Seeing Thea, Zach's expression turned greedy. He then shifted his gaze to James, who was wearing plain clothes. Zach's expression became mocking.

"Thea, the Callahans are quite an important family. How did you end up marrying this piece of trash? There are still eligible bachelors in my family. Why don't you divorce him? I'll introduce you to someone in my family."

Zach stared at Thea, planning to possess her. He'd claimed he would introduce her to an eligible bachelor, but he wanted her for himself. "Thanks, Mr. Smith," he added.

Thea smiled and pulled James away.

"Hey Thea, are you shopping for new clothes for Yuna's birthday party?" Xena grabbed Thea.

"What?" Thea asked, looking at Xena. "Why?"

At school, Thea had been ostracized and lacked close friendships. She wondered why Xena and the others were suddenly so vocal.

"Thea, I heard you've been cast out of the Callahans. How can you still afford such expensive clothes?"

Thea's expression darkened. She might have been naive, but she recognized Xena's mockery. Ignoring Xena, she refused to engage with her snobbish behavior.

Just then, the salesperson who had previously snubbed Thea approached. Seeing Xena's expensive jewelry and purse, he bowed obsequiously, a stark contrast to his earlier treatment of Thea.

Xena, proudly linking her arm through Zach's, glanced back at Thea with a smile. "Thea, it's Yuna, Ms. Lawson's, birthday party tomorrow. Look at how shabbily you're dressed. I think you better not go and embarrass yourself. Furthermore, the Callahans are now the laughingstock of Cansington. Who fakes an invitation to attend the Blithe King's succession ceremony? What a joke!"

"You…" Thea trembled with anger.

Next to her, James said, "See, I told you we shouldn't leave. We have the money to pay."

"What?" Thea exclaimed, surprised. James' words caught her attention, and she burst out laughing.

"You're just a soldier. How much money do you have? Can you even afford the clothes here?" Zach sneered.

He then violently knocked over a clothes rack, sending garments tumbling to the floor. The salesperson was horrified. In a low voice, he whispered, "Oh my God. Do you know how much these clothes are worth? Get ready to pay up!"