With a grim expression, she took a seat.

James noticed Thea's displeasure and hurriedly explained, "Thea, don't listen to David. Nothing's going on between us. Yes, she was holding my arm, but she was only asking me to find her a job. We weren't making out."

"Yes," Xara added quickly. "That's what happened, Thea."

David sprang to his feet. "Looking for a job? Who do you think you are, the chairman of the company? Thea is the chairman of Eternality. Xara should be approaching her for help, not you."

Gladys was sullen. "Xara, I won't tell your father about this. It would be bad if rumors spread and ruined the good name of the Hills. James, you must divorce Thea. The Callahans could never accept such a shameless son-in-law." "That's right. Get a divorce," Alyssa agreed. Thea felt her head spin. A divorce?

She had wanted to say those words last night. However, she remembered how well James had treated her—his meticulous care and sincere thoughtfulness. She wanted to give him a chance. All men make mistakes. If he turned over a new leaf, she would forgive him. However, she never expected him to do something as outrageous as making out with Xara in their house.

"If David hadn't gotten back in time…" Thea couldn't hold back her tears. Her tearful expression tugged at James's heartstrings. He hurriedly asked, "Thea, don't you trust me?"

Thea wept. "I trust you, James. But I trust what I saw more. I saw everything last night. I saw how intimate you two were by the stairs, how you embraced each other. All men make mistakes, so I wanted to give you a chance. But this is how you repay me? This is my home! How could you make out with another woman in my home?!" She wailed, unable to control her emotions.

Last night, James remembered Xara hugging his arm. Thea had witnessed everything. No wonder she seemed troubled.

He was innocent, however.

"Divorce!"

"You have to divorce him!"

"This leech has been sponging off our family. And to make out with another woman behind my sister's back!"

"Besides, how could you be so shameless, Xara? Thea's your cousin!"

The Callahans attacked the pair. Xara was so aggrieved she was almost in tears. She was at fault, but she had only been holding James's arm. How had things escalated so quickly? Being called shameless, she could no longer hold back her tears. "Yes, I'm shameless. So what? James is a fine man. Yet, you people order him around like a servant. After this divorce, I'm marrying him!"

Smack! Gladys slapped her.

"How could you be so brazen?! How unfortunate for the Hills to have someone like you!"

A mark appeared on Xara's fair cheek. Aggrieved, she wept.

"Fine. I wish you two the best," Thea's voice broke. "James, I'll see you at the Department of Civil Affairs tomorrow morning." She ran into her room, slamming the door. James massaged his temples, frustrated. What was happening? He'd never felt this troubled, even facing an army. He was here to repay his debts; he hadn't needed to marry Thea.

He would do anything to make her happy, but she was angry now. He couldn't explain, only wait for her anger to subside.

"Scram!" Gladys pointed to the door. "Get out, both of you. The Callahans don't welcome you. David, throw Xara's suitcase out."

"Yes, Mom."

David went into Xara's room, took her suitcase and some clothing, and tossed everything out.