Chapter 22

Seeing Thea's happiness, James's mood lifted.

"Jamie, I'm going home! I'm going home!" Thea cheered, like a child released from time-out.

James said little, simply hugging her tightly.

Once Howard learned Thea's location, he drove to Nine Dragons Street, accompanied by several family members: his children, Tommy and Megan, and Tommy's wife, Yvonne Lewis. As executive chairman of Eternality, Howard drove a luxurious BMW 7 Series, worth millions.

In the car, Tommy complained, "What's Grandfather doing? How could he let Thea return? Dad, once she's back, you'll no longer be executive chairman. We can't let her come home."

Yvonne agreed. "Tommy's right. If she's chairman, how will we benefit? How did Thea even get to know the chairman of Celestial?" Megan added, "Rumor has it Thea is Alex's lover."

Howard interrupted, "Enough. We need to take Thea home and secure the partnership with Celestial Group. The order is worth a hundred million; we'll net twenty million profit if it works!"

They soon arrived at Common Clinic. Everyone exited the car. Thea, overjoyed that Howard was picking her up personally, waited outside. Upon seeing his car, she excitedly grabbed James's hand.

"Look, it's Uncle! It really is! Jamie, I'm going home."

"Yes, you are," James smiled. His happiness stemmed from Thea's.

After Howard emerged, he grinned. "Thea, Dad sent me to bring you home."

The others' faces darkened. Thea was the curse that nearly destroyed the Callahan family, saved only by God's intervention.

Tommy said arrogantly, "Thea, my dad showered you with praise to appease Grandfather. You should thank him on your knees."

Thea started to kneel, but James stopped her.

"Jamie, what are you doing?" Thea looked annoyed.

Tommy was furious. "James, why aren't you kneeling before the future head of the family? Where are your manners?"

"Kneel?" James asked mildly. "To him? He praised Thea, did he? Bullshit. If Celestial hadn't terminated the partnership with the Callahans, would you even be here? Go home. Tell Lex that Thea isn't returning."

Thea was about to rebuke James, but his words prompted her to ask, "Jamie, what about Celestial terminating the partnership?"

James explained, "I just saw the news. Alex Yates held a press conference, terminating the partnership. He said he'd only work with the Callahans if you were involved. Since you're no longer a Callahan, Celestial is terminating the partnership. They're panicking, which is why they're rushing you home."

Hurt that Grandfather only wanted her back for the partnership, Thea nearly burst into tears. James simply took her arm and guided her toward the clinic.

Howard panicked. "Thea, you must come home. Think of Dad's age. He can't handle more surprises. Do you really want him to make this trip himself before you agree?"

Remembering her grandfather's age (nearly eighty), Thea stopped and looked at James.