The whole family showered Brody with compliments. They believed Brody's uncle, the general's secretary, had informed the general after a phone call. With the general's help, even Gavin, a council member of the Five Provinces Business Alliance, had personally apologized, accompanied by Zack, who had orchestrated the beating.

Lex was ecstatic; he could now hold his birthday party at the House of Royals. He immediately held a press conference to announce the news. Simultaneously, Howard made arrangements for the party, including redesigning and sending out invitations. Meanwhile, James, staying at Henry's Common Clinic, saw Lex's press conference on television. He immediately understood the problem was solved and that a Five Provinces Business Alliance representative had apologized. With everything resolved, he returned to the Callahans' villa.

He rang the doorbell. Wendy, Howard's youngest daughter and Brody's wife, answered. Unfamiliar with James previously, she now knew exactly who he was. Seeing him, she crossed her arms and said condescendingly, "You're really shameless. How dare you come back?" Tommy, about to run errands, shouted, "You piece of trash! Get out!"

James glanced at them and walked past, ignoring them.

"Stop right there!" Tommy roared.

"I'm here for Grandpa," James said, unwilling to waste time. "You've been expelled from the Callahans. You're no longer our son-in-law and are not permitted to enter."

"That's right! Get out!"

The siblings showed James no respect. Confused, James thought, "Didn't someone from the Five Provinces Business Alliance apologize? Shouldn't they be fawning over me? What's with their attitude? Did something go wrong?"

A Bentley drove toward the villa. Lex exited, using his cane, accompanied by Howard and Brody. Lex had rushed home after announcing the new birthday venue.

"Thank you, Brody. You've made me look good!"

"Grandpa, it's just the House of Royals. We should remain humble," Brody replied naturally.

"Alright, stay humble!" They walked toward the house.

Seeing Lex, James approached with a smile. "See, Grandpa? I told you! Why didn't you tell me you'd gone yourself? I called my boss; he helped clear the misunderstanding and got the Five Provinces Business Alliance to apologize."

Slap! Tommy slapped James's head. "You trash! Because of you, we were beaten! My brother-in-law settled the issue and got Grandpa permission. How dare you take credit?"

Furious, Lex swung his cane at James, who dodged. He looked at Brody.

"You settled it?"

Brody, straightening his tie, boasted, "I made a phone call. The Colemans are influential; it's not something a live-in son-in-law like you understands."

Wendy took Brody's arm and looked contemptuously at James. "My husband is now deputy captain of the specialized police unit in North Cansington. His uncle is a general's secretary. He settled this with one phone call."

James's face darkened. Someone was again taking credit for his work.

"Grandpa, do you believe him?" James asked Lex.

"Of course not! Why would I believe you?" Lex said sternly.

(Note: The promotional text at the end was removed as it was not part of the passage to be cleaned up.)