Sanna had mentioned the Billion Bloodline guest casually, almost offhand, as though it were no bigger than any of the other details she fussed over when arranging an event. For her, this was a chance to impress, a chance to showcase that her family still had influence, still had value. What she didn’t realize, however, was just how heavily the words weighed on everyone else at the table.
"They accepted the invite?" Sheri asked, her voice carrying genuine surprise. Even she hadn’t expected her mother to secure such an important guest.
"They did," Sanna replied with an air of pride. "But don’t worry too much. I doubt it will be the Chairman. Whoever the Chairman is, they’re surely far too busy for something like this. More than likely, they’ll send a representative. Perhaps even the same one you met, Sheri. So, don’t let it trouble you. This is a joint venture between us all, and I thought it only proper to celebrate the partnership."
Sheri nodded slowly, trying to mask her nerves, but Anton, seated across the table, was struggling. Beads of sweat had begun forming along his hairline.
The last time he had tried to approach the Billion Bloodline group, everything had gone horribly wrong. Instead of a warm welcome, he had been turned away, humiliated, even. They might have accepted the deal afterward, but Anton suspected it was only because of Sheri. The memory of Darno smirking at him, of being dismissed like some nuisance, made his stomach churn.
How will they react if they see me here tonight? Anton thought, gripping his wine glass tighter. Will I have to apologize? Pretend as if nothing happened? Or worse, what if they expose me in front of everyone?
The thought of being belittled in front of Sanna and Sheri made his chest burn with shame.
Darno, too, shifted uncomfortably. He hadn’t expected this development either. His usual grin faltered as his thoughts turned inward.
Damn it. Did Sanna know I worked for the Billion Bloodline group? No... she can’t have known. I told her I was with a private security firm, and she clearly believed it. She has no idea that our old Fortis operation was bought out, restructured, and placed directly under their umbrella.
The real problem wasn’t that a representative was coming, it was which one . Darno prayed it wouldn’t be the man he thought it might be. Ever since their paths had crossed, his life seemed to revolve around that infuriating figure.
As the conversation continued, both men pieced together what had happened. The Billion Bloodline group wasn’t just a security operation; it was a venture capitalist powerhouse now. They had bought Fortis, seized their headquarters, and were using it as the foundation for their own operations. Deals were being signed, ventures launched. And here they were, all waiting nervously to see who would walk through that door.
The air grew thick with tension. Even Sheri, usually calm in such settings, fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve.
Before long, Sanna lifted her glass and added, "Ah, and there is one more thing. We have another guest tonight, besides the representative from the Billion Bloodline group. They asked me if I could arrange an introduction, and of course, I agreed. Consider this my personal contribution, bringing us all together. I think it would be wise if you were respectful to them as well."
"Oh?" Anton said, forcing nonchalance into his tone as he sipped from his glass. His nose wrinkled slightly. He recognized quality, and while the wine was fine, it wasn’t the pinnacle of what money could buy. For the caliber of guests Sanna claimed to have invited, he thought it was rather cheap. Still, he smiled politely. "And who, may I ask, did you invite?"
Just then, the sliding doors to the VIP room opened, and a young woman stepped inside.
She wore a pristine white dress paired with a tailored skirt, the kind that blended elegance with understated professionalism. Her dark hair was tied neatly at the back of her head, framing flawless skin that glowed under the room’s warm light. With a composed smile, she stepped further in.
"It appears I’ve arrived a little later than the rest of you," she said, her voice calm yet confident. "I apologize for the delay."
She glanced at the table, noting the empty spaces beside Anton and Darno. Before she could choose, Sanna quickly rose from her seat with an almost theatrical flourish.
"Everyone," she announced proudly, "I would like to introduce you to Bobo Stern. She is one of the most academically gifted members of the Stern family and has already set her sights on achieving greater things."
The moment the name Stern
The Stern family.
In this country, their influence was unrivaled. Wealth, power, political ties, the Sterns sat at the very top of the pyramid. No other family commanded the same level of respect, or fear.
Darno’s usual bravado evaporated in an instant. How does that damned hag know someone like her? I knew Sanna had money, but the Sterns are on an entirely different level. I need to hold my tongue. I can’t slip up here.
Even Anton was taken aback. His lips twitched in a forced smile, but inwardly, he was impressed. He had always known the Curts family had ties to the Sterns, that was the foundation of their arranged marriage plans, after all. Still, to see it in person, to witness Sanna bringing such a powerful connection into a private dinner, left him begrudgingly impressed.
Wait... didn’t Sanna say this additional guest wanted to meet the Billion Bloodline group? Anton thought. Does that mean Bobo Stern is seeking investment?
It was strange. A Stern, asking for outside backing? Normally, they had no shortage of resources. But Anton knew such things did happen. Sometimes, powerful families partnered with other groups, combining influence for even greater returns.
Bobo smiled graciously at the table, dipping her head ever so slightly. "It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I hope this evening brings great fortune to each of us."
She moved to sit down, and once she did, the tension eased slightly. Yet the anticipation still clung to the room. Everyone knew one last guest was expected.
Then, once more, the door opened.
All heads turned in unison, expecting the arrival of the Billion Bloodline representative.
Sanna herself rose to her feet, ready to greet them with her most charming smile. But as she looked upon the figure who stepped through the door, the words caught in her throat. Her body froze, her face draining of color.
"What... are you doing here?" she whispered, her voice trembling as though she had seen a ghost.
Her eyes locked on him, wide with shock.
"Max."