“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.
Meanwhile, at another location. The Miller family’s jewelry corporation was in the X-Peak Building. The building, towering over twenty stories, bustled with activity. Employees hurried back and forth, their faces etched with urgency, as if a significant crisis had unfolded. On the twenty-third floor, in the conference room. The Miller family’s board of directors convened an emergency meeting. Around the large and long conference table sat over twenty people. All the influential and wealthy members of the Miller family in Elysian Echo City were present. “What’s going on? Why is the corporation suddenly in such chaos?” “Big brother, what happened? I was just playing golf, and after several urgent calls, I rushed back for this meeting. All our major clients have canceled their contracts with us.” “With the corporation in such turmoil, did we offend someone? Why else would our assets be frozen so suddenly?” The room buzzed with noisy discussions, the shareholders anxious and worr
Eugene's face turned extremely unsightly, not expecting the newly appointed chairman representative of the James Corporation in Empyria to be so authoritarian. “Mr. Joe, Orborne is ignorant of the rules, could you please consider my face…” Eugene pleaded. "Stop!" Leighton cut him off with a word, indicating Eugene to be silent. “Ten seconds." Leighton said with a smile, then his expression turned stern: "If you can’t do it, Eugene, you can resign. You need not come to the X-Peak Building for work tomorrow.” “All the jewelry stores under your name in shopping centers and all your factories will be thoroughly audited. With the professionalism of our James Corporation team, it will only take twenty-four hours to settle this.” As the primary secretary and trusted butler of the James Corporation in Empyria, Leighton's experience in business negotiations was exceptionally rich. There was hardly a major incident he hadn't faced. His sudden involvement had already overwhelmed the Miller
"Big brother and third brother have clearly had major issues managing the corporation for years. The James Corporation, with its financial clout, joining the corporation isn't necessarily bad, but it's a pity that the family legacy my father left behind has turned from a family enterprise into a public corporation." Anselm said slowly, his expression complex. He was holding a newspaper, which reported that the Miller Corporation's jewelry division was undergoing major restructuring, with Chairman Joe announcing a new direction for the corporation. "Ariel, you worry too much about things that don't concern you. Have you ever seen your father give you a second glance or hand over management of the corporation?" Ariel showed no sympathy for Anselm, slowly saying: "From now on, just focus on following the newly appointed Chairman Joe. The corporation is now treating all the smaller workshops fairly. You're still a nominal shareholder, and after so many years, you'll finally be able to at
The next morning. At Dulcie's request, Theophilus accompanied her to the company. They hailed a taxi and headed straight to the X-Peak building. Dulcie was extremely excited, as it was the first time her jewelry design was acknowledged. Moreover, it was personally responded to by the chairman of a major corporation! "I'm so nervous, this is the first time I'm talking to an important figure like the chairman." Dulcie said anxiously in the back seat: "I don't know what he will ask, I'm worried I'll say something wrong and they won't accept my design..." "Don't be too anxious, just express your ideas and thoughts to him." Theophilus advised. "If one day my own jewelry design is released and receives praise from the public at an exhibition, that would be so fulfilling!" Dulcie said, her eyes full of aspiration, dreaming of that achievement. Theophilus reassured her: "Don't worry, your design ideas will definitely be showcased." "Really? That's wonderful!" Dulcie's face brightened w
In the chairman's office. Leighton personally prepared two cups of coffee for Dulcie and Theophilus. This special attention made Dulcie feel both elated and nervous, secretly thinking that her jewelry design ideas had caught Chairman Joe's attention. "No need to be formal, please sit down." Leighton said, returning to his seat with a gentle expression: "The ‘King World’ design you created, I am very pleased with it. I see it as very high-class and skillful." “Thank you, Chairman Joe." Dulcie replied, then proactively introduced Theophilus: "The 'King World' piece was a joint design effort by Theophilus and me, this gentleman beside me." "Oh?" Leighton casually remarked: "This person is your husband, isn't he?" "Yes." Dulcie hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Leighton smiled and said: "The reason I invited you here is to let you know that your idea has been accepted by the board. The company will proceed to manufacture the final product, and I hope you will personally oversee t
Back home. The Millers had already received the good news over the phone and, after celebrating, Mrs. Ariel rolled up her sleeves to prepare a meal in anticipation of their return. "Today our daughter was promoted to director of design for the corporation, and is also in charge of a billion-dollar gemstone project. We must celebrate grandly!" Mrs. Ariel joyfully spoke at the dinner table, even uncorking a bottle of wine herself. "I am just a temporary director for now. I will be officially appointed only after winning first place in the company's exhibition." Dulcie clarified earnestly. "Temporary director? You’re liked by Chairman Joe, and still worried about Jena oppressing you? This time, our family can be proud. Ah, the design director of the corporation, even Jena is just a subordinate to my daughter." Mrs. Ariel spoke happily. Mr. Anselm also showed a happy face but still said seriously: "Dulcie, it seems Chairman Joe values capability over background. This is a good opportu
