Ch. 401..410
Chapter 401
The Callahans gathered.
“Thea, have you thought of anything yet? The court’s summon is already here, and the trial will begin tomorrow morning. The Xenoses are getting the money back via legal means.” David wore a worried expression.
Thea had been out for the whole day. He wondered if she had gotten the money.
Thea’s face was pale.
Her exquisite face was devoid of emotions. Like an emotionless robot, she sat there unmoving.
Slam!
At that moment, the Callahans’ front door was kicked open. Maximus along with his men stormed into the house. Appalled, the Callahans stood up. Maximus brought his men in and sat on the sofa.
Meanwhile, the Callahans stood by the side with horrified expressions.
Maximus glanced at them and said with a mischievous grin, “You’ve prepared the money?”
Thud!
David knelt on the floor immediately and pleaded, “Please, give me a few more days! My sister has been trying to get money by sleeping with rich men. I’ll get the money soon.”
Thea wore a blank expression. She was utterly disappointed in her family.
“Take him.”
Maximus ordered his men.
His men approached David and forcibly grabbed him.
“Mom, Thea, dad… Save me…”
David cried out. “Thea, think of something. Quick!” Gladys panicked. “Think of something? What can I do?” Thea shook her head. She was at her wit’s end. Maximus stood up and said coldly, “I’ll give you one more day, Thea. If I don’t see the money by tomorrow, prepare to collect this guy’s corpse. After you’ve prepared the money, come and find me at Osmanthus Villa.”
As he said that, he turned to leave.
“Dad, mom, Thea… I don’t wanna die…” David was forcibly dragged out of the Callahan residence.
He wailed.
The rest of the Callahans did not dare go against Maximus. Thea’s eyes were brimming with tears. The tears flowed down her cheeks.
“Think of something, Thea. Even if David did do something wrong, he’s still your brother.”
“That’s right. Hurry up and think of a solution.”
“Thea, I beg you. I don’t want my child to be fatherless.”
They surrounded Thea and pleaded. Seeing their tearful expressions, Thea breathed a deep sigh and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll come up with something.”
Saying that, she returned to her room. In her room, she hid under the blanket and burst into tears. She cried her eyes out. The night silently passed.
Thea went to court the next day. She did not get herself a lawyer as she knew she had no chance of winning.
As expected, she lost the case.
To get back the money, the court froze all of her assets and even prepared to auction away the villa James had given her. They also ordered her to gather the money owed as soon as possible.
The money was not the main problem. She would be able to get it bit by bit.
The real problem was Maximus.
Maximus was a vicious and cold-blooded man. If she could not pay on time, David would be dead.
Dismayed, Thea walked out of the courtroom. Though the sun was bright, she felt her life was bleak. ‘D-Do I really need Zavier’s help to get through this?’ She was unwilling to succumb to her fate. She pulled out her phone and called James. “Hey, honey. What’s wrong?” Hearing his voice, Thea covered her mouth and tried her best not to sob. This would not have happened if her husband was a rich and influential man. What a shame that he was a good-for-nothing man. “I-It’s nothing.” She hung up the call.
James was lying on the bed in a military base in the Southern Plains.
Scratching his nose, he murmured, “Huh… How weird.”
Chapter 402
Thea wanted to bid James goodbye.
However, she could not bring herself to do so.
Now, she had to remain with Zavier and wait till a later time to explain things to James.
She had no other option. Otherwise, her brother’s life would be in peril, and her family would face destruction. James, on the other hand, did not know what was happening in Cansington. He did not think much about it either.
He could not leave as he needed to stay by Henry’s side to monitor his condition.
Thea called Zavier.
At the Watsons’ villa at Goodview Villa District, Thea sat on the sofa.
Before her meeting with Zavier, she had gone home to put on makeup and change into a white, revealing slip dress. The smooth and fair skin of her neck and arms were exposed for all to see.
Meanwhile, Zavier sat by the side and scrutinized her.
Wearing a satisfied look, he scanned her from head to toe. Perfect… She was a flawless woman.
“Think carefully, Thea. I’m not the one forcing you into this.”
