The Hidden Heir

Chapter 7: The Visit

Alexander entered. Seeing him, Eleanor was filled with disdain. She said, "You're finally back. Divorce my daughter immediately."

Alexander shook his head. His mother-in-law had always looked down on him, but what would she think if she knew he now controlled projects worth billions? He wasn't ready to reveal his identity yet. Having been away from the Wealthington family for years, he was unsure of Douglas Wealthington's real intentions. It was better to keep a low profile for now. So, he apologized with a bowed head, "I'm sorry, I went to borrow money for the medical expenses."

Eleanor Grace scorned, "After so many years of marriage, you can't even afford medical expenses and have to borrow money. Aren't you ashamed?"

Evelyn quickly defended, "Alexander is just trying to help with dad's surgery!"

"Bullshit!" Eleanor Grace roared. "Evelyn, I shouldn't interfere in your marriage, but I can't stand your foolish husband anymore!"

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted them. Evelyn opened the door to find Ethan Miller and Adaline Miller Carter. Without greetings, they walked in.

"What brings you here so late?" Evelyn asked with suspicion.

"What, can't family visit without reason?" Ethan said disdainfully.

"We heard Uncle had an accident and came to visit him," Adaline added.

"You should be visiting him in the hospital then, not here!" Evelyn said, opening the door wider, indicating they should leave, "Keep your fake sympathy to yourselves."

Seeing Evelyn's reaction, Ethan dropped the act and sat down next to Eleanor Grace, "Aunt, Uncle's accident must've put you in a difficult position financially for his surgery. We're here to offer money for his surgery!"

Eleanor Grace's face lit up with happiness, "The Miller family always cares for its own."

"But in exchange," Ethan continued, "the construction team needs to be handed over to me for management. After all, he's now in a vegetative state."

"No!" both Alexander and Evelyn objected at the same time.

"You waste, do you think you have a say here?" Eleanor glared at Alexander and then turned to Evelyn, "Evelyn, your dad's in a coma and needs a lot of money for treatment. Why won't you agree now that Ethan is willing to pay?"

"Alexander said he's already borrowed the money," Evelyn argued, "I won't hand over the construction team. It's my father's life's work, and he recruited every member with hard effort!"

"How can you trust this failure over your own family?" Eleanor Grace was clearly displeased with Evelyn's stance.

Adaline also spoke, "Evelyn, we're sincerely trying to help. Aren't you afraid your father will die in the hospital without the money for treatment?"

Alexander stepped forward to shield Evelyn, "Adaline! Mind your words. I'll handle the money. Don't think I haven't noticed you're trying to seize the last of Cedric Miller's resources through this. Your hypocrisy disgusts me."

Evelyn felt an unprecedented sense of security behind Alexander. If he hadn't been there tonight, she didn't know how she would have dealt with the situation.

"Well, Evelyn, you've made a mistake. Even if you don't hand over the construction team today, I'll find a way. You and your stubborn dad are hopeless," Ethan stormed out angrily.

"Evelyn, let me tell you, I'll be going to the Weal-Cutler Group tomorrow with my husband to discuss a partnership. Unlike your worthless husband, mine is a partner in business of Andrew Wood. Once we secure the Weal-Cutler Group's partnership, you'll be the real outsiders in the family," Adaline smirked triumphantly, "Because of your decision, your dad can now only wait to die in his hospital bed." With that, Adaline left the room.

Eleanor Grace stood up angrily, looking at Evelyn and Alexander, "If Cedric dies, it'll be on you." Then she left, leaving only Alexander and Evelyn in the room.

"Alexander, thank you," Evelyn took his hand, "Let's go to our room and rest." For the first time in three years, Evelyn had initiated.

***

"I need to sleep, too much has been happening lately. I'm so tired," Evelyn said.

"Is there trouble in the family?" Alexander inquired.

"The Miller Corporation isn't doing well in business. Grandfather has always wanted to partner with companies like the Weal-Cutler Group, but the Millers aren't strong enough. They don't see us," Evelyn laughed self-deprecatingly.

Alexander suddenly remembered Helen Cutler mentioning the Weal-Cutler Group: "Has the Miller family not partnered with the Weal-Cutler Group?"

"The Weal-Cutler Group wouldn't look at the Millers! But I heard Adaline's husband, Daniel Carter, is a partner of the Weal-Cutler Group. Grandfather is hoping the Carters can help the Millers connect with them," Evelyn explained.

Alexander nodded. 'The Miller family is desperate to elevate their status, trying to consolidate their resources and hoping for a connection with the Weal-Cutler Group. Little does Evelyn know, the Weal-Cutler Group is now mine...' With that thought, Alexander decided to meet with Andrew Wood at the Weal-Cutler Group tomorrow, intending to assist Evelyn through the company. 

'I'll make the entire Miller family bow before you!'

***

The next day, outside the Weal-Cutler Group.

Alexander arrived at the company's building on his bicycle. He had called Andrew Wood earlier, saying he would come in person.

After parking his bike near the Weal-Cutler Group's parking lot and locking it up, a black Audi A8 slowly parked in a spot across from him. A young couple stepped out of the car, "Hey, isn't that Alexander Wealthington, the failure?"