Ch. 31..40

Chapter 31 Benjamin was about to say something when Gladys beat him to it. “Oh, now you want to talk? What were you doing earlier on, cowering in the corner? It’s so embarrassing being your wife. I want a divorce!”

There was a crowd at The Gourmand’s entrance. However, none of them were interested in their family argument. Their minds were still on the Blithe King.

“The Blithe King’s succession ceremony is in five days.” “Oh, yes. I heard that it’ll be held at Cansington’s military region. Apparently, the ceremony will be open to the public, but only the most powerful and influential people will receive an invitation.”

“That’s what I heard too! Only the true upper-class families who are rich and powerful enough will be able to attend.” “Ah, I bet the only people who will get invited are the celebrities.” Everyone was busy talking about the Blithe King.

Not James though. He sat on a chair outside The Gourmand, smoking a cigarette.

To save her family, Gladys had embarrassed herself thoroughly. She even knelt to Belinda! After lashing out at her family, she calmed down a little.

“Gladys, is that you? You’re here too!” Benjamin and his family were waiting in line to enter The Gourmand when a voice rang out Gladys looked up. A pretty, well-kept woman approached, holding the arm of a man in a suit and tie. A young couple followed them.

“Felicia?”

Gladys stood up. She was surprised as she surveyed the woman before her, who still looked like she was in her twenties. She asked, “Are you Felicia Lockwood? The same Felicia who sat behind me in class?”

“That’s right! Gladys, it really is you! I haven’t seen you in years! My, your social standing seems to be deteriorating, isn’t it? Once upon a time, you were the school belle. I thought you’d marry rich! Who knew you’d end up this way, even having to wait at The Gourmand?”

Felicia glanced at Gladys, her hand still on the man’s arm. “This is my husband,

the chairman of Lucky Logistics. He has a net worth of tens of millions. What about you? Where’s your husband? What does he do?”

Gladys knew that Felicia was showing off.

She jerked Benjamin toward her, holding her head high. “This is my husband, Benjamin Callahan, a ten -percent shareholder of Eternality. The Callahans’ have a net worth of billions, while my husband is worth millions.”

Since Benjamin had become a shareholder of Eternality, Gladys was finally able to enjoy some social standing. Glancing at Felicia out of the corner of her eyes, she felt more and more gleeful. Felicia looked surprised. “Wow, really? Eternality’s shareholder, eh? Then why are you still waiting in line? Aren’t you a member? oh, I know. You were just boasting, weren’t you?”

The man next to her said, “Fel, I have a lot of work lo do today. Hurry up, let’s go. I have to be in the office again later on.” Felicia saw Gladys’ expression shift. Immediately, she knew that Gladys was just boastin.

Years ago, Gladys was the school belle.

Though Felicia was pretty as well, she was only a wallflower in Gladys’ presence Now that she had done better in life than Gladys, she was not going to pass up the opportunity to gloat. She grabbed a cute-looking girl from behind her. “This is my daughter. You know who the Wilsons are, right? She married a Wilson!

The young man beside the girl tossed his head, putting his arm around the girl smugly. “The Wilsons are doing okay, I guess. We’re only worth tens of billions and we rank the third among The Great Four in Cansington.”

Gladys was speechless. She glared at Thea viciously, Thanks to Thea, Gladys could not even look her classmate in the eye. Thea hung her head, keeping her gaze firmly on the floor.

“Gladys, this must be your daughter! It’s Thea, right? We saw you on the news. Oh, I heard that your daughter married some nobody. All he does is cook and pick Thea up from work with an electric motorcycle. Oh, she’s disfigured again now?”

Sensing another opportunity to attack Gladys, Felicia took it. She kept putting Thea and James down whilst complimenting her own daughter and son-in-law,

David and Alyssa kept quiet in the face of these insults. Their family was nothing compared to the others.

Gladys was so embarrassed that she wanted nothing more than to hide.

Even after obtaining the shares, it still was not enough.

She glared at James, who was still smoking in his seat without a care in the world. She hated him with a vengeance. It was him who affected her social standing After watching this play out, James felt like he had no choice.

As Thea’s husband, he did not want to be an embarrassment to her or her parents, He called Henry immediately. Make a reservation for the Diamond Room at The Gourmand. Make sure it’s under Thea’s name.”

