie, let’s go.”She started to drag James away.However, the security guards blocked them.The salesperson said coldly, “Go? After dirtying the clothes? I don’t think so.”Zach stood up, roaring, “James, you’re dead!”He made a call immediately. “Samson, it’s me. Someone has attacked me at a boutique on South Dragon Street. Come with thirty men. We’re breaking the other dude’s leg.”After he hung up, he sent James a vicious look. “Stay where you are, punk. You’re dead.”Seeing how things were escalating, Thea was afraid. She tugged on James’ arm.James patted her hand, calming her down. “It’s okay. Call Yoel now. Get his dad to
Thea was so anxious she almost burst into tears, but James looked completely unbothered.He had hit Zach and knocked over a few clothes racks. Even the manager had arrived.The manager of the boutique was a woman in her thirties. She was pretty with an oval face and black hair, wearing a sexy professional dress.“M-Mr. Smith.”Seeing Zach, she bowed respectfully.Zach, who was waiting for Samson at the lounge, glanced at the manager. His eyes lit up when he saw how pretty she was. However, she could not hold a candle to Thea, who was sitting opposite him. He lost interest in the manager at once. Mildly, he said, “Do you know me?”“Yes. I saw you from afar at a banquet once.” The manager, Miranda Larson, said respectfully.Zach nodded lightly. Looking at an anxious Thea seated opposite him, he asked Miranda, “How much are the damaged clothes worth? Get him to compensate you.”“Mr. Smith, I’ve made the calculations. He dirtied eighteen clothes in total. All of them are worth more
Zach smirked and stood, reaching out to snake his arm around Thea’s slim waist. “You should have done this earlier.”There were many people at the boutique.However, they were all standing far away. Knowing the Smiths, they discussed what was going on under their breaths.Just then, James stood up and kicked Zach.Zach landed on the couch.“Hit him. Attack!” Before he even got up, he had issued a command.Just then, a middle-aged man dashed in.It was York, having rushed over from the hospital.When he discovered Thea calling to say that she had offended Zach, he was so angry he drove to the boutique at top speed, disregarding all the red lights.In his mind’s eye, he could still see what had happened the previous night.Even Xander was killed, with the Blithe King cleaning up the mess personally.Thea was like a god’s wife.No one would have the guts to touch her.Anyone who did so would be staring death in the face.He rushed in hurriedly, sweating so much his hair was
Everyone’s mouth hung open in shock.Thea stood rooted to the spot. It was a while before she managed to respond.Quickly, she helped York up, saying, “Mr. Smith, wh-what are you doing? Please get up.”“Ms. Thea, please forgive us. Please have mercy on my useless nephew.”James said coldly, “He asked Thea to keep him company for three days.”“What?”York flew into a rage once more.He was so angry he got up, searching for something. His eyes landed on a wooden chair. He grabbed it and slammed it into Zach’s lower body.“Ah…”Moans of pain echoed through the boutique.Blood pooled at Zach’s crotch.It was so painful he fainted!Xena, whose face was bloodied, was so scared she turned pale. She kept retreating, crying all the while.Everyone staggered backward as well as they were all frightened.What just happened was ruthless!Zach was now crippled!After that, York knelt again. “Ms. Thea, does this please you?”Thea had paled as well. Instinctively, she stepped backwar