Everyone at the banquet turned to the entrance. Three men entered: Alex, chairman of Celestial Group; Bryan, owner of Gourmand; and Jay, president of the Doctors’ Association and Cansington's renowned "genius doctor." These three were at the apex of Cansington's social hierarchy; Alex, the backbone of the Yates family in the capital, could bankrupt the Great Four with a word. Bryan, though low-profile, wielded immense influence, while Jay was a prominent figure in the medical capital of Cansington.
The wealthier one was, the more fearful of death they became; even the collective influence of the banquet attendees might not rival Jay's. The trio's arrival commanded immediate attention. Accusations flew: "Who slandered Thea?" "Who dared to insult her?"
The banquet hall fell silent. Whispers rippled through the crowd: "What's happening?" "Why are these bigwigs defending Thea?" Thea herself was puzzled. She understood Alex's support—James had saved him—but her connections to Bryan and Jay were nonexistent.
Luke, his anger extinguished, retreated into the crowd, silenced by the trio's presence. He couldn't afford to antagonize them; Alex alone could destroy the Xaviers. While the Bertrands possessed greater assets than the Great Four, Luke knew he couldn't risk their displeasure.
Approaching Thea, tears welling in her eyes, Alex greeted her respectfully, "Ms. Thea." Bryan bowed slightly. Then, to Thea's shock, Jay fell to his knees, causing her to stumble backward. James, supporting Thea, glared at Jay. "Who are you? What are you doing? You frightened my wife. How will you compensate us?"
Dead silence descended. Eyes widened in shock. This was Jay Fallon, the president of the Doctors' Association, a genius doctor who saw only three patients a day, appointments booked three years in advance. Why was he kneeling to Thea?
Jay, scrambling to his feet, wiped his brow. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Thea. My actions frightened you. I apologize profusely!" He repeated his apologies.
The Callahans were stunned. Thea's newfound authority baffled them. Why did these magnates behave as if in the presence of royalty? James, glancing at Jay, mused, "Interesting," realizing Thea's previously mentioned Dr. Fallon was also the head of an underground intelligence network.
Alex's gaze swept the room; those who met his eyes recoiled. "Keep talking!" Bryan's voice cut through the silence. "Ms. Thea is invaluable. Those who insulted her should step forward now! Confess, kneel, and perhaps there will be forgiveness. Otherwise…" His unspoken threat hung heavy in the air. Bryan's anger could upend all of Cansington.
Jay, avoiding James' gaze, frantically scanned the crowd. "Who spoke ill of her? Step forward!"
Yuna observed the three men. "They must know James' identity," she thought, "and are desperately trying to curry favor by protecting Thea. I can't let them outshine me as the hostess."
(Note: The promotional text for FindNovel.net has been removed as requested.)