Ch. 161..170
Chapter 161 The Blithe King unwrapped his arms and walked toward James. “This is a military region. You shouldn’t come here so often. Scrap that. You shouldn’t come here at all.” He was implying that he did not want to see James, as James often brought trouble along. The Blithe King then got onto a military vehicle and left, leaving behind an astonished Xara. It took Xara some time to process the situation. When the realization hit, she kept gasping for air. She hurriedly made her way to James and snatched her phone from him. “Let me see. Let me see.”
She opened the album and saw the photo.
In it, the Blithe King had his hands around her shoulders. He wore a compassionate look, almost looking like a loving father,
“Ah….” Xara cried.
She bawled her eyes out.
After all these years, her wish had finally come true.
There stood the Blithe King, commander of the Western border and one of the Five Commanders.
She crouched down and cried.
They were tears of joy.
James frowned. It was just a photograph. Did she have to be so dramatic? “Alright, now, we’re in a military region. We better leave, or someone might make us.” Upon hearing this, Xara wiped the tears off the corners of her eyes and got into the car. James then drove off. On the way home. Looking at her photo with the Blithe king, seeing how he had his hands around her shoulders, and watching the compassionate look on his face, Xara almost burst into tears again. After some time, she turned and faced James. “James, thank you. I truly believe you’re the Black Dragon now.” Only someone with a comparable rank to the Blithe King could make this happen.
“Tsk, Black Dragon? You have a wild imagination.” James pouted.
Xara asked, “Weren’t you the one who said you were the real deal? Besides, if you aren’t the Black Dragon, why did the Blithe king welcome us upon our arrival? And why would he agree to take a picture with me?”
James replied, “I’ve told you we were just trying our luck. Just because the Blithe King agreed to take a photo with you, I’m suddenly the Black Dragon? He was just being nice. What does that have to do with me?
“That’s true.”
Xara, pensive, nodded in agreement.
His words made sense.
Besides, there was no way James could be the Black Dragon. If he was the Black Dragon, why would he marry into the Callahans? How could he tolerate being ordered around by them?
Perhaps it was as he said. The Blithe king was an amiable man. He would not refuse a military fan’s favor to take a photo.
“Hey, don’t tell Thea about this. And don’t say a word to anyone else,” James reminded her. “Okay.” Xara nodded.
‘Wait. Something’s not right…! Something came to Xara’s mind-something that happened during the Blithe King’s succession ceremony. During then, although rumored to have borrowed the vehicle, James had been driving around freely in the military region.
However, after today’s meeting with Daniel and the photograph incident with the Blithe King, things seemed a little…
Xara glanced at James.
“James, you’re no ordinary man. Be honest with me. Who are you? Don’t worry. I won’t tell Thea, and I won’t spread gossip to anyone else.” “Who am I? I’m just a decommissioned military man,” James said, smiling. “Something’s off.”
Xara was deep in thought.
Although she had not been in Cansington, she had heard of the events that had occurred, especially those concerning Thea Callahan.
Just yesterday, she had even heard about a group of men kneeling before Thea and begging for her forgiveness
Rumor has it that it was concerning the ghost-masked man who had been executed by the Blithe King-the man Thea Callahan had saved ten years ago. When he was still alive, the ghost – masked man had sought those men out and had them promise to take care of Thea.
In Xara’s mind, it could not have been so simple.
“Was it because of… James?” She muttered silently.
The more she contemplated, the likelier it seemed to be.
With that in mind, she asked with gleaming eyes, “James, don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone about your true identity.” James rolled his eyes. “What identity?”
Xara said, smiling, “You came from the Southern Plains, so you’ve got to be a general too. James, if you ever get the chance to, you have to introduce me to the Black Dragon.”
Chapter 162 Xara was firm in her belief. James had to be the General of the Southern Plains. James just laughed and remained silent.
They reached Thea’s place soon after.
Gladys and her family had left early in the morning to settle their car insurance and other household affairs. It had been a while since they had returned home.
Thea and Yuna had also just returned from shopping at the Trade City Center. By the time James arrived, it was almost one o’clock Gladys scolded him as he walked through the door, “How long does it take to pick up a single person? Look at the time! What are you waiting for? Get to cooking!”
Ever since James married into the Callahans, Gladys stopped cooking.
By now, they had all grown lazy. No one even bothered to prepare lunch. None of them had eaten anything James carried the suitcase in and put it aside. Upon hearing Gladys’ words, he nodded. “I’ll get to it right now.”
Right away, he headed to the kitchen. “Xara,” Gladys greeted her warmly. As Xara watched James enter the kitchen, her eyebrows furrowed.