Thea gently nodded. “M-Mr. Watson, I’ve thought hard about this. My husband’s out on a business trip. As soon as he returns, I’ll divorce him and marry you. If you’re dissatisfied with me, I can even be your mistress…” Biting her lips, she lifted her head and looked at Zavier. She felt ashamed saying those words.
However, it was the only thing she could do.
“Please intercede for me and save my brother.”
Zavier fixed his gaze on Thea. He had seen innumerable beauties in the past and had even dated some. Still, he could not help but gulp. He asked, “By the way, there are rumors saying you’ve never slept with your husband. Is that true?”
Thea lowered her head and nodded.
Zavier was thrilled.
He did not expect her to be a virgin. What the heck was wrong with James?
“Fine. We’ll visit Maximus together. Don’t you worry. I won’t make a move on you even after the problem is solved. Instead, I’ll let the world know of our marriage, and we’ll have a wedding ceremony. I’ll marry you and make you Mrs. Watson.” Zavier had never thought of forcibly making a move on Thea.
He was truly in love with her.
He wanted to marry her.
“After our engagement, you can be a housewife. If you wish to venture out into the corporate world, I’ll give you a sum of money so you may establish your own business. In any case, you’re free to do whatever you like.” “Thank you!”
Thea took a deep breath.
She was at the end of her rope.
She would not have come knocking on Zavier’s door if she had not been pushed to a corner. All things aside, Zavier was a good man. Whether it be his family background or his charisma, James was incomparable to him. “Let’s go.”
He extended his arm to grab Thea’s hand.
Thea froze and retracted her arm.
“Sorry, that was rash of me,” Zavier apologized.
He was too impatient.
Thea would be his woman sooner or later.
He would make her genuinely fall in love with him. “I-It’s alright.” Thea smiled lightly and stood up. Zavier brought her to Osmanthus villa.
It was a villa in the suburbs and a base for Maximus.
In the basement of the villa, David was tied up in ropes. He was bruised all over his body. Meanwhile, Maximus sat on a chair and smoked his cigarette. Seeing the injured David, he smiled. “David, your sister will be here with the money in twelve hours. Don’t die before then.”
David had a few of his teeth knocked out. Though he wanted to speak, he felt excruciating pain whenever he opened his mouth. As such, he could only grunt. At that moment, one of Maximus’ men walked in and said, “Mr. Watson has brought Thea here.”
“So soon?”
Maximus stood up and said, “Get moving.” A man and a woman were seated in the foyer of the villa.
They were Zavier and Thea.
Zavier was composed. Thea, on the other hand, wore an anxious expression.
Soon, Maximus arrived along with his men. He laughed. “I was wondering who came. So, it’s Mr. Watson. I’ll say this, Thea. There’s no use bringing the emperor here. You’ll still have to pay up.” Zavier asked, “How much?”
Maximus answered, “1.6 billion total. For your sake, I’ll just ask for a billion.”
“I’ll pay. Let him go immediately.”
Maximus glanced at the man beside him and ordered, “Bring him here.”
Chapter 403
“Understood.”
His men went to the basement and brought the badly injured David up. Zavier stood up and said, “You may get the money from the Watson residence. I’ll take him from here. I hope that’s fine with you.”
“Not a problem. I trust you.”
“Need an IOU?”
Maximus handed an IOU to Zavier. Zavier then handed it to Thea.
Thea said gratefully, “T-Thank you.”
Zavier lightly waved. “Drop the formalities. We’re gonna be a family soon. Quick, bring your brother to the hospital. I’ll be making the arrangements. Let’s get engaged tomorrow.”
“Ah? S-So soon?” Thea was stunned. She then said, “I-I haven’t divorced James yet.”
Zavier smiled. “It’s alright. You can divorce him after we get engaged.”
Zavier wanted to tell her that James was the Black Dragon and had died on the battlefield at Mt. Thunder Pass. However, after brief contemplation, he chose to remain silent.
Thea would soon be his woman. He did not want her to feel miserable.
Thea fell silent.
After a long while, she nodded. “Alright, then. See you tomorrow.”
