Daniel entered, smiling at James before giving the order: "Seize them."

The menacing thugs were apprehended instantly. Seeing Daniel, Xara's heart pounded. That was one-star General Daniel Highsmith, under the command of the Blithe King! Before she could react, however, he was gone. Disappointment etched itself on her face as she watched him leave. This was the closest she'd ever been to her hero. How could she have missed the chance to take a picture?

[The promotional text about the novel has been removed as it is not part of the story.]

James had long known the Blithe King covertly tailed him. Perhaps this was a fortunate turn of events, preventing unwanted attention. He smiled, pulling Xara's suitcase. "Let's go." Xara nodded, "Okay."

Seeing the thugs seized, Francis, observing from a distance, immediately drove towards them. He exited his vehicle, approaching Xara hurriedly. "Don't be afraid, Xara. I'll protect you. My family is well-acquainted with a general. I called them for help as soon as I sensed trouble. Are you alright?"

"Oh?" Xara glanced at Francis. "So, you called for help?"

"Indeed. We're in Cansington, where the Leland family holds significant influence. My grandfather even attended the Blithe King's succession ceremony a few days ago. Being acquainted with a general or two isn't unusual for us," Francis boasted smugly.

Francis's boasting was merely a façade. The Lelands were, in truth, a second-rate family, far inferior to the Callahans.

Xara, having initially considered Francis a coward, now saw him as resourceful and quick-witted. No wonder her mother held him in high regard. "Xara, get in. We're going to the Gourmand. I've reserved a table," Francis said, smiling. Taking the suitcase from James, he glared. "What are you looking at? Leave her to me!"

James was speechless. People were so opportunistic.

He looked at Xara. "Are you coming with me, or him?"

Xara glanced at Francis. He was handsome, wealthy, and connected to the general. Plus, she'd heard the Gourmand was Cansington's most luxurious hotel—a place ordinary people couldn't book.

She wanted to visit the Gourmand and, most importantly, get a picture with the general. Her opinion of Francis had changed; she wanted to get to know him better. She looked at James apologetically. "Sorry, James. You should go. Francis can drop me at Thea's after lunch."

James, accepting her decision, said nothing. He left, entering David's inexpensive Honda (a mere two hundred thousand).

Meanwhile, Francis ushered Xara into his million-dollar Audi and drove off.

James called Thea. "Thea, I met your cousin, but her classmate picked her up. A guy named Francis. What? He has a bad reputation? Impregnated a university student, and she jumped off a building?"

Thea scolded, "James, follow them! I won't forgive you if anything happens to my cousin!"

James had no choice. He followed. He wouldn't have bothered otherwise, but Thea's warning about Francis's reputation suggested Xara could be in danger. Thea's concern stemmed from past experience.

She repeatedly stressed ensuring Xara's safe return, threatening dire consequences if anything happened to her.