The more they denied it, the wilder the rumors spread. Lex noticed countless eyes on them and felt embarrassed; even he suspected Thea was sleeping with Alex. Despite Thea's instrumental role in securing the Celestial Group's cooperation, Lex prioritized his reputation.

"You have no shame!" Lex's face darkened. "Grandpa, it's not like that!" Tommy stood up, shouting, "Then explain where you got the money for that outfit if not from sleeping with Alex?"

Thea, wronged and close to tears, stammered, "I—" She hadn't slept with Alex, but couldn't explain the money. It came from James, but she didn't know its source and feared revealing it would have serious consequences, possibly landing James in jail.

James, engrossed in a game, heard the commotion. He stood, saw Thea's tears, and asked, "What happened, Thea?" Tommy sneered, "You don't know your wife slept with another man again? She's wearing clothes costing hundreds of thousands! The Celestial Group chairman is generous, tsk tsk!"

James's face darkened. Thea, sensing his anger, grabbed him, saying, "Let's go, James." She couldn't explain and refused further humiliation. A crowd gathered, mocking her.

"Why isn't she explaining?" "The rumors must be true. She definitely slept with Alex more than once." "That's why she can't explain." "Well, she's beautiful, so it's no surprise."

The gossip embarrassed Lex. Thump! Lex slammed his hands on the table, standing abruptly. He reprimanded Thea, "How can you be so shameless? You're an embarrassment to the Callahans!"

Thea, feeling wronged, tried to drag James away, but he stood firm. He looked at the crowd and coldly demanded, "Those who gossiped, move forward and kneel to repent. Otherwise, don't blame me for the consequences."

Tommy laughed. "Who are you kidding? What consequences? Who do you think you are, the Blithe King? Show me these consequences!" Megan sneered, "You're shameless! You even framed my husband, saying we got an invitation from the Blithe King because of you. It was him, and our admission was denied because the authorities disliked our high profile. You stole the credit!"

James, with a terrifying expression, repeated, "Come forward, kneel, and apologize."

Luke stepped forward, fueling the fire. "I agree Thea slept with Alex. So what? It's the truth. Am I not allowed to tell the truth?"

"Who's spouting nonsense?!" A stern voice boomed. A man in his fifties entered. Everyone trembled. "Alex…"

Another voice followed, and a handsome man appeared—Bryan Grayson, owner of the Gourmand. Yuna added coldly, "Those who spoke ill of Thea better kneel and apologize. Otherwise…"

Another voice boomed from the doorway. An energetic older man in a black suit entered. "Dr. Fallon?" Everyone was shocked. James, looking over, subconsciously frowned. "How could Jake Graham be Dr. Fallon? The Jay Fallon Thea mentioned?"