She had been watching his every move.
When he got into a dispute outside the airport, he resorted to solving the problem with his fists.
Then, he had lunch with General Highsmith. Moreover, before this, he had brought her to the military region to take a picture with the Blithe king. How could he merely be an ordinary man?
However, now that he was at the Callahan residence, why did he seem like a completely different person?
She scanned the members of the Callahan family.
She greeted, “Hello.”
Finally, her gaze fell on Thea. She could not believe her eyes.
“Thea, is that you?”
“Xara, it’s been a while,” Thea greeted her warmly.
Xara stared at Thea.
She had heard that Thea had restored her looks and was now a beauty,
However, she did not expect her to be this gorgeous.
Xara almost felt jealous of her.
ULT ULICI
Her figure and her face were truly… “Thea, was it James who fixed you up?” Xara asked with an astonished look. “Yes,” Thea said, smiling “Don’t just stand here. Come and sit.” Xara took a deep breath. “Is James… that impressive?”
Gladys immediately dismissed the idea. “He just has some medicinal knowledge. He’s not worthy of Thea at all. I’m still thinking of ways to get Thea to divorce him. With her charms,
she can totally find herself a better man.”
“That’s right.”
Xara clapped in agreement. “You’re right, Gladys. James is unworthy of her. We should separate them as soon as possible.”
‘Once he’s divorced, I’ll finally have my shot,’She added in her mind.
He was an awe-inspiring man with medicinal knowledge.
How was she going to find another man like this?
“Mom…” Thea had a disgruntled look. She glanced at Xara. “Xara, why are you encouraging her?”
Xara said, smiling, “Thea, you’re a beautiful woman. I don’t think a man like James who married into the family is worthy of you.”
David chimed in, “She’s right, Thea. You shouldn’t stop at James. Aren’t you getting along well with Ms. Lawson of Longevity Pharmaceuticals? Have her introduce a rich guy to you. That way, I can get something out of your relationship too.”
Thea’s family banded together and tried to convince her to divorce James.
Meanwhile, James was in the kitchen.
At the same time, in the Callahans’ villa.
Lex summoned his family once more.
He had yet to return to his senses after yesterday’s event.
Those men kneeled before Thea and asked for her forgiveness. The image of that was too shocking for him.
Even if the likes of Alex, Bryan, and Jay had apologized to her because they owed someone else a favor, it was still a form of social networking. “We have to bring Thea back.” Lex gave the final order.
Howard said, “Father, it’s not like we didn’t try. Thea and her family just aren’t interested. Even if we were to give them twenty percent of the shares, they wouldn’t be coming back”
Lax sat on the sofa and smoked his cigarettes, He opened his eyes. “Howard, do you know what my dreain is?”
Howard replied, “Father, your dream is to make the Callahans a powerful and influential family.”
Chapter 163 “That’s right.” Lex nodded. “Even if those men only helped Thea because they owed someone else a favor, they’re still part of her network connections. If we establish a good relationship with those men, it will surely benefit us. Do you know how much the Callahans have earned by cooperating with Celestial Group? At least tens of millions.”
Lex took a drag on his cigarette.
“Once Thea returns, we’ll be able to expand our production. We can further cooperate with large pharmaceutical groups such as Celestial Group and Longevity Pharmaceuticals and establish ourselves in Cansington’s commercial city. With this, the Callahans will surely rise… “Lex grew increasingly excited as he spoke. “Bring Thea to me, no matter the cost.” The Callahans all had grim faces. They did not want the back. Although with her, they had managed to establish stronger connections with Celestial Group, she would take the helm of the Callahans once she came back. That meant things might go against their interests.
It was a gateway for the Callahans to get richer, but what use was there being an influential family if they themselves could not gain anything from it?
“Grandfather,” Tommy spoke. “Thea’s not coming back. I knelt before her last time. Gladys was even more ruthless. She claimed that they would not return even if you personally went and kneeled before her.”
Megan chimed in, “That’s right, grandpa. They’re truly despicable. All these years, they’ve lived off the Callahans’ resources. However, they’re showing their true colors now that they’re asked to contribute to the family.”
“I’ll pay them a visit once more.” Lex stood up. “Prepare the gifts.” Howard reluctantly complied.
Following that, Lex brought Howard’s family and headed to Thea’s residence
John and his family did not reside in the Callahan residence. Instead, they had gotten a small villa nearby.
After preparing lunch, James sat on the balcony and smoked his cigarettes. Xara had skipped her lunch.
She headed toward the balcony and saw James smoking his cigarettes. With a zipped smile, she spoke, “James, you don’t have any influence among the Callahans. Why don’t you divorce Thea?”
