The general's dinner party began at six-thirty. Sean wore a neatly pressed, well-fitting casual outfit, carrying a carefully prepared gift in his left hand—a bottle of Crown Vodka. He believed General Ross, who enjoyed cigars and hard liquor, would certainly like it. In his other hand was a bouquet of white tulips, symbolizing purity and beauty. Surely, they would not be too presumptuous as a gift for Betty upon meeting her for the first time.
The young woman who opened the door for him was tall and elegant, with smooth, long brown hair and refined features. Her striking blue eyes possessed an intelligent, reserved charm.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Betty."
After entering and setting down his gifts, Sean took the initiative to extend his hand. Once he had briefly introduced himself, he presented the bouquet of white tulips.
Having suddenly been called back to New York from Virginia by her father, the general's beloved daughter seemed to be in a somewhat sour mood. Ever since the Banner incident, her relationship with General Ross had become extremely strained.
Out of basic upbringing and social etiquette, Betty reluctantly shook Sean's hand. Her cool manner carried a trace of unwillingness. Clearly, she understood what it meant for an unfamiliar young man to appear at a family dinner gathering like this.
"I know that Miss Betty holds a doctorate in genetic biology from Culver University. When Umbrella was first established, we even extended an invitation to you."
Sean did not take offense at the girl's perfunctory attitude. He did not possess some hormone aura that made every woman who saw him eagerly throw herself at him.
If that ever happened, all he needed to do was clutch his wallet tightly. As Harry often said, when a hot, beautiful girl smiled at