A car approached the villa. A tall, fair-skinned woman in a professional outfit stepped out—Thea. Having discovered financial irregularities in the company documents after taking over, she'd come to inquire.

Upon exiting the car, she saw James standing before the Callahan villa. She froze, then composed herself, walking over to greet her grandfather, Lex.

Lex's expression softened. "What brings you here, Thea?"

"Grandpa, I found some financial problems in the company documents and wanted to ask about them."

"Alright, let's talk inside." Lex's amiable demeanor shifted as he glanced at James. He scolded him sharply, "Come in and settle this with Thea."

Thea, after a brief look at James, entered the house without speaking to him. James followed calmly.

Inside the Callahan villa's living room, the family sat, except for James, who remained standing. Thea's anger flared after learning of the incident. She was mortified. She never imagined James would deceive Lex by promising a birthday celebration at the House of Royals to avoid a divorce, only for Lex to be beaten up there. Then, Brody had taken credit for resolving the situation.

"James, you disappoint me," Lex said.

"Thea, don't you believe me? I took you to the House of Royals…" James began, but Thea interrupted.

"Enough," she snapped. "I saw it with my own eyes! My brother did too! How could it be a misunderstanding?"

"No, I'm talking about—"

"Stop being shameless, James! You seduced our cousin, embarrassed Grandpa, and now you're taking credit for someone else's work? The Colemans have military connections—what do you have? You're a criminal who went to military court!"

James desperately tried to explain, to clarify that he hadn't lied to Lex, that he'd even taken Thea to the House of Royals for ten days, but Thea refused to listen.

Lex, puffing on his pipe, declared, "James, you've been a Callahan, but you're unworthy of Thea. I'll give you one million dollars for a divorce. Consider yourself cut off from the family." Despite being beaten up thanks to James, Lex was in good spirits after Brody’s intervention, and was eager to resolve the matter swiftly. He wanted James gone.

"James, thank Grandpa for his generosity," a Callahan family member urged. "Do you know how much a million dollars is? You'd never earn that as a soldier!"

"Kneel and show your gratitude," another chimed in, their mockery joined by others.

James looked at Thea's furious face, her anger intensifying with Lex's account. He felt helpless. A commander of thousands, battle-hardened, yet defeated by a jealous woman. He realized Thea wouldn't listen. Further explanation was pointless.

He turned to Lex. "You'll regret this." Then, to Brody, "Secretary of a general in the North Cansington Military Region? I remember that. Tomorrow, you and your uncle leave the military."

"Haha! You'll die laughing. Get out! Do you know what rank a general secretary holds? Who do you think you are, the Blithe King?" Brody scoffed.

"Young man, control your tongue," Brody fumed.

"Get out of here!" Lex, seeing Brody's displeasure, expelled James.

James shrugged, turned, and left.

(Note: The final sentence fragment " Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Fɪndηovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality." was removed as it is not part of the story itself but rather an advertisement.)