Chapter 5 You Have Been Matched With Alec Helios.

Viola's eyes opened, mesmerized by the sight of the building looming ahead. Welcome home, Viola Linn. A smile graced her face as she watched the car approach the ornate golden gate. The large L prominently displayed in front, representing the Linn family name. As the car window rolled down, she stretched her hand to the sensor camera for analysis.

"Welcome back, Young Mistress," the artificial intelligence said.

"It's good to be back," Viola replied as the golden gate opened and the car entered. As always, everything remained unchanged. She shouldn't have expected anything different, knowing how her Grandmother loves to keep things traditional and timeless.

The car came to a stop in front of the main mansion, the largest and most grandiose among the five houses on the expansive land. The Linn family estate is a sprawling property, with Utility vehicles to shuttle them between each building due to the distance. It takes 5-10 minutes to walk from one house to another.

The main building is designated as the family home, where Avery Linn resides and insists on daily family dinners. It's a place for them to come together and bond. The other four houses belong to each individual in the family. Being the second child, Viola was assigned to the third building, while Anna got the fourth. Korra, being the eldest and still considered part of the family despite her mother not being married to Viola's father and viewed as a product of an affair, has the second building.

The final house is reserved for visitors, as Avery values her privacy. It's the perfect spot for vacations, with numerous pools and various game spots. There's even a machine that creates snow if it doesn't fall naturally. Who needs a vacation when you have a Linn family mansion? The only reason Viola left was to find some time for herself, and it took her eight long years to return.

Descending from the vehicle, she compensated the driver before approaching the entrance. Guards were stationed there, bowing their heads in submission. "Welcome back, young mistress," they greeted her. Surprised that they still recognized her, considering she had no recollection of them, she proceeded towards the doors.

Attempting to open the doors herself, she was abruptly stopped by one of the guards. "You shouldn't exert yourself, young mistress," he insisted. Reluctantly, she allowed him to open the doors as she made her way inside. Glancing around, Viola grinned at the exquisite designs adorning the space. It was just as she remembered - grandiose and opulent, with golden staircases and portraits, and even a large chandelier.

The house itself was painted in a regal white, with accents of gold throughout - Her grandmother's favorite color. "Gold," she would often say, "is a symbol of power, elegance, luxury, success, and triumph. The Linn women embody all of these qualities." Fully appreciating the beauty of her surroundings, she stepped further into the space, the faint sound of footsteps audible now. The maids rushed about in a frenzy, tidying and cleaning in a flurry of activity.

"The young mistress has returned!" a man's voice commanded. Viola recognized it instantly - Victor. How did they know she had arrived, she wondered. Was it Jojo who had informed them?

Clearing her throat, she observed as everyone paused, a sense of deafening silence in the air. "She is here, the star of the moment," Victor announced, approaching her with a smile. He was in his late 80s, with piercing green eyes and a bald head lightly sprinkled with white hair, he looked as fit and sharp as ever, clad in a crisp white shirt and pants - the same set of attire he had always worn since she was brought into this world.

"I missed you," Viola exclaimed, enveloping him in a warm embrace.

"How was Italy?" he inquired as they parted.

"How did you know I was back? I wanted to surprise everyone," She replied in bewilderment.

"I have my ways," he replied with a knowing glint in his eye, surveying the space behind her. "Where are your bags? Are you staying here for a while?"

With a chuckle, Viola replied, "It's a long story," Taking a deep breath, she followed Victor as they made their way through the house.

"Welcome home, Violin," Viola's footsteps faltered at the sound of the voice. Closing her eyes, she turned to face the speaker. Only one person calls her by that name, and she stood there with a glass of wine in hand, leaning against the railing. Her auburn hair was so radiant and made her look powerful, Viola couldn't tear her gaze away. She must admit, Korra does intimidate her.

"Korra Linn," Viola greeted with a small smile. "It's good to see you again."

"After 8 long years, you've returned, Viola," she observed, taking slow steps down the stairs and gesturing for Victor to leave. "I thought you valued your freedom above all else. So why are you back? You should've stayed away."

