James shrugged. "What do you mean? I'm just an orphan. How could I possibly meet Alex Yates?"

"Oh, come on. What about the House of Royals, then?"

James launched into an explanation. "How could I afford it? It belongs to a friend. We grew up together at the orphanage. He's out of the country and knew I needed a place to stay, so he graciously allowed me to stay there and look after the house for him."

"Really?" Thea looked doubtful.

"Of course. Why? Planning on divorcing me if the House of Royals isn't mine? A little materialistic, aren't you?"

"No!" Thea pouted. "You helped me recover and gave me a new lease on life. We're married now, and I'm your wife. Money is not a problem. I'll take care of us!"

"Thea, I'm sorry! It's all my fault!"

Just then, a woman rushed over and threw herself against the car window. Her hair was a mess, and her face was red and swollen. She appeared to have been beaten up. The woman was Jane Whitman.

Linus followed closely behind, violently yanking her hair and throwing her hard against the car.

"You bitch! I lost my job because of you! I'll kill you!"

"James…" Henry began.

James waved his hand. "It's none of our business. Let's go."

Thea looked at the heavily injured Jane, worriedly asking, "Honey, will everything be okay?"

James smiled at her. "They're having a lovers' quarrel. We'd better not get involved."

Jane fell to her knees, begging Thea. "Thea, I'm sorry. I didn't know you knew the chairman. Please help me."

After beating Jane, Linus approached the car. He produced a pack of hundred-dollar cigarettes and offered one to Henry. "Bro, no, kind sir, could you please wind the window down? Please let me speak to Miss Callahan."

Henry turned to James for permission, who nodded. Henry lowered the window.

Linus moved to the back and offered a cigarette to James, who refused. Linus smiled awkwardly. "Miss Callahan, it's my fault for not knowing how important you are to Mr. Yates. Please do me a favor and tell him not to fire me."

He offered Thea an envelope. "Here's ten thousand dollars as a small gesture."

Thea looked at James, who put his arm around her and smiled. "Darling, let's go. We have to show Grandfather the contract. We'll only be officially married with his approval."

Thea nodded in agreement. She didn't know Alex Yates and couldn't help them; it was their own fault.

"Henry, let's go."

"Got it."

Henry started the engine and drove off. Jane remained kneeling, crying. Thea ignored her, mischievously sticking her tongue out at James. "Honey, do you think they both lost their jobs because of me?"

James replied, "Not entirely. Celestial's a huge company; they wouldn't allow someone like Linus to tarnish their name. With his abuse of power, it was only a matter of time before he got fired. You merely hastened things."

Thea felt relieved. Soon, they arrived at the Callahans'.

Since learning of Thea's restored beauty, the Callahans had made plans for her. Tommy had even invited a friend, Joel Xavier, a wealthy playboy, to meet her.

The Xaviers had recently suffered a major blow with Warren's death, but Joel remained indifferent. Warren had controlled the family, reducing Joel's allowance. Now, with Warren's death, Joel's father would be the new patriarch, making Joel more powerful. Warren's funeral was simple, and the family showed little mourning.

Tommy, believing Thea's beauty was remarkable, had arranged this meeting.

At the villa, the Callahans fawned over Joel. Tommy, feeling important, said, "Grandfather, Joel's a good friend. I've told him how pretty Thea is, which is why he's here. Thea has to divorce James and become Joel's girlfriend."

Lex agreed. "Of course. Young Joel Xavier is a perfect match for our Thea."

Joel reveled in the flattery.

Thea and James then arrived. Thea presented the contract. "Here's the contract with Celestial Group. Does this mean James can stay?"

Tommy pointed to Joel. "Thea, meet Joel Xavier. The Xaviers—leaders of The Great Four? Why don't you light a cigarette for him?"

Joel was captivated by Thea's beauty. He vowed to seduce her.

Thea, uncomfortable with his stare, replied, "Who is he? I'm not lighting a cigarette for him."

Lex said coldly, "Watch your words! Apologize at once."

Joel waved dismissively. "Mr. Callahan, don't berate Thea. I love stubborn ones. What about that Celestial order?"

Tommy explained. Joel then noticed James, realizing he was Thea's husband. His expression darkened.

"Mr. Callahan, I want Thea. Annul the marriage immediately. Otherwise, one phone call from me will void the contract. The Xaviers are Celestial Group's closest business partner. We get the lion's share before distribution."

James barely glanced at Joel. "I heard Warren Xavier is dead. You're a Xavier; why are you here instead of mourning?"

"Fuck you." Joel grabbed James's collar, raising his hand to slap him. James blocked the slap and gently pushed Joel onto the couch.

Joel, enraged, produced a switchblade. "Cut off a hand, or I'll kill you!"

Tommy grinned. "Joel, calm down. It's easy to get rid of this trash. Once he's dead, Thea will be yours."

Thea was furious. Joel glared at James. "For what you said, you're dead."

James ignored them. If they weren't at the Callahans', Joel would be dead.

Thea gave Lex the contract. "Grandfather, we did as you asked. This order isn't just thirty million; it's a hundred million. Please look."

"A hundred million?" Lex was shocked.

A girl burst in. "Grandfather, you've got to hear this! The chairman of Celestial Group invited Thea to his office personally!"

The passage is now grammatically correct, punctuated properly, and the narrative flows more smoothly. The unnecessary sentence about searching FindNovel.net was removed.