After that, he stood up and approached Gladys. “Mom, didn’t we make a reservation for the Diamond Room? Let’s go in.” Felicia burst out laughing. “Haha, the Diamond Room? What a joke!” Her husband looked unimpressed as well. “Boy, do you even know what the Diamond Room is? You’re taking this ruse too far.” Chad Wilson, Felicia’s son-in-law, sneered at James. “Even as a member of the Wilson family, I’m only a silver member. That means I’m just entitled to the Silver Room. And you’re saying you have a reservation for the Diamond Room? In Cansington, there are only a handful of people who have access to the Diamond Room.”

Chapter 32

Several people were waiting outside The Gourmand.

They were all queueing up to enter the restaurant. Before this, they were discussing the Blithe King. After they heard what James said, the crowd erupted in titters.

“The Diamond Room? Looks like the Callahans’ son-in-law is good at something after all-boasting.”

“He’s a nobody! He can’t even afford a car. Remember how he used to pick Thea up from work with an electric motorcycle? If he can’t even afford a car, how can he afford the Diamond Room?”

“Rumor has it that it’s not enough to be rich to use the Diamond room. The Gourmand’s owner hails from an important family in the Capital. He’s from a true upper-class family. Hardly anybody in Cansington could secure a reservation for the Diamond Room.”

“Not even The Great Four could get access to the Diamond Room.”

James’ words were a joke to them.

Their jeers angered Gladys once more and she rounded on him. “You idiot! Haven’t you done enough?”

“Hush, Jamie.” Thea put her hand on James. As someone who was born and bred in Cansington, she was familiar with the origins of The Gourmand and the significance of the Diamond Room. “Chad, where’s your silver member card? Show it to these poor folks here. Allow them a glimpse of the silver member card.” Felicia stuck her nose up in the air and looked at Gladys disdainfully. Gladys went pale.

Felicia was ecstatic noticing how uncomfortable Gladys was.

Chad whipped out a pure white card. Shiny and exquisite, it featured a silver VIP stamp.

“Wow, so this is a silver member card! I’ve never even seen it before!”

“The Wilsons live up to their reputation. Apparently, you have to spend a million dollars at The Gourmand to be upgraded to a silver member card. Spending ten million and above entitles you to a gold member card. As for the diamond member card, it’s priceless. Only those hand-picked by The Gourmand’s owner will receive a diamond member card from him personally.”

“As if it wasn’t enough to be handsome and dashing, Chad Wilson is rich and young too! Whoever marries him is lucky indeed!” Hearing all the praise, Felicia was smugger than ever. Gladys, on the other hand, grew even unhappier.

The whole matter was almost forgotten, but James had embarrassed her yet again with his stupid question. “Let’s just go, you idiots.”

Under admiring gazes, Felicia looped her arm through her husband’s and entered

The Gourmand.

As she left, she threw out another cutting remark. “Ten percent of Eternality? All of Cansington knows that Benjamin Callahan is useless. The set is complete with a useless husband, an ugly daughter, and a useless son-in-law. Haha, this is hilarious.”

All the Callahans paled. Gladys in particular looked the worst. Reputation and image were everything to her. Thea looked at her mother’s stony face and hid behind James. Just then, they heard a set of hurried footsteps approaching. A tall, handsome man looking to be in his twenties wearing a white shirt made his way toward them. “Oh my God, it’s The Gourmand’s owner Bryan Grayson!” “He’s so low-profile yet commanding.” “I’ve heard that Bryan hails from the Capital. Ever since he set up The Gourmand in Cansington, he’s barely made any appearances. Nobody knows anything about him.”

Several young women looked like they were about to fall at his feet, handsome as, he was. This was true wealth and power. How could The Great Four even compare? After the call he had just received, Bryan dared not waste a second. He saw Felicia’s daughter, Emily Wilkins. Mistaking her for Thea, he bowed to her respectfully. “My apologies. I have kept you waiting for far too long. The Diamond Room is ready. This way, please.”

What?

Everyone at The Gourmand was utterly shocked.

“The Wilsons are a great family indeed. Even The Gourmand’s owner is here to greet them in person.”

Chapter 33 “You’re right. The Wilkins are so lucky. They have such a dutiful daughter who married a Wilson. Chad and The Gourmand’s owner must enjoy a special friendship.”

