132The next morning, Allvar woke up feeling surprisingly relaxed, but with a nagging headache throbbing at his temples. He lay there for a moment, contemplating the day ahead, then sighed, feeling an unusual resistance to the idea of going into the office.Deciding a day off wouldn’t hurt, he reached for his phone and dialed his secretary, Clarabelle. She picked up on the second ring.“Good morning, Mr. Falck,” she greeted him in her usual crisp tone.“Morning, Clarabelle. Listen, I’m not coming in today. Got a bit of a headache and could use the rest. Can you and Jacob handle everything?”“Of course, sir. Please don’t worry. Just focus on getting better,” she replied, her voice softening with concern. “Take care, and let us know if you need anything.”“Thanks, Clarabelle. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”Hanging up, Allvar couldn’t help but think about Seraphina. He pulled up her number and, without overthinking it, hit dial.A cheerful voice picked up almost immediately. “Allvar! I did

134“Marcus, you’ve got issues with me? Fine. But don’t you dare drag her into this.”Marcus laughed, loud and bitter. “Defensive, aren’t we? Afraid she’ll see you for what you really are?”Seraphina stepped in front of Allvar, facing Marcus with a calm strength. “You’re wrong. I’ve seen Allvar, all of him, and I know the man he is. Nothing you say will change that.”Marcus hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing his face before he masked it with a sneer. “Good luck, sweetheart. You’ll need it.” “All of this, because you got fired,” Allvar said, his tone cutting. “Your own actions finally caught up with you, and now you want to drag Seraphina into your mess just to soothe your bruised pride.”Marcus sneered, stepping closer, his fists tight. “Look at you, defending her now. What, is she your latest conquest, Falck? Just another name on your list? Another wallet to open when you’re in need?”Allvar’s eyes narrowed, his tone turning steely. “Watch your mouth, Marcus. Seraphina has nothi

136Both Allvar and Seraphina turned, their expressions shifting from surprise to annoyance as they spotted Marcus. His face was a mask of barely concealed rage, his eyes sharp with resentment. He looked at Allvar as if he’d like nothing better than to tear him down right there.“Marcus?” Allvar’s voice held a sharp edge. “What are you doing here? Weren’t the guards supposed to take you out of here?”“Oh, they tried.” Marcus’s grin widened mockingly, his gaze icy. “But I have my ways. Hard to keep a man down when he’s got a point to make. Figured I’d stick around and see what my replacement is up to.”Seraphina’s expression grew wary. She glanced at Allvar, noticing the subtle way his jaw clenched. He was clearly fighting to keep his composure. “Replacement?” she asked, her tone polite but firm.“Oh, he didn’t tell you?” Marcus laughed darkly, gesturing at Allvar with a mocking sweep of his hand. “Yes, your charming date here didn’t just take my job. He stole my entire career. Because

138After they finished their meal, Allvar leaned back in his chair, a relaxed smile finally settling on his face as the tension from earlier faded. Seraphina sipped the last of her drink, a mischievous glint in her eyes.“Well, Allvar,” she said, setting her glass down with a decisive clink, “I think I know exactly how we can lift your spirits after that little… interruption.”“Oh?” He raised a brow, intrigued. “And how’s that?”She leaned forward with a playful grin. “A shopping spree. My treat. After what Marcus put you through, you deserve it.”Allvar chuckled, shaking his head. “A shopping spree, huh? Well, if you’re inviting me, how can I say no?”She laughed, gathering her things. “Exactly. Besides, it’ll be fun. And we’re taking my car—leave yours here. I’ve got a feeling you’ll want to ride in style.”He glanced out at her sleek, luxurious car parked outside and gave a nod. “Alright, Seraphina. Lead the way.”They exited the restaurant, and soon he was comfortably settled in

140Serena’s mouth tightened, struggling to keep a forced smile. “Well,” she muttered with a dismissive wave of her hand, “enjoy it while it lasts. I give it… a month, tops.”Seraphina kept her serene smile. “Thanks for the concern, Serena,” she replied, her voice calm and perfectly polite, which only seemed to agitate Serena further. “But honestly? We’re having a fantastic time. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have real shopping to do.” Her gaze dropped to Serena’s outfit—a smirk just barely visible. “You understand, right?”Serena’s eyes flashed with anger, her lips pressing into a tight line as she caught the implication. Derek, seeing her mood, took a step forward, his attempt at intimidation only hindered by his bruised face. “Think you’re funny, huh, Allvar?” he sneered, forcing his face into what he probably thought was a menacing expression. “Bet you still remember the days when you couldn’t even afford to step foot in a place like this.”Allvar let out a mocking laugh. “Oh, righ