She had no other choice. Zavier had been of great help. Not to mention that he was a good candidate for marriage.
She brought the severely injured David to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Zavier returned home and prepared the necessary arrangements for the wedding.
As David’s injuries were mild, there was no need for him to be admitted to the hospital. After getting some medicine, they returned home. At the Callahans’… Thea told her family about the incident with Zavier. “What?!”
Gladys exclaimed with a bright smile on her face, “You should’ve done this earlier! You should’ve divorced James and gotten together with Mr. Watson long ago! Things are looking up now, aren’t they?”
Wearing a smug look, David leaned on the sofa and said, “It’s all thanks to me, Thea. If not for me, there’s no way you would’ve cozied up with such a rich man like Mr. Watson. The Watsons are worth hundreds of billions. No matter how you look at it, James is a hundred light-years away from him.”
Alyssa nodded. “That’s right, Thea. Remember to repay David once you get rich.”
Thea was in a daze. She ignored them and went straight back to her room. Meanwhile, the Callahans were in a festive mood.
What a reversal of fortune!
Not only did they avert a crisis, but they even got themselves an impressive son-in-law. Zavier was efficient. Soon, the betrothal gifts were sent to the Callahans. They were worth billions of dollars.
News quickly spread throughout Cansington.
Everyone soon knew of Zavier’s engagement with Thea. The wedding would be held the next day at the Watsons’ villa in Goodview Villa District.
It was a shell bomb.
Everyone knew the Black Dragon had been supporting Thea all this while.
Now, Zavier was making his move on Thea the moment news of the Black Dragon’s demise spread.
They knew Thea was married and had not divorced her husband yet. Even so, she was getting engaged to Zavier.
At the same time, in a military hospital in the Southern Plains…
Henry’s condition worsened.
James hurriedly tended to him. Henry’s injuries were too grave. Any ordinary man would have already been dead. However, Henry was a battle-hardened warrior. As such, his physical perseverance was extraordinary. Moreover, James’ superb medical skills were also keeping him alive. Although he was alive and breathing, his condition was still volatile. At one point, his breathing slowed, and his heart almost stopped. James used his silver needles to stimulate the blood flow in Henry’s heart to keep him alive.
Henry’s body was now full of silver needles.
Every needle seemed to be trembling.
After spending a whole night in the hospital, his condition stabilized.
“Whew!”
James took a deep breath upon seeing Henry’s improving condition. “Commander-in-chief, you have many missed calls…” Just as James was done tending to Henry, Levi walked into the room and handed him his phone.
James took the phone.
He realized there were many missed calls from Thea. Scarlett had called. Xara had called. Even Newton had tried to contact him.
In any case, anyone who had connections with him had called him.
However, he had been in the room trying to save Henry’s life since yesterday afternoon. “Did something happen?” Seeing the missed calls, he had a bad feeling.
Chapter 404
Something must have happened in Cansington.
“Watch Henry closely,” James instructed.
Saying that, he left the room. In the corridor, he lit a cigarette and called Thea.
It was seven in the morning. Thea had woken up early and gone to the Watsons’ villa. She was dressed in a white wedding dress. A make-up artist was applying make-up on her.
Her phone rang. Seeing that it was James, she froze. Should she answer the call? What would she say to him?
After momentarily freezing, she picked up the phone.
“What’s wrong, Thea? I was really tired last night. I slept immediately upon returning to the hotel. I didn’t know you called.”
James’ voice came from the phone.
Thea was at a loss. She took a deep breath and said, “I-It’s nothing. I wish you the best at work.”
Saying that, she hung up the phone.
James was puzzled.
Nothing?
Something was wrong with her tone.
At that moment, his phone rang.
It was Xara.
He answered the call.
“What’s wrong?”
“Whew!”
After the call connected, Xara sighed in relief. “James, I knew you’d be alright.”
“Cut to the chase.”
“Where are you? Come back quickly! Thea’s…”
James asked worriedly, “Did something happen to her?” “Thea’s getting married to Zavier Watson today. Where are you? I was calling you the whole night. Why didn’t you answer the phone?”
Hearing this, James’ heart sank.
His wife was getting married to another guy?
