Ch. 21..30

Chapter 21: Trent’s death a few days ago caused an uproar.No one knew who the man in the ghost mask was, but Alex knew that it was James, the Black Dragon of the Southern Plains.

James asked, “How’s the partnership going with Eternality?”

“All Good, Mister Caden.”

“Terminate the partnership.Tell the Callahans that Celestial will only work with Thea.Now that Thea is no longer part of the family, the partnership is terminated.As for the rumors between you and Thea, sort it out yourself.I don’t want Thea to be in trouble due to those rumors.”

“Of course.I’ll get it done right now.”

Alex took a deep breath.

After he hung up, he made the necessary arrangements at once.He told whoever was in charge of dealing with the Callahans to terminate their partnership.

At the Callahans’ at the same time.

The current executive chairman of Eternality, Howard Callahan, rushed in.He shouted, “Dad, something’s happened!”

Lex raised an eyebrow.

“Howard, why are you still behaving like a child at this age? How am I supposed to pass the torch to you? Can our family truly be part of the upper class?”

“I hear you, dad, but Celestial Group has terminated our partnership.They even said that…”

Lex shook, standing up abruptly.

“What? What did you say?”

Howard lost his confidence.He hung his head.

Quietly, he said, “Celestial terminated our partnership.Now, several trucks are waiting at our factory to transport the raw materials back.”

Lex fell onto the couch heavily.Sweat beaded his wrinkled face.

Working with Celestial was the Callahans’ best opportunity to rise through the ranks.

Now that Celestial had terminated the partnership with Eternality, the Callahans would lose their chance at becoming an upper-class family.

“What else did Celestial say? Spit it out.” Lex was so angry he thumped his cane against the floor. Howard said, “Celestial’s chairman Alex Yates said he would only work with Thea.With Thea gone, he will never work with us.” “Then why are all of you still standing here? Go and get Thea now!” Lex picked up his cane and started whacking Howard, Tommy, and the other Callahans who were present.All of them left hurriedly to call and locate Thea.

Nine Dragons Street.

Common Clinic.

Thea was awake.She sat on the bed, propping her head on her knees and hugging her calves.

Quietly, she stared into space.

James sat beside her, trying to cheer her up.He told her jokes but she remained silent, never saying a word.

Just then, her phone started ringing.She did not answer it. James glanced at it, noticing that it was Howard.He knew what was going on at once and promptly ended the call.

The Callahans could wait.

“Who…who was it?”

Thea twisted around to look at James.Her eyes were red and swollen, tears still pooling in them.She looked nothing like her old spirited self.

“That was Howard.”

“Oh.”

Thea uttered a single syllable.Right now, she felt dead inside.She did not seem to care about anything.

“Thea, do you really want to go home? Looking at how the Callahans are treating you, I don’t think it’s a terrible loss if you don’t go back,” James said.

To be frank, he did not want Thea to return either.

“Go back? Can I still go back there?”

Thea mumbled to herself, shaking her head.

Listlessly, she said, “I can never go back.I’m cursed.I’ve caused so much trouble for my family.Now, grandfather has cast me out.Even mom doesn’t want me anymore.”

Thea’s phone started ringing again.

James grabbed the phone and held it out to her, asking, “Do you want to take it?”

Thea took the phone and answered the call.

Howard’s anxious voice sounded through the phone.

“Thea, where are you? Tell me, I’m coming to pick you up!” Thea trembled.

Her eyes lit up instantly.

Quickly, she said, “I…I’m at Common Clinic on Nine Dragons Street.”

Excitedly, she hugged James, crying tears of joy.“Jamie, uncle’s picking me up.I’m goi

Chapter 22.

Looking At how happy Thea was, James’ mood lifted as well.

“Jamie, I’m going home.I’m going home!”

Thea could not stop cheering, just like a little girl] whose time-out session was over.

James did Not say much.He merely hugged her tightly.

Once Howard learned where Thea was, he drove to Nine Dragons Street.

Some of his family went along, including his children Tommy and Megan, as well as Tommy’s wife Yvonne Lewis.

As Howard had always been the executive chairman of Eternality, he drove a pretty swanky car.It was a BMV 7 Series worth millions.

In the car, Tommy complained, “What is grandfather doing? How could he allow Thea to come back? Dad, once Thea returns, you will no longer be the executive chairman.We can’t let Thea come home.”

His wife Yvonne agreed.

