Chapter 7

Vienna stayed in the hospital all day with her mother and Nisan, while Vanessa stayed at home.

Then, on the day of the surgery, they all stayed until the end of the surgery, and it was successful.

Vanessa and Vienna went back home very late at night to prepare, while Nisan stayed back to take care of Victoria.

They packed the few things they had and headed back to the hospital early in the morning, and a car came to pick them up at the hospital around eleven in the morning.

Vanessa decided to go with her, and they arrived at one of Alan's private houses. It was a very reserved place, located in a far and hidden location.

Vienna got out of the car and headed in, following the driver's instructions. They entered with a backpack each and met Alan with Kellie waiting for them in the living room.

If not for the fact that Vienna had been told about it already, she would not have believed that he was actually blind. His eyes were wide open, like he was staring straight at her.

It had been three years since she last saw him, but he still looked like his magnificent old self. He had an indifferent look on his face and looked more condescending.

Vienna took a step forward and stood in front of him and Kellie, with Vanessa following closely but clearly intimidated.

"Miss Vienna, Miss Vanessa, welcome," Kellie greeted politely.

"We have to leave in a few minutes," Kellie informed her.

"The clothes for you have already been placed in the room. So, you need to get ready," she said.

Vienna nodded her head and went inside the room with Vanessa.

She came out in five minutes, wearing the dress she saw on the bed. It was a simple dress, but anyone who saw it would know it was an expensive one.

Vanessa also came out with her, and Alan stood up and went out of the house with Kellie. Vienna followed them.

They got into another car and drove off.

Vienna took a glance at Alan and quickly averted her eyes. Ever since she entered, he hadn't said a word.

Vienna wondered if it was because he was blind and couldn't see her, or if he just chose to ignore her.

"Did he dislike me that much? Then why did he still want me to pretend to be with him?" Vienna thought, and faced the other side of the car.

They soon arrived at a very big house, and Kellie opened the door for them. Then, she stood behind.

"Aren't you coming with us?" Vienna asked.

"No, miss, you will have to go together from here. Not everyone can go in there," she answered.

Alan started to walk towards the door with his staff, and Vienna followed him. She wondered if she should hold him or not but decided against it.

She remembered how he had always hated her touching him.

They both walked slowly because of Alan, and the servant at the door opened it for them.

They entered the house, and Alan stopped as one of his uncles approached them.

"Alan, it's been a while. How have you been? Who is this beside you? Did you bring your personal assistant inside? You know that's not allowed, don't you?" he asked continuously.

"Uncle Sanchez," Alan simply said.

"Incredible, you recognize my voice. Impressive," he said, laughing, as he stroked Alan's shoulders lightly.

Alan moved backward from him and turned to walk away.

They walked further in, and Vienna saw quite a number of people. She continued to look around and wonder who they all were. She thought she would be meeting just his parents, sister, and grandfather, but it appeared not.

"Let's go sit down," Alan said.

Vienna was not focusing on him, so she didn't hear him at first, and he had to repeat his words.

"Okay," she answered and walked forward, then she turned to see Alan struggling with walking with her.

She went back to him and linked her arm with his. Alan was startled when he felt her touch and wanted to separate their arms, but Vienna had already pulled him along with her.

They sat down on one of the chairs in the room. Then, someone came to serve them some drinks.

Vienna thanked him and drank a mouthful from her drink, while Alan refused to touch his.

Vienna studied the house well and was amazed by the structure. She knew that the Clintons were very wealthy, but she did not know to what extent; she never bothered since she just loved him then.

Just looking at this house, it must have cost a fortune, maybe a lot of billions. She shook her head as she thought about it.

Then, she saw Karen enter from the corner of her eyes, with Benita. She swallowed hard on her drink and dropped it back on the table, feeling nervous.

Just then, Alan's grandfather came out, and everyone started going towards another room. Alan also stood up.

"What are you waiting for?" he said to her, and Vienna quickly stood up, and they followed the rest.

They entered the room with a long table and chairs, and everyone took a seat.

Vienna was wondering where to sit when Alan's mother came to him and took him to the seat next to grandfather's own.

She also followed and sat down beside him. Everyone started murmuring as they wondered who she was.

Karen and Benita were shocked to see her, but they quickly hid the shock on their faces and looked at each other questioningly.

Grandfather cleared his throat noisily, and everyone kept quiet.

"I am sure you are wondering why we are gathered here, and some of us must have guessed the reason why. This is Vienna, Alan's fiancée," he said, and the noise started again.

"If anyone has anything to say, then let me finish. Alan is the next patriarch, and despite what has happened, he needs to have a wife by his side to fulfill his duties and roles properly," Grandfather said. But every one of them could tell he wanted him to deliver an heir so he could train him in place of Alan if he never regained his sight.

"Karen will be relieved from his position from this minute, and Alan can take over again with Vienna," he told them.

"Father-in-law, but Karen has been doing well since he took over. Why is there a need to bring in a stranger and hand over things to her?" Sanchez argued, and his wife immediately supported.

"Yes, Dad, remember how the first fake fiancée idea he came up with ended three years ago. Just let Karen take care of things until Alan regains his sight."

"Why don't you ask for the power to be shifted to him entirely? Is that not what you all want?" Sasha chimed in, but Grandfather hit his staff noisily on the floor, getting them all to be silent.

"I am not asking for any of your opinions. Vienna isn't a stranger but Alan's wife. If you are having any ideas about others regarding the heir for this family, then you will be sorry." He warned, knowing they couldn't wait to have Karen in charge so they could do as they pleased.

Everyone kept quiet, but it was written all over their faces that they didn't want it that way.

"But what does a woman like her know about these things? Miss Vienna has been out since three years ago, and also, her father is a criminal, so why should we let someone like that take over?" Sanchez said without relenting.

"She knows a lot more than all of you, and definitely wouldn't allow a ten billion deficit in the company in just three weeks," Alan spoke up, and everyone turned their faces away, daring not to speak.

It appeared they feared him more than his grandfather.

"Grandfather, there is no need to argue, and Grandfather is correct. I will hand over everything tomorrow," Karen said, concealing his anger.

"Then it is settled, and I don't want to hear any rumors flying around tomorrow. Let lunch be served now," Grandfather said again.

Vienna, who had held her breath ever since, slowly released it, not sure she could eat well and digest at this table, but she remained calm.

The maids brought in all the dishes and served everyone. Then they all started to eat.