Felicia and her family were dumbfounded hearing what the crowd said. Chad was confused as well. What was going on? He had only made a reservation for the Silver Room, and he had never seen The Gourmand’s owner before either. Why was he here in person? However, thinking that he had managed to command the attention of the Gourmand’s owner, Chad turned gleeful. He lifted his chin and put an arm around Emily, enjoying the admiring glances from the crowd. Felicia was more arrogant than ever. She even turned around to look at Gladys purposefully, letting out a haughty hmph. Gladys was enraged. She blamed James for all of this, the useless WOTIL.

“You piece of trash. Look at them! Look at the company they keep! Even ‘The Gourmand’s owner is here to greet them in person,” Gladys yelled at James, who frowned slightly Henry never made mistakes. What was going on? He looked at Bryan who was still bent over, Understanding flashed in his mind. Bryan must have gotten the wrong person. As Felicia and her family were just entering the restaurant, he must have mistaken Emily for Thea.

Loudly, he announced, “Thea, we’re not eating here anymore. Let’s go.” After that, he grabbed Thea and walked off.

Still standing by the entrance, Bryan heard the name and jolted upright. He looked up to see James and Thea turning away. He shuddered and slapped himself.

In his haste, he had made a mistake.

Hurriedly, he caught up with them and stopped in front of Thea. Respectfully, he asked, “Are… are you Miss Thea Callahan?” “Huh?”

Thea was stunned. Dumbly, she nodded. “I am.” “Miss Callahan, the Diamond Room is ready. Please come with me.”

The tables turned so quickly that no one knew what was going on. They were all in shock.

Gladys, Benjamin, David, and Alyssa were staring, their mouths agape.

They had never seen The Gourmand’s owner before, but they knew that he was not from Cansington. A real big shot, he was from the Capital.

“M-Mister Grayson? Did you just say that the Diamond Room is ready? For Thea?” Gladys asked uncertainly.

“Madam, you must be Thea’s mother! This way, please! Waiter! What are you doing? Welcome our guests!” Following Bryan’s shouts, several waiters appeared at once, arranging themselves into two neat rows and bowing to them. “Welcome.” Their voices sounded as one, ringing loudly in the restaurant.

“Guards, throw these people out!” Bryan looked at Felicia and her family who stood rooted at the entrance.

They had caused him to slip up.

He had never seen the Black Dragon before, but he had no intention of disobeying the Black Dragon’s commands. The room was for Thea. If he offended Thea, his life would be over.

A team of security guards appeared and started to drive Felicia and her family away. The crowd bore witness to the scene.

Gladys finally smiled. Even though she did not know what was going on, she was happy as long as Felicia suffered

She watched as Felicia and her family were banished. She doubled over in laughter and pointed at Felicia. “Haha, what a joke! The Diamond Room? You’re not worthy!”

Chapter 34 It was astonishing how quickly the tables turned. Felicia, Chad, and their family were now barred from The Gourmand.

Felicia was still determined to find a way in. She grabbed Chad, saying, “Chad, you’re from the Wilson family. You have a member card. Show it to him!” Chad approached Bryan once more with resignation, holding out his silver member card. “Mister Grayson, I’m a silver member of The Gourmand’s. Over the years, I’ve spent a few million dollars…” “Beat him up.”

Chad’s untimely approach ticked Bryan off as he was busy talking to Thea.

A few menacing security guards beat Chad to a pulp He fell to the floor moaning, “Stop. Please stop.” “Haha.” As soon as she saw thuis, Gladys’ anger abated. She held her head high and puffed out her chest, looking pleased as punch. “The Wilkins were boasting all along. It looks like the Callahans are the ones with real power.” “Tell me about it. Thea Callahan is friends with Alex Yates. Now, she’s reserved the Diamond Room. Even the owner is here to greet her personally!” Everyone started commenting on the matter again. Thea was still confused. She had no idea what was going on. “Miss Thea Callahan, madam, and sir, this way please,” Bryan repeated.

“Welcome,” the two rows of waiters said again, kneeling on the ground this time.

The waiters were actually beautiful women wearing dresses. The crowd milling about the entrance was shocked.

“Is this how the diamond members are treated?”

“This is crazy! There are so many beautiful women kneeling in a row! My heart is breaking for them!”

The crowd cast envious, jealous gazes at the Callahans.

Finally, Gladys was able to enjoy her moment in the spotlight.

David straightened up.

Alyssa placed her arm on David’s, lifting her chin. At that moment, they felt like they were on top of the world.