Zavier Watson? Xara hurriedly added, “The ceremony will begin at noon. Return quickly. Otherwise, Thea’s gonna be somebody else’s wife.”
“Got it.”
James hung up the phone. He finally knew why everyone called him. It seemed that news of Thea getting married to someone else had spread throughout Cansington. Only he was unaware.
He walked into the room.
Lying on the bed, Henry was on a ventilator.
Henry’s condition was still unstable. James could not just leave him.
However, Thea was his wife.
After brief contemplation, he ordered, “Levi.”
“Yes?”
James said, “Prepare a private helicopter. Escort Henry back to Cansington.” “Understood.” “Another thing…”
“Listening, sir.” “Secretly redeploy a thousand elite troops of the Black Dragon army back to Cansington. Await further instructions from me.”
“Understood.”
James had wanted to wait until Henry recovered to return. However, his wife was getting engaged to someone else. He could not wait any longer. “Zavier, you’re digging your own grave. You’ve doomed your family.” James clenched his fist, and his face darkened. He had a murderous look.
Soon, the helicopter was ready.
The soldiers carried Henry, who was on the ventilator, and some other devices onto the helicopter. James was among them. Soon, the helicopter took off and headed straight to Cansington. Two hours later, the helicopter arrived at Cansington’s military area. The Blithe King was there to welcome them.
Chapter 405
Seeing James get off the plane alongside an unconscious Henry, the Blithe King momentarily froze.
Then, he walked over to them and hugged James. “I knew you’d be alright. You scared me. I thought you died at Mt. Thunder Pass.”
James smiled slightly and said, “I’m still young. Besides, I have such a beautiful wife waiting for me at home. How could I die so easily?”
“Still have time for jokes? I heard your wife’s getting engaged to someone else.”
Hearing this, James’ face darkened. The Blithe King hurriedly changed the subject, “What happened to the Black Shadow?”
James replied, “He got into an accident. Bring him to the military hospital immediately and have men watch over him round the clock. Notify me if anything happens.”
“Understood.”
The Blithe King nodded and immediately ordered, “Send the Black Shadow General to the military hospital now.”
Saying that, he put his arms around James’ shoulder. “What happened exactly? Why would you go to Mt. Thunder Pass after arriving at the Southern Plains? Why were you in combat with the 28-nation martial arts gurus? Why were you pursued by a hundred-thousand-strong army? And why was there news of your death?”
James’ face darkened. “I sent Henry to the Southern Plains to get some money. However, he was ambushed and brought to Mt. Thunder Pass. The enemy instructed me to come alone, and I did. It was a conspiracy against me. However, I didn’t know his or her identity, so I spread the news of my death.”
“I see.”
The Blithe King immediately asked, “Then, do you know who’s targeting you?”
James shook his head. “No, I only know they were carrying out orders on behalf of Doctor King. As for who he is, I’ve yet to look into that. Speaking of which, could you help me find out if there’s a Doctor King in Sol? He’s also nicknamed the miracle-working Doctor King.”
“Understood.”
James reminded, “Remember, be discreet.”
“Got it.” The Blithe King nodded. He then asked, “Since you’ve claimed to be dead, wouldn’t your appearance arouse suspicion?” James winced.
He had not wished to reveal himself so quickly. He had wanted to investigate in the shadows. However, Thea was getting married to someone else. He had no other choice.
“Why don’t I help you out? I can prevent your wife from marrying someone else and stall for time.”
“Never mind.”
James lightly waved. “This is a personal affair. I’ll deal with it myself. Besides, everyone knows that the Black Dragon takes on another identity. Only a handful know of my true identity.” James had thought about it. The one targeting him seemed to know him inside out. It could be someone from the government. It could also be related to the destruction of his family.
He had wanted to hide in the shadows and wait for his enemies to give themselves away.
However, he had now been compelled to reveal himself. He could not care less about anything else. Besides, revealing himself was not all bad. If he concealed himself, his enemies would act brazenly as they would think he was dead. If he revealed himself, his enemies would continue targeting him, thereby providing him with the opportunity to get more insider information. “If that’s the case, I won’t stop you. Just call me if you need my help.” James smiled slightly and left the military area.
