Chapter 4: Fight Back!

“What does this person look like?” Magnus inquired.

“A young man, about twenty years old." the secretary replied.

“Let him in." Magnus said seriously, still puzzled: "A young man in his twenties?”

Five minutes later, Theophilus was

escorted by the secretary to the chairman's office on the sixtieth floor.

Theophilus sat down with ease.

The middle-aged man, exuding a commanding presence, observed him closely with a serious expression.

“Who are you?” Magnus asked suspiciously, unable to fully gauge the young man before him.

“Do you recognize this?” Theophilus presented a strikingly green Jade Amulet.

The Jade Amulet Command bore intricate patterns, with the James family name prominently engraved in the center.

“What is this?” Magnus was visibly startled as he beheld the Jade Amulet Command, his mind reeling.

This was a Jade Amulet Command, symbolizing a status within the James family, of which only a few existed. Even as the family spokesperson, he didn’t possess one...

He recalled seeing his father holding a James family Jade Amulet Command as a child, but even that was of a lower status compared to the amulet held by this young man.

“Wait here, I need to call manager Byrne." Magnus said solemnly, his address towards Theophilus turning respectful, cautious not to show any negligence.

Theophilus nodded slightly. He had no doubts about what his master had told him, having met Conal, the head of the James family, in his youth. Even Conal had shown utmost respect and politeness towards his master, let alone his grandson.

Before coming here, Theophilus had learned that Magnus belonged to the third generation of the James family. While not the most talented of his generation, he was far from ordinary and managed the James Corporation effectively.

The James Corporation’s business spanned across Empyria, including the auction of antiques, jade jewelry, and pharmaceutical research, effectively dominating the commercial landscape.

In just a moment, Magnus invited an elderly man with white hair and beard, dressed in a red traditional Eastern suit.

Magnus then respectfully stepped aside.

He was only responsible for managing the business aspects of the corporation, while all the secret affairs were handled by Mr. Byrne, sent by his grandfather.

The elderly man, about sixty years old, moved briskly, his eyes sharp and spirited, exuding abundant energy.

He glanced at the jade piece in Theophilus's hand, his eyelids twitched strongly, then he calmly took a breath and said: "I am Phelan Byrne, may I know how to address you?"

"Theophilus Jake."

"Mr. Jake, you bring the Jade Amulet Command to the James Corporation. Forgive my abruptness, but may I verify your identity?" Phelan asked seriously.

"Sure." Theophilus nodded.

He could tell Phelan was no ordinary man, clearly a rare expert in ancient martial arts.

Phelan nodded, his wrist suddenly trembled, and a jade ball shot out, hurtling towards Theophilus.

Theophilus sat still, his fingers swiftly catching the jade ball.

Then he opened his hand, and some jade powder flowed down between his fingers.

Seeing this, Magnus's eyebrows shot up, his eyes filled with awe.

Phelan, visibly shaken, muttered: "Such a young internal energy master, could he be a disciple of 'that person'?"

Being the manager of the James family, he knew the ancient martial arts secrets of the Jake family and guessed Theophilus's identity.

Phelan bowed respectfully and said: "Phelan Byrne, the third-generation manager of the James family, greets the great elder."

"Magnus greets the great elder." Magnus also said gravely.

The Jade Amulet Command in Theophilus's possession represented his status as a great elder of the James family. The James family's rules were strict, not allowing any disrespect to superiors.

Recognizing his status, Theophilus nodded slightly.

"Great elder, what brings you to the James family's Elysian Echo branch?" Phelan asked solemnly.

Ring… Ring… Ring...

At that moment, Theophilus's phone suddenly rang.

"Theophilus, where are you? Come to the hospital quickly! I've sorted out the divorce papers for you, hurry up and sign them." Ariel's urgent voice came from the other end.

"What happened?" Theophilus asked.

"Today, Dulcie's father was at the factory and encountered Orborne, who came to acquire the factory. A conflict escalated into a fight, and he's now hospitalized. Dulcie argued too and was so upset by Orborne that she fainted. Orborne is now pressing the matter. Even our house has been taken to pay debts. He said he'll let us go if you divorce Dulcie. All this trouble is because of you, if you had any conscience, our family wouldn't be suffering like this."

Ariel was sobbing on the other end, the situation seeming urgent.

"I understand. I'll be there." Theophilus said and hung up the phone, his expression turning cold.

Dulcie fainted?

Theophilus's eyes sharpened as he looked at Phelan and Magnus.

"Within a day, I want the Miller Jewelry Corporation to go bankrupt." Theophilus said coldly.

"Yes, your instructions will be followed." Magnus responded respectfully.

Magnus felt a secret relief inside, thinking he had suddenly encountered a great elder full of murderous intent who might order him to undertake a difficult task.

Causing the bankruptcy of the Miller Jewelry Corporation, a small company like that, was indeed a trivial matter.

Elysian Echo City's Hospital.

Theophilus hurried over to room 108.

"Theophilus, with such a big incident at home, how can you disregard it and run off somewhere?" Ariel stood up, hurriedly reproaching.

"Look at this, everything that's happened at home is because of your conflict with others." Ariel said angrily, visibly displeased.

Theophilus silently looked at the hospital bed. His father-in-law, Anselm, looked distressed, with bruises on his face and bandages on his arm.

Dulcie sat by the bed, appearing exhausted.

"Father, Dulcie, where are you hurt?" Theophilus asked solemnly.

"It's just superficial wounds, nothing serious." Anselm replied.

Dulcie added: "I'm fine. Father and some workers got into a dispute and were beaten. Fortunately, there are no bone or muscle injuries, just superficial wounds."

