Gavin, a council member of the Five Provinces Business Alliance, had a busy day. The previous day, Zack, another member of the Alliance, had offended Lex. Yacob, the alliance's president, was furious and called Gavin, demanding he secure Lex's forgiveness. Gavin learned the offense stemmed from the Callahans' connection to a particular general. To appease Lex, Gavin prepared a generous gift and attended Lex's birthday celebration.

Gavin, a low-profile individual who rarely attended events, surprised many. People envied Lex for attracting such a generous gift and Gavin's personal appearance. Everyone understood the incident marked a rise in the Callahans' status.

Lex, in a red suit and wielding a cane, greeted Gavin with a smile. "Mr. Watson, your presence is enough. You didn't need such a magnificent gift. You're flattering me." Gavin responded respectfully, "Mr. Callahan, it's a small token of my sincerity. I hope you like it." The repetition of Gavin's name was unnecessary, and the sentence has been revised.

Everyone speculated about the prominent figure who commanded such respect from Gavin. Gavin's arrival marked the party's climax.

However, Lex remained unsatisfied. Despite the grand party, only business associates attended; no prominent military or political figures were present. He turned to Brody, asking, "Brody, when are your uncle and the general arriving?"

"Don't worry, Grandpa. He's already in Cansington, but the general had to pay respects to the Blithe King first," Brody replied.

Tommy interjected, "Brody, do you think your uncle could get the Blithe King to attend?"

Howard slapped Tommy's head, scolding, "What are you thinking? Do you know who you're talking about? The general's attendance is a great honor." Tommy conceded. Yet, Lex was tempted by the idea.

He believed the Blithe King's presence would complete the party. He pressed Brody, "Brody, can't your uncle convince him?"

Brody hesitated. His uncle and the general's attendance already exceeded expectations. Lex wasn't worthy of the Blithe King's presence.

"Grandpa, although my uncle holds considerable authority in North Cansington's Military Region, the Blithe King commands the five armies. Even the highest-ranking officer in North Cansington wouldn't dare invite him."

Disappointed, Lex nonetheless acknowledged the evening's success. He was Cansington's most talked-about person, a landmark moment for the Callahans. Their strong connections would soon elevate them to influential status.

Outside the House of Royal, under a large tree, an unmarked vehicle held James and Henry. Henry monitored the party via surveillance cameras on his laptop.

"James, Lex is enjoying himself. He's shrewd; how can he not see something's amiss with so many VIPs suddenly appearing?" Henry observed.

James, leaning back and smoking, replied nonchalantly, "He's a stubborn old man. I wanted to help him for Thea's sake, but he didn't trust me. He trusted a deputy captain instead. There's going to be a good show later."

Henry focused the camera on Thea, showing James the footage. Thea, in a white dress, radiated an aura of royalty, surrounded by numerous suitors.

James instructed Henry, "Write down the names of all the men talking to Thea, especially those looking at her with lust. I'll deal with them later."

Henry protested, "You're too overbearing, James. Thea needs friends. Who'd dare befriend her if you act like this?"

James countered righteously, "Making friends is fine. But those with ulterior motives shouldn't blame me." Henry reluctantly agreed, "Fine. I'll note those with inappropriate intentions."

The final promotional sentence has been removed. The excessive use of capitalization and unusual formatting has also been corrected.