Upon learning that the destruction of the Cadens involved not only the Great Four but also underworld forces, James's face darkened. Henry immediately began making arrangements; it was a simple matter, given his high status.

Soon, the arrangements were complete.

"James," Henry said, "I've arranged for us to meet Jake Graham at the People's Repair Shop in the suburbs tonight."

"Got it," James nodded.

"James, we know Jake Graham is involved in intelligence trading, and his prices are exorbitant. Should we bring cash?"

James glanced at Henry and asked, "Henry, how long have you been working for me?"

"About eight years," Henry replied.

"Indeed. You should know me by now. Would I need money to deal with a turf honcho?"

"You're right."

James checked the time—it was only seven o'clock. Getting to the suburbs would take an hour by car. Tonight would be a long night. He took out his phone and called Thea.

"Thea, are you back? I'm busy and might be late, or I might not come home at all."

His tone on the phone was completely different from his earlier demeanor. Scarlett could hardly believe her eyes. The legendary Ares of the Southern Plains, with such a soft side—and a smile! She tugged at Henry, signaling them to go outside.

Henry nodded and headed for the door.

Outside, Scarlett asked, "Henry, who was James talking to? He's a completely different person."

Henry sighed. "She's… perhaps the luckiest woman on earth."

"James's beloved?"

"It's best not to pry into his personal life."

"I'm asking you to avoid offending him in the future."

After ending his call, James walked out and saw them whispering. "Ahem," he coughed, the sound sending shivers down Scarlett's spine.

She panicked and lowered her head.

Henry smiled. "Nothing much. Black Rose was just curious about Thea." James glanced at Scarlett. "There's no Black Rose here," he said curtly. "There's only Scarlett Brooks."

"Yes, James. My mistake."

James patted Henry's shoulder. "Henry, you're not getting any younger. It's time you considered marriage. Any preferences? I can introduce you to some women. Mature or youthful? Sexy or pure and innocent?"

Henry blushed. "Ahem… We'll talk about that later, James."

James's face fell. "You must be over thirty. We should do this while we're still in Cansington. I've handed in my resignation, but the higher-ups haven't processed it yet. Who knows? I might be transferred back to the Southern Plains if there's any upheaval. We need to make these decisions now."

"Yes, you're right. If I meet someone I like, I'll pursue her."

"In your dreams," James said, slapping him on the head. "A blockhead like you makes a good fighter, but chasing women? No way. I'll find you one when I return."

Scarlett, feeling uncomfortable, went inside.

Later, James and Henry sat by a flight of stairs outside the Common Clinic, smoking and talking about women. Henry, feeling awkward, quickly changed the subject.

"James, what happened with the Cadens ten years ago wasn't simple. Not just the Great Four, but underworld forces were involved. Did they really need to go to such lengths?"

"Hmm?" James looked at Henry. "What do you think?"

Henry pondered. "I've researched what happened ten years ago. Trent Xavier was from the Capital, not the Western army. He only went to the Western border after the Cadens' destruction. The Great Four couldn't have been the masterminds. But the real mastermind must be incredibly influential—capable of manipulating both the Great Four and Cansington's underworld."

James narrowed his eyes. "How influential do you think he is?"