Thea was still confused. She did not know Bryan Grayson at all.

“This way, Miss Thea Callahan.”

“Welcome.”

The waitresses kneeling on the ground intoned as one again.

“Come on, Thea.” James looked at a bewildered Thea.

Thea finally responded to him.

With Bryan leading the way, the Callahans entered The Gourmand. They went up to the fifth floor using a private elevator. Furnished with opulence, the fifth floor looked more like a palace than anything else. Everywhere they went, beautiful women were kneeling on the ground. David was stunned. He had never seen anything so grand before. Benjamin was staring as well, his jaw slack. Gladys even stopped being gleeful for a second, her mouth hanging open at what lay before her “Please enter, sirs and madams.”

Bryan opened a door, revealing a private room. The room was a few hundred square meters. It featured a few round tables, a lounge, and a dance floor.

Sumptuously decorated, one could mistake it for a palace.

The Callahans were speechless.

“Please enjoy your meal. I’ll leave you to it.” Bryan left as soon as he guided them to the room.

The Callahans took their time trying to come up with a response. “Dave, pinch me. Am I dreaming? This is The Gourmand’s Diamond Room. Everyone says that it costs millions to have a meal here.” Alyssa was so emotional she could hardly speak. “Dear, what’s going on?” Benjamin asked.

“What? Me? I don’t know.” Gladys looked confused as well. She had never even seen anything so grand before.

“Jamie, does this have anything to do with you?” Thea looked at James, who was holding her hand.

James rubbed his nose. “Me? How could I have anything to do with this? It must be you. The owner came to greet you.”

Chapter 35 “But I don’t even know him.”

HULT

James smiled. “Hmm, I have no idea what’s all this about then.” “Who cares who he is? Let’s eat.Oh, wait… Let me take a few pictures and post them up. My followers would go crazy!” David took his phone out and started snapping pictures of everything. Soon, the food arrived.

Beautiful waitresses presented course after course.

Whether in terms of presentation, taste, or smell, the food served was extremely appetizing

The tables were soon full of delicious food. Once all the food arrived, a group of women started dancing on the mini stage in front of the room. They were so attractive that Benjamin and David could not take their eyes off them.

Throughout the meal, the Callahans were in a state of shock.

There was so much food in the Diamond Room that they could not finish. In fact, they barely ate a fraction of it.

“Oh no…” Gladys came to a realization after she finished eating, smacking herself in the forehead. “I heard that eating at the Diamond Room would cost at least a million dollars.”

“A million won’t cut it.” James pointed to a bottle of red wine David was opening “This bottle of wine alone costs three hundred and eighty thousand. We’ve had a few bottles, haven’t we? The wine alone would probably cost a million.”

“Huh?” David shuddered at what James said. Quickly, he stood up. “I-I didn’t open thein.”

As soon as Bryan left the room, he did some digging about the Black Dragon. He also asked his closest family members for pictures of the Black Dragon when he was made general.

Even though that was a secret, the Graysons were an upper-class family in the Capital. Thanks to their status, they still managed to get their hands on some photos. As soon as Bryan saw James, he shuddered involuntarily. He almost fainted in his office,

“Oh my God. Th-the Black Dragon is Thea Callahan’s husband!”

He dared not take it easy, sprinting to the Diamond Room at once.

Knock knock

Just then, someone knocked on the door. It was Bryan, who had a smile pasted on his face. “Thea, sir, madam, and everyone else here, is everything to your liking?”

The Callahans looked at each other. It was great when they were bragging outside, but now, they did not have the money to foot the bill.

Gladys did have some money, but it was her personal savings. She was not going to use it.

“Thea, have you finished?” Bryan bowed.

“Ah.” Thea was slow to respond. She nodded instinctively. “Y-yes. I’m done.”

Bryan produced a card studded with diamonds. With both hands, he presented it to Thea. “Thea, this is the diamond member card. Please accept.”

“No, I can’t…” Thea shot out of her seat and waved her hands. How could she accept?

Even though having The Gourmand’s diamond member card would do much to elevate her status, it was simply too expensive to dine here. This meal alone was going to cost them everything. Even with a member card, they still would not be able to afford it. Bryan bowed again, saying, “Thea, I think you must have misunderstood. This isn’t just a normal diamond card. This is a top-tier diamond card. With this card, you’ll enjoy a ten percent discount storewide. You’ll also get to enjoy three free meals every month. Three meals every month, completely free of charge.”