“Tommy’s right.If she’s the executive chairman, how will we benefit from the company? How did Thea even get to know the chairman of Celestial?”Megan interrupted, “Rumor has it that Thea is Alex’s lover.”

Howard cut everyone off, saying, “That’s enough now.We have to take Thea home and secure the partnership with Celestial Group.The order is worth a hundred million.We’ll make a net profit of twenty million if we make it work!”

Soon, they arrived at the entrance of Common Clinic.

All of them exited the car.

Thea was over the moon since Howard told her that he was coming to pick her up himself.She was already waiting for him outside.

As soon as she saw Howard’s car, she grabbed James’ hand excitedly.

“Look, it’s uncle! It really is! Jamie, I’m going home.”

“Yes, you’re going home.” James smiled.

As long as Thea was happy, he was happy too.

After Howard disembarked, he grinned widely, saying, “Thea, Dad has told me to take you home.”

Everyone else’s faces darkened when they saw her.She was the curse that almost destroyed the entire Callahan family.

Only God’s protection prevented that from happening.

Arrogantly, Tommy said, “Thea, my dad showered you in praise to persuade grandfather.You should be thanking my dad on your knees.”

“Thank you, uncle,” Thea said, preparing to kneel.

However, James grabbed her and pulled her up before she could do so.

“Jamie, what are you doing?” Thea looked annoyed.

Tommy got angry too.

Coldly, he said, “James, why aren’t you kneeling before the future head of the family? Where are your manners?”

“Kneel?” James asked mildly.

“To him? He praised Thea, did he? Bullsh*t.If Celestial hadn’t terminated the partnership with the Callahans, would you even be here? Go home.Tell Lex that Thea would not be returning.”

Thea was about to rebuke James, but after what he said, she asked, “Jamie,

what’s this about Celestial terminating the partnership with our family?”

James explained, “I just watched the news.Alex Yates held a press conference and terminated the partnership with the Callahans.He said that he would only work with the Callahans if you were there.Since you’re no longer a Callahan,

Celestial is terminating the partnership.They’re panicking now, and that is why they’re in such a hurry to take you home.”

After she found out, Thea felt hurt.She thought that grandfather had truly loved her.Who knew that he only wanted her home because of the partnership? She almost burst into tears again.

James just took Thea’s arm, guiding her toward the clinic.

Howard panicked.

Quickly, he said, “Thea, you must come home.Think of how old dad is.He can’t take any more surprises.Do you really want dad to make this trip himself before you agree to come home?”

Thea’s heart softened.Remembering that grandfather was almost eighty, she stopped and looked at James.

Chapter 23

James knew that Thea cared about her family’s opinion the most.

Over the past ten years, she had been looked down upon.She desperately wished for her family’s acknowledgment and approval.

“Thea, do you want to go back?” Thea nodded lightly.

“Yes…”

James looked at Howard and his family, still standing at the entrance. Mildly, he said, “Thea will return under one condition.Kneel and beg her to.”

“James…”

Tommy got angry at once, a vein pulsing on his face.

“You have no authority in the family.Thea didn’t even say anything.Who are you to make these demands?”

James said, “If you won’t kneel, have Lex come personally.Otherwise, she won’t be returning.”

Thea pulled on James’ sleeve gently, telling him to stop talking.They were a family after all, and she did not want things to be awkward.

“Thea, you’re too soft hearted.Since they’re at your mercy, they’d grant all your requests.”

“R-really?”

“Of course! Think about it.With Celestial terminating the partnership, it’s their loss.They need you.Just tell them what you want.”

Thea had an idea.Her thoughts had been muddled for the past few days, but what James said reminded her of something.

All these years, the entire family had looked down upon her dad.He had no standing in the family at all.

Even though he was the manager, he owned no shares.Her parents had argued countless times over this matter.She thought about it and said, “I’ll come home if grandfather transfers ten percent of Eternality’s shares to my dad.If he disagrees, I guess I won’t be going home.Also, he has to kneel.”

Thea pointed at Tommy.

Over the years, Tommy had mocked her and caused trouble for her endlessly.Even during family banquets, he was always reproaching her dad.

“What?” Tommy widened his eyes.

Smack.

Howard smacked Tommy on the head.He roared, “Kneel and apologize to Thea.”

“Dad, are you crazy? You want me to kneel before her?”

Tommy shouted.Howard slapped him.