“Hmm?”
James glanced at her. Xara blinked her big, round eyes. “Why don’t we get married after you get your divorce?”
James smiled at her and said nothing. At that moment, the doorbell rang. David put down his cutlery and answered the door. The moment he saw Lex, he froze. He hurriedly asked, “Grandfather, why are you here? P-Please, come in.” David invited them into the house.
“Mother, father, uncle Howard and grandpa are here.” Gladys put down her cutlery, her expression grim. Lex made his way in with a smile on his aged face. “Thea, grandpa’s here to see you.” Thea hurriedly stood and greeted him, “Grandpa, please sit. Have you eaten? Let me grab you a plate.”
Lex laughed. “I’ve already eaten, Thea. It’s been a while. I hope you’re no longer angry. Come home with me. You’ll be the chairman of Eternality.” “No way.”
Gladys instantly retorted, “Father, stop wasting your time. Thea won’t ever go back. We won’t consider your offer unless you’re willing to transfer fifty percent of the Group’s shares to Benjamin.”
“What?” Tommy panicked and raised his voice. “Fifty percent of the shares? The audacity!”
Howard’s expression was grim. “I’m warning you. Don’t cross the line.”
Howard’s wife, Jolie, was anxious too. She hurriedly joined in, “Father, don’t promise them anything.” Lex waved them off and cut the conversation short.
He thought for a while before asking, “Thea, if I give your family fifty percent of the shares, can you bring glory to the Callahans? Can you turn the Callahans into a powerful and influential farnily?” “T-That’s…”
Thea was at a loss.
She never expected grandpa to agree to transfer fifty percent of the shares to them. Bringing glory to the Callahans? Becoming an influential family? Was she capable of doing that?
She did not believe so.
Gladys, too, did not expect Lex to consider her demands.
She immediately added, “Well, of course. Do you know what influential people Thea has acquainted herself with? This morning, she even went shopping in the commercial city with Ms. Lawson of Longevity Pharmaceuticals.” Upon saying that, she shot Thea a look “Thea, tell us you can bring glory to the Callahans.”
“1…” Thea could not continue.
She was not confident.
She would be fine managing Eternality Group, but was she truly capable of leading the Callahans on the path to glory?
“She will.”
James, who had just finished his cigarette, approached them and said with a smile, “Grandpa, don’t you worry. Thea will surely lead the Callahans on the path to glory. The Xaviers of The Great Four have fallen. The remaining three are not too far away. Not long, the Callahans would make their way in and herome one of the Great Four”
chapter 164
James’ words were met with discontent from the Callahans.
Tommy yelled at him, “Who do you think you are, meddling in the affairs of the Callahans?” Megan recalled how James humiliated her in front of everyone and how she was forced to kneel at Yuna’s banquet yesterday. Upset, she berated him sarcastically, “The remaining three are falling soon? Who do you think you are? Alex Yates? Do you get to decide their fates?” Gladys, too, reprimanded him, “What an embarrassment. Can’t you just keep your mouth shut?”
Thea shot James a disgruntled look, insinuating that he should have kept his thoughts to himself.
She did not feel confident in leading the Callahans to glory. Becoming an influential family required not just wealth but also strong connections.
Lex completely ignored James and fixed his gaze on Thea. “Thea, Listen. I’ll give you three years. If you can transform us into an influential family and grow our assets by a dozen times within that time, I’ll give you fifty percent of the Group’s shares. And I promise you’ll remain the executive chairman of the Callahans family business.”
“I…” Thea was intimidated. How would she be able to grow the family’s assets by that much in three years? She was not omnipotent.
Gladys shot her a look “Why hesitate?” The look implied. “Accept his offer and acquire the shares.” Thea glanced at her family. Gladys, Benjamin, David, and Alyssa looked at her in anticipation.
She contemplated for a while. “Grandpa, I’m not making any promises. However, if I’m in charge of the Callahans’ family business, I’ll do my best to bring glory to the family. I’ll work hard for us to become an influential and powerful family.”
Lex was relieved upon hearing this.
Thea’s connections were extraordinary. If Thea wholeheartedly devoted herself to the Callahans’ cause, it was likely the family’s status would grow. Lex stood up. “A deal’s a deal. Thea, come to the Callahan residence for the negotiations on the redistribution of shares. Don’t worry. I won’t go back on my word.” “Thank you, grandpa, for having faith in me.” Thea stood with a look of gratitude on her face.
“We’ll take our leave.”
Lex turned to leave.
Howard and the others followed close behind. Their expressions were grim.
After they left, David jumped with excitement. “Yes! Fifty percent of the shares would mean we’re in control of half of the Callahans. Thea, you’ve made us proud.”