The other Callahans wore similar expressions. Ten percent storewide? Three free meals every month?

It was too good to be true. Thea finally came to her senses and asked, “Mister Grayson, we don’t even know each other. Why are you giving me the diamond member card?” Bryan glanced at James. James was looking at him as well. He shuddered involuntarily. Quickly, he said, “

It’s our fifth anniversary today and we’ve had a lucky draw. You happen to be the lucky winner! Please take the card. This meal is free of charge. Do visit The Gourmand often.”

“Anniversary? Lucky draw?” Thea was still in disbelief. Gladys almost burst into tears at the news. Quickly, she walked up to him and took the diamond card from him. “Mister Grayson, I’ll take it on behalf of Thea.”

Bryan happened to see James’ expression. He shuddered again. Coldly, he said,” We will only acknowledge Thea as the owner of this card.”

Gladys was so scared she hurriedly thrust the card into Thea’s hands.

“Jamie…” Thea looked at James.

He smiled. “Darling, how lucky are you? What a coincidence! You’re the lucky winner on their anniversary. Congratulations! Just take it.”

Thea finally took the card.

Chapter 36 After finishing their meal at The Gourmand, the Callahans left in a daze.

Belinda had ripped the gauze off Thea’s face. After leaving The Gourmand, James took Thea back to Common Clinic, where he started to prescribe some medicine for her again.

Thea sat down, looking at the VIP card that was made of diamonds. Then, she looked at James, who was absorbed in his task. She was dazed. Whatever happened today still felt surreal.

She did not know Bryan Grayson,

Yet Bryan Grayson had given her a diamond card

The diamond card had several privileges, including a ten percent discount and three free meals every month. How was it different from eating for free?

Soon, James had come up with a concoction.

“Thea.”

“Yeah?” Thea jerked back to reality.

James said, “Come on. Let’s apply some medicine to your wounds. I’ın sorry for what happened today. You only got humiliated because I left. I proinise it won’t happen again.” “It’s okay.” Thea was used to it. She tumed her face to him. “Let’s do it.”

James applied the medicine to her face before bandaging it.

Only after that did James take Thea home. In the living room at Benjamin’s house.

This time, Gladys was all smiles, treating Thea with much warmth. She served Thea tea and water, attending to her as if she was a princess.

Benjamin hugged the transfer agreement to his chest, grinning stupidly.

“Thea, tell mne. What’s your relationship with Bryan? He’s a rich, influential young man from a powerful family in the Capital! Did you get to know him when you had your pretty looks? If so, divorce James when you recover your looks once inore Marry Bryan instead! I’ll be so proud and excited to have such a powerful son in-law!”

Gladys had a yearning look on her face.

She was still thinking about how much power Bryan had. He cven had the authority to rough up a member of the Wilson family. How cool was that! If he became her son-in-law, she would be laughing in her dreams. “Mom, I don’t know him.” Thea was exasperated. She was still trying to figure out why Bryan had treated her the way he did.

She suspected that James had something to do with it. After all, Celestial partnered up with Eternality because of him.

However, James told her that only happened because he had saved Alex’s life when he was a soldier,

Now, James was saying that he did not know Bryan at all.

Alyssa got jealous as she saw how warm Gladys was toward Thea. She grabbed David and said, “Come on, let’s go to our room.” “Thea, show me The Gourmand’s diamond card. Let me take a good look at it. I haven’t seen it before.”

Resignedly. The showed it to her mom.

Gladys took it and inspected it from all angles. “Tsk tsk, it’s made from real diamonds! It’s so heavy. This card must be worth a fortune! Thank God for you, Thea. Even The Gourmand’s owner came to greet you himself. I’ll be the talk of the town for a long time because of this. I’ll finally be able to gain some standing in my own family too.” James looked resigned as well.

From a different perspective, he understood Gladys.

She had married an unambitious husband. Her daughter used to be completely disfigured. It was a iniracle she escaped having a mental breakdown.

Even though she knelt to Belinda, it was for the family.

At any rate, she was better than David and Alyssa, who slipped away as soon as they discovered that something was wrong. And then there was Benjamin, who was so scared that he could not utter a single word.

That was tough for Gladys.

