They were familiar with the invitations, but there were different types. Publicly released invitations were standard, granting only standing room at the back. However, a special guest invitation entitled the recipient to a front-row seat. Lex's special guest invitation shocked many.

“The Callahans are just a second-rate family. How did they snag an invitation like this?” one person whispered.

"No wonder they made a spectacle of it," another chimed in. "The Callahans were invited as the Blithe King's special guest.”

A running commentary ensued. The Callahans must have been close to the Blithe King; otherwise, how could they have secured such an invitation? Special guests were truly important people—wealth alone wasn't enough.

“Mister Callahan, it’s you. How have you been?”

“Lex, my friend. I haven’t seen you in years. You’ve never looked better.”

Upon seeing the invitation, many important people greeted Lex personally. He'd never felt prouder as the VIPs approached. He felt he finally belonged to the upper class, enjoying a newfound connection with these influential individuals. The Callahans glowed with pride; this was their moment.

James and Thea remained in the car at the end of the line. Gladys regretted coming along; if she'd known this would happen, she wouldn't have come. Lex, basking in the limelight, planned to reward Megan.

“What a good boyfriend Megan’s landed,” Gladys grumbled.

James said nothing, waiting for everyone to enter. He knew, however, that the higher Lex climbed, the harder he would fall.

Alex Yates was also present, envying Lex's special invitation. It was all thanks to his granddaughter's advantageous marriage. He approached Lex, greeting him.

"How are you, Mister Callahan?"

"Mister Yates" Lex was surprised and hurriedly shook Alex's hand. Warmly, he said, "Mister Yates, I'm satisfied and happy with our partnership. I hope that we'll always be able to work together."

“Of course,” Alex replied.

“Oh, it’s my eightieth birthday in a few days. If you have time, you're welcome…” Lex didn't finish his sentence before Alex agreed.

“Of course. I'll be there.”

“Callahan, old friend.” Another voice rang out. Charles Bertrand, a man in his fifties and chairman of a major pharmaceutical company (second only to Celestial), approached. He'd been at Rowena's villa the previous night and, now aware of James's identity, felt slightly nervous meeting Lex.

“Bertrand. How are you?”

The two men shook hands. Lex felt immensely proud. Once treated as invisible, now they were vying for his attention. He was grateful to the Oswalds.

As soon as the Callahans noticed him, they fawned over Stefon Oswald.

“Mister Callahan! How are you?”

Stefon Oswald, also present, shook Lex's hand. He hadn't expected Lex to know the Blithe King, let alone secure a special guest invitation. This was his chance to curry favor.

“We should be family. Should my son and Megan get engaged after the ceremony?”

“Haha, I’d like that,” Lex laughed. He'd never felt prouder, feeling on top of the world. The Callahans were finally an upper-class family.

Just then, the doors to the military region opened. Soldiers in uniform formed two lines. A lieutenant announced, "The ceremony will commence shortly.”

The final sentence, "Search the FindNovel.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality," is clearly an advertisement and should be removed from the cleaned-up text.