It was a momentous day in Cansington. The Blithe King was officially appointed commander-in-chief of the five armies. However, this auspicious occasion was overshadowed by a brutal act. Three of the Great Four's patriarchs were abducted, tied to chairs, and beheaded. Their heads vanished.

The Xavier family planned to evacuate Cansington, but James anticipated this. He sealed all land, sea, and air travel, effectively trapping the Great Four. None would escape Cansington.

Following the Blithe King's succession ceremony, an official announcement addressed the murders. Authorities selected a death-row inmate, placed the ghost mask James had used on him, and publicly executed the prisoner by firing squad. This served as a temporary cover-up.

The Xavier family was annihilated. Their comeback was impossible. The other three families, having only lost their patriarchs, remained on edge, desperately trying to determine who they had offended. Many suspected the Blithe King, viewing the murders as a warning. Rumors spread rapidly.

Meanwhile, James slept soundly at Thea's, sleeping through the morning until the afternoon. Around 2:00 p.m., Thea entered her room and found him sprawled across the bed. The room was cold, and concerned he might catch a cold, she covered him with a blanket. Instantly, James reacted, grabbing Thea by the neck with surprising speed.

Thea screamed, alerting him. He released her immediately, apologizing profusely. "I'm sorry, Thea!"

Thea, rubbing her reddened neck, looked angry. "What was that for?"

James, embarrassed, explained, "Occupational habit. I'm used to guarding the border; it's dangerous, and I'm always on high alert, even when asleep. The slightest noise wakes me." He rubbed his head and gently asked, "Are you alright?"

"I'm okay," Thea replied, though uninjured. James's vigilance was excessive. The thought of him accidentally choking her one day if they lived together crossed her mind.

"I'm sorry," James repeated, apologetic.

Thea narrowed her eyes. "What were you doing last night? You slept through the entire morning."

"I was worried you'd be angry, so I couldn't sleep," James lied smoothly. The thought of Thea discovering his involvement in the patriarchs' murders terrified him.

Thea found his lie endearing, but maintained a poker face. "I don't believe you. You didn't even call! You must have been with another woman."

James protested, "I wasn't."

Thea pouted. "Fine. I believe you. Come with me to the job fair later. I'm looking for a new job." Her estrangement from her family meant she could no longer work at Eternality. Despite years of ridicule, she remained ambitious, pursuing her education and refusing to stagnate.

"Why don't we talk about it later?" James suggested. He planned to purchase the city's trade center, attracting major organizations and providing a platform for his own ventures. He envisioned Thea running his company, given her excellent performance as Eternality's chairman.

"No way," Thea responded, unimpressed. "Without a job, how would I survive? Are you going to buy me beautiful dresses, luxury bags, and cosmetics?"