At the same time, he gave Tommy a look.Under his breath, he said, “Kneel.Do you want Benjamin to get the shares?”

Tommy finally understood.He threw himself onto the ground, putting on a miserable face.

“Thea, I’m sorry.It’s all my fault.I shouldn’t have treated you that way.I promise I will never say a bad word about you ever again.Please come home.Grandfather will be turning eighty in a few days.We should reunite as a family!”

Before Thea could say anything, James said, “No.Thea has said that she will only go home if you agree to the share transfer.Otherwise, she won’t be going anywhere.Henry, shut the doors.We’re closed today.”

After that, he entered the clinic with Thea in tow.

Henry walked over and pulled down all the roller shutters.

In the clinic, Thea looked worried.

“Jamie, do you think grandfather will make the transfer?”

Confidently, James said, “As long as you don’t return now, he will.You can’t give in this time.”

Thea smiled in relief, saying, “With the shares, mom will finally stop looking down on dad, and he will have a better standing in the family.Thank you, Jamie.”

James cradled her face, saying, “Why are you thanking me? This has nothing to do with me.You should be thanking Alex.”

Thea was confused.She did not even know Celestial’s chairman, Alex.Why was he being so nice to her?

Chapter 24

At the Callahans’.Lex saw Howard and his family, but Thea was nowhere to be found.His wrinkly face darkened.

Angrily, he shouted, “Where’s Thea? Why didn’t you bring Her home?”

Megan looped her arm through his immediately.

“Grandfather, calm down.Please hear me out.Thea has crossed the line.She asked all of us to kneel, which we did, but she still refused to come home.She even requested that you transfer ten percent of the group’s shares to

Benjamin.Also, she said that you’re just a biased old man since everyone else in the family owns some shares except for her family.”

Lex turned green with anger.Hurriedly, she said, “Grandfather, they’re not my words.Thea said all of that.”

“How dare she.”

Lex was furious.

Viciously, he said, “Just because she knows Alex Yates, she’s behaving as if she owns the world.She doesn’t even respect me anymore.”

Tommy exaggerated the story as he recounted how they went to pick Thea up.He told Lex all about how they knelt before Thea, how she ridiculed them,

and how she insulted Lex.

On the way back, Howard and his family had come up with a plan. One thing was for sure.

Thea would be returning.

Once she was back, she would be in power.

None of them wanted that.

However, if Thea did not return, the Callahans would sustain heavy losses. Howard and his family had decided to slander Thea.

Thea had made a mistake that almost ended their bloodline.

On top of what just happened, she would not get much power even if she returned.

Lex fumed, his breath getting shorter and shorter.He leaned against the couch,

gasping for breath.

Using his cane to point at Howard, he said angrily, “Make the transfer.Since this is her condition for returning, so be it.Get her to call Alex immediately.” Lex might have been old, but he was still alert. Only with Thea’s return would they be able to secure the partnership with Celestial once more, taking their business to the next level. At Common Clinic. Thea looked at James uncertainly.

“Jamie, why do you think Alex is being so nice to me? I don’t even know him.First, he invited me to his office personally.Now that I’ve been cast out of the family, he terminated the partnership.Tell me, does this have anything to dowith you?”

James knew the cat was out of the bag.

Smiling, he said, “You’re right.”

“I knew it! Why would Alex be so respectful toward me? It is because of you,”

Thea realized.

James said, “I’m an orphan, and I was pretty skillful as a soldier.I saved Alex’s life once, so he owed me a favor.Alex was repaying me with the partnership agreement and the incident today.We owe each other nothing now.”

“Thank you.” James took Thea’s hand in his.

“We’re family.Don’t mention it.”

“Also, how are you so skilled in medicine?” Thea looked at James.

Her husband was full of mysteries.

James smiled as he explained, “As Cansington is the capital of medicine, it hosts many doctors.The director of the orphanage where I grew up was a doctor, so I learned a thing or two from him.”

“Just a thing or two?” Thea narrowed her eyes at him.She knew how serious her injuries were.

Even with the latest technologies in the aesthetic industry, there was no coming back from being disfigured completely.

James had healed her in ten days.

There were also new injuries on her face from a few days ago.Her face was still

bandaged with gauze, but she could feel that the wounds were healing.

“Just a thing or two.He’s your savior and an excellent doctor.”

James pointed to Henry, who was smoking.Henry jumped up at once and smiled awkwardly.

