Joel slumped to the floor. Celestial had canceled its partnership with Megatron.

How was this possible? Had Thea called the chairman of Celestial Group?

Looking at Joel, James knew Celestial had canceled their agreement.

In Megatron Group's director's office, Mark Xavier was yelling at Joel. Celestial had informed him this came directly from the chairman; Joel had offended someone important.

“Sir, Celestial says our medicine's quality is compromised. They're suing us for three billion dollars!”

“Sir, the bank demands immediate loan repayment!”

“Sir, authorities shut down a factory due to a possible quality breach!”

“Sir, shareholders are selling off shares. Our share price is plummeting; we've lost millions!”

“Sir, Megatron is bankrupt! Our businesses are affected; many are shut down and under investigation…”

Mark, still scolding his son on the phone, nearly fainted. Joel, listening, knew Thea had contacted Alex Yates. He'd kept his promise, bankrupting the Xaviers within half an hour!

His body drenched in sweat, he pleaded, “Thea, I'm sorry! Please call Mr. Yates and tell him to stop! Please, I beg you!”

The Callahans were stunned. Thea was confused. Alex had promised to bankrupt the Xaviers, and it was done in under half an hour. He was efficient.

The Xaviers, leaders of the Great Four, were bankrupt in a flash. Celestial's chairman was indeed formidable.

Lex knew the Xaviers' reign was over, the Callahans' about to begin. He ordered, “Security, remove Joel Xavier!”

Two guards dragged the kneeling Joel away.

“Thea, I'm sorry! Please give my family another chance…”

Joel's pleas faded. Lex urged Thea to sit. “Come, Thea. Sit down.”

Thea, the family's new heroine, thanks to her connection with Alex Yates, ushered in their golden age.

Lex declared, “Thea will be Eternality Group's executive chairman, with a $300,000 monthly salary!”

Thea responded, “Really? Chairman, with a $300,000 salary?”

“Of course!”

“What about James?”

“He can stay, for now.”

Overjoyed, Thea grabbed James's hands. “Honey, you can stay!”

James smiled. Thea's happiness was his priority; he'd vowed to make her the happiest woman alive.

Cansington was shocked. Warren Xavier had died last night; today, the Xaviers were bankrupt. The Great Four's leaders had fallen.

At the Xaviers' home, Joel knelt in the foyer.

“Uncle, it's Thea Callahan's fault. She called Alex Yates, and he bankrupted us…” Joel sobbed, exaggerating freely.

Crack! Trent smashed a glass. His expression darkened. “Alex Yates. How dare you defy the Xaviers? Your family won't protect you. Thea Callahan, your family will perish!”

Rowena calmly asked, “What now, Trent?”

Trent rose. “Don't worry. I have a plan. Patience is key.”

The Xaviers mourned; the Callahans celebrated. Lex publicly announced Thea's appointment. Eternality Group became Celestial Group's most important partner.

News of Alex Yates inviting Thea to his office boosted the Callahans' status. Many sought their favor.

James, finally recognized as Thea's husband, moved in with her.

As executive chairman, Thea worked long hours. James became a househusband, cooking, cleaning, and picking her up on his electric motorcycle. He felt he was living his dream.

Two weeks later, James was taking out the trash when Henry joined him.

“James, isn’t this boring? Cooking, cleaning, picking Thea up? I’m bored, and I don’t even do it. What if we take Thea to the Southern Plains?”

“This is true living,” James retorted, taking a drag of his cigarette and tossing the butt on the ground. “I’m done with killing and violence. Thea’s all that matters. I want to be with her forever and make her happy.”

“Right,” Henry said thoughtfully. “The Xaviers might be bankrupt, but they’re not gone. Rowena still has influence, especially with her high-placed friends. I found out she’s organizing an auction tonight to raise funds and make a comeback. Many items are from the Cadens, including ‘Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge.’”

James's face hardened. Henry sensed the change; the air grew cold.