It was nine in the morning.
Many powerful families from Cansington were gathered at the Watsons’ villa in Goodview Villa District.
Meanwhile, on the second floor, Thea was dressed in a white wedding dress. She had on a full face of makeup.
At that moment, she looked like a gracious swan, glamorous and elegant.
Zavier, who was wearing a black suit with a flower in his front pocket, walked toward her.
Seeing her beauty, he grabbed her hand and looked at her in a daze.
“Thea, you’re so beautiful. It’s my greatest honor to marry you. I promise to treat you well forever.”
Thea smiled.
She had accepted it at this point.
Although she was forced to marry Zavier, she realized that being with him was not too bad.
However, she felt she had betrayed James.
James had treated her injuries. Throughout his time at the Callahans’, he had never uttered a word of complaint.
‘Sorry, Jamie. I’ll make it up to you.’
She closed her eyes and murmured in her heart.
Chapter 406
The Watsons were in a festive mood. Though they were the representative of North Cansington in the Five Provinces Business Alliance, they had always kept a low profile.
The moment they chose to be known, they would shock all of Cansington. Rows after rows of luxury cars appeared outside of the Watsons’ villa. None of them were worth less than five million dollars. Besides, those cars were at the bottom rung. There were innumerable luxury cars worth tens of millions.
All kinds of bigwigs had come to congratulate Zavier and Thea on their marriage.
At the foyer of the villa…
Each floor of the villa was at least two thousand square meters. There was a stage in the middle of the foyer.
Under the stage, many financial and commercial people gathered. Some of them were even from the political realm.
Under their watchful gaze, Zavier walked in with Thea, hand-in-hand.
Thea was wearing a white wedding dress.
It was tailored-made for her. There were even shining diamonds on it.
The illuminating light only accentuated its glamor. The wedding dress alone was worth thirty-eight million. “Wow…”
The crowd gasped. “She’s beautiful.” “How lucky of Mr. Watson.”
“How lucky of Thea to have made him fall for her.”
Many girls wore envious looks.
The Callahans were present too.
Aside from Benjamin’s family, Lex, Howard, and John were there. At that moment, Thea was the most blissful woman in Cansington. Though David was injured, he did not hide the cheerful expression on his face. He gathered with the youngsters of the Callahans and bragged, “It’s all thanks to me that they got together. If not for me, Thea wouldn’t have cozied up with Zavier.” David was proud. Alyssa lifted her head, taking in the gaze of admiration from her peers. On the stage, Zavier took Thea’s arm.
The emcee walked up the stage with a mic.
It was Quincy.
She was wearing a red dress.
Smiling brightly, she exclaimed, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is a pair made in heaven! I’m so envious of them.” Thea blushed and whispered, “Q-Quit it.” Quincy giggled. “Oh… getting embarrassed, I see.” Zavier stood up for Thea. “Quincy, Thea’s a shy girl. Stop teasing her.”
Quincy laughed. “Look, Thea. You’re not even married, yet he’s already standing up for you. What a gentleman.”
Thea felt her cheeks redden.
However, seeing the gaze of admiration from the crowd, she was delighted. She felt like the happiest woman in all of Cansington. With a mic in hand, Quincy said, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Watsons’ villa. Thank you for coming to witness the engagement ceremony of Thea Callahan and Zavier Watson.”
Saying that, she glanced at Zavier. Zavier took a large diamond ring out and knelt on the floor. Looking at Thea lovingly, he said, “I fell in love with you the moment I first met you. Would you be willing to be my fiancé?”
“Say yes!” The crowd was excited.
Thea looked at Zavier.
James’ face came to her mind. At the same time, outside the Watsons’ villa, a man arrived.
Chapter 407
James had returned from the Southern Plains. After confirming Henry’s condition in the military region and finding out the truth behind Thea’s and Zavier’s engagement, he hurriedly made his way to the Watsons’ villa. As it was only eleven in the morning, he still had time. It was a festive mood in the courtyard of the Watsons’ villa.
