Sanna had prepared Sheri thoroughly, giving her daughter a long briefing about the task ahead. She made sure Sheri understood that this opportunity was more than just a courtesy call, it could shape both their family’s future and the Stable family’s ambitions. If Sheri handled herself well, she would not only make a good impression on the Billion Bloodline Group but also solidify the Curts family’s ties to them. On top of that, she would expand the relationship between their own household and the Stables, who were pressing hard for this deal.
Sanna had even taken the precaution of asking Anton to draft a contract beforehand. The document, already signed on his end, promised favorable terms to the Curts family in exchange for facilitating the introduction. It included clauses granting them ample promotional opportunities at a fraction of the normal cost. It was bold, a gamble, and it all hinged on whether Sheri could present the matter convincingly.
For Sheri, though, it felt like a heavy burden. She wasn’t simply presenting herself; she was, in a sense, expected to sell one company on behalf of another, and that company wasn’t even hers.
As she walked toward the front gate of the former Fortis building, now proudly stamped with the crimson diamond logo of the Billion Bloodline Group, she paused and drew in a deep breath. The courtyard stretched before her, wide and imposing, flanked by uniformed guards who looked more like soldiers than private security.
I hope Mother won’t be disappointed if this doesn’t work out, she thought nervously, her palms sweating despite the cool breeze. I don’t really know the inner details of business. All I have is this contract tucked in my bag, and a few polite words prepared in my head. Why couldn’t that fool Anton come himself? Oh right... if he had, he would’ve probably messed everything up even worse. Still, if I fail, she has to understand. She must.
The glass doors slid open, and Sheri stepped inside the lobby. The space was striking, polished marble floors, sleek furniture, and a faint scent of cedar that gave the atmosphere a mixture of wealth and authority. At the reception desk stood a blonde-haired man in a sharp suit. His posture was upright, his demeanor calm yet commanding, and there was something about him that tugged at Sheri’s memory.
The moment she saw him, she froze. The familiarity gnawed at her until he spoke.
"Sheri Curts," the man greeted with a warm smile, stepping forward and extending his hand. "It’s good to see you again."
His voice clicked the memory into place. Sheri blinked in surprise as she accepted his hand.
"Ah! You were at my graduation party, weren’t you? The representative who attended on behalf of the Billion Bloodline Group," she said, giving a small bow of her head. "I apologize for not recognizing you right away. I had so much on my mind that day, and I was constantly meeting new people."
She wasn’t wrong, Warma had gone to extra lengths at the party to appear particularly sharp and refined, presenting himself as a polished envoy. Today, though still well-dressed, he looked more like himself: his hair slightly looser, glasses perched nearby, his face relaxed rather than perfectly curated. It was enough to make him seem like a different person altogether. Still, Sheri couldn’t shake the strange sense that she had seen him elsewhere as well.
"Actually," Warma added, "that wasn’t the first time we met."
Sheri tilted her head, confused.
"I also saw you at Abby’s funeral," Warma said softly.
At those words, Sheri’s mind was pulled back to that somber day. Images of the funeral flashed in her head, the heavy atmosphere, the mourners gathered in silence. She had felt uncomfortable then, out of place, because although she had liked Abby and respected her as a good person, she had never been close to her in the same way others were. Attending had felt more like an obligation than a personal farewell. And now, realizing that Warma had been there too, she finally placed the connection.
"Wait," she said, eyes widening. "Now I remember. You’re Cindy’s father, aren’t you? And here you are, working as a representative of the Billion Bloodline Group. What a coincidence!"
Her tone was genuine, tinged with admiration, though part of her still struggled to reconcile the pieces.
Warma’s smile broadened slightly. If you really knew who was right under your nose, Sheri, I doubt you’d believe it at all,
"Please, I’m not as important as you make me sound," Warma said aloud, lifting a hand modestly. "In the grand scheme of things here, I play a small part. This position is actually a recent change for me. If I were truly someone significant, I wouldn’t still be living in Brinehurst, or sending my daughter to that school."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he winced inwardly. He had meant it casually, but he realized immediately that Sheri herself had attended Brinehurst.
"I understand," Sheri said quickly, with a small chuckle to ease the awkwardness. "Everyone knows the kind of reputation those schools in Brinehurst had. Even if things have improved, circumstances aren’t always ideal for the families that send their children there. Remember, I was there as well."
The tension softened. Sheri found herself relaxing now that she realized the representative she was meeting was someone she actually knew, someone whose daughter had walked the same halls as she had.
"Your mother arranged this meeting, correct?" Warma asked, his voice regaining its professional calm. "She mentioned that she wanted you to explore the Billion Bloodline Group more closely, and... she also asked if we were hiring."
Sheri’s cheeks flushed bright red. Her mother’s pushiness always found a way to embarrass her, especially when it came to career matters.
"Right... that does sound like her," Sheri admitted with a nervous laugh. "But yes, my mother also hoped I might extend greetings to the Chairman himself. I never properly thanked him for the necklace he sent, or for the help he’s given our family. And, well... she also asked me to bring up a potential deal. Did she tell you the details already?"
She asked it hesitantly, nervous about having to push the subject without sounding too forceful.
"She did," Warma replied, adjusting his glasses. "But I’ll be honest with you, we allowed this meeting largely because of who you are, Sheri. We’re willing to hear you out, but no decision has been made yet. If all goes well, perhaps we can give you an answer today. For now, though, shall we begin with a tour?"
Sheri nodded quickly, swallowing her nerves. This was it, the moment she had been prepared for. She followed Warma through the hall, her heart pounding harder with every step.
Today, at last, she would be meeting the Chairman of the Billion Bloodline Group.
A man she had never seen in person.
A man she already owed a debt to.
And a man whose name she had only ever heard in passing whispers.