There was a quiet deliberation in Max’s mind about whether he should allow Sheri to have an internship at the building.
On one hand, her being there meant that he would constantly have to tiptoe around her. Every time she walked past, every time she asked a question, he would need to measure his words carefully, keeping the truth of who he was locked away. But then again, wasn’t that already the case with everyone else inside the Billion Bloodline building? Every employee, every guard, even most of his so-called "associates", none of them knew the full story. He lived every day behind a curtain, showing people only what they needed to see. Sheri being there didn’t change that.
Other than that, he couldn’t really find a strong reason to decline her. Refusing her would only raise questions and draw attention, and attention was the last thing he wanted. So in the end, he decided to accept her application.
Warma, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t help but think that Max was developing a soft spot for Sheri. The way he considered her presence more carefully than most, the way he agreed without hesitation, it gave that impression.
But for Max, it didn’t feel that way. Not exactly. At least, that wasn’t how he would explain it to himself. Ever since losing Abby, there was a strange, unsettled ache in his chest. He couldn’t stop thinking about the choices he had made. He had pushed Abby away, believing it was for the best, and in the end, he lost her. Sometimes he caught himself wondering, if he had done the opposite, if he had pulled her closer instead of keeping her at arm’s length, would things have turned out differently?
It was a question that haunted him. And because that thought constantly crossed his mind, he had decided, almost unconsciously, to try the opposite this time. With Sheri, he wouldn’t push away. He would bring her closer.
So it became Sheri’s first official day at the Billion Bloodline building.
"All right, Sheri, right?" Nesa asked as she pushed her glasses higher up the bridge of her nose. She gave Sheri a long look, studying her from head to toe with a gaze that felt like it was measuring, weighing, and judging all at once.
Sheri, however, had come prepared. She was dressed in a professional outfit, nothing flashy, nothing overly extravagant that would scream of wealth or privilege. She looked like a genuine intern, someone willing to work, to learn, to start from the bottom.
"We didn’t really have time to set up an internship program," Nesa explained, her tone brisk, efficient, as though she had already repeated these words in her head before speaking them. "So we’re sorting things out as we go. You’ll be shadowing one of the departments once they’re fully established. It could be marketing, or maybe analyzing companies for investment opportunities. Whatever fits your preference in the long run."
Nesa paused, adjusting her glasses again. "But most of those departments aren’t set up yet. The structure is still in progress. Don’t worry, we’re not just going to let you sit around idle."
Sheri nodded quickly, listening intently.
"One of our reception staff was recently fired," Nesa continued. "Since then, we’ve been rotating other key members to cover the desk, which is inefficient and disruptive. For now, I’d like you to take the role of receptionist."
Sheri smiled politely. "Don’t worry. I have no problem with that at all. Since I’ve never done anything like this before, any experience is good experience. I’m happy to do whatever’s needed."
Her answer was sincere, and Nesa gave her a curt nod.
The instructions were simple enough. Nesa showed Sheri how to use the phone system, how to check the schedule, and which questions to ask incoming visitors.
If a visitor had an appointment, Sheri was to check the system, confirm, and then direct them to the correct department while notifying the staff of their arrival. If they didn’t, she was to call the relevant department and follow instructions.
The tasks seemed fairly straightforward, easy enough to remember, as long as she kept calm and stayed organized.
"All right," Nesa said at last, already walking toward the elevator with quick, precise steps. "If there’s anything urgent or anything you’re unsure of, contact me directly."
Sheri watched her go. There was one question she had wanted to ask: where was Max? Wasn’t he supposed to be an intern here too? If most of the departments were still unfinished, then what exactly was he doing?
Maybe they’ve got him moving boxes and setting up offices, she thought. Compared to that, being at reception feels much easier. Maybe I should consider myself lucky.
The day began to unfold. A few people came in, most of them representatives from companies hoping to schedule meetings or secure a chance to pitch. Sheri found herself slipping into the rhythm quickly.
To her surprise, she already knew a great deal about the businesses that came through the doors. It gave her something to talk about, little bits of context and insight that impressed even the visitors. Many of them left raising their brows in mild surprise that a receptionist knew so much about their companies.
Of course, they didn’t realize that Sheri had grown up in this world. She was used to hearing names of businesses, understanding the dynamics of investors and partners, picking up knowledge through osmosis from her mother. She wasn’t just any receptionist, but she didn’t tell them that.
As she was settling into the work, the glass doors slid open again. A man walked in, his posture sheepish, his suit a plain brown that looked a little out of place in the sleek environment of the building.
He glanced left and right, almost nervously, as though searching for someone. When he drew closer, Sheri’s eyes widened in recognition.
"Anton... is that you?" Sheri asked.
The sound of his name made Anton jump slightly. He straightened his suit quickly, adjusting his tie, trying to regain composure. His eyes darted around, scanning the lobby nervously, searching for the man he had met last time, the one who had struck him down so brutally. But he couldn’t see him anywhere.
"Sheri?" Anton said at last, forcing a smile. "What are you doing here? I remember you saying something about interning, but... as a receptionist?" He let out a small laugh. "You can do better than this, can’t you?"
His tone carried the faint edge of mockery, though it was carefully disguised as casual banter.
Still, as the thought formed in his mind, his expression shifted. If Sheri was at the front desk, then maybe... maybe he could finally get what he had come here for.