“Hi Thea, I’m Henry.I grew up at the orphanage with James.After he was enlisted, I took up medicine.”

Thea did not suspect a thing.She believed what they said.She was worried though. Had she asked for too much with her request for ten percent of the shares?

Eternality was the Callahans’ main business, but they also ran other businesses in other industries, including food and beverage and hospitality.

All those assets were worth billions in total.

Chapter 25

As ten percent was a substantial amount, she was worried that grandfather would not agree to it.The only thing she could do now was wait.

Soon, Howard returned to Common Clinic.Alone this time, he had the transfer agreement for the shares with him.

“Thea, dad has signed the agreement.Once Benjamin signs here, he will own ten percent of the family’s shares.Now that you have the transfer agreement,

could you call Alex and tell him to resume the partnership with Eternality?”

Thea studied the agreement carefully.Once she verified that it was authentic, she cheered in joy.

“Jamie, grandfather has agreed! Yes! Finally, my dad will have some standing….”

“Thea, please call Alex.The trucks are at Eternality taking the materials away.Once we get this out of the way, we can celebrate properly later,” Howard said.

Thea looked at James.

James nodded, saying, “Call him.”

“S-should I?”

Thea was nervous.

Alex owed James a favor after all, not her.James said, “Of course.Go for it.”

Thea made the call and explained the situation to Alex.He did not hesitate, and the partnership was back on just like that.

Listening to the conversation, Howard heaved a sigh of relief as they reached an agreement.

Even though he had to give up ten percent of the shares, the funds would multiply as long as they had the partnership with Eternality.The Callahans’ business would boom again in no time.

“Thea, dad will be turning eighty in ten days.Remember to drop by then.I’ll be going now,” Howard said before driving away.

“Jamie, let’s go home and tell dad the good news!” Thea dragged James behind her.

James was content seeing Thea so happy.He went home with Thea.

The door was closed. Thea was extremely nervous as she held the contract. Softly, she knocked on the door.

Soon, the door opened.

A pretty woman in her twenties wearing a dress and sandals stood there.She was David’s wife, Alyssa Myers.

Alyssa looked disgusted.

Resentfully, she said, “Why are you here? Dad and mom don’t want to see you.Just leave.”

She shut the door with a slam.David’s voice rang out.

“Alyssa? Who was that?”

Alyssa said, “Nobody.”

David knew that it was Thea immediately.He opened the door and saw her holding a contract, tears pooling in her eyes.He pulled her in and said, “Come in, Thea.Dad and mom are out.”

Quickly, Alyssa stepped in front of David.

Coldly, she said, “David, what are you doing? If mom finds out that you let her in, you can forget about the money for your car.”

David was home for two reasons.

First, he was there for his parents since the family was in trouble.

Second, he knew that Gladys had just gotten an extra two million dollars.

As he was thinking of upgrading his car, he was back to bug Gladys for money.It was actually the money James was given to leave Thea back when he used to pick her up from work.

“What are you doing here, you cursed girl?” Just then, a middle-aged woman with a golden retriever approached.It was Gladys.She looked disgusted when she saw Thea.

“Miom.

“Don’t call me mom.I have no such daughter.”

Thea’s eyes were full of tears, but she swallowed them.

Instead, she showed her mom the contract.

“Grandfather has agreed for me to come home.He even gave mea transfer agreement for some shares.Once we sign the contract, we’ll own ten percent of the shares.I’m here to bring it to dad.”

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow,

everyone!

Chapter 26 Gladys was out the entire day, so she missed the news. She was unaware of the press conference the chairman of the Celestial Group had held, the fact that Celestial Group had canceled their partnership with Eternality, and how Thea had leveraged her return to the family against Lex by making him pass ten percent of the shares over to them. She froze at Thea’s words. “Transfer letter for ten percent of the shares? What share?”

Gladys stared blankly at the document Thea held out. “Mom, grandpa wrote this transfer contract,” Thea said. “He signed it himself. If dad signs it too, ten percent of the family’s shares will be his.” Gladys promptly snatched the file from Thea’s hands and read through the contents carefully She cheered in delight when she was done, hugging and kissing the contract.” Haha! It’s real!” she squealed. “It’s an actual transfer contract! We finally have ten percent of the shares! The old man finally came to his senses!”

“Let me see that, Mom,” David said incredulously. Lex held most of the family’s shares. The other family members had some, too, but never his immediate family.