Benjamin, meanwhile, was a little disoriented. All these years, Lex had not been treating him well. He received none of the Group’s shares. All of a sudden, they now had fifty percent in their possession. It felt surreal.
Gladys glanced at James.
It was his idea.
She had incidentally brought it up. She never expected Lex to consent.
“He’s not entirely useless.” Gladys pursed her lips.
However, Thea wore an anxious expression. “It’s too early to celebrate. He’ll still take the shares back if I have nothing to show for after becoming the executive chairman.” David dismissed her worries. “Thea, business is booming now that Eternality has established a permanent partnership agreement with Celestial Group! What are you afraid of? Besides, with how close you are to Ms. Lawson, wouldn’t it be a piece of cake to conduct business with Longevity Pharmaceuticals?” Thea was deep in thought. “That’s true.”
At that moment, the insecure expression on her face changed into one of anticipation.
Had the time finally arrived for her to apply what she had learned?
She was looking forward to it.
She looked forward to seizing the reins of the Callahans, entering the corporate world, and doing great things. She would bring glory to the Callahans, and they would truly become a powerful family Watching the emboldened look on her face, James smiled. With him manipulating in the shadows, Thea’s business career would be smooth sailing. Not before long, her name would be known by all. Due to the redistribution of the family business’ shares, Thea’s family was thrilled. However, the opposite was true for Howard and John’s families. They were displeased. The majority of the Callahans’ shares were in Lex’s hands. The redistribution of shares would cause the number of shares in their possessions to shrink. There was no guarantee they would even receive any
Soon, night fell.
Wearing a glamorous dress and surrounded by her family, Thea entered the Callahans’ villa.
The living room was already teeming with people. Howard’s family and John’s family were there. Three generations of the Callahans were now present.
Chapter 165 Lex stood up and invited Thea to sit.
The more amicable Lex was toward Thea, the more threatened the rest of the Callahans felt.
Lex was old and would probably not live for much longer. They believed this redistribution of shares was equivalent to him dividing up the Callahans’ inheritance.
As there were limited seats, the non-core members of the family stood during the discussion.
James was standing too, but he could not care less. Lex was seated above. He scanned the group before he spoke, “I summon all of you here today for two things. First, from today onward, Thea will formally take over the reins of the Callahans and will be in charge of every family business as the executive chairman.”
“Second, we’ll be discussing the redistribution of shares.”
Upon hearing this, everyone held their breath. All eyes were fixed on Lex, waiting for his next move.
Lex glanced at Benjamin. “All these years, Benjamin has been working diligently. And though he received no shares, he did not complain. I declare that Benjamin will be given fifty percent of the family’s shares. This will not be limited to Eternality Group, but rather all Callahan businesses.”
Upon hearing the announcement, everyone could not help but glance at Benjamin. Their eyes burned with hatred. What did he do to deserve all those shares? Howard and John dared not object to their father’s decision. Meanwhile, John’s son, Weston, stepped forward. “Grandpa, l object to this. Based on what you said, Benjamin gets to have a fifty percent stake in my processing plant?” Lex opened his eyes and glanced at Weston. “Do I have to repeat myself? I did say all businesses under the Callahans, didn’t I? Are you a Callahan?” Weston nodded. “Yes.” “Since you’re a Callahan, your processing plant belongs to the Callahans.” “Grandpa…” Weston, enraged, raised his voice. “I established the processing plant myself. Although it’s modest in size, it has nothing to do with the Callahans’ family business. Why does Benjamin get to have a fifty percent stake in it?”
Lex’s face darkened. With a howl of rage, he smashed the table. “That’s because you used the Callahans’ money to establish it! And don’t forget about the business deals you made through the Callahans’ connections.”
“…” Weston was at a loss for words. Unable to refute Lex’s claims, he angrily seated himself.
Benjamin, on the other hand, was flattered.
Il was surprising
He received not just fifty percent of Eternality Group but fifty percent of everything the Callahans owned
Lex took a deep breath, “I’m old. I can no longer lead the Callahans. That’s why I’m leaving it to our distinguished youngsters. I know you’re dissatisfied with my decision. How about this? We’ll give Thea a three-month probation period. If she succeeds in multiplying the family’s assets, she’ll be eligible to be the chairman. Only then will her family be entitled to the fifty percent stake.”
Lex glanced at the Callahans in the foyer and continued, “From today onward, both Howard and John will hold twenty percent of the family’s shares. I will hold the remaining ten percent for the time being. You have the right to distribute your shares among your children. Any objections?”