He shook his head slightly. Thanks to the shares and the diamond card, Thea’s social standing improved in

the family. Gladys stopped calling her useless and a curse. After getting Gladys’ approval, Thea was happy. Over the next few days, James stayed at home with Thea. He only accompanied her for medicine adjustments when it was required. The medicine he used was expensive and precious. Furthermore, he was concocting it himself, and the effects were marvelous. Three days later, Thea removed the gauze, All her wounds had recovered, leaving no scars at all.

PEL

Chapter 37 Thea stood in front of the mirror, looking at her perfect face. She was shocked. James had told her over and over again that she would recover, but she was still surprised. His medical skills were nothing short of miraculous. “Jamie, you’re amazing. There are no scars at all even though my face was badly injured.” James smiled. “I can’t take credit for it. It was all Henry. He taught me everything I needed to know.”

Thea touched her smooth face. “This formula will be so popular if the public learns of it. Can you imagine marketing this product at a beauty salon? Business would be booming!” James said, “Henry doesn’t care about fame and fortune. All he wants is to live an ordinary life.” Thea pressed her lips into a line. “How odd. How could he not like money?”

Knock knock knock

Someone knocked on the door. “Thea, what are you doing? The old man has called for a family meeting. He told us to be punctual. If he gets angry and revokes our shares because we’re late, I won’t forgive you.” Gladys shouted through the door. “Mom, I’m almost ready. Give me a few more minutes,” Thea said as she searched for something to wear.

“Jamie, what should I wear?”

James sal on the bed, looking at Thea. Thea was wearing a thin dress that was slightly translucent. It showed off her excellent figure, especially her long legs. He said, “You look beautiful in anything.” “Oh, come on, help me plek something.” “What about the one you’re holding?” “This one?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, wait for me outside while I get changed.” Thea blushed and pointed at the door.

Even though they were legally married and James was staying with her, Thea slept on the bed while James took the floor each night. James initiated it.

This had become their habit since day one.

Thea may have been James’ wife, but they had only held hands. They had not even kissed yet.

James was back to repay Thea. He would not force her into anything she did not want.

He would not touch Thea without her consent.

Now, as Thea requested that he leave, he agreed without any argument.

He waited in the living room for a few minutes.

Soon, Thea emerged from the room.

“Wow, sis, you’ve recovered from your injuries!” David’s eyes shone as he took her in.

Alyssa looked envious. She envied Thea’s beautiful looks and her perfect body even more.

“Thea, what…” Gladys was stumped.

For the past few days, Thea’s face was wrapped in gauze. Gladys had not paid much attention to it. Now that the gauze was removed, there were no traces of

injuries or scars. It was amazing.

Thea wore a form-fitting white dress and a pair of red heels. Her hair hung loosely over her shoulders. Thanks to her lean body, she exuded elegance. She smiled. “Jamie did it.”

Gladys glanced at James and mumbled, “Looks like he’s not completely useless. He’s slightly skilled in medicine.” James smiled but did not say anything. Slightly skilled? Everyone knew about his medical prowess. The rich and powerful in the Capital fawned over him for two reasons-his status and his medical skills,

“Since you’re trained in medicine, you could probably earn some income by

setting up a clinic.” Gladys looked at James shrewdly. Even though she did not like him much, she conceded that he looked alright since he was tall and robust. “Mom, why is grandfather calling for a family meeting?” Gladys said, “It’s about the Blithe King’s succession ceremony. Rumor has it there’ll be some seats available to the public. Dad wants to use this opportunity to cement our status as an upper-class family, so this meeting is a brainstorming session for us to get a seat.”

Chapter 38 In the foyer of the Callahans’ villa.

Gathered were three generations of the Callahans and some of their more important relatives.

The five armies were being restructured. The Blithe King of the West Border was dispatched to Cansington, assuming the role of the commander-in-chief of the five armies. This sent Cansington and even the five regions into a frenzy.

The Blithe King’s succession ceremony was imminent. This time, the ceremony would be public. There were some seats available, but only the truly rich and powerful would be able to secure them. All the important families in North Cansington, Cansington, South Chyna, Ocean City, and Coastal Heaven were eyeing the seats. All of them wanted to be there. It was the ultimate symbol of wealth and power. Attending the ceremony would indicate that they were truly powerful. According to rumors, the Blithe King’s succession ceremony would be held the next day. Apparently, there were only a hundred seats available for the public. The rest of the seats belonged to internally-approved members only. However, there was no announcement regarding the time of the ceremony yet. Regardless, several families in the five regions were trying to get their hands on the limited seats.