Gladys happily passed the file to him. “Didn’t you always want a new car, Davie? Let’s get you a brand new one tomorrow! It’ll be one that’s far more presentable. You’ll be the envy of the road!” David read through the contract, his face brightening with every line. He turned hurriedly to face Gladys. “Mom, even holding ten percent of the shares gets us a considerable amount of money when they hand out bonuses in the future! I’m planning to have a kid, but our place in the city is too small for that. Get Dad to pass me five percent of his share, Mom! I want a new house!” “There’s no rush! Whatever your father has will be yours one day!”

“Mom, I’ve got my eye on a dress, but it costs tens of thousands of dollars,” Alyssa said petulantly, tugging on Gladys’s arm. “Our wedding anniversary is coming up in a month, I plan on getting a decent dress for once.” “‘Yes, of course! We’ll get you that dress!” Gladys was elated. She finally had some of Eternality’s shares after years of being shunned. Thea felt joy as she watched how happy her mother was. She hugged James’s arin, beaming up at him in gratitude.

However, James had noticed how Gladys did not even give Thea a single glance after she took the contract from her. Something compelled him to speak up.” Mom, Thea was the one that got the contract for dad.” “Trust you to ruin the mood.” Gladys’s expression soured. She crossed her arms. “You’re a mere servant we brought into our household. You don’t get a say in anything. Also, I’ve raised her for twenty years. Isn’t this what she’s supposed to do?”

“I’m sorry, mom,” Thea said hurriedly, seeing how Gladys had become annoyed. “James didn’t mean that. This is indeed what I’m supposed to do.” “Whatever. Come in,” Gladys said as she entered the house, not wanting to bicker with James while she was still in a good mood.

Thea smiled, happy that she finally had her mother’s approval.

James, however, felt helpless.

Thea was too soft on them. She was too desperate to get her family’s approval. But, from this, he also saw the years of pain and grievances she had to endure. They started discussing the contract. Gladys even called Benjamin to hurry him home so he could sign it.

Soon enough, Benjamin was home. When he learned how Thea had helped him obtain ten percent of his family business’s shares, he froze in shock. “T-Thea,” he said. “Is this true?” Thea nodded from where she sat on the couch. “It’s true, Dad. Grandpa allowed me to return to the family, too.” “Haha! This is amazing…” Benjamin laughed in elation.

“Don’t be too happy.” Gladys snapped, ruining the mood. “You’re not the one that earned this. You’ve been useless your entire life, and you always will be. If it weren’t for Thea, you’d never amount to anything in this family!” Benjamin hung his head, not daring to retort. The dampened mood was short-lived. Now that Thea had gotten them the transfer contract, the entire family planned to celebrate by having a meal in a nice restaurant.

While Benjamin was not considered rich, he was still the company’s manager. His salary was considerably high, enough for him to put down a loan for more than 300,000 dollars on a Hondai.

David, too, had a car. The family had bought it for him as a wedding gift. While it only cost them 200,000 dollars, it did the job of transporting them just fine. David and Alyssa left in their car, while James and Thea rode in Benjamin’s. The family drove downtown to a high-end restaurant.

Chapter 27 The Gourmand was famous in Cansington. It was the grandest restaurant around, though its establishment was divided into several tiers. The private rooms it had available in order of the most luxurious were Diamond, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Black Iron. Apart from that, it also had a public hall.

Even at the public hall, a meal at The Gourmand costs thousands of dollars. It was peak time, so the public hall was filled with customers. The line they had to wait in was more than thirty people long. Gladys started complaining again. “You’re useless, Benjamin. Look at Howard, he’s a Bronze member at The Gourmand. He doesn’t even have to wait when he comes here, he can just walk straight into the private room. “And you. Some soldier you are. No money, no power… Look at John’s son-in law. Now that’s a respectable man. He’s a Silver member in The Gourmand. Just one phone call from him will send a waiter straight out to welcome him in. Ugh. Why did my daughter have to marry a poor man?” 1 Gladys kept complaining, her mood soured by the fact that she had to wait for to be served. She kept making jabs at her husband, calling him a disappointment, then insulting Thea’s husband for being useless. James was used to her cold sneers, so he just ignored her, not wanting to bother getting into a needless argument.

He turned to Thea while they were still in the line. “Wait here, Thea. I’m running to the store opposite here for some cigarettes.” “Okay.” Thea nodded.

