Thea glanced at the puzzled group and asked, "I don't know you. Why would you help me? Please explain this to everyone, or people will spread rumors about me again." She was genuinely worried. Rumors about her would spread like wildfire if word of today's incident got out. They might even claim she'd slept with all three of them.

The three men were stunned by her words. "Explain? How are we supposed to explain?" one finally asked.

"How are we supposed to explain that you have a very capable husband?" They dared not speak. James had been in Cansington for a while, but refused to reveal his identity. Exposing him would be disastrous.

The hall fell silent. All the guests watched, curious about why these three prominent figures were showing Thea such respect.

James stood aside, smiling faintly—a threatening smile that seemed to say, "You dare reveal my identity, and you'll face my wrath."

The three men were frightened by James' expression. Yuna began to think. There had to be an explanation; otherwise, the rumors would spiral out of control.

"Actually, it's not a big deal," Yuna said, breaking the silence. "Do you remember the person you saved ten years ago?"

Thea nodded. "You mean the person I saved from the Cadens' villa—the ghost-masked man shot by the Blithe King?"

"That's right," Yuna confirmed. "They're helping you because of him. They owed him a favor. He didn't come in person, but secretly helped you. This repaid your life-saving grace ten years ago. He said he no longer owes you anything."

"But wasn't he shot by the Blithe King?" Thea was skeptical.

"Though strong, he was no match for the Blithe King," Yuna explained. "He remembered you his whole life and said he owed you his life. He asked Alex and the others to look after you, thus repaying his debt. He’s gone now."

Seeing James' silence, Bryan understood this was his consent. He stood and admitted, "That's right, Thea. That's why we helped you. I helped him repay you. He said he owed you his life but couldn't repay you personally because of the Blithe King's actions. Now, he no longer has that chance." Alex nodded in agreement.

Everyone immediately understood. They respected Thea because of the man she'd saved ten years ago—the man killed by the Blithe King. These prominent figures had repaid their debt to him by helping Thea. Now that the favor was repaid, their support would end.

Lex, watching from the sofa, trembled. He'd thought Thea had gained influence, that the Callahans were rising. This was simply a repaid debt.

Meanwhile, James glanced at Yuna. He knew she'd discovered his identity, including his role in killing the heads of the Great Four.

He smiled, and Yuna felt a chill run down her spine. "Ms. Lawson" he said. "Thank you." Yuna's explanation had saved him; otherwise, his identity would have been exposed. Their relationship would have ended if Thea had learned the truth. His hands were stained with blood; Thea could never accept him.