Lex was one of them.

He had dreamed of becoming an upper-class family for so long. As this was an excellent opportunity, he was not passing it up that easily. As such, he called for a family meeting so they could put their heads together. Basically, all the Callahans were there.

The only ones still absent were Thea’s family.

“Grandfather, Thea and her family are becoming too cocky. Ever since you gave them the shares, their behavior has taken a turn for the worse. Now, how dare they be late for a family meeting? They’re out of control!” Howard’s son Tommy was trying to stir up trouble again. Howard and his family had been unhappy since Thea requested the shares.

To give Benjamin the shares, Lex had taken some of Howard’s.

Now, Howard had fewer shares than Benjamin. “I agree, grandfather. I think giving them ten percent of the shares is too much,” Megan chimed in unhappily. “How dare they request for something so absurd? Is it just because Thea slept with the chairman of Celestial?” “Sir, I suggest that we revoke Benjamin’s shares.” “They don’t even contribute to the family. They don’t deserve it.”

“Yeah! Over the years, they’ve lived off us. And now, they want shares?”

The Callahans took turns voicing their opinion.

Wearing a suit, Lex puffed on a tobacco pipe. He did not want to give Benjamin the shares either.

Benjamin was the most useless among his three sons. Benjamin’s son, David, was the most useless among all his grandchildren as well.

However, if he refused, they would lose the partnership with Celestial. As a result, they would lose the opportunity to become an upper-class family.

Lex waved a hand. “That’s enough. I’m not senile. I know what I’m doing.”

Howard was sitting down to one side, not saying a word. Getting the young ones to slander Thea and her family was his idea. As Lex did not take the bait, he started to scheme again.

He wanted the shares back.

John and his family remained silent as well. They did not have many shares to begin with, so it made no difference to them. Just then, Thea and her family arrived. “Sorry we’re late, dad,” Gladys apologized as soon as she stepped in. Everyone looked at Thea and her family. When they saw Thea’s face recovered once more, they were shocked. What had happened? It had just been a few days. How had Thea recovered again? At Cansington Hotel, they saw Trent carve up her face with their own eyes. Now the wounds were healed, and there were no scars? No one knew what happened, but they were angry when they saw Thea.

To the Callahans, Thea was a jinx. A curse. For the past ten years, the Callahans were known for having the ugliest woman in Cansington in their family. They became a laughing stock and a complete embarrassment.

Chapter 39 It was also Thea who put the Callahans in extreme danger last time. Howard slammed his hand on the table and growled angrily, “Benjamin, this is too much. How can you be late?! Do you think you’re greater than us now that you have the family shares? Do you think we deserve to wait for you?” “I’m sorry, Howard,” Benjamin’s head hung low as he apologize.

Thea came over and said, “Howard, it was me who caused the delay. It’s not my dad’s fault.”

Howard became even more furious. “Thea, don’t you understand our rules? Family meetings are of the utmost importance. Just because you have something with the CEO of Celestial Group doesn’t mean you can ignore the rules.” “Yeah, because of you, we almost died at Trent Xavier’s hands.”

“Thank god I wasn’t home that day, or else I’d definitely be canceled in Cansington.” “You jinx! You dare to ask for a 10% share after all that?” The Callahans talked over each other as they berated Thea’s family. “Enough,” Lex announced, finally stopping the dispute.

LUI

James Caden remained silent. He was a son-in-law in this family, so he had to be quiet in order to not attract any more trouble for Thea.

Now that all of the family members were here, Lex commenced the meeting.”

Tomorrow will very likely be the succession ceremony of the Blithe king. There is word that only 100 seats are available. Think, voice any ideas to get our hands on those seats.”

Nobody in the hall spoke. How could that be possible?

There were so many affluent families in the five regions. It would never be their Turn as they were of a lower class.

“Why, are we all mule? I thought you were a talkative bunch?” Lex glared across the room before he yelled furiously, “Look at yourselves. When you’re fighting for my legacy, you couldn’t be any louder, but all of you hide when it comes to lielping your own family!” “Grandpa, let Thea go do it,” Tommy Callahan, of the third generation of the

Callahans suggested. “Thea is Alex’s lover. She can go sleep with him once more. With his influence, it wouldn’t be hard to get us a seat.”