James turned and headed toward the grocery store across the street. “Oh? Thea? What’s wrong with your face?” a voice said with a strange tone as the Callahans settled into the chairs at the entrance while waiting to enter the restaurant.

As Thea turned towards the source of the voice, she saw a woman clad in a skimpy outfit with a face caked with foundation walking towards her, carrying a purse.

“Belinda.”

Thea recognized her immediately as her old university classmate Belinda Frasier,

daughter of the wealthy Frasiers and school belle when they were still studying. Back in university, the boys would flock to her to confess their love for her.

As for Thea, she used to be the ugliest woman in her university. Belinda stared at Thea. She had heard of Thea’s rise in popularity. Forget having her appearance restored, she had somehow even befriended Alex Yates, the chairman of Celestial Group.

She also heard of how Thea had her face sliced open by Trent Xavier. Thea had been hogging the spotlight since she restored her appearance and was even featured in the news and papers. The media even called her the most beautiful woman in Cansington.

Belinda grew jealous. Thea was ugly, so why was she crowned the most beautiful in Cansington? Belinda started laughing aloud at the sight of Thea’s face wrapped in bandages.” This is the most beautiful woman in Cansington? Look, everyone! This is Thea Callahan, the one the media crowned the most beautiful in Cansington! Look at that face of hers! Does she look like the most beautiful woman to you?”

Belinda’s voice attracted some attention. “That’s Thea Callahan?” “Thea Callahan? The chairwoman of the Eternality? Doesn’t look like her… She’s not as pretty as she is on the news.” “I heard she’s Alex Yates’s sugar baby. I don’t think I’d want her if someone paid me to take her.”

More unpleasant words reached her ears.

Thea was angry. She had never interacted with Belinda before. Even back in university, the most they had been were classmates, yet here she was humiliating  her.

“I don’t think I’ve ever done anything to you, Belinda,” she snapped. “Why are you trying to humiliate me?” Belinda stepped forward and yanked Thea’s bandages away when she let her guard down, revealing the cuts on her face that were still in the process of healing. “Haha!” Belinda laughed heartily, bending over while pointing at Thea’s face.” Look, guys! This is it! The most beautiful woman in Cansington!”

The Callahans may have been sitting right beside Thea, but all they did was look away, afraid that others would find out they were related to her.

Gladys even moved her chair as far away as she could. She definitely did not want people to know she was Thea’s mother, since it would have been embarrassing.

Thea started to panic when her bandages were ripped off. She lowered her head, afraid of meeting the crowd’s gaze.

Chapter 28 Thea had been the object of ridicule for ten years. Every time she stepped outdoors, her face would be hidden under a veil. She thought she was used to this.

But right now, the crowd’s words pierced into her like knives. She kept her head lowered, not daring to meet the onlookers’ gazes. Self-hatred started rising inside her.

“This is it? I wouldn’t want her even if you paid me.” “The most beautiful woman in Cansington? The media must’ve been blind when they said that.”

Thea may have been staring at the ground, but she could vividly picture the sneers that were on the crowd’s faces. It was too much to bear. The lump in her throat grew, and a tear fell from her eyes. Belinda was pleased with Thea’s reaction. She lifted Thea’s chin, staring at the scabbed-over cuts on her face that were still in the process of healing. “Such a beautiful face,” Belinda said with a laugh. “What a pity. Haha!” “W-what are you doing?!” Thea jerked herself out of Belinda’s grip in a panic and lowered her head again, not wanting to meet the other woman’s gaze.

Smack!

At that moment, she heard a loud slap.

Thea, head still pointed at the floor, watched as a pair of strong arms held onto her. She looked up at James, and all the grievances she had felt up till that point overwhelmed her. She threw herself into his arms and started sobbing.

“You… You hit me?”

Belinda pointed a finger at James, her other hand holding her still-stinging cheek. “You worthless garbage! Do you know who I am?! I’m Belinda Frasier…” James let Thea go, stretching out an arm to grab Belinda’s finger. “Ow!”

Belinda’s face scrunched up in pain. “Kneel and apologize,” James said coldly. The crowd grew. Some of them took their phones out and started recording.

Belinda’s finger hurt so much that she couldn’t get even a word out.

James tightened his grip slightly. Belinda bent over as her finger was lowered. James kicked the back of her knee, sending a wave of pain through her as she was made to kneel on the ground.