Many people had gathered. James’ appearance attracted the attention of the crowd. “Isn’t that Thea’s husband, James?”
“Why is he here?”
“Didn’t he divorce Thea?”
“He’s probably here to get some money out of Zavier.”
They covertly discussed.
Wearing a surly expression, James walked toward the front door. A few security guards immediately blocked his path. One of them took an electric baton out and pointed it at James. He barked, “Hey, do you know where you are? What makes you think you can come as you please? Get lost!” James looked at the security guard.
His gaze was fierce.
The security guard felt as if he was being stared down by a ferocious beast. Unconsciously, he took a few steps back. “Scram…” James said coldly.
After momentarily freezing, the security guard barked, “This is the Watsons’ villa!”
Saying that, he swung the electric baton at James.
James raised his hand and blocked it. Then, he kicked the security guard.
Crack!
The security guard’s bones shattered.
He was sent flying. Then, he collapsed on the floor and groaned in pain.
In the villa…
Zavier knelt on the floor with a diamond ring in his hand.
The crowd was cheering,
Upon meeting his sincere gaze, Thea forgot all about James. ‘I’m sorry, James. I have no choice.’
After taking a deep breath, she nodded. “I do…”
“I don’t.”
A roar came from outside the door.
A few bodyguards crashed through the door. Then, a man in a black jacket walked in.
Everyone turned to look.
Seeing that it was James, their expressions turned pale.
Gladys was just boasting to the other Callahans about her new son-in-law. Upon seeing James, her face darkened. She then stood up and headed toward him. With her arms crossed, she scolded him. “What are you doing, James? Should you even be here? Get out of my sight.” James ignored Gladys and fixed his gaze on the stage. He was watching Thea, who was about to accept the diamond ring, intently.
Meanwhile, upon seeing his arrival, Thea was stunned. ‘Wasn’t he on a business trip? How is he already back now?’
Zavier’s face turned pale.
‘Didn’t he die at Mt. Thunder Pass in the Southern Plains? How did he get here?’
He was at a loss.
That afternoon, the nation mourned for the Black Dragon. Though no one else knew that the Black Dragon was James, he knew. Some among the crowd were excited to see the scene unfold.
Even the likes of Alex Yates and Yuna Lawson were there.
They knew James’ true identity. However, they did not think he was still alive. However, they remained silent and only sat there and watched things play out. They were curious to see how James would fight against the Watsons now that he had resigned from his post. After momentarily freezing, Zavier snickered. “I was wondering who it was. Turns out it’s the son-in-law of the Callahans. You don’t agree to this marriage? I’m afraid it has nothing to do with you. After all, you’ve been dumped by Thea.” James looked at Thea and asked, “Is that true?’
“I…”
Chapter 408
Thea opened and shut her mouth. She did not expect James to return so soon. She did not foresee this scenario. Her cheeks were red. She felt ashamed.
Even though she had not divorced James, she was now getting engaged to another man.
She looked at Zavier pleadingly. “M-Mr. Watson, could we postpone the engagement? I’d like to properly divorce James before marrying you.” Zavier’s face darkened. He said coldly, “What do you mean by this, Thea Callahan?” “I…” Thea was at a loss for words.
James was below the stage, staring at Thea, who was wearing a white wedding dress. He uttered word by word, “Thea, I won’t force you to do anything. However, you and I are still husband and wife. We’re not even divorced, and you’re already getting engaged to another man. What do you take me for?”
Even though James knew Thea was forced to do this, he was nonetheless aggrieved.
All this while, he had been working tirelessly to stay by Thea’s side.
Now, she was getting engaged to another man.
Most importantly, he was not even informed of this.
“Divorce is a simple thing to do. If you truly intend to leave me, I won’t force you to stay.” James had returned to Cansington and married into the Callahans to repay her.
It was a token of appreciation for saving him. He would not force Thea to stay by his side.
He would follow her wishes.
“You trash! What nonsense are you spouting?!” Gladys raised her hand to slap James. She shouted, “Can’t you see this is a joyous occasion? Why are you here? What can you give Thea in return?”
