While Max lingered around Sanna and Sheri, listening to Warma field introductions, a certain pattern became painfully clear.
Every time Sanna had the chance, she praised the Billion Bloodline Group endlessly. She called them visionary, ground-breaking, the kind of organization that could see the future before it arrived. At the same time, she slipped in little jabs toward Max. Subtle at first, then sharper as the conversation went on.
"If only you could learn from a group like theirs, Max," she said at one point with a polite smile, though her eyes gleamed with scorn. "You should take their example. Perhaps you could even do an internship with them. It would give you something useful to do while you figure yourself out."
Each time her words landed, Warma felt his stomach twist tighter. He dabbed at his forehead with his handkerchief, his nerves worsening by the second. Beside him, Sheri shifted uncomfortably. She could feel it too, her mother's fixation on one guest and her dismissal of another.
"Mother, please," Sheri finally said gently, lowering her voice. "Can you take it down a notch? There's no need to keep insulting Max. Things aren't the same as they were before."
She understood the history well enough. Her mother had always expected the engagement between Sheri and Max to bring great advantage to their family, and when it failed, her disappointment had twisted into disdain. But their family wasn't drowning in debt anymore. That chapter of desperation had passed. To keep treating Max as though he were worthless felt cruel.
Max himself, however, wore an easy smile. "You know," he said lightly, "maybe that's not a bad idea. Perhaps I should intern at the company, if you've got any positions. Who knows? If you come visit, you might even see me around."
Sanna gave a small chuckle, the kind that dismissed his words as a joke, and quickly steered the topic elsewhere. She had something else on her mind.
"Tell me," she said, turning back to Warma, "is there anyone close to the CEO who might be… rather young? Someone Sheri could meet? Perhaps she could intern at your company too. We do want her to join the family business eventually, but it's good to diversify her skills, don't you think?"
Sheri froze, her cheeks heating at her mother's blatant suggestion.
"Not that I'm aware of," Warma replied carefully. In truth, there were officially only two employees in the entire Bloodline front, but he had already been considering ways to expand the roster. Things were becoming more complicated, and he knew he would need to discuss it with Max soon.
Then, perhaps foolishly, he added, "Although… our CEO himself is quite young."
Sanna's eyes brightened instantly, her hands coming together in excitement.
Max, meanwhile, simply sipped his drink and smiled to himself. So much for foresight, he thought wryly. The truth was far simpler than anyone here imagined. He hadn't poured money into saving Sheri's company because he believed in market potential or future growth. He had done it because he couldn't bear to see her cry. That was it.
They had managed to succeed thanks to their own efforts, he was just lucky that the situation turned out to be what it was.
Still, the myth of the Billion Bloodline Group's brilliance had grown far beyond the truth. And perhaps, Max admitted, that wasn't such a bad thing.
While the conversation continued, Anton and Christopher hovered nearby, pretending to chat with one another but clearly listening in. Anton's phone buzzed in his pocket. With a glance toward Sheri, he quickly excused himself and answered.
"Anton," his father's voice came sharply through the line. "I've heard that a representative from the Billion Bloodline Group is present at the Curts event. Tell me you've introduced yourself properly. Tell me you haven't embarrassed us."
"I've spoken a few words here and there," Anton muttered.
"Not enough," his father snapped. "This is an opportunity. We've been looking to expand, but rent prices across Notting Hill are absurd. We don't have the funds to purchase the properties outright, but the Billion Bloodline Group clearly does. From my research, it's not just gyms they've bought, they've purchased the entire buildings. They might be the only group willing to take a gamble with us. You must get that investment. Do you understand?"
The call ended abruptly. Anton stood frozen, his fist clenching tighter and tighter. A flare of determination burned in his chest. Whatever it takes, he thought. I'll get on Warma's good side. I'll secure that deal.
Back at the table, the stream of introductions hadn't slowed. Even seated beside Sanna, Warma was constantly approached by guests eager to shake his hand. At last, desperate for relief, Warma decided to execute something he had been planning for weeks. He leaned toward Sanna and spoke in a low voice.
She listened, then her lips curved in delight.
"Oh, I think that's a wonderful idea," she said aloud. Rising gracefully, she picked up a small silver spoon and tapped the rim of her glass. The clear ring of metal against crystal silenced the chatter across the room. Dozens of faces turned toward her.
"Everyone," Sanna began with a practiced smile, "there has been much talk this evening about the Billion Bloodline Group, and with good reason. What Mr. Warma has shared with me is most exciting. The Billion Bloodline Group will soon be opening their doors to individual meetings. Next week, they will begin accepting appointments to discuss further investments."
For a heartbeat the room was still. Then applause erupted, echoing across the lavish restaurant hall. Hands clapped, glasses lifted, and murmurs rippled like waves.
Anton's heart hammered in his chest. His father's words replayed in his head. You must get that investment. He clenched his jaw and vowed then and there: no matter what it took, he would secure a deal with the Billion Bloodline Group.
Max, standing just a few feet away, merely raised his glass and hid a quiet smile.