Lex regretted everything deeply. He regretted the lavish display, including setting off firecrackers outside the military region. The higher-ups' displeasure cost him his place at the succession ceremony.

Just then, a car horn blared. Lex saw James approaching. Worried he wouldn't find a punching bag, Lex leaned on his cane, tapped it angrily on the ground, and shouted, "You worthless bastard! Haven't you done enough? Leave at once!"

James honked again. He looked at Lex's scowling face. Gladys poked her head out of the car.

"Dad, what are you doing? What happened? Why are you covered in dust? James said he could drive in. You're not young anymore. Hop in; we'll take you inside."

Lex fumed. He knew Gladys was being deliberately provocative; his ego wouldn't allow him to accept the ride.

Tommy roared, "James, you idiot! What are you doing? Get lost! Don't you know where we are? How dare you bring a car here? Don't get us involved in your mess!"

Howard moved to slap James, but James rolled up his window just in time.

Thea said fearfully, "Jamie, stop it. Grandfather offended the Blithe King. If we continue causing trouble, what will happen to us?"

They were just outside the military region, near the Blithe King and many other important people.

James honked again. The Callahans were blocking the car.

Gladys invited Lex again. After his refusal, she smiled. "James, the stubborn old man isn't getting in. I knew he wouldn't. Let's go. I'm warning you, make me proud this time, or I'll never forgive you."

Everyone seemed to anticipate a dramatic scene. The Callahans' actions were ludicrous. First, a counterfeit invitation and a lavish display; now, attempting to drive into the military region. Were they all fools?

James didn't attempt to run Lex over. He reversed, circled them, but found a queue ahead. He honked again.

Gladys shouted, "Are you blind? Can't you see this is a car? Get out of the way!"

The onlookers exchanged glances, then mockingly parted to let James through.

Lex, shaking with rage, struck the rear windshield with his cane. It didn't break; instead, Lex fell backward. Some Callahans helped him up. He turned pale.

"Quick! Stop them! Don't let him get us into trouble!"

The Callahans immediately blocked James' car.

(The final sentence, and the repeated promotional text, have been removed as they are irrelevant to the story.)