In the foyer of the Callahans' villa, three generations of the family and several important relatives gathered. The restructuring of the five armies was underway. The Blithe King of the West Border had been dispatched to Cansington as commander-in-chief, causing a frenzy throughout the five regions.

His imminent succession ceremony, to be held publicly, was the source of much excitement. Limited seating was available, coveted by influential families from North Cansington, Cansington, South Chyna, Ocean City, and Coastal Heaven. Attendance was seen as the ultimate symbol of wealth and power.

Rumors circulated that the ceremony would be held the following day, with only one hundred public seats; the remainder reserved for internally approved members. The exact time, however, remained unannounced. Several families were fiercely competing for these limited seats.

Lex Callahan was among them. Longing for upper-class status, he saw this as an invaluable opportunity. He called a family meeting, attended by all the Callahans except Thea's family.

"Grandfather," Tommy, Howard's son, began, "Thea and her family are becoming too arrogant. Since you gave them shares, their behavior has worsened. How dare they be late for a family meeting?"

Howard and his family had been resentful since Thea received the shares, especially as Lex had taken some of Howard's to give to Benjamin. Howard now had fewer shares than Benjamin.

"I agree, Grandfather," Megan chimed in. "Giving them ten percent is too much."

Accusations flew. The family questioned Thea's entitlement, suggesting her relationship with the chairman of Celestial was the reason for her share. Suggestions to revoke Benjamin's shares were made, highlighting his perceived uselessness, as was that of his son, David. The Callahans voiced their disapproval in turn.

Lex, puffing on his pipe, also opposed giving Benjamin the shares, but ultimately understood the necessity to maintain their partnership with Celestial for their social advancement. He silenced the family with a wave of his hand.

"That's enough. I'm not senile. I know what I'm doing."

Howard, having instigated the family's criticism of Thea, silently plotted to reclaim the shares. John and his family, holding few shares, remained silent.

Then, Thea and her family arrived. Gladys apologized for their lateness. The family was shocked by Thea's appearance; her wounds, inflicted by Trent at the Cansington Hotel just days earlier, were completely healed, leaving no scars.

Thea was considered a jinx, a curse, having been viewed for ten years as the ugliest woman in Cansington, bringing shame upon the family.

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