"Why? Are you afraid of me?" She inquired.

Korra let out a maniacal laugh, studying Viola with an intense gaze. "An heiress, dressed like that? Where are your manners?" Leaning in, she whispered in Viola's ear, "You don't fit this title. Sooner or later, Viola, it will be mine, and I'll have you cast out."

Viola's legs trembled at the threat as she gulped, but she couldn't let her see her weakness. She clenched her fist, mustering a forced smile. "We'll see about that, Korra." Turning, she walked away, determined not to let Korra intimidate her even though she already has that hold on her.

The matter of the family business was one she had long avoided, but Korra's challenge has forced her to confront it. It was the very reason she left 8 years ago, at the tender age of 18, not wanting to bear that burden. Her parents didn't carry it, so why should she? Why couldn't she just explore the world like they were doing? But no, her grandmother chose her as her successor, claiming her as her true granddaughter while Anna was still too young.

As she made her way through the corridor towards her room, Victor approached her. "Young mistress."

Viola knew what that look meant. "Where is she?"

"Her room. Just this time, she is tired and has not been feeling well for the past few days."

"And you didn't take her to the hospital?"

Victor cleared his throat. "We did but she is getting old. Come." Viola followed Victor as they both made their way to her grandmother's room.

Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand on the doorknob. As she entered and closed the door behind her, she could hear the continuous beeping of the machines, making her anxious. She couldn't reach her parents' phone numbers.

She approached her grandmother's bed and pulled a chair closer to sit down. Glancing at her, Viola took her hand in hers

"Viola."

"I am back, grandmother." Her face lit up with joy and she simply nodded, as if she knew she would come back that day. "Are you feeling alright, Grandmother?"

She wanted to sit up, but Viola shook her head and gently helped her lie back down. However, she insisted that she was capable of sitting up on her own. As she helped her up, her grandmother embraced her in a big hug, her hand softly caressing her hair. How she had missed her touch. "My beautiful granddaughter," she kept repeating. "My precious."

Viola let go of her and joined her on the bed. "You're not surprised to see me," she remarked.

Her grandmother shook her head. "I knew you would return today. I have people keeping me updated, Viola."

"Wait. You spied on me? Have you been spying on me for years and having them relay information to you?"

"No, that would be absurd. No one knows your appearance so you were safe. You took the Linn's airline, thus I will be informed of your return. Which by the way landed last night but I do not want to know why you stayed out and just arrived today."

"Oh bother. Why didn't I consider using another one? Regardless, I am grateful that you are okay." She embraced her once more and gazed at her.

Her grandmother lightly tapped her hand. "I have something important to share with you, Viola."

What could be so important? Most likely regarding the heiress news.

"You may rest now, Grandmother. I will take charge from now on. You may have your private assistant groom me from Monday. I will go shopping for new attire tomorrow so you need not fret."

Her grandmother chuckled. "I am not worried. I trust you will handle everything with ease. After all, you are a Linn."

"So what could be more important than the heiress' news?"

She coughed and then cleared her throat. "I am growing older by the day, Viola, and I do not wish to depart without you being content with your own family."

Viola knew where this was leading. "Grandmother, you are not aging. In fact, you seem to be getting younger by the day."

Her grandmother chuckled. "Do not flatter me. I am sincere. This is about you and your stability before I leave. I am 91 years old and I desire to see my grandchildren before I go."

"Grandmother, I..." She interrupted her before she could finish.

"I have something for you." She reached for her nightstand and retrieved an envelope from beneath a book. She handed it to Viola.

"What is this?" Viola was perplexed as she examined the envelope.

"Open it."

She unsealed it and read the words written inside with trepidation. She then glared at her grandmother. "What is this?"

"A marriage proposal," she stated calmly.

"I can see that. It is written boldly, but for whom? Korra would not agree to this."

"You are my true granddaughter, not Korra. It is for you, Viola." Viola's eyes widened at the news and her grandmother added, "You have been matched with the Helios. Alec Helios."