Francis hesitated. He had been pursuing Xara for years, and his chance had finally arrived. However, Mad Dog was not someone to offend; a powerful gangster with hundreds of men. The Lelands would be in serious trouble if he did.

"Hurry and get lost," Nelson shoved him with his leg. "Y-yes! I'll go now," Francis stammered, finally compromising. There was no point in offending Mad Dog for a woman. The Lelands' safety was paramount.

He turned to leave.

"Xara?"

A voice called out.

James stopped his car, comparing the photo to the woman by the roadside. Confirming her identity, he approached and greeted her: "Xara, it's James."

"You're the James who married into the Callahans?" Xara eyed him. She'd heard rumors before returning to Cansington. The Callahans had found a husband for her cousin, Thea, who'd become their live-in son-in-law. He'd even healed Thea's scars, making her Cansington's most beautiful woman. "Yes," James replied, smiling, and picked up her suitcase.

"Brat, what do you think you're doing? She's with me! Get lost, or I'll kill you!" Nelson glared, threatening James.

"What?" James looked from Nelson to Xara. "Do you know him?"

Xara shook her head. "Nope."

"Let's go, then." James picked up Xara's suitcase.

Nelson blocked him. "Didn't you hear me? Get lost!"

James' face darkened. He clenched his fists and punched Nelson, who stumbled backward, groaning in pain. Francis was stunned. What just happened? This was Mad Dog's subordinate!

After Nelson's beating, Francis approached, smiling. "Xara, I've reserved a table at the Gourmand. A welcoming dinner!" He wanted to whisk her away quickly.

James glanced at Xara again. "Do you know him?"

Xara shook her head.

Wham! Another punch from James sent Francis sprawling. Finally, James smiled at Xara. "Let's go."

"What about" Xara looked at the downed men. She'd heard about James—a retired soldier. Yet, he'd endured mistreatment and chores from the Callahans without fighting back. Is this really the rumored son-in-law? He's a hero!

"You're dead, brat!" Francis roared, rubbing his head. "I'm a Leland! My father is Ethan Leland, owner of Leland Pharmaceuticals! You're dead!"

Nelson, also rising, added, "My boss is Mad Dog! You'll die! " He pulled out his phone. "Boss, I'm at the airport! Someone attacked me!"

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