Thea was a strikingly beautiful woman, much sought after by men. Gladys persistently knocked on the door, but Thea and James remained silent inside. Soon, the sounds outside ceased; Zavier must have left.

Thea sighed in relief, noticing the stillness outside. Glancing at James, her pretty face flushed crimson. "What's wrong, Thea? Are you feeling unwell?" James asked, sensing her distress.

"N-no… I'm alright. Honey, let's… do it. I'll give myself to you," Thea whispered, lowering her head. Even with her husband, she felt shy and embarrassed.

James trembled at her words. This day had finally arrived. He had never pressured Thea, despite their long relationship. They had only held hands; they hadn't even kissed. Were they truly ready for such a significant step? He gazed at her blushing face and alluring curves, swallowing hard.

"Darling, it's midday; many people are outside," James said, feeling awkward. He'd never been so shy around a woman.

Thea rolled her eyes. "Then we'll do it tonight," she declared, summoning her courage.

"Alright," James readily agreed, eagerly anticipating the evening.

Silence fell between them, the atmosphere shifting dramatically. After a while, Thea broke the silence. "Darling, do you want to know why those important people respect me so much?"

"Hmm?" James looked at her.

"I-it's because I saved a man ten years ago…" Thea confessed. "I-I've never betrayed you, darling! I don't know who he is; I've never even seen his face."

James burst out laughing. No wonder Thea seemed preoccupied; it was this. It wasn't a big deal, especially since the man she saved was incredibly influential, even in death.

"What's so funny, darling?"

"No wonder those bigwigs respected you so much! This man, even dead, still holds such sway. He must have been extraordinary."

"That's right! Ten years ago, I rescued someone from the Cadens, then one of the world's most powerful families. Thomas Cadens had connections everywhere. Saving one of them naturally earned me their favor."

Thea watched James, relieved by his calm demeanor. Confessing eased her burden. Smiling playfully, she added, "I-I'll go see if Zavier's gone and pick up a few things from the supermarket for tonight. I don't want a baby so soon."

She left. James, meanwhile, looked forward to the evening but knew he should prepare betrothal gifts for Thea's family. He called Scarlett. "Scarlett, help me prepare gifts to send to Thea's house. I'll set a date for our wedding."

"J-James, what should I prepare?"

James pondered. It couldn't be extravagant, lest it frighten the Callahans, but it couldn't be meager either.

"Eighty-eight million eight hundred thousand dollars in cash, a limited edition Firrare, a villa in Goodview Villa District, some gold jewelry, and clothes. Choose appropriately—something impressive but not overwhelming."

"Understood," Scarlett replied, hanging up to personally select the gifts.