James regained consciousness after a momentary daze.

“You were unconscious when I arrived. I called the police, and then the manager was arrested,” he said.

Worried that Thea would be traumatized, James calmly explained and comforted her. Thea was extremely relieved. She was glad she had read extensively and could use that knowledge to detect danger beforehand. Otherwise, she couldn't imagine the consequences.

"Let's go eat," James urged. Thea nodded obediently. He had already prepared the meal while she was asleep.

The Callahans returned home just in time for dinner, having made a trip to the supermarket. They discussed the joint military and police exercise as they entered.

"Tsk, tsk! The scene was so grand. Dozens of cars—it was extremely imposing!" Gladys exclaimed, still slightly shaken.

"Thea, don't tell your parents what happened. I'm scared they'll worry," James whispered. "Alright," Thea nodded, thinking, Luckily nothing happened this time. Mom and Dad would be worried if I told them.

"Mom, what was so exciting? What exercise?" Thea asked, taking the items Gladys was holding. "Just this afternoon, there was a joint military and police exercise outside Ella Corporation. A lot of people were deployed. I even heard the Elithe king was there! It's a shame I only saw them leaving—I didn't get to see the full display," Gladys replied.

Thea was surprised. "A joint exercise outside Ella Corporation?" She glanced at James, who shrugged. "I have no idea. I didn't see any joint military-police exercise when I brought you back."

Thea dismissed it. "Mom, Dad, dinner's ready. We were waiting for you to eat together."

The family entered the house. James immediately prepared the plates and utensils.

During the meal, Alyssa Myers spat out her food. "Pfft… Are you trying to kill me, James? I've been feeling unwell and can't eat spicy food! Why so much chili?"

"Are you complaining it's too spicy? Then why don't you cook? James kindly prepared the meal and waited for us, yet you're being picky?" Gladys snapped, putting down her utensils.

David quickly intervened. "Mom…"

Alyssa felt aggrieved, on the verge of tears. Her mother-in-law, once kind, now seemed to favor her son-in-law.

"I'll be more mindful about the chili in the future," James apologized, wanting to avoid family conflict that would upset Thea.

"Go eat out if you think it's too spicy!" Gladys retorted, then smiled and put a piece of meat on James's plate.

"James, I've found some nice, affordable locations for a clinic. We have enough money to open one. We can use Thea to advertise—her recovered beauty will attract customers. We'll definitely do well!"

James was unenthusiastic about opening a clinic, thinking, When the clinic opens, wealthy clients will line up, making me extremely busy!

The extraneous promotional text has been removed. The narrative has been tightened for clarity and flow.