James raised his arm and blocked her slap. He glared coldly at Gladys and barked, “Enough! All this while at the Callahans, I’ve never once complained. I only want Thea’s word.”
Saying that, he turned to look at Thea. Thea was put on the spot.
She knew she had been unfair to James.
She knew what she did was shameful.
However, she had no other options. If she did not get engaged to Zavier, she would be burdened with a heavy debt. Her family would be ruined. Seeing James’ grim expression, her heart softened. She looked at Zavier and pleaded, “Mr. Watson, could we postpone the engagement date?”
Saying that, she knelt.
“I’m begging you.”
Everyone witnessed the scene.
Zavier felt humiliated.
James got on stage and helped Thea up. “What are you doing? You’re my wife. How can you kneel before someone else?” “James, I…”
“Say no more. We’ll talk about it when we get back.” James pulled Thea by the arm and left. Before coming, he had instructed the Blithe King to look into the matter. He knew that the Callahans were backed into a corner. “Hands off, James!”
Quincy stepped forward and rebuked him, “What are you doing here?”
James turned to look at her and said coldly, “Shut up.” Saying that, he turned to leave. Zavier roared, “Thea Callahan! If you dare step off this stage, I’ll make sure to ruin the Callahans and wipe them off Cansington’s map!” James turned and said coldly, “Is that so? In that case, I’ll wipe the Watsons out first.” “Haha! You?!” Zavier pointed at James and burst into a peal of laughter. “Who do you think you are? Do you seriously think you’re the big shot of the past…”
James waved.
A silver needle flew out and struck Zavier.
Zavier felt silent.
Then, under the crowd’s gaze, he collapsed.
Chapter 409
Zavier collapsed.
Thud!
A loud sound came from the stage.
Everyone was dumbfounded.
“James…”
A cold voice came.
Gavin, who was in a suit, headed toward James. Enraged, he glared at James.
James returned the glare. “Hmph.”
Then, he turned to leave.
“Stop him!” Gavin roared.
In an instant, a dozen security guards surrounded James. There were even members of the police force among them.
They blocked James’ path.
“Standing in my way?”
James’ face darkened.
“Let go of Thea, you trash!” Gladys exclaimed, “Haven’t you brought enough shame to us already? Get out of my sight this instant!”
James paid no attention to her. Seeing the number of security guards and police, Thea was worried. She gripped James’ hand and whispered, “Y-You should leave first, James. They’re rich and powerful. There’s no way you can beat them.”
“Leave?”
James looked at her and said, “Leave my wife behind?”
“I…”
Thea’s voice trembled. She did not expect things to turn out this way. Gavin walked toward them and said coldly, “James, you’re no longer the James of the past.”
“Indeed.”
James did not deny it. He continued, “I’m no longer the James of the past. Even so, no one gets away with going against me. Zavier brought this upon himself. The Watson family is digging its own grave.”
James headed back on stage.
Zavier was still lying there. Under the crowd’s watchful gaze, James grabbed him by the collar and lifted him. “Even so, no one bullies my wife. No one gets away with picking on the Callahans. I’ll show you what it means to stand against us…” Saying that, he stomped on Zavier’s knee.
“Argh!” Zavier cried out in pain. He had a distorted facial expression. So James stomped again. This time, the bones in his other knee shattered.
Then, he grabbed his wrist and twisted it with great force.
Crack!
Zavier was crippled.
Finally, he was thrown onto the ground like a dead dog.
“Argh! It hurts! Father, kill him!”
Zavier yelled in pain.
Everyone was dumbfounded.
How brave of the Callahans’ son-in-law! How dared he cripple Zavier in the Watsons’ villa?
The police pointed their guns at James. Thea’s face was pale.
Gavin’s face darkened.
Quincy, who was on the stage, was stunned. “This is what happens.” James’ voice reverberated throughout the foyer. “I’ll make this clear. From today onward, anyone who hits on my wife will suffer terrible consequences. To anyone who dares target the Callahans, I’ll make sure your life becomes a living hell.”
James’ words were cold, brutal, and commanding.
“Get him!”
Gavin trembled in rage.
‘You’re just a decommissioned general. You’re not one of the five commanders-in-chief anymore. How dare you act so insolent!” The police slowly approached the stage.