There was a thud as her knee met the floor. The pain was too much for her. She fell over, wailing in pain. Thea got Nustered at the sight. “Jamie, she’s part of the Frasiers! They’re one of The Great Four! We can’t afford to cross them!”

James ignored Belinda still lying on the ground as he turned to look at Thea, his cold expression turning into one of warmth. “Sorry.”

Smack!

A slap met James’s head.

It was Gladys. She had planned on not getting involved, but James hit one of the Frasiers. The last time Thea crossed the Xaviers almost destroyed their entire family, and now James had crossed the Frasiers. “Who told you you could do that?!” she snapped viciously at James. “Go help Miss Frasier up and apologize to her!” David and Alyssa hurried over to Belinda and helped her up. However, Belinda’s knees were injured, staining her flesh-toned stockings red with her blood. They helped her into a seat. Belinda’s face was still contorted in pain. She pointed at the Callahans, venting her frustrations on them. “Do… Do you know who I am?! I’m Belinda Frasier! I swear, your family is done for!” Smack!

Gladys smacked James again at Belinda’s words. “Kneel in front of her and apologize!” she snapped.

Thea was afraid.

The ordeal the Xaviers had put her through was still fresh on her mind. She never wanted to cross one of The Great Four ever again.

She bent down to kneel.

Chapter 29 However, James pulled her back up. “This doesn’t concern you, Thea,” he said simply. “I was the one that hit her. She can come at me if she wants. I won’t let this affect the Callahans.” “Come at you? Alright.” Belinda’s temper flared at his words, She took her phone out and called the manager of The Gourmand. “Mr. Thomas? It’s Belinda Frasier, Gold member at The Gourmand. Someone hit me right outside your restaurant. I need some of your security guards. Now.”

Belinda glared at James as she hung up. “You’re dead meat. I’m not letting you off, even if you knelt down and begged me to. I’m breaking both your legs today, or my name isn’t Belinda Frasier!”

Gladys rushed forward to try to appease her.

“I’m really sorry, Miss Frasier. This is all my good- for nothing son in-law’s fault! I’l] apologize for him, so please forgive us! Just treat us like a fart!”

Gladys was terrified.

Getting a portion of the family’s shares was a once-in-a-lifetime leat. She definitely wanted to avoid angering Lex into taking it back because they had crossed the Frasiers.

Belinda turned her nose up, then jabbed at Gladys’s nose while she was still bent over in a bow. “You’re not even a lart! I want you to kneel before me and lick my shoes. No. You’re not worthy of doing that. I want Thea to do it.”

Belinda changed her mind at the last moment and pointed to Thea, who had been standing to the side helplessly. At that moment, a middle-aged man walked out of the restaurant with several guards in tow. The people crowded outside The Gourmand knew right then that the Callahans were finished.

David went pale at the electric batons in the intimidating guards’ hands and pulled Alyssa into the crowd, afraid that they would end up being involved.

Seeing that the manager was here with his guards, Belinda’s expression turned even more smug. She sneered coldly at Thea, then spat on the floor.

She pointed at the ground. “Get on your knees and lick it clean, Thea, and 1 promise I’ll spare his legs and only break your worthless husband’s hands.”

Gladys trembled as the guards approached. She kneeled instantly and begged for forgiveness. “Please let us go, Miss Frasier. It’ll never happen again!” James ignored Gladys as she knelt. He held nothing but disdain for her. She was a coward who only knew how to push the weak around, but was terrified of anyone stronger than she was. “Jamie…” Thea, now afraid, held onto James’s arm. “It’s alright,” James said in a reassuring tone. Belinda kicked the groveling Gladys aside, her temper flaring once again at James’s nonchalance. She pointed at him. “That’s him, Mr. Thomas! I want him dead!”

Thea rushed over to Gladys, helping her up.

“Don’t touch me, you parasite!” Gladys flung her arm outwards and slapped Thea away.

She scanned the crowd for Benjamin but found him standing in the distance with his head down, not even daring to make a sound. Gladys wept, lamenting the fact that she married a loser of a husband. The manager of The Gourmand side-eyed James, noticing that he was the son-in – law of the Callahans who had been making waves around Cansington. “Get him! “he ordered.

“Who dares?”

UT

A voice rang out at that moment from within The Gourmand.

The sound of a pair of heavy boots thumping against the ground followed suit.

The crowd turned towards the source. A middle-aged man in full military uniform approached, followed by four fully armed men.