Lex scanned the group. “This is a family meeting. If you have any objections, speak up. Otherwise, I hope you’ll work together and bring the Callahans to greater heights.”
Initially, Howard and John were discontented.
However, after Lex explained the redistribution of the shares, they no longer had a problem.
Twenty percent was much more than what they had both received previously.
Seeing that they remained silent, Lex continued, “Since no one is objecting to this, it’s a deal. Thea will be the executive chairman. Howard will be the vice-chairman. Howard, you’ll assist: Thea in her work and help bring glory to the Callahans.” “Understood.”
Howard complied.
Tommy, on the other hand, did not. “Grandpa, we respect your decision. However, since Thea’s appointed as the executive chairman, she should be doing something for the family, Say, the Trade City Center business. Everyone has been setting up their businesses there. We can’t miss out. Since Thea’s the executive chairman, we should leave the matter in her hands. Let her lead the negotiations for us to set up our business there. We’ll recognize her as the leader of the Callahans only if she succeeds.”
“That’s right.”
“I agree. Let Thea lead the negotiations. I heard we needed assets amounting to over five billion to set up there. Also, there would be an annual fee of a hundred million that has to be paid in a lump sum.”
“We should be able to gather a hundred million. However, setting up a business there in itself is no simple matter. If Thea succeeds in her negotiations, we’ll acknowledge her.” Following Tommy’s suggestions, everyone shared their thoughts. Upon hearing this, Lex glanced at Thea.
Thea was unsure of herself and was reluctant to commit.
She had gone there with Yuna today.
Even Yuna was paying her respects to the person in charge of the Trade City Center.
James stood. “Don’t worry. Thea’s got this. If she can’t even obtain the right for the Callahans to set up their shop, she’s unqualified to be the chairman.”
Upon hearing this, Thea shot him a disgruntled look. It implied that he had talked too much and stirred trouble for her.
Meanwhile, Tommy looked as if his evil machinations had come to a crescendo.
Obtain the right to set up a shop?
How was that possible?
The trade center had reiterated that one needed assets totaling at least five billion to be eligible. All the Callahans had amounted to only one and a half billion. They were far from getting a spot
Chapter 166
Slap!
Gladys smacked James on the head. “Watch your tongue. What makes you think you have the right to speak at the family meeting?” She reprimanded him. “Alright, that settles it.” Lex laughed heartily. To set the Callahans up at the Trade City Center was something unthinkable to him. That place was the future Glochaibal Financial Center. As such, businesses from Cansington were not the only ones seeking to establish themselves there. All large corporations nationwide would eventually make their way there. If the Callahans managed to set up shop there, it would be a symbol of prestige. Lex could not care less about the hundred million entrance fee. “Grandpa, I…” Thea was hesitant.
However, seeing Lex’s delighted face, she did not want to disappoint him. She hung her head.” I-I’ll try.” “Chairman, you now carry the hopes and dreams of the Callahans.” “You have to get us the right to set up shop.” “Worry not, chairman. As long as you succeed in your negotiations, we’ll find a way to get money, no matter the rental cost.” “That’s right. But if you fail, that’ll mean you’re unqualified to be the chairman.” The Callahans chitter-chattered. Though they seemed to be currying favor, they were actually ridiculing her. Thea knew they wanted to see her make a fool out of herself. “Haha. We’ll join our efforts and bring the Callahans to greater heights. Dismissed.” Lex stood up and headed upstairs, laughing heartily. Thea stood and glared at James.
“James, are you just looking for trouble?” David exclaimed, wearing a murderous look on his face.
Tommy let loose a laugh. “Good luck, Thea. It isn’t easy to start a business at the Trade City Center. I’m afraid being the chairman isn’t exactly all fun and games.” “Thea, I heard that even someone like Alex Yates has to play nice during the process. I’m afraid he can’t help you out this time around.” “Haha, we’ll await the good news.”
The Callahans babbled non-stop.
Meanwhile, Thea left the Callahans’ villa in a foul mood.
James followed close behind.
Along the way, Gladys, David, and Alyssa ranted about James.
“James, I’m warning you. Keep your mouth shut at the next family meeting. Stop embarrassing us,” Gladys scolded.
David joined in, “Useless piece of trash. Do you even know what the Trade City Center is? You need an entrance fee of at least a couple of million to open a restaurant at food street. The same goes for the fashion street. The prices will be exorbitant if a company sets up shop there.”
No matter how they chastised him, James remained silent.
Thea looked at him, disgruntled. “You’ve made life difficult for me. Do you know Yuna of Longevity Pharmaceuticals had to go through an afternoon’s worth of paperwork to set up shop there? And she’s the chairman of a hundred-billion dollar corporation. What am I going to do? Will I even make it past the front gate?” James smiled and said, “Honey, I have faith in you. You can do this.” “But I don’t have faith in myself.” Thea was dismayed.
