Don't worry, Mr. Smith. Thea will divorce James very soon.

Although David was useless, he was still her son, so Gladys couldn't stand by and watch him get into trouble. James, a retired soldier, kept claiming to know influential people. Gladys, however, had chosen someone truly influential: Yoel Smith, whose family owned a vast business worth tens of billions. Marrying into the Smith family would be infinitely better than remaining married to James.

"What do you say, Thea?"

Yoel glanced at Thea. Xander was terrifying; the Smiths were insignificant compared to him. He was a ruthless gangster with no public reputation. However, Gladys's husband had connections with Xander, even sharing meals. This incident—a rear-end collision—wasn't a major issue; a monetary compensation would likely resolve it. Paying millions to save Thea wouldn't be a significant loss.

"Mom, I'm not going to divorce James."

Slap! Gladys slapped Thea.

"What do you mean you won't get a divorce? Are you going to use eight million to save your brother?" she roared.

A slap mark reddened Thea's face. Tears welled up as she covered her face.

"Thea, do you know who Xander is? Do you know what he did in his earlier years? This man has at least eighty, if not a hundred, lives on his hands. He's a man who leaves no trace…"

"Huh?" Thea was frightened.

Yoel swallowed, his gaze lingering on Thea's beauty. He confided, "To be honest, Xander probably won't let David go even after receiving the money. Those who offend him never fare well."

He continued to emphasize the danger. "Thea, you can't only think of yourself! Think about your brother too!"

Gladys said anxiously, "Do you want me to kneel and beg you?"

Threatened, Gladys was about to kneel.

"Mom…" Thea stopped her, tears streaming down her face. "Mom, I'll get a divorce. I'll divorce James. Don't do this…"

Yoel's expression brightened. Gladys had explained that Xander demanded eight million, payable to the Prosperous Dynasty, to secure David's release. Yoel knew Xander's character: a former criminal, now low-profile, but a man of his word. Sufficient money would ensure David's safe return. Moreover, his Smith family connections and his father's relationship with Xander would likely lead to a favorable outcome. Once this was settled, Thea, the most beautiful woman in Cansington, would be his. Gladys had also informed him that Thea and James were legally married but hadn't consummated the marriage.

"Auntie, Uncle, Thea, I'll handle this. I have the money. You can wait here. I'll go and ransom him. Considering our connections, Xander won't trouble David…"

"Mr. Smith, can we come with you?" Gladys insisted, worried after witnessing Xander's violence.

"Auntie, please wait here. I'll take care of it," Yoel reassured her.

Yoel glanced at the anxious Thea and smiled. "Thea, let's have dinner when I bring David back."

"Yes, yes! Thea will be waiting for you," Gladys agreed.

Thea wept silently. She called James.

"James, it's resolved. Come home. I need to talk to you."

She hung up. James, already in a taxi, was delayed by traffic. Relieved by Thea's call, he instructed his driver to return home.

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