From Bullets To Billions novel Chapter 336

Chapter 336: The Question of the Ruby Canel

The name of the Billion Bloodline Group was quickly becoming a buzzword in the upper echelons of Notting Hill. It hadn’t yet reached the status of long-standing families or global firms, but within the city, its reputation was spreading like fire. And much of that was thanks to Sanna Curts herself.

She could not stop praising them. To anyone who would listen, she sang about how they had saved her company, about how they alone had possessed the insight to see her business through its roughest storm. That kind of endorsement, coming from a woman well-known for her lavish events and respected social ties, carried weight.

Because of her, other families began to take notice. Whispers circled at gatherings and private dinners. Who had been reckless, or bold, enough to invest in such a risky venture? Sometimes these punts paid off, yes, but most often they were little more than expensive failures. Whoever had placed their trust in the Curts at such a low point was either foolish beyond measure... or terrifyingly shrewd.

Now, in the glowing light of Sheri’s graduation event, the question rose again, focused sharply on the glittering jewel resting against her collarbone.

"A gift from the Billion Bloodline Group?" Anton Stable muttered as his eyes narrowed on the necklace. His voice wasn’t meant to carry, but it did, heavy with doubt. "Do they truly have so much money to waste on a gift like that... or are they trying to trick us all?"

The words, though quiet, stung Sanna immediately. Her lips tightened into a frown, and she turned her sharp gaze on him.

"You think it’s fake?" she said, her tone cutting. "Why don’t you look for yourself? Examine it with your own eyes!"

In truth, Sanna herself had no absolute certainty. The world of replicas had grown sophisticated; counterfeiters could reproduce jewels so convincingly that only seasoned professionals could tell the difference. Still, she chose to believe. She chose to put her faith in the company that had put their faith in her. The Billion Bloodline Group would not dare insult her, or her daughter, by sending something so foolish as a forgery. At least, that was what she desperately hoped.

With a graceful motion, she gestured for Sheri to remove the necklace. Sheri’s hands moved slowly, almost reluctantly, unclasping the piece and lifting it away. Even she was nervous.

Why would a venture firm, one we barely know, send something like this? Sheri thought as her fingers trembled faintly. We’ve never met them face-to-face, and we still haven’t even repaid the loan they gave us. And yet here is a necklace worth a tenth of that entire loan? It’s madness. Surely this can’t be real.

The jewel was placed into Anton’s waiting palm. He held it with a weight that felt heavier than mere gold and gems. His eyes flickered with professional instinct. The Stable family dealt in luxury car sales, but over the years they had dabbled in other luxury markets, watches, jewelry, rare collectibles. Anton himself had been trained to spot quality at a glance, to separate true buyers from pretenders the moment they stepped into his showrooms.

He tilted the ruby under the light, studying the gleam. The craftsmanship was impeccable. The metal was pure. Every surface screamed authenticity, yet the very rarity of the piece made him hesitate.

"Well?" Christopher Owens asked, leaning closer. "You’ve been staring at it long enough. Real or not?"

Why am I upset? she asked herself, staring down at her own hands. I already guessed it wasn’t real. So why does it feel like a betrayal? Is it because... for a moment, I believed someone actually cared enough to give me and my family something so extravagant?

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