Chapter 333: An Invitation Max wasn’t the only one caught in the quiet limbo of post-graduation. For Sheri, the change in her life was just as real, just as strange. Graduation was supposed to be the clean slate, the open horizon, but instead it felt like she was standing at a crossroads with no clear signposts. One thing that had remained constant, though, was her growing connection with Cindy. Since Abby’s passing, Sheri had kept up her conversations with Cindy, more than that, she found herself seeking them out. They weren’t best friends, not in the traditional sense, and Sheri didn’t know much about Abby beyond the stories Cindy sometimes shared. But still... she could never bring herself to push Cindy away. Somehow, Cindy felt safe. She felt like someone Sheri could talk to honestly, without worrying about status, wealth, or appearances. And in return, Sheri felt like a genuine friend for Cindy as well. That was rare in her world. Of course, there was the part of her life she didn’t share. The truth of being a wealthy heir, the constant weight of family expectation, the secret life of privilege and responsibility. That part remained locked away. Now, in the soft morning light streaming through the wide windows of her family’s luxurious apartment, Sheri sat at the island counter with her usual breakfast spread, fresh juice, buttered toast, and a plate of fruit cut into perfect little squares by staff who had already tidied the kitchen spotless. Her mother, Sanna, emerged humming a cheerful tune. She floated into the room with an ease that Sheri hadn’t seen in years. There was lightness in her steps as she hopped onto the stool across from her daughter, the hum trailing into a content sigh. Sheri had noticed it lately, her mother seemed... happy. The company’s profits were finally stable, the pressure from investors had evaporated, and there was no longer that looming threat of collapse hanging over their heads. Without constant panic about targets, sales, and debts, Sanna had become almost unrecognizable. Relaxed. Cheerful. Sheri couldn’t help but smile at the sight. It warmed her, even if a part of her remained wary. "Now that you’ve graduated," Sanna began, her voice suddenly shifting from playful to serious, "I thought it was best we talk about an important matter." Sheri’s smile faltered, her stomach dipping. She feared what might come next. "I’m talking about your marriage." "Mom!" Sheri groaned, her face twisting into exasperation. "No," Sanna cut her off sharply, holding up a hand. "Before you say anything, listen. It’s already been arranged." Sheri’s eyes widened. But Sanna leaned forward, softening her tone. "Look, I said before and I’ll say again, you don’t have to marry anyone you don’t want to. Not for the sake of saving the company, not for anyone’s convenience. But what I do want you to do is start looking for potential matches." Sheri blinked. "...Matches?" "You know how it is," Sanna continued, as if it were obvious. "People of our caliber cannot just trust anyone. If others know who we are, if they see how much wealth we have, they’ll come after you for the wrong reasons. They’ll marry you to climb higher, to access what we own, not because of you. So I’ve decided, " Sanna straightened proudly, ", to host a party. Officially, it will be to celebrate your graduation. But I’ve instructed our connections to bring their very best candidates. Their sons, their heirs. You’ll meet them, you’ll talk, and you’ll have options." Sheri slumped in her chair, shaking her head. She thought her mother had changed. She really had. But clearly, old habits died hard. In the end, it was always easier just to go along with these things. Resisting only led to arguments that went nowhere, and besides, Sanna wasn’t forcing her into anything. She could always reject the suitors afterward. And truthfully... Sheri didn’t even know what she wanted for herself yet. Her options stretched wide: forge her own path completely, step deeper into the family business, or pursue university studies that could help her later, whichever route she chose. Another thought had sometimes crept in as well: maybe she didn’t have to choose at all. Maybe she could just be a housewife, married to some rich heir, with the kind of life where every detail was handled for her. Why was that considered so wrong? Why was there always this pressure, to work, to prove, to achieve? Why couldn’t she just... relax? "I’ve also invited a very special guest," Sanna added, her tone suddenly excited. "I reached out to the Bloodline Group. I asked them to send a representative, and you should know, they will be our VIP." Sheri’s head snapped up, her eyes widening. "Oh! Really? Did they actually agree to send someone?" "Well..." Sanna admitted, her lips curving slyly, "I didn’t get a direct answer. But I did get this." She disappeared into another room for a moment and returned carrying a sleek black box. The logo of the Bloodline Group was stamped boldly across the lid. With careful hands, Sanna placed it on the counter in front of her daughter. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮 "It’s addressed to you, not to me," Sanna said with a smile. Sheri’s fingers trembled with excitement as she tore at the wrapping. Beneath the protective cloth, a striking red case gleamed. She opened it slowly, breath catching in her throat. Nestled inside was a golden necklace, encrusted with gems that shimmered like captured stars. At its center lay a ruby so large and deep in color it seemed to burn with its own fire. Sheri gasped, her voice caught in her throat. "I can’t believe it..." Her mother leaned closer, eyes bulging wide. "This... this is the Ruby Canal necklace! Do you understand? This is a one-of-a-kind piece by the famous designer Confere Junard. This necklace alone, it must be worth at least a million dollars! And they sent it to you!" Sheri’s heart pounded as she lifted the necklace delicately from its case, the cool weight of it pressing against her palms. Sanna noticed a small envelope tucked against the side. She tore it open and read aloud. "Congratulations on graduating. It is an important milestone in all of our lives. If we are able, we will send a representative to your event. In honor of our relationship, and in hope of future cooperation, we wish the young Miss to enjoy this gift." Sanna’s hands trembled as she folded the note back. Her eyes blazed with urgency as she looked at her daughter. "Sheri. Do you understand? You have to do everything you can to please the Bloodline Group." Sheri lifted her gaze from the necklace, giving her mother a look that said everything. After all the lectures, all the insistence about not marrying for benefits, about not lowering herself for someone else’s gain, now her mother was saying this? "I understand they’re important, Mother," Sheri said carefully. "Don’t worry, I’ll be respectful. But can I ask you a favor?" Sanna raised an eyebrow. "Do you mind inviting Max Stern as well?"