Theophilus grabbed an iron rod and began attacking in all directions, overpowering the group to the point where they couldn't retaliate. During this time, they couldn't even catch a glimpse of Theophilus, helplessly enduring the blows. "Ah! Ouch!" In less than three minutes, a dozen burly men in suits lay sprawled on the ground, their faces swollen, crying out in agony. "Speak!" Theophilus looked at Richard coldly: "Who sent you!" "Hey!" Richard was completely dumbfounded, unable to comprehend what had just happened, his eyes filled with disbelief. Damn it, wasn't Theophilus rumored to be a weak, dependent husband? How could he be so strong! His ten or so subordinates, all tough and ruthless, had dominated territories for years. How were they so easily defeated by Theophilus? Richard felt like he had kicked an iron plate. "You think knowing a bit of martial arts makes you invincible in front of me?" Richard flicked cigar ash, saying: "Dare to cause trouble in my territory, do
Theophilus's face showed no emotion, but his lips curled into a menacing sneer. "Oh, it seems I've been too lenient with that Dante..." Theophilus mused. "Mr. Jake, that despicable Dante is truly wicked. If you want revenge, I volunteer to be the first to help." Richard said with a look of rage. "Stop with the flattery. You sent people to capture me and even shot at me. Do you think I'll let you off?" Theophilus asked coolly. Richard's forehead was dripping with sweat. How could he stand against someone like Theophilus, a master who wasn't even afraid of bullets? Let alone the fact that behind Theophilus lay immense wealth and power, not to mention his expertise in ancient martial arts... He had no doubt that if Theophilus wanted him gone, there would be countless ways to make it happen... "Mr. Jake, please spare my life! It was unintentional, I beg you for a chance to make amends! My life from now on belongs to you!" Richard bowed his head three times in succession, his face p
"Open for me!"Theophilus's innate energy burst forth wildly, his sword qi continuously clearing the path ahead."Whoosh!"Three minutes later, Theophilus shook himself, darting through the hundred-meter path and out of the reach of the deathly qi, arriving outside the magic array."Finally made it out, the Divine Realm outside couldn't pass through that array; looks like they'll have to leave empty-handed this time."Theophilus chuckled softly.He looked up, and the scene before him resembled the Sword Washing Lake of the Jake family on Jake Wolves Mountain.It was an ancient mountain cave, with a precious sword embedded in the middle of a rock formation. Despite hundreds of years passing, one could still sense the sharp aura from it, next to the sword lay an ancient chest.Theophilus smoothly walked over to the stone platform, unimpeded by any magic formations.He reached out and grasped the long sword."Hum!"The sword seemed sentient, Theophilus could clearly feel its excitement.
Uncle Mark slowly emerged from the shadows. He wasn’t a Human Immortal who took the path of an assassin and had no intention of protecting Keagan, but now, unexpectedly, Keagan regarded him as a lifeline.“This time, we will not get involved!” Snow stepped forward and declared loudly.She was no longer as calm as before. In this Pineview Preparatory secret realm, it wasn’t uncommon for half-step Human Immortals to overpower full Human Immortals. There were always a few in every era, but not like Theophilus, who had Keagan begging for his life after just three moves.Seeing that the unfamiliar Human Immortal didn’t want to intervene, Keagan suddenly stepped back and said to Theophilus: “Theophilus, if you agree to forget our grudges, I am willing to recommend you to the Nichols family. With your talent, you will surely be valued by the Nichols family, and even Earthly Immortal is not far off!”“Ha!”Theophilus gave a cold laugh, stepped closer to Keagan, his sword qi enveloping him, re
Suddenly, everyone's view of Theophilus changed.If Theophilus really belonged to one of those families, then Mr. Perez and those who had surrounded him today were truly unlucky.Old man Perez's head also tingled; he had thought the young man before him was just a talent with some strength, but now it seemed not."Young man, your strength is indeed formidable, but we have been renowned for many years, and we do have our trump cards. Just swear you won't bother us, and the agreement we spoke of earlier will still hold!" Linus said darkly, speaking softly.Theophilus scoffed with disdain. Just moments ago, they had treated him like a mere annoyance, and now they wanted a truce—it was too late!"Give it your all!"Old man Perez shouted, his voice waves growing more intense.Linus and Latham also stirred the vital energy within them, staring intently at Theophilus.Theophilus smiled slightly, ready to make his move.Suddenly, he frowned and looked to the south."A master is coming from th
