Chapter 504 Finding Xanthe
After leaving the police station, James took everyone away from Cloud Residence. He made several phone calls, then brought the family to a buffet restaurant.
While they were eating, Michelle cautiously suggested, "James, maybe we should just leave Sovereign City? There's no need to provoke Beckett and his people."
Though they had severed ties with the Garcia family, she didn't want a fight to the death. She wasn't concerned for the Garcias' safety, but rather worried about the trouble James might face.
Before James could respond, Virgil slammed his fist on the table.
"Absolutely not! We need to fight them to the bitter end," he growled. "These people are too shameless! Taking the level-six formula wasn't enough—they tried to frame you and even threatened to cut off your fingers!"
"If we don't teach them a harsh lesson, they'll think we're easy targets."
Virgil had heard everything from Samantha. If Michelle hadn't physically restrained him, he would have charged into the Garcia Mansion ready for bloodshed.
Michelle glared at him. "Samantha and I are fine, aren't we? What if James gets hurt in all this fighting?"
Samantha nodded reassuringly. "Yes, I'm okay now."
"Mom, don't worry. They can't hurt me," James said, his eyes gleaming with determination. "They framed you twenty years ago and bullied you today. I won't let them get away with it."
"I meant what I said—not only will that old woman break Beckett's leg herself, but I'll drive the entire Garcia family out of Sovereign City. After that, you'll be the only true Garcia in Sovereign City."
He wanted the entire Garcia family to regret their actions. Stealing his formula and bullying Michelle would prove to be catastrophically stupid decisions.
Virgil nodded vigorously. "That's right! An eye for an eye!"
After everything they'd been through, Virgil no longer believed that good deeds were rewarded—he now felt that kindness only invited abuse.
Michelle remained skeptical. "James, that formula leak twenty years ago... was it really the Garcia family using Xanthe?"
"Most likely," James replied. Understanding her doubts—her inability to believe the Garcias could be so cruel—he smiled faintly. "Look how they treated you today. Imagine how they must have felt twenty years ago when you controlled half the family assets."
"They couldn't directly take what was yours without being criticized for bullying a widow and orphan, so staging a formula leak makes perfect sense."
"Mom, don't worry. I won't accuse them without proof. I'll find evidence to show you." He had already called Nathaniel to track down Xanthe, sparing no expense.
Michelle knew James's reasoning made sense, but she still gave a bitter smile. "They gave us a house just yesterday."
James smiled knowingly. "Mom, did you really think Beckett and his people would give you a house?"
"Wasn't it real? You saw the property agreement—it was in black and white," Michelle sighed. "Even if the location was different than promised, it was still worth several hundred thousand dollars."
James countered, "The property contract only required eight signatures. How many times did you sign yesterday?"
Michelle was taken aback. She counted on her fingers. "Maybe ten or twenty? I didn't count, but it took most of the day."
"And did you read each agreement carefully before signing?"
"No," Virgil interjected. "Your mom's a slow reader, and someone kept rushing her."
Michelle realized what he was getting at. "Are you saying there's a problem with the contract?"
"We'll find out soon enough," James said mysteriously, ladling soup into Michelle's bowl. "Don't worry, we won't lose out. Beckett will come looking for us."
Michelle nodded silently.
"Mom, don't overthink it. Leave everything to me," James said with a smile. "What you need to do now is take care of yourself and work on perfecting my level-eight formula."
"You're the founder of Great Grandma's Black Tea—you need to keep your skills sharp."
Michelle's eyes brightened with hope.
"Let's eat! After dinner, I'll take you to our new home in Sovereign City," James said, encouraging his parents. "I've already had someone select a house for us."
The mood lightened, and soon they were in the car heading to their new home.
In less than fifteen minutes, they arrived at a riverside villa—not large, but exquisitely designed. As they stepped out, they immediately felt the cool river breeze.
Nathaniel, who had been waiting, greeted them warmly. "Good evening! We meet again."
Michelle and the others returned his greeting. "Nathaniel, how thoughtful of you."
"See if you like the house," Nathaniel said, then turned to James. "All the paperwork is done. The house is fully furnished with an advanced security system, and I've purchased three cars. This should do for now. If I find a better property later, I'll secure it for you."
Having gained fame as the Mystic Alliance Law Enforcement spokesperson thanks to James, Nathaniel was now completely devoted to him.
James nodded appreciatively. "This place will do fine."
Nathaniel pointed behind him with a grin. "For your safety, I've also brought in a bodyguard."
James was surprised. "Who?"
"James, I've missed you so much!" A massive figure charged from inside—Samuel rushed forward and gave James a bear hug.
"Samuel, you're here? That's fantastic!" James exclaimed, delighted to see his friend from Rosewood City.
He patted Samuel's back firmly. "You've gotten much stronger since we last met."
Michelle and the others were also happy to see Samuel—another familiar face to have around. James also noticed Milo's daughter Seraphina and smiled at her in greeting.
"I've reached the basic level," Samuel announced proudly. "I can take on five guys at once now."
To demonstrate, he threw a powerful punch at the wall. With a loud bang, the tiles cracked, though they didn't fall off, the power was evident.
"Well done!" James praised him. "I see you haven't been slacking while I was away. With that strength, you could easily handle ten opponents."
He was genuinely pleased—Samuel clearly had the heart to rise to greater heights.
"When I heard he had broken through, I called him to Sovereign City," Nathaniel explained. "Your parents will be visiting the tea company and dealing with countless admirers."
"They need someone reliable by their side. Samuel can drive them around and protect them."
Virgil and Michelle protested. "No, no, that's not necessary."
"Mom, Dad, let Samuel stay with you," James insisted. "Having him nearby will give me peace of mind."
Turning to Samuel, he smiled, "I'm counting on you now."
Samuel lifted his chin proudly. "Don't worry, James. Anyone who wants to hurt them will have to go through me first."
Just as James was about to speak, Nathaniel's phone rang. He answered with his earpiece, and a moment later, his eyes lit up as he turned to James.
"James, we've found Xanthe."
Michelle's body trembled slightly.
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