They continued to bicker along the way home. Xara stayed home and did not go to the Callahans’ villa.
Seeing the expressions on their faces upon their return, she asked, “Why the long faces? Did . you guys not get the shares?”
“James, that piece of trash talked too much and got Thea into a difficult situation,” Gladys criticized.
“Huh?” Xara glanced at James. “What happened?” She asked. Gladys filled her in. Hearing this, Xara wore a thoughtful expression on her face. “Thea might be able to do this.”
James nodded. “Yes, I have faith in her. Besides, even if I had kept my mouth shut, do you think the other Callahans would allow her to hold on to her executive director’s position? If Thea wishes to secure her authority, she needs to win them over fair and square.”
“Good thinking. Did you think we weren’t aware of that? Do you take us for fools?” Gladys chided. “We could’ve shirked our responsibility on that impossible task. Now, thanks to you. how is she supposed to obtain the right to set up shop?”
Chapter 167 James raised his hands. “How am I supposed to know that? I’m not an expert in this field.”
Thea sighed. “Alright, stop bickering already. Jamie was just being considerate. I’ll make the relevant preparations. I’ll go to the office tomorrow to prepare the related documents and hand them in for submission. If it doesn’t work, then so be it. Grandpa should know that this is an impossible mission. So, even if I fail, he won’t make life difficult for me.”
“Yeah.” Gladys nodded. At this point, that was the only thing they could do.
Meanwhile, Benjamin was still in a trance.
Fifty percent shares.
He never expected in his wildest dreams to be granted fifty percent of the family’s shares.
David, too, had forgotten about his earlier dejection. He exclaimed excitedly, “Father, grandpa said you have the right to redistribute your shares. I’m your only son. Quick, give me twenty five percent.”
Benjamin glanced at Gladys.
Even though he had the right to redistribute them, Gladys had the final say.
Gladys smacked David on the head and said, “Thea still has to undergo a three-month probation period before she becomes the official chairman, yet here you are thinking about dividends? At least wait till she’s secured her position!”
“Mom, we can still get a lot in three months. Have Dad give me my shares first. I’ll use the money from the next three months to buy a villa for my in-laws.” Upon hearing this, Alyssa was delighted. “Thanks, darling.” Gladys glanced at James and said, “Look at him. What a considerate son-in-law. He thinks of his in-laws when he gets rich. What about you?”
James scratched his nose.
Was he not thinking for the Callahans? If he was not, how did Thea become the chairman? Would Benjamin have gotten the fifty percent shares?
David immediately understood the situation and spoke, “Mom, it’s not that I wasn’t thinking about you. However, now that dad has gotten his shares, you’d be able to afford a villa in just a few months. Meanwhile, my mother-in-law’s family is cramped in a small hundred square meter house.”
“It’s alright.” Gladys waved him off. “I’m not mad. Since the Myers have entrusted their daughter to you, you should help them out now that we’re rich.”
Alyssa was grateful. “Thank you, mom.”
They were filled with joy.
However, Thea wore a worried expression.
She returned to her room, switched on her laptop, and started writing the application to set up shop. James had not smoked in front of Thea for the entire day. Now, his tobacco addiction was kicking in again. He dared not smoke on the balcony again. Instead, he made his way out of the house, seated himself by the stairs, and lit a cigarette.
Xara approached him. Wrapping her arms around herself, she fixed her gaze on James, who was sitting on the floor while smoking his cigarette. She pursed her lips. “James, it should be a piece of cake for Thea to set up shop at the Trade City Center, right?”
James lifted his head and caught a glimpse of a delicate face. He shrugged. “How would I know?”
“What? Aren’t you helping out in the shadows? With your help, it should be a piece of cake, no?”
“You flatter me. I’m just a decommissioned military guy.”
Unconcerned for her comportment, Xara sat on the floor and wrapped her arms around James. She looked as if she was clinging to him. She laughed flirtatiously. “James, I came to Cansington looking for a job. You got anything for me?”
Thea did not know how to write the application for setting up a shop.
She exited her room but could not find James anywhere. She made her way out of the house.
She made it a few steps before she saw James seated on the floor by the stairs not too far away. Xara had her arms wrapped around him. It seemed as if she was clinging to him.
Rumble!
It was as if a thunderous storm had descended upon her. Thea was flabbergasted. Petrified, her eyes brimmed with tears.
