James drove his electric motorcycle to the Callahans' villa. Upon entering, he found antiques and paintings scattered on the floor. Lex sat on the sofa, smoking. A few core members were seated; everyone else stood.

James feigned surprise. "Oh? I thought your eightieth birthday was at the House of Royals? Why are you all here? What's going on?"

He saw Wendy crying on the sofa. "What's wrong, Wendy? Where's Brody? Why isn't he here?"

James deliberately looked around. The Callahans wore ugly expressions, clearly provoked but needing his help. Tommy whispered, "James, you have an unusual relationship with Xara. Since she works for Ms. Brooks, could you ask her to get Ms. Brooks to forgive the Callahans?"

"Huh?"

James sat beside Thea, who moved away. "What happened?" he asked, feigning confusion. He glanced at the family, but they remained silent.

"How can I help if you won't tell me the problem? Tell me, Thea?"

Thea explained the events at the House of Royals. James laughed. "You boasted about a general's secretary and a deputy police captain. I jinxed them! They're getting kicked out of the military. Serves them right! Karma!"

The family looked dissatisfied. Howard said indifferently, "You're family, James. Why are you fueling the flames?"

"So? You can't stand me? Fine, I'll leave."

James stood up. Thea tugged him, pleading, "James, please help! I'm begging you."

James looked at Thea. "Thea, my cousin and I are innocent. It wasn't what it looked like. I only love you. I'd die for you. Why don't you believe me?"

He'd never had a chance to explain until now. "I believe you. Now, can you help the Callahans?"

"You still don't believe me, Thea? I have nothing to do with Xara. You're responsible for this mess. How can an outsider like me fix it?" James said righteously.

While telling the truth, he appeared to be acting in the Callahans' eyes. Lex asked indifferently, "State your conditions. Anything reasonable."

"Ten million?" Howard offered.

James shrugged. "Ten million? Do they think I'm short of money?" He owned the trillion-dollar Transgenerational Group. He could easily get hundreds of billions from the Southern Plains.

The family glared at him.

"Ten million isn't enough? How about one hundred million? I'll give you one hundred million dollars if you resolve this."

Thea looked at him expectantly. Seeing her tears, James felt a pang in his heart. He sat, reaching for her hand, but she avoided him. Embarrassed, he said, "Thea, you don't believe me. My family doesn't believe me. Do you think I need money? I want to prove my innocence, but you refuse to trust me. This wouldn't have happened if you trusted me."

"You're saying the Callahans are suffering because we didn't believe you? Are you responsible?"

"Yeah," James said, crossing his legs and lighting a cigarette. "I told you I'd sorted everything. I called Gavin to apologize, but you believed Brody. I told you they'd be leaving the military region. Did you think I was bluffing?"

The family exchanged glances.