"Ha ha!"Theophilus scoffed, having already discerned the intentions of this group. They were all ruthless and cruel individuals. Although some had been half-stepping into the Human Immortal Realm for a while, their potential had nearly depleted, with no hope of breaking through to the Human Immortal Realm.He wasn't afraid of these people; moreover, he wanted to make a name for himself after this battle. Only then would he have a chance to connect with the truly powerful clans, and only through cultivating with those forces could he hope to break through to the Human Immortal Realm."With just you folks trying to defeat me?" Theophilus mocked."Young man, your strength is indeed impressive. Your sword energy could kill the wolf of the Wolf Lord. I might not stand a chance against you in a duel, but you're too arrogant. Do you really think you can defeat the four of us?" Ludwig said bluntly."One useless person multiplied by four still wants to gang up, huh?" Theophilus replied calmly
The person in front of him was clearly a woman disguised as a man, but her technique was terribly clumsy. Anyone who wasn't blind could see that she was a woman, and moreover, she wasn't very old.Theophilus looked at the person masquerading as a man with a serious gaze. Just now, he had felt a threat emanating from her.The strength of the woman before him hadn't yet surpassed the Late Divine Realm, but she could still make someone on the verge of breaking through to the Human Immortal Realm like him feel threatened."Tsk, tsk!"The woman in disguise looked at Theophilus and the others, then said regretfully: “Your strength is too weak; you definitely won't get anything good. Moreover, the Earthly Immortal treasure opens only once every fifty years, and it has already opened ten times now; there’s nothing good left.""Fifty years for one opening?" Dempsey exclaimed.The woman looked at the three men in surprise: "You don’t know? This Earthly Immortal treasure was discovered decades a
The mysterious elder appeared annoyed, thinking, was he considered a naive toddler? He had never encountered anyone from Meditation so young with such formidable power."Kid, you must understand, I am a guest of the Nichols royal family. You should think carefully before offending me; I might even know your elders!""Based on you alone?" Theophilus looked down disdainfully and said coldly: “The Nichols family invites guests as weak as you? Knowing my elders, are you worthy?"'What a coincidence!'Theophilus couldn't help but marvel internally, not expecting to encounter a guest of the Nichols family so soon after entering this secret realm."You..."The guest of the Nichols family, truly there because of his senior brother's connections, was enraged. If it weren't for having a senior brother in the Human Immortal Realm, the Nichols family wouldn't have bothered with him."Kid, since you refuse the wine I offered and prefer punishment, today I'll send you straight to heaven."The elder
Theophilus flew straight ahead, encountering beasts much larger than those in the outside world, perhaps because this place was at the edge of a mysterious realm, where the concentration of spiritual energy was four to five times higher than outside. Earlier, while flying, he had effortlessly dealt with a snake as thick as a water barrel coiled around a tree that attacked him."Cultivation here is much faster than in the outside world, and according to Malcolm, every major and minor family in this realm has its own sacred ground for cultivation, where the speed of cultivation is ten times faster than in the outside world.” he thought as he flew.About an hour later, Theophilus finally sensed people ahead—more precisely, four men chasing a man and a woman."Wilson, are you sure you want to attack us? Aren't you afraid of my family's Liles' retribution?" Dempsey Liles shouted as he shielded a young woman behind him, staring at Wilson not far away, his eyes filled with hatred. If it hadn
Rafael could not endure any longer; he collapsed to the ground, his voice trembling: "Young Master Alexander, it was my blindness that did not see the mountain; I didn’t know Maegan was your girlfriend, please forgive me this time, Sunset Valley Corporation will do everything possible to make amends to Young Master Alexander.""That's right."Uriah murmured, "The Lippman family is willing to do our utmost to compensate Young Master Alexander and Ms. Brown.""It's not that I can't give you a chance," Theophilus looked at them with a mocking gaze and said, "As long as you do one thing, I might forgive you!""Please state your conditions, Young Master Alexander!" Uriah gritted his teeth, ready to bleed if it meant Theophilus’s forgiveness."It’s simple, you must cancel the contract Maegan just signed, and write a new one without any conditions," Theophilus said calmly."That's no problem," Uriah hurriedly replied, thinking it was going to be a huge deal, only to find it was just this min
The relationship between Magnus and the head of the Radiant Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Isidore, was excellent. Normally, there were many things their company couldn't get past the Chamber of Commerce.Moreover, there were rumors that behind Magnus and Isidore stood another significant figure. No one in all of Empyria dared disrespect that person.The female star, still by his side, whispered softly, "Director Lippman, that Maegan girl really doesn't listen at all. Freeze her out for a while, teach her a good lesson! Can someone else play the lead in Maegan’s next movie?"After speaking, she hugged Uriah's arm and rubbed against it a few times.These past months, Maegan had become very famous, causing many in the entertainment industry to turn green with envy."Slap!"The female star had just finished speaking when Uriah pulled his hand away and slapped her hard."Director Lippman, why did you hit me?"The female star held her face and rolled on the bed, asking in disbelief."If you s