Young God of Knowledge

16 Family Meeting

The car stopped in front of the Wibisono family mansion. Vivian got out, her steps still a little unsteady, the lingering effects of tonight's experience. Kevin followed behind her.

But as soon as they entered the house, the head butler approached Vivian with a tense expression.

"Miss Vivian, you are requested to come to the family meeting room immediately."

Vivian frowned. "Now? It's already nighttime."

"Master Bernard requested it." The butler swallowed hard. "He is already waiting with the others."

Vivian and Kevin exchanged glances. Bernard Wibisono. Vivian's grandfather. The patriarch of the family who had secluded himself in the basement for the past three years to deepen his cultivation. If he had come out and called a family meeting...

"All right." Vivian nodded. "Kevin, you—"

"I'm sorry, Miss." The butler interrupted awkwardly. "The Master only requested Miss Vivian's presence. Mr Kevin is requested to wait outside."

Vivian was unhappy with the arrangement, but she had no choice. "Wait here, Kevin. I'll be right back."

Kevin nodded. "Don't worry."

Vivian followed the butler to the meeting room in the west wing of the mansion. The large wooden door closed behind her.

Kevin stood alone in the corridor.

But he wasn't really alone. His eyes were closed, his concentration focused. With a little effort, his hearing penetrated the thick walls and soundproof doors.

The voices from inside the meeting room began to sound clear.

---

The Wibisono family meeting room was a large room with a round table in the middle. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the faces of those who were already waiting.

Bernard Wibisono sat in the main chair. A man in his seventies with white hair and a body that was still sturdy despite his age. His eyes were sharp like an eagle's, his aura intimidating anyone who dared to look him in the eye. A ninth-level practitioner of the Foundation Building Realm, one of the strongest in Aranca City.

Next to him sat Beni and Clara. Then Hendra Wibisono, Beni's younger brother and Alwin's father, with his wife Nava.

Vivian entered and immediately felt the pressure of her grandfather's gaze.

"Sit down," Bernard said in a deep, authoritative voice.

Vivian took the empty chair opposite her grandfather. "Grandfather, what's going on? Why this sudden meeting?"

Bernard did not answer immediately. He studied his granddaughter's face with an unreadable gaze.

"I hear you are completely healthy now," Bernard finally said. "Good. The Wibisono family needs a strong heir, not one who is bedridden."

"Thank you, Grandfather. It's thanks to—"

"Thanks to your husband?" Bernard interrupted. "Kevin Tanjaya?"

Vivian nodded cautiously. "Yes. He's the one who healed me."

Bernard snorted. "I've heard that story. But I've also heard another story." His eyes narrowed. "The story about his past. About the rape allegations five years ago."

"That's not true!" Vivian immediately defended him. "Kevin couldn't possibly—"

"You've only known him for a few days." Beni cut in sharply. "Don't pretend to know the character of someone you don't even know."

"But Father—"

"Be quiet and listen." Bernard raised his hand, stopping the argument. "This marriage cannot go ahead."

Vivian froze. "What?"

"You are healthy now." Bernard continued calmly. "You are no longer a disabled woman on the verge of death. Your status is different. You are the main heir to the Wibisono Group. Your husband must be equal to your position."

"But Kevin—"

"Kevin Tanjaya is trash." Hendra spoke with a dismissive tone. "I've done my research. The Tanjaya family is almost bankrupt. Their company is in ruins. Employees are being laid off en masse. They can't even pay their debts."

He placed a folder on the table. "Here's the report. The Tanjaya family is not worthy of being related to the Wibisono family. Ever."

Vivian stared at the folder without touching it. "His family's situation has nothing to do with Kevin as a person."

"Of course it does," Beni said loudly. "Why do you think they wanted to marry Kevin to you? For love? Don't be naive, Vivian. They're using you. Using your illness to get their son into our family."

Clara, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up. "But Kevin saved Vivian. If it weren't for him, Vivian might still be unconscious. We owe him a debt of gratitude."

Bernard looked at Clara coldly. "A debt of gratitude? Maybe Vivian would have regained consciousness on her own. The cycle of death could have ended by chance at the wedding. There is no proof that Kevin actually cured her."

"But Grandfather—" Vivian tried to argue.

"Enough." Bernard raised his hand again. "The decision has been made. This wedding will be cancelled."

Vivian clenched her fists under the table. "Kevin is not the person you think he is. He has proven himself. Yesterday, he successfully collected eighty billion in debts that had been uncollectible for years."

Hendra laughed mockingly. "Oh, so now he has a track record as a debt collector? That's great. The beloved grandchild of the Wibisono family is marrying a thug."

"He's not a thug!"

"Then what is he?" Beni interjected. "A successful debt collector? That's not a qualification to be the husband of the heir to the Wibisono Group, Vivian. We need someone with a clear background, a respectable family, and accountable abilities."

Vivian tried another argument. "Tonight, Kevin saved me again. There was a man who tried to—"

"I've heard about Victor Bernstein." Bernard interrupted. "Starting tomorrow, there will be additional security for you. You no longer need to rely on your husband for protection."

"But—"

"Vivian." Clara's voice was soft but firm. "I also disagree with this decision. But..." She glanced at Bernard with a resigned look. "Your grandfather has made his decision."

Vivian looked at her mother with teary eyes. Clara was the only one who supported her, but even her mother couldn't go against Bernard's decision.

"You will find the right time to announce the cancellation of the wedding." Bernard said in a final tone. "Do it elegantly. Don't let any scandal tarnish the family name."

Vivian sat in silence. All her arguments were exhausted. All her defences were rejected. She had lost.

"The meeting is over." Bernard stood up. "Vivian, do what must be done."