Lex stood and invited Thea to sit. The more amicable Lex became toward Thea, the more threatened the other Callahans felt. Lex was old and likely wouldn't live much longer. They saw this redistribution of shares as him dividing up the Callahan inheritance. Because of limited seating, non-core family members stood during the discussion. James, though also standing, remained unconcerned; Lex sat above them. He scanned the group before speaking.

"I've called you all here today for two reasons. First, Thea will formally assume leadership of the Callahans, becoming executive chairman and overseeing all family businesses. Second, we'll discuss the redistribution of shares."

A hush fell over the room. All eyes were fixed on Lex, awaiting his next words. He glanced at Benjamin.

"Benjamin has worked diligently for years, and despite receiving no shares, he never complained. I declare that Benjamin will receive fifty percent of the family's shares—not just in Eternality Group, but in all Callahan businesses."

Gasps filled the room. Everyone looked at Benjamin, their eyes burning with resentment. What had he done to deserve this? Howard and John dared not object, but John's son, Weston, stepped forward.

"Grandpa, I object. Based on your statement, Benjamin gets fifty percent of my processing plant?"

Lex opened his eyes and looked at Weston.

"Must I repeat myself? I said all Callahan businesses. Are you a Callahan?"

"Yes."

"Then your processing plant belongs to the Callahans."

Weston, enraged, shouted, "Grandpa! I established the processing plant myself. It's small, and unrelated to the family business. Why should Benjamin get half of it?"

Lex's face darkened. He roared, slamming his fist on the table, "Because you used Callahan money to establish it! And don't forget the business deals you made using Callahan connections!"

Weston was speechless, unable to refute Lex's claims. He angrily sat down. Benjamin, however, was astonished. He'd received not just fifty percent of Eternality Group, but fifty percent of everything the Callahans owned.

Lex took a deep breath. "I'm old and can no longer lead the Callahans. I'm leaving it to the younger generation. I know you're dissatisfied, so let's do this: Thea will have a three-month probationary period. If she successfully increases family assets, she'll become chairman, and her family will receive the fifty percent stake. From today, Howard and John will each hold twenty percent of the family shares; I'll retain the remaining ten percent for now. You may distribute your shares among your children. Any objections?"

He scanned the group. "This is a family meeting. Speak now if you have objections; otherwise, let's work together to elevate the Callahans."

Initially, Howard and John were unhappy, but after Lex's explanation, they were satisfied; twenty percent was significantly more than they'd had before. Seeing their silence, Lex continued.

"Since there are no objections, it's settled. Thea is executive chairman, and Howard is vice-chairman. Howard, you will assist Thea and help bring glory to the Callahans."

"Understood," Howard replied.

Tommy, however, disagreed. "Grandpa, we respect your decision, but since Thea's the executive chairman, she should do something for the family—like securing the Trade City Center business. Everyone's setting up businesses there; we can't miss out. Let her lead negotiations. We'll only acknowledge her as leader if she succeeds."

Others agreed, noting the five-billion-asset requirement and the substantial annual fee. They believed they could raise the annual fee, but securing a spot was a challenge. Lex looked at Thea, who was hesitant. She'd been there with Yuna, who had even paid respects to the Trade City Center's head.

James stood. "Don't worry, Thea. If she can't even secure a space for the Callahans, she's unqualified to be chairman."

Thea glared at James; he'd stirred trouble. Tommy appeared pleased with his machinations. Securing a space seemed impossible; the Callahans only had about one and a half billion in assets.