She stood there for a few seconds before covering her mouth and running back inside, weeping
Chapter 168 Xara was daring. She was almost on top of James. A young maiden’s alluring fragrance entered James’ nostrils, and he hurriedly turned his body to the side.
His actions amused Xara, and she burst out laughing. “James, are you still shy about this? People say you haven’t been doing it with Thea. Could it be you’re still a virgin?”
James blushed.
Indeed, he was.
Ten years ago, he was only seventeen, a teenage boy who had just graduated senior high school.
He had been in a relationship with a girl back then.
However, holding hands was the furthest they went.
He was then in the army for ten years. His days were filled with special training, ice-cold weapons, and the remains of his enemies.
He did not wish to prolong this conversation. He inhaled the smoke deeply, threw the cigarette bud into the trash can, and made his way back into the house.
Thea, who had seen James by the stairs with Xara’s arms wrapped around him, ran away in tears.
The moment she entered her room, she burst out crying.
She had thought that James was a good man.
To think he would be identical to all the other men out there. He had only met Xara today, yet the two were already hooking up. Knock, knock, knock! Knocks sounded from the other side of the door.
Thea hurriedly wiped her tears and took a deep breath to calm herself down. Then, she went for the door.
James walked in and asked, smiling, “What are you doing? You’re taking quite some time.” However, Thea said nothing. She headed straight toward the laptop, sat in front of it, and stared at the screen. James did not notice anything out of the ordinary He consciously took a mat out and placed it on the floor.
Thea felt aggrieved watching his actions.
He might be playing the gentleman in her presence, but he was hooking up with another woman behund her back.
Worse still, that woman was her cousin. She shook her head, trying to shake the messed-up thoughts off her mind. However, she could not forget the image of Xara clinging onto James flirtatiously with her body on top of him. The scene was etched in her mind. It lingered no matter how much she tried to forget it. ‘Did he hook up with someone else because I didn’t let him have his way with me? He’s a man, after all. He has his needs.’ Thea was deep in thought. She thought it was her fault James went looking for another woman.
However, deep inside, she felt bitter.
It was not as if she forbade him from having his way with her. He voluntarily slept on the floor. She had hinted at him multiple times, but he was unresponsive.
As she thought about this, bitterness filled her heart At that moment, she thought about divorcing him.
She would divorce him and wish him the best with Xara.
“James….”
“Uh huh?”
James, lying on the mat and deep in his thoughts, recollected himself and asked, “What is it?” Thea turned to face James, who was now sitting, with a grim expression. “What do you think of my cousin, Xara?”
“Huh?” James was confused. He could not read between the lines. He was in the army for ten years. For the past ten years, he had been interacting with his enemies, not women. As such, he was unable to read their minds. He instinctively nodded.” She’s cool.”
Upon hearing this, Thea was disappointed.
She wanted to save their marriage.
She could still remember James bringing her to the House of Royals and the way he meticulously took care of her after marrying into the Callahans.
He would put her to bed at night and bring her out to sunbathe during the day. She had never experienced such care and warmth.
Chapter 169 At that point, she had already fallen in love with James. She had decided that he would be the only man in her life.
She never expected him to fool around with another woman so soon, not to mention the woman was her cousin.
“Let’s…”
She wanted to ask for a divorce, but the words were stuck in her throat. “Darling, what are you trying to say?” “N-Nothing.”
Thea could not bring herself to say those words.
She was no longer motivated to write the application for setting up a shop, so she got on the bed and slept.
The night passed silently. The next day.
After changing into professional business attire, Thea set out for Eternality Group early in the morning James had nothing planned, so he slept in until ten o’clock in the morning.
A lot had happened in Cansington lately. Warren Xavier, the late head of the Xaviers and one of The Great Four, had died. The downfall of the Xaviers came, and they fell from grace The heads of the Frasiers, the Wilsons, and the Zimmermans were all dead.
The succession of the Blithe King followed suit.
Next, a mysterious tycoon bought the Trade City Center. Just as people were in a heated discussion, the Callahans dropped a bombshell today.
Though the Callahans were a second-rate family, they had been stealing the limelight recently.
The first time was when Thea had called Alex Yates, which brought about the bankruptcy of the Xaviers.
The second time was when Lex forged an invitation letter to the Blithe King’s succession ceremony
Moreover, just this morning, at Eternality Group of the Callahans, Lex Callahan personally showed up to a press conference. He declared Thea Callahan to be the official executive chairman of the Group and that she would hold fifty percent of the family’s shares.
Al the press conference, Lex emphasized furthering the cooperation between Eternality and Celestial Group and brought up the relationship between Thea and Ms. Lawson of Longevity Pharmaceuticals.
