It was noon when Thea finished the transfer process and toured the Pacific Factory. James and Thea left together, he driving his electric motorcycle with her as a passenger.
"Honey, let's not go home for lunch," Thea said, wrapping her arms around him. "Let's celebrate and eat out."
The strong wind ruffled her sleek black hair, causing her to bury her head in his shoulder for protection.
"Sure," James replied readily. He hadn't eaten alone with Thea in a long time.
"Should we go to the Gourmand?" he asked.
Thea shook her head. "No. Every time I go there, Bryan greets me personally, as if I'm some VIP."
James chuckled. "Well, you are very influential now! Who else would they curry favor with?"
"N-no, I'm not! It's because…" Thea hesitated.
"Hmm? Because of what?"
"N-nothing!" she said, shaking her head. It's best not to tell James about this; it will make him unnecessarily suspicious, she thought.
James smiled and dropped the subject. "Drive a bit slower," Thea said. "I need to call home and tell them we're not coming back for lunch."
"Okay," James said, slowing the motorcycle. Thea called home.
"Mom, we're not coming home for lunch," she said. "I need to take out a loan to buy the Pacific Group from Granduncle…" She blurted out a convenient excuse, unwilling to reveal James's wealth, especially its questionable origins.
After hanging up, she warned him, "James, don't mention money outside. Rumors will spread. I'll say Yuna lent me the money."
"Alright," James replied. "I've never told anyone about it. In fact, I've been afraid to use it, fearing scrutiny. But since nothing's happened, it must be legitimate compensation from my boss."
"I'm warning you," Thea said. "Don't cause trouble. I won't force you to work if you don't want to. When the company is stable, we'll buy a house and move out. You can stay home, and I'll support us."
"Haha. That'll be great!" James said, smiling.
They chatted and laughed on their way to the city, eventually finding a restaurant. It was lunchtime, so the private rooms were full, leaving only tables in the main dining area. Thea ordered several dishes, then handed James the menu. "See if you want anything else."
"We've ordered enough," James said with a smile. "Two people can't eat all that."
Thea gave the menu to the waiter and added a bottle of wine. She was in a good mood, celebrating James's acquisition of the Pacific Group.
The food arrived soon, and they enjoyed a happy meal together.
Meanwhile, in a private room upstairs, a group of young people sat around a man in a white singlet, gold necklace, and Rolex, smoking a cigar. His position offered a clear view of Thea downstairs. He'd been watching her for some time.
One of the men asked, "Mr. Watson, what are you looking at?"
Zavier Watson, holding a glass of red wine, watched Thea laughing with James. "She's gorgeous. Stunning. When did such a beautiful woman appear in Cansington?"
Several people followed his gaze. "Mr. Watson, you've just returned. She's Thea, the current hot topic. Rated Cansington's number one beauty. That's probably her husband, James."
"Oh, she's married?"
"Yes, but rumored they don't share a bedroom. Her mother claims so and is constantly trying to find her a rich husband."
"She's not ordinary," another man said. "She's well-connected with many bigwigs, including Alex from Celestial Group, Yuna from Longevity Pharmaceuticals, and even Doctor Jay. Apparently, it's because of someone she saved ten years ago."
Zavier, unaware of recent Cansington events, listened as they filled him in, including the tale of the ghost-masked man who'd taken the city by storm. They explained that the man Thea saved was a Cadens descendant, and that Thomas Cadens had ensured Thea's well-being before his death.
Zavier sipped his wine with amusement. "Thea. What a beauty. I must have her."
One man offered, "Mr. Watson, I'll get her to have a drink with you."
Zavier glared, silencing the man. "Do you think I want to play games? I'm serious. Waking up to such a gorgeous wife every day… that's a good mood guaranteed."