Thea was always obedient. She never spoke back against any of her family members’ opinions. Nevertheless, this angered her. She pointed at Tommy with a trembling finger as tears welled up in her eyes, “Tommy, don’t speak of me like that.” “Am I lying, though?” Tommy bat an eyelid of annoyance at her. “You must’ve had sex with Alex for him to treat you so well. Heck, he even canceled the business deal with us because of you.” “You…” Thea’s chest heaved heavily out of disbelief. She could not even speak a word.

However, Benjamin did not say anything. Gladys wanted to say something but she did not know how, as she was also uncertain whether Thea slept with Alex,

James stepped towards Tommy.

This caught Tommy by surprise. “What, what are you doing?! James, watch yourself. This is the Callahan mansion!” Tommy had his reasons to fear James, especially when the man was tall, strong, and loaded with military experience.

However, being in a Callahan property gave him confidence. “I’m not wrong. Alex was only good to her because they had sex!” Smack!

James gave him a loud slap across the face.

“Ow!” Tommy held his face as he cried in agony. He snapped his head at Lex and screamed, “Grandpa, look at him! He hit me at a family meeting. You have to let this man go!” Lex fixated his eyes on James, looking cross. Thea tugged on James’s hand and whispered, “James, apologize.” Although James was helping her and that made her happy, this was still a Callahan family meeting. His behavior was clearly violating their family rules.

“You violent scumbag! How dare you attack my son. Dad, he’s acting all cocky because he has some shares. You have to make him leave our family, and revoke Benjamin’s shares,” Tommy’s mother, Jolie Loretta blurted.

“Yes, make him leave, and revoke Benjamin’s shares.” “Such arrogance! What do you see the family rules as?” “Do they look like a joke to you?”

“You’re disrespecting the head of the family.” The Callahans raged.

Chapter 40 Tommy was the eldest grandson in the lamily, that was why everybody spoke up for him when he was attacked.

In the heat of the moment, James became the public l’illy, und so did Benjamin’s family.

Once again, Thea was the target of the ugliest insults

There were requests for Lex to revoke Benjamin’s shares, too. Tommy was elated with all these people on his side

He looked at James with an expression that sand, ‘You’re just a nobody in the Callahan family. Hitting me was the riskiest move you could make!

Lex’s face was colored with rage. He was upset about the drama that unfolded during an important family meeting

Gladys slapped James on his head before he could say anything. “You b*stard, kneel down right now.”

To their surprise, James raised his leg and gave Tommy a solid kick in the gut. It sent him two meters away, crashing into the couch and crying, in the most miserable sight. “James…” Thea was getting scared now. She wanted to kneel and apologize right after that, yet James held her up from the floor.

“Outrageous!” Lex, extremely mad, bolted up from his seat and ordered, “You’ve crossed the line. From now on, you’re no longer a son-in-law of the Callahan family! Leave.” “Say sorry, please.” Thea pulled on James’s shirt hard.

“James, apologize now, you piece of trash.” Gladys would not stop with the scoldings. She got her share of the family business with her sweat and blood. She was not going to let James anger Lex by hitting Tommy, thus revoking their shares. “He isn’t worth my apology,” James said calmly. “You…” Lex was shaking and panting from anger.

“Grandpa, please calm down.” Megan held Lex and patted his back to soothe him. “Don’t waste your energy on a lowlife like him. Let’s just make him leave.

He must’ve also been enabled by Benjamin to act with such disrespect.” “Yeah,” someone agreed, “Benjamin thinks he’s all that after getting his 10%. He isn’t respecting you at all. He might be telling people that he’s the head of the family now.”

Gladys looked like she was to explode with anger. She hated James to death.

Benjamin, throughout all of this, kept quiet at the side of the room as if it had nothing to do with him.

“Thea, this place isn’t worth us staying. Let’s leave together.” James pulled Thea’s hand, trying to leave. However, Thea was on the verge of crying. She became the ugliest woman in Cansington and disgraced her family. Her only wish was to be accepted by her family. Now, her only chance to do so was ruined by James. She was thankful to James for saving her appearance. However, she felt nothing but hatred toward James right now. He caused her to be insulted by her family again.

This time, she screamed, “James, is it that hard for you to apologize for your mistakes? You’re a soldier, not a big shot!” When he saw tears welling up in Thea’s eyes, James’s heart ached.