The Oswalds are the best," someone declared.

"That goes without saying," another chimed in. "Their business, Grandeur Pharmaceuticals, is one of the biggest in Cansington. Colson's father, Stefon Oswald, is incredibly well-connected."

"Thank God Colson's with us," someone else exclaimed, "or we'd never have gotten an invitation."

"Megan got herself the right boyfriend," another added. "Look at how he's helping her family." The Callahans' flattery made Colson almost dizzy.

"It's just a small contribution," he demurred.

Just as the celebratory mood reached its peak, James, Thea, Gladys, Benjamin, David, and Alyssa entered. Their arrival instantly chilled the atmosphere. Megan stood, visibly upset.

"What are you doing here?" Thea called out. "Megan, sis—"

"Don't call me your sister!" Megan shrieked, cutting her off.

Lex's good mood soured at the sight of Thea's family, particularly James, the arrogant, unrelated son-in-law who dared to disrespect him.

"Go away," Lex commanded, pointing to the exit.

"Grandpa," James explained, "I had friends in the military request the Western Border Patrol send us an invitation. I came to ensure we received it."

All eyes turned to Lex, awaiting his response. Before he could speak, Tommy interjected, "You're saying James made the Western Border Patrol send us this invitation? Are you serious? This is clearly the Oswalds' doing, and Colson made it happen."

"He's right," Megan sneered at James. "How can a small soldier like you be connected with executives in the Western Border Patrol? You only showed up to take credit. How shameless!"

James remained silent, his gaze fixed on Colson, who sat cross-legged on the couch. Colson glared back, yelling, "What are you looking at, you dumb*ss?"

A chorus of insults followed: "Shame on you!" "Why can't he just acknowledge the Oswalds and stop stealing their credit? He's such a loser!" "Yeah, if Colson wasn't here, he'd have gotten what he deserved."

The Callahans continued their barrage of insults against James, simultaneously praising Colson.

Gladys, unable to bear it any longer, smacked James's head. "You fool! You're embarrassing us! Leave now!"

Thea's sadness returned. She'd hoped James would help her impress her grandfather, but he'd only appeared to claim credit for the Oswalds' work.

"James, I'm so disappointed in you!" she cried, running from the mansion.

"Thea!" Gladys followed, and the others quickly departed. James looked at the Callahans, a disheartened smile playing on his lips.

"You really need to look in the mirror," he said. "Fine, it was the Oswalds. Let's see how you attend the ceremony tomorrow."

He left, then called Henry from outside. "Tell the Blithe King to cancel the invitation he sent to the Callahans."

Henry, unsure of James's intentions, obeyed, informing the Blithe King.

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