James lifted his leg and stomped the stage.
The stage shook.
Rumble!
Then, the whole structure collapsed.
Chapter 410
The police were dumbstruck by the scene. “W-What power!” “The stage collapsed with a single stomp?”
While the police were rooted in their spots, James got off the stage and approached Gavin. He grabbed him by the collar and inserted a few silver needles into his body.
Gavin immediately collapsed to the floor. His body fell limp. He could not even utter a single word. “Gavin, if you wish to live, beg for forgiveness at the Callahans’ villa. Otherwise, you’ll be dead in three days.”
Saying that, James grabbed Thea and turned to leave.
No one stopped him.
After all, Zavier was lying beside the collapsed stage like a dead dog.
Meanwhile, Gavin was on the floor too. His veins could be seen, and he wore a painful expression. His face was contorted with rage. He wanted to speak but could not even utter a single word.
The grand engagement ceremony had turned into a fiasco because of James’ appearance. Everyone was puzzled.
How did the useless, good-for-nothing James pluck up the courage to assault the Watsons at their place? Was he not afraid of their reprisal?
The Watsons were the representative of North Cansington in the Five Provinces Business Alliance. All they needed was a single order to destroy the Callahans. Only a handful was adopting a wait-and-see approach. They knew James’ true identity. Even though he had resigned and was no longer the Black Dragon… Even though many powerful people wanted him dead, James was still alive and breathing. The Black Dragon, though no longer one of the five commanders-in-chief, was not someone one could mess with.
Although Alex and Yuna were no longer intimidated by James, they would not offend him either.
However, the Watsons were insolent.
Outside the Watsons’ villa…
Thea was still in her white wedding dress. She looked as gracious as a swan. Her eyes were brimming with tears. They flowed down her cheeks. She sobbed. “I’m sorry, James. I’m ashamed of this, but I don’t want my family to fall into ruin. Leave. From today
onward, we’re no longer husband and wife.” She was happy and grateful for all that James had done for her. However, he had offended the Watsons.
She could not leave.
She could not leave with James.
She had to return to apologize. Otherwise, the Callahans would be the target of their reprisal.
There was no way the Callahans could stand against the revenge of a family worth hundreds of billions.
“What? Do you seriously think I’m afraid of the Watsons?”
James looked at Thea. Seeing that her eyes were brimming with tears, he could not help but reach out and wipe them off. He caressed her cheeks and said, “Thea, I couldn’t care less about them…”
Before he could finish his words, a group of people came rushing out. It was the Callahans. Gladys, Benjamin, and Lex were among them. There were about twenty of them. Supporting himself with a cane, Lex rebuked James. “You trash! You’ve ruined us all.” Gladys looked at James pleadingly. “I’m begging you, James. Let Thea go. You’re not worthy of her.”
David said in exasperation, “James, you trash! Get lost!”
Saying that, he looked at Thea and pleaded, “You can’t leave, Thea. If you go, I’ll be chopped to pieces. Our family will be doomed.” Thea understood their concerns.
She was still rational.
She knew how influential the Watsons were.
She could not leave with James.
The moment she stepped out of the Watsons’ villa, the Callahans would incur the wrath of the Watsons. She looked at James tearfully.
“I’m sorry, James. I can’t go with you. Forget about me.” Saying that, she rushed back into the foyer, sobbing. In the foyer of the villa, many gathered.
Thea returned.
Zavier was dragged out of the debris caused by the collapse of the stage. His limbs were
broken, and he wore a painful expression. Thea crouched down and pleaded, “M-Mr. Watson, please give me a chance. Please give the Callahans a chance. I’ll cut off all relations with James.”
Wearing a painful expression, Zavier pointed at Thea weakly.
"T-Thea Callahan… I’m telling you… Y-You’re doomed! The Callahans are doomed! James is doomed!”
James followed Thea in.
Seeing this, he frowned.
The Watsons were too influential. Thea and the rest of the Callahans were fearful. It seemed to him that he had no choice but to destroy the Watsons. Otherwise, Thea would never leave with him.