Now, he simply wanted to stay by Thea's side and enjoy a leisurely life.

"Mom, we can plan this later. Didn't David mention wanting to buy a car? Shouldn't we use the money for that first? Besides, I've saved enough over the years to open a clinic."

A bright smile broke out on David's face. He hurriedly persuaded, "Mom, James is right! Let's get him a new car! A luxurious one! At least a million dollars—it'll look good when we're out!"

David immediately started calling him James, dropping the insults after James defended him.

James nodded.

"Yeah, I don't need the money. By the way, Thea seems interested in fashion design. Why not start a clothing company instead of a clinic? The commercial city is seeking foreign investment. I could get a cheap office building through some connections."

"That's nonsense! I heard the commercial city aims to be a global financial center. Rent there is ridiculously expensive. Do you even know how much it costs to start a company? We have no connections or money. How are we going to do this?"

Thea immediately grabbed James, interrupting him.

James smiled and reassured her, "Money's not a problem. We can take out loans or borrow. If you like it, I'll support you. Remember that place I took you to, the House of Royals? The owner is one of my military comrades. We fought together in life-or-death situations. He rose through the ranks quickly, while I stayed a regular soldier. I can ask him for help."

Gladys' eyes widened. "What? The owner of the House of Royals is your friend?"

The House of Royals was the most luxurious villa in Cansington, a 30-acre estate—the epitome of extravagance. Its owner's identity had always been a mystery; rumor had it that even money couldn't buy a place there.

"Yes, he's a former comrade. He's handling affairs abroad and temporarily entrusted the House of Royals to me. Thea, I want to have our wedding there and make you the happiest bride in the world."

Before Thea could respond, Gladys joyfully interrupted, "Do it! Have the wedding at the House of Royals! Soon! How about on Grandpa's birthday? I heard he's spending thirty million to rent the Cansington Hotel for his eightieth birthday. We'll have the wedding the same day, at Cansington's most glamorous location! We'll show that egotistical old man…"

Although the House of Royals wasn't James' property, even using connections to hold the wedding there was impressive. David, doubtful, asked, "You're not joking, James? The House of Royals—30 acres, the most luxurious place in Cansington? The villa rumored to be worth over three billion dollars?"

"Yeah. Thea's been there. That's the one," James replied, nodding. "Do you really have those connections, James? Who is your military comrade?"

"I served in the Southern Plains. My comrade, the Black Dragon of the Southern Plains, commands the million-strong Black Dragon Army. He's as powerful as the Blithe King. He owns the House of Royals. He takes good care of me, letting me stay there temporarily."

"Pfft. The Black Dragon?" David scoffed, dismissing it as a lie.

Thea rolled her eyes. "You're exaggerating. If you really knew the Black Dragon, why would you be so broke? You even asked me for cigarette money!"

Alyssa sneered. "Right? That's not how you boast. People say you borrowed a car from your superior to pretend to be wealthy. The driver, your superior, and you will be in serious trouble when the car's owner returns. You'll get a beating."

Gladys had also heard the rumors. "James, is this true? Will you be punished when the car's owner returns?" she asked worriedly.

James was speechless. No one believed his claim about the Black Dragon; revealing he was the Black Dragon would be even less believable. He decided to keep it secret for now.

"Mom, it's not that serious. At worst, I'll write a self-reflection report. I served ten years, saved my boss's life, and we're good friends. Borrowing his car isn't a big deal," he explained, scratching his head.

Gladys sighed in relief. "That's good. By the way, is the House of Royals really possible? No trouble?"

"Absolutely! The House of Royals is the Black Dragon's residence. He's abroad on business and won't be back soon. We're close—we went on a mission together eight years ago. He's loyal and fulfills his soldiers' requests, as long as they're reasonable. Ask around if you don't believe me. He's known for taking care of his soldiers," James reassured them.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Suddenly, a knock came at the door. Howard's family arrived with a new share transfer agreement.