Five stars shone brightly on the man’s shoulder.

The Gourmand’s manager, Niel Thomas, went pale when he recognized who the man was. His strength left his legs, and he kneeled on the ground. The security guards too felt their strength leave their bodies. They kneeled as well. This was one of the most important people in the country. Forget Niel, even the owner of The Gourmand would have to kneel before him. 1 Recently, the five militaries had been reorganized, and Cansington became its base of operations.

The one standing before them was the new commander-in-chief. The leader of the five armies that had been integrated into one, the Blithe King of the West!

Chapter 30 The Blithe King of the West. Commander of the army on the western border. He was a man above all, a figure with near unparalleled power.

His aura emanated powerfully as he approached. The outside of The Gourmand was quiet as everyone held their breaths.

This was the Blithe King, the new commander-in chief of the five armies!

They had only ever seen him on screens. Now that he was here in person, they were so shocked at the sheer command his presence demanded that they did not dare to even move.

Niel and the security guards remained on the ground, trembling slightly. Gladys had been sobbing on the ground but went quiet when she saw the Blithe King, not daring to even breathe too loudly. She had seen the news. She knew this was someone even more terrifying than Trent Xavier was.

Belinda, too, held her breath in fear.

Everyone was intimidated. Only James seemed calm. He had met the Blithe King once, back when he was appointed commander.

Surprise flashed across the Blithe King’s face when he spotted James. “Dragon…” he started, but stopped abruptly at James’s gaze. Instead, he glanced around, piecing the pieces together. He looked at Niel, who was still kneeling on the ground. “What’s going on?” “I- It’s nothing, chief marshal.”

The Blithe King did not need an explanation to figure out what was happening.” This area is under my jurisdiction. You are forbidden to disturb the peace. If this happens again, there will be serious consequences. Leave.”

“Yes, sir.”

Niel rolled away like a ball, not daring to linger. The security guards rolled after him.

At that moment, several jeeps stopped in front of the restaurant.

The Blithe King cast another glance at James but said nothing. He got into one of the jeeps and they drove away.

The crowd outside The Gourmand let out a collective sigh of relief.

“Was… was that the new commander-in-chief of the five armies?”

“His presence was so overpowering. I felt like I had a bolder pressed on my chest as soon as he approached. I couldn’t breathe normally.”

“The Blithe king was the commander on the western front, and now he’s the leader of all five armies! He holds the most power out of anyone. He’s like the big shot of all big shots!” “What a powerful man!” Restlessness retumed to The Gourmand when the Blithe King’s car disappeared from view

Belinda did not dare cause more trouble. She was lucky that the Blithe King had not pinned any blame on her, or her entire family would be done for. “This isn’t over, James. Thea. Just you wait!”

Belinda limped away after leaving a final word, her appetite ruined. Thea came back to her senses and looked in the direction where the jeeps had gone, lost in thought. “So that’s the Blithe King of the West. He’s a lot more domineering than he is on TV…” However, what she did not know was that her husband was someone not even the Blithe King could compare to. “You bastard! You didn’t even dare let out a fart when everything went down! It’s so embarrassing being married to you!” Gladys once again started shrieking outside The Gourmand. She yanked Benjamin’s ear, but he dared not make a sound. Thea felt like she had to say something, “Mom, people are watching. Stop picking on Dad.” “This is all your fault, you cursed little bitch. How the hell do you manage to offend everyone no matter where you are? You’re lucky the Blithe King was here, or we’d have been done for!” Gladys raised her hand to slap Thea, but James reached out and caught her arm. “How dare you block me, you punk!” Gladys punched James in the head, enraged.

James did not retaliate.

Even if Gladys was irredeemably flawed, she was still Thea’s mother.

He just did not want Thea to get hit. That was all.

“Mom, please stop hitting him,” Thea pleaded, pulling Gladys back. David finally returned, pulling Alyssa along “You almost doomed us all, James,” he said, displeasure clear on his face. “We were lucky. If it weren’t for the Blithe King having dinner here and coming outside when he did, you’d definitely have broken legs right now. The rest of us would’ve been dragged into your mess, too.” “You’re nothing but a burden,” Alyssa said in disgust, staring at Thea’s injured face.

“Enough, dear. People are watching. We can talk about this back home,” David muttered carefully to her. As for Gladys, she stopped caring. She had humiliated hersell when she knelt for Belinda earlier.