He even described the image of the powerful men kneeling before Thea at Yuna’s birthday banquet.
With the holding of the press conference, the Callahans have once again appeared before the masses.
Following that, Lex extended an invitation to all people from all walks of life to his eightieth birthday banquet, which would be held at Cansington Hotel in two days.
For a moment, the Callahans were the talk of the street.
People talked about how Thea was now the leader of the Callahans. With her connections, the rise of the Callahans was now within sight.
Thea was famous once more. James, as husband of Thea, naturally became a topic of discussion as well.
He was branded as an incompetent husband and a useless man.
Upon waking up, James got out of bed, tidied up the mat, and walked out of the room.
Having received their shares yesterday, the family had gone out for a celebration. Only Xara remained. She was on the sofa scrolling through her phone, looking for job openings on company websites. She had wanted to work in Eternality. However, she felt uncomfortable working in her relative’s company. Upon seeing James walking out of the room, she put her phone down immediately. “James, come and help me find a job.” As Thea was not around, James casually lit a cigarette. He headed toward Xara and sat on the sofa. Glancing at her, he said coolly, “Go to a job fair if you’re looking for a job. Why are you asking me for help?” She took a seat beside James and hugged his arm, playing a coquette. “You’re influential, after all. I would be able to find a decent job if you helped me out.”
The two were so close that their bodies seemed to mash together. Xara’s chest was protruding out, and she was deliberately rubbing her breasts against James’ body.
Unable to withstand her flirting, James moved to leave.
Just then, the door opened.
David and Alyssa walked in. Upon seeing the scene on the sofa, they were stunned.
Chapter 170 David and Alyssa just came back after taking a drive in their brand-new Maserati. The moment they entered the house, they saw everything-Xara hugging James’ arm as she clung to him intimately. “W-What…?” David exclaimed. He walked toward them and said to James, “How dare you, James? You’ve been leeching off the Callahans for some time now. Now that Thea isn’t home, you’re fooling around with another woman?” “And you, Xara. H-How could you do such a thing? He’s your cousin-in-law!” Xara was just playing around with James.
She did not expect David to return so soon.
With her cheeks reddened, she immediately released James and hung her head. “D-David, it’s not what you think it is.”
“What is it then?” David raised his voice. “What were you two doing? If we hadn’t come home in time, the two of you would’ve been naked on the sofa by now!”
James, too, did not expect things to turn out like this.
However, he did not explain anything.
Alyssa sat on the sofa. With a surly expression, she scolded, “Xara, how shameless of you! You carried yourself with such poise. I thought you were a girl with a sense of self-worth. But to think you would go after your cousin-in-law to satisfy your lust! Also, you sure have an interesting taste in men. James, of all people?”
“I-L…
Xara opened her mouth but was at a loss for words.
She looked at James pleadingly, “James, explain what happened to them.”
James calmly said, “The truth will speak for itself.” “James, you’re dead meat. I’m telling Thea about this. There’s no doubt she’ll divorce you,” David spat menacingly.
He had hated James.
His words at the family meeting had invited trouble for Thea.
It would be a loss for the family if Lex took the family shares back due to this.
James wore an indifferent look.
Thea was unlike them.
She knew their boundaries. She would be the judge.
“I’m going grocery shopping.” Seeing the time, James stood up and walked out of the house.
After he had left, Xara tried explaining herself once more.
However, David and Alyssa were disinterested.
There was nothing Xara could do.
Well, so be it.
So what if they told Thea about this? She had wanted James to divorce Thea so she could openly go after him anyway. Thea was at the company the whole day.
She first attended the press conference. Then, she familiarized herself with the company’s business after officially taking over as the chairman. Later, she prepared the documents for the application to set up shop at the Trade City Center. She was so occupied with work that she had forgotten what she had witnessed last night. She only reached home at eight o’clock. By the time she came home, she was exhausted. She planned to rest after washing up. However, upon noticing that everyone was wearing a surly expression, she asked, “What’s wrong?” Gladys looked at James and answered coldly, “Ask him what he’s done.” David had told Gladys about the affair between James and Xara.
Gladys had wanted Thea to divorce James. However, she never expected Xara to be the fuse.
Xara was her brother’s daughter. She was part of the Hill family.
What misfortune “Huh?”
Thea glanced at James.
David stood up and said, “Thea, when I came home this morning, I saw james making out with Xara on the sofa. They were hugging, and their clothes were almost off.”
David exaggerated greatly. “David, don’t spout nonsense.” Xara was enraged. She was only hugging his arm. What did he mean by making out?
Thea’s face darkened. She had seen everything last night. She never expected them to be so audacious as to make out in the house.