152The words hit like a slap in the face. Allvar’s eyes darkened, his usually calm demeanor now strained as the cashier’s attitude shifted. "You’re threatening us?" he asked, his voice low but dangerously firm.Seraphina, her patience wearing thin, took a step forward, her eyes blazing. "We’ve been nothing but polite," she said, her voice unwavering. "And we don’t need to explain ourselves to you, Serena, or anyone else."Serena tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Oh, of course, you don’t need to explain, do you?" she mocked. "You’ve got the whole thing figured out. A woman of mystery and lies, pretending to be something she’s not." Derek snorted, crossing his arms. "And don’t forget the poor, sad little man with her," he added, his voice dripping with derision. "A perfect pair of losers, if you ask me."Seraphina’s eyes flicked to Allvar, her expression unwavering, but her voice cut through the growing tension. "We will pay," she sai

154“You’re really doing this?” Seraphina said, shaking her head slightly. “Allvar, this is madness. They’re going to tear you apart if—”“Wait for it,” Derek interjected, his voice louder now, meant to command attention. “Let’s all watch as the great Allvar tries to buy his way out of a hole he dug for himself.”Serena smirked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Oh, this is rich. Watch him squirm.”The soft hum of the register processing the transaction seemed to echo louder than before, filling the silence that had descended. The cashier’s expression shifted subtly as seconds ticked by. Her eyes darted between the screen and the card in her hand. The sneer she wore began to slip, replaced by something approaching unease.Seraphina’s breath caught in her throat. She glanced around the room, noticing how the spectators had drawn closer, their disbelief giving way to a more predatory interest. “Allvar,” she whispered

156They made their way to where Seraphina had parked her car. The narrow alley they passed through was filled with the muffled hum of distant traffic. Seraphina kept glancing at Allvar, her eyes wide, her pulse drumming in her ears as if amplifying the unspoken questions swirling in her mind.“Allvar,” she said, breaking the silence, her voice taut and uncertain, “who 'are' you, really?” The words came out in a near-whisper, but they carried a weight that made Allvar pause mid-stride.He turned to face her, for a brief moment, his eyes met hers, dark and unfathomable, before flickering away.“Seraphina,” he began, forcing a smile that looked almost convincing. “My family had investments. Some of them paid off… more than anyone expected.”“Investments?” she echoed, her brows knitting together. The word felt hollow, like an excuse crafted too neatly to be the whole truth. She took a step closer, tilting her head as if proxim

158When he finally arrived at his family’s mansion, the sky was a deep indigo, speckled with the first stars of the evening. He parked in the circular driveway and stepped out, the grand facade of the house looming before him. The cool night air whispered past him, carrying with it the faint scent of jasmine from the gardens.The mansion was silent, save for the quiet rustle of leaves in the breeze. As he stepped inside, Mr. Lorentz, the family’s ever-attentive butler, was already waiting in the foyer, hands clasped behind his back.“Welcome back, sir,” Mr. Lorentz said with a polite smile that hinted at genuine concern. “Long day, I assume?”Allvar managed a tired nod. “You could say that, Mr. Lorentz. Anything noteworthy while I was away?”“Not particularly, sir, except for a message from your father. He mentioned he would like to speak with you in the morning.”Allvar’s brow furrowed. “Did he say why?”Mr. Lorentz shook his head. “Only that it was of importance, sir. Would you lik

160The night of the party had arrived, and Derek stood in front of his ornate, full-length mirror, fingers fastening the last button of his tailored, jet-black suit jacket. The fabric was impeccable, crafted from the finest silk with subtle gold-thread embroidery at the cuffs and collar.Despite the meticulous attire, a faint bruise still shadowed his cheek, a stubborn remnant of the confrontation that lingered as a dull throb with each movement of his arm. Below, the deep bass of music pulsed through the walls, signaling that guests were already mingling in the grand ballroom, glasses clinking and laughter echoing like a challenge.Derek took a deep breath, trying to steady the fury simmering in his chest. The humiliation of that day still stung, and his hatred for Allvar, the man who had sparked it all, burned brighter than ever.Suddenly, the door burst open without warning. Victor strode in, his imposing presence filling the room in an instant. His cold eyes swept over Derek, not