"That's right," Lex nodded. "Even if those men only helped Thea because they owed someone a favor, they're still part of her network. Building a good relationship with them will benefit us. Do you know how much the Callahans have earned cooperating with Celestial Group? At least tens of millions."
Lex took a drag on his cigarette.
"Once Thea returns, we can expand production, cooperate further with large pharmaceutical groups like Celestial Group and Longevity Pharmaceuticals, and establish ourselves in Cansington's commercial city. The Callahans will surely rise…" Lex's excitement grew. "Bring Thea to me, no matter the cost."
The Callahans wore grim faces. They didn't want her back. While she had strengthened their connections with Celestial Group, her return meant she would lead the Callahans, potentially against their interests. It was a gateway to greater wealth, but what good was influence if they couldn't benefit?
"Grandfather," Tommy said, "Thea's not coming back. I knelt before her last time. Gladys was even more ruthless, claiming they wouldn't return even if you personally knelt."
Megan added, "That's right, Grandpa. They're despicable. They've lived off Callahan resources, but now they refuse to contribute."
"I'll visit them again," Lex stood. "Prepare the gifts." Howard reluctantly complied.
Lex then took Howard's family to Thea's residence. John and his family lived in a nearby villa, not the Callahan residence.
After preparing lunch, James sat on the balcony, smoking. Xara skipped lunch and went to the balcony. With a sly smile, she said, "James, you have no influence among the Callahans. Why don't you divorce Thea?"
"Hmm?"
James glanced at her. Xara blinked her large eyes. "Why don't we marry after your divorce?"
James smiled, saying nothing. The doorbell rang. David answered, freezing at the sight of Lex. "Grandfather, why are you here? Please, come in." He ushered them inside.
"Mother, father, Uncle Howard, and Grandpa are here," Gladys said grimly, putting down her cutlery. Lex entered with a smile. "Thea, Grandpa's here." Thea quickly stood. "Grandpa, please sit. Have you eaten?"
Lex laughed. "I have, Thea. It's been a while. I hope you're not angry. Come home with me. You'll be chairman of Eternality."
"No way," Gladys retorted instantly. "Father, stop wasting your time. Thea won't return. We won't consider your offer unless you transfer fifty percent of the Group's shares to Benjamin."
"What?" Tommy exclaimed. "Fifty percent? The audacity!"
Howard's face was grim. "Don't cross the line."
Jolie, Howard's wife, anxiously added, "Father, don't promise them anything."
Lex waved them off. After a moment, he asked, "Thea, if I give your family fifty percent of the shares, can you bring glory to the Callahans? Can you make them powerful and influential?"
Thea was speechless. She hadn't expected him to agree to such a large share transfer. Could she bring glory to the Callahans? She doubted it.
Gladys, equally surprised, added, "Of course. Do you know Thea's influential connections? This morning, she shopped in the commercial city with Ms. Lawson of Longevity Pharmaceuticals." She glared at Thea. "Thea, tell us you can bring glory to the Callahans."
Thea couldn't answer. She lacked confidence. She could manage Eternality Group, but leading the Callahans to glory?
"She will," James said, approaching them after finishing his cigarette. "Grandpa, don't worry. Thea will lead the Callahans to glory. The Xaviers of the Great Four have fallen. The others aren't far behind. Soon, the Callahans will become one of the Great Four."
This revised version improves grammar, punctuation, and flow. It removes the extraneous website promotion and corrects inconsistencies in character names and actions.