Chapter 136

"W-what's going on?"

"Did Yuna invite Lex?"

"That's impossible. Lex humiliated himself outside the military region and was even thrown out by the general. He must have been so embarrassed, but why did Yuna invite him?"

"Could it be he came uninvited?"

The crowd buzzed about Lex's appearance. Everyone at the banquet consciously distanced themselves, wanting nothing to do with him.

Tommy, complacent and with a proud expression, said, "Grandpa, look at them. You're so famous in Cansington that these people are backing down to show respect to you."

Lex, flattered, beamed with undisguised pride. He spotted Yuna and approached with his cane. Smiling, he said, "Ms. Lawson, I'm honored you personally invited me to your birthday banquet."

Yuna frowned, then nodded slightly in acknowledgment; Lex was the grandfather of James's wife, Thea.

"Happy birthday, Ms. Lawson. I got you a pair of jade bracelets as a gift. They're not worth much, only about two million. I hope you like them," Lex said, presenting his gift.

"That's so thoughtful of you, Mr. Callahan. Please, have a seat," Yuna replied, inviting him to sit.

Everyone watched, puzzled. Why would Yuna invite the patriarch of a second-class family to sit? Could the Callahans have a connection with Yuna? The sight was unusual. Perhaps Thea's friendly relationship with Yuna was the reason?

Many secretly speculated about the unusual scene. Previously, everyone had seen Thea and Yuna together, seemingly close. Although Thea had been estranged from the Callahans, she was still family, and a return was possible. Seeing Yuna greet Lex personally, many assumed the Callahans had formed a close relationship with the Lawsons.

Lex's face lit up at being seated. Pleased, he glanced around, as if saying, "Who said the Callahans were a second-class family?"

"Mr. Callahan, you've arrived."

"Lex, you're looking more energetic and younger recently!"

Immediately, many company chairmen enthusiastically greeted Lex. Despite the Callahans being a laughingstock, their partnership with Celestial Group remained. Now, with a connection to the Lawsons, a partnership with Longevity Pharmaceuticals would be a jackpot. This was the perfect time to curry favor with the Callahans. Many approached Lex to flatter him.

Lex smiled broadly, greeting everyone. Tommy, beside him, grinned like a proud prince.

Seeing Lex, Thea had a complicated expression. Hesitating, she approached and greeted, "Grandpa." Lex looked up, stunned. Thea, in a white dress and updo, radiated the air of a high-born lady.

"Th-Thea?"

"Yes, Grandpa," Thea nodded.

Tommy was awestruck by Thea's appearance. He hadn't expected her to look so gorgeous. In both figure and appearance, she surpassed even Yuna.

Megan immediately noticed Thea's expensive outfit. Envious, she sneered, "Did you sleep with Alex again, Thea? It's only been a few days, and you're wearing designer clothes? This outfit costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, right?"

Thea's greeting was met with Megan's snobbish words. Even-tempered as she was, Thea was angered. Pointing at Megan, she said, "Y-you shouldn't spout nonsense!"

"Nonsense? Isn't it true? Where did you get the money if not from sleeping with Alex?" The Callahans were embroiled in scandals, the biggest being their partnership with Celestial Group. Although Alex had held a press conference to deny it, rumors persisted that Thea had slept with him.