Allvar’s poised demeanor didn’t falter as Derek loomed closer, his face a mask of rage. The room had gone noticeably quieter, the tension between the trio drawing curious glances from nearby guests. Allvar didn’t care. He thrived in moments like these, where his composure became his sharpest weapon. “Enemies, huh?” Derek sneered, his fists clenching at his sides. “Big words for someone who barely got an invite. You think just because you’ve got a fancy suit and a champagne glass, you’re on our level?”Allvar’s gaze flicked to Derek’s fists, then back to his face, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “An invite?” He swirled his champagne, the liquid catching the light. “You seem confused, Derek. I don’t need an invitation to step into a room that was practically built for me.”Victoria barked a laugh, her voice dripping with disdain. “Built for you? Oh, please. You’ve got delusions of grandeur, Allvar. You’re nothing more than an overhyped outsider with a chip on your shoulder.”“Is tha

173Victor Hawthorne, seated at the head of the sleek, modern conference table, surveyed the room of potential clients with a critical eye. The polished surfaces reflected the subtle gold accents that decorated the space, casting a warm glow around the room. His sharp gaze took in the men and women before him, all well-dressed in expensive suits and gowns, their laughter filling the air as they exchanged stories and sipped on fine wine. The soft clinking of glasses and the low murmur of conversation created an almost intimate atmosphere. Victor leaned back in his chair, the dim lighting casting a shadow on his weathered face, and allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. Tonight was supposed to be a success—an evening that solidified his position and strengthened ties with these powerful individuals. Across from him, his brother Reginald, and father of Victoria, a man with a broad frame and graying temples, leaned forward with an easy smile as he raised his glass. The air was thi

175The buzz of the crowd grew louder, rippling with shock and intrigue as whispers flitted from guest to guest. Allvar’s audacity had left the room captivated, but for Derek and Victoria, the public humiliation was unbearable. Their faces burned with rage, and Derek’s chest heaved as he tried to suppress the urge to lash out again.“This is my father’s house!” Derek bellowed, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a whip. He stepped closer to Allvar, his eyes wild with fury. “You don’t belong here, and I’m telling you for the last time—get the hell out!”Allvar regarded him with an infuriatingly calm expression, his champagne glass still in hand. He tilted his head, considering Derek’s words as if he were pondering a minor inconvenience. “And what,” Allvar said slowly, his voice dripping with mockery, “if I say no?”The room gasped collectively, the audacity of his reply sending another wave of murmurs through the crowd.“He’s a fool,” someone whispered from the back. “What is he