Theophilus's anger flared, but he calmly asked: "What exactly happened today?"

Dulcie seemed reluctant to elaborate, only sighing deeply.

"Today, Dulcie's father went to the workshop to resolve an issue, but somehow Orborne managed to gather all the creditors, becoming the main one. He instigated the workers to destroy all the equipment in the workshop, and Dulcie's father argued with him, which led to the beating by two workers." Ariel explained slowly: "Dulcie and I rushed to find Orborne but were mocked and provoked by him. Now all the equipment in the workshop has been taken by them."

"Dulcie's father's workshop is gone, and now even our house is lost." Ariel said, growing more agitated: "They are so cruel! Theophilus, it's all your fault that my family is in this miserable state."

Theophilus's eyes were cold. Clearly, Orborne had come prepared, acting ruthlessly, not only destroying the jewelry workshop but also seizing the house.

It seemed he was intent on crushing Dulcie's family.

"The house and workshop have been pledged as debt, now all in Orborne's hands. He wants you to divorce Dulcie, and I've agreed. If you feel guilty, sign the divorce papers quickly." Ariel stated bluntly.

"Enough!" Anselm, lying in the hospital bed, spoke gravely: "Ariel, it's my fault for being incapable of protecting this family, don't blame others."

"My third brother is so heartless, clearly wanting to make our family a laughingstock." Anselm continued slowly: "This time, let's hear Dulcie's opinion. If necessary, we can do without the jewelry workshop and the house, leave Elysian Echo City, and live without having to see their faces."

Ariel remained silent this time.

"Ah, is the whole family here? The useless Theophilus finally shows up." a mocking voice suddenly sounded from outside the room.

Orborne walked in. He wore sunglasses and a flashy suit, flanked by two bodyguards.

"What do you think of my previous proposal, Aunt, Uncle?" Orborne asked nonchalantly.

"Understand that I only want the best for everyone. Look at useless Theophilus; such a big incident in the workshop and he didn't dare show up." Orborne said exaggeratedly: "If I hadn't hurried over to save the situation today, Uncle, do you think those workers might have devoured you?"

"Shut up! Isn't all of this because of your behind-the-scenes manipulation? There's no need to stand here pretending, making people sick."

Orborne's demeanor was intolerable. 

"You really don't understand kindness." Orborne sighed: "Wasn't I just trying to protect Uncle by taking over all his creditors? Had outsiders dealt with the debts, Uncle might have been killed. I was only trying to help everyone. Don't worry, Dulcie, you won't have trouble finding a husband. Young Master Lee from the Lee family has a good relationship with me and hasn't forgotten you. I'll arrange a good marriage for you."

"Get out!" Dulcie said furiously, her body trembling with anger, unable to tolerate this humiliation.

"Get out?" Orborne laughed: "Don't say I didn't give you a chance. It's just that you don't appreciate it. Tomorrow, I'll release the creditor's rights, and you'll have nothing left but to be chased by creditors."

"What nonsense are you talking about? At most, my father would mortgage the jewelry workshop and our house. How could we still be in debt?" Dulcie retorted.

"You're thinking too simply." Orborne said smugly: "That jewelry workshop is worthless now; all the equipment is damaged. A mortgage? That will never be enough! And the rent for the workshop is still unpaid. If not handled well, your father could even be accused of contract fraud and end up in prison."

"You!" Dulcie bit her lip, a murderous thought flashing in her mind.

This was a common tactic in the business world. Orborne, with his substantial assets, had many ways to deal with a bankrupt jewelry workshop like Dulcie's family.

"Have you thought it over? Do you want to beg me?" Orborne, seeing her distress, couldn't hide his pleasure.

"Have you said enough? If so, then leave." Theophilus said, his expression unchanged as he looked at Orborne.

"You, a useless guy, dare to tell me to leave?" Orborne's face changed, his gaze turning cold as he looked at Theophilus.

Theophilus, who had always been submissive at the Miller's, dared to stand up to him today.

"You're quite bold." Orborne suddenly flared up in anger, raising his hand to slap Theophilus.

Snap!

Theophilus quickly grabbed Orborne's wrist, and the sound of twisting bones echoed.

"Crack! AAAA!"

Orborne screamed in agony like a pig being slaughtered, sweating profusely from the pain, disbelievingly looking at Theophilus.

He half-knelt before Theophilus, his body shaking violently, as if in extreme pain.

Theophilus coldly 'huh', letting go of his hand.

Thud!

Orborne collapsed, his entire arm spasming and trembling in pain.

"You've crossed the line! Theophilus! How dare you hit me." Orborne stared at Theophilus and said: "I will make you regret being born. Your whole family is doomed, and no one will be able to help you."

Orborne stood up, his face dark and cold.

"I gave you a chance and you didn't appreciate it. Just wait for your downfall." Orborne threatened before hastily leaving.

"Theophilus, are you trying to escalate things? How dare you hit Orborne." Ariel exclaimed: "What now? You've really doomed us."

"You're too impulsive, hitting people won't solve the problem." Dulcie said slowly.

"I'll handle this, don't worry." Theophilus said calmly: "Orborne can't do anything."

"What can you do?" Ariel asked coldly: "What are you relying on..."

Theophilus's expression remained unchanged as he glanced at Ariel.

She was startled, suddenly feeling that Theophilus was somewhat unusual today, his gaze too sharp. Her words of admonishment, ready on her lips, were left unsaid halfway through.

Theophilus looked at Dulcie with a warm gaze.

“Don’t worry, I’m here.”

Dulcie didn’t know what had happened, but she felt a comforting warmth in her heart. Theophilus today gave her a feeling she had never experienced before, a sense of reliance.

“Yes.” She quietly nodded.