71The snickers continued around the room, growing louder with every passing moment. One man leaned over his table, pointing in Allvar’s direction. “Bet he doesn’t even have enough to cover half the bill,” he scoffed. “Classic pauper move, relying on the lady.”Allvar kept his gaze forward, but Seraphina noticed the flicker of anger in his eyes. She leaned toward him, her voice a quiet murmur. “Are you going to let them continue?” Her eyes were twinkling with a mixture of amusement and irritation. “Or should we remind them that not every insult requires a response?”Allvar gave her a brief smile, more tense than warm. “Some things don’t deserve a response.”Allvar gave her a brief smile, but his gaze remained cool as he turned back to the waiter. “I apologize for the delay. Let’s settle the bill.”The waiter, clearly still convinced they were trying to pull a stunt, huffed. “About time,” he muttered, retreating to fetch the check.As the snickers continued around the room, a woman’s v

73Seraphina placed a calming hand on his arm, though her eyes remained locked on the waiter. “Ignore them,” she whispered. “They’re beneath us.”The waiter, however, wasn’t finished. “See? Even the lady’s trying to calm you down,” he said with a chuckle. “Maybe she knows something you don’t—like how this place runs on appearances.”Allvar stood abruptly, his chair scraping harshly against the floor. He glared at the waiter, his patience threadbare. “You want proof I can pay?” His voice was low, dangerous, each word more venomous than the last. The waiter took a step back, momentarily surprised, but recovered quickly. “Oh, I’m not asking for proof, sir. Just pointing out that some places have certain... standards.”“That’s enough,” Seraphina interrupted, her voice as sharp as ice. “Your insinuations are unfounded, and frankly, unprofessional.”Allvar leaned in closer to the waiter, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “Do you think insulting me will get you a bigger tip?”The wa

75A few days had passed since Allvar's meeting with the Henleys, and he found himself anxiously awaiting their decision, though he tried to stay optimistic. He replayed the conversation in his head multiple times, going over every detail, every nod of approval, every hint of hesitation. After how the meeting had gone, he was hopeful they would approve the new proposal, but the waiting was eating at him.Allvar was in his office, poring over some paperwork, trying to keep his mind busy, when there was a knock at the door. His assistant poked her head in, her usual cheery smile in place.“The Henleys are on the phone for you,” she said, her tone more excited than usual, as if she knew this call was the one Allvar had been waiting for.Allvar felt his heart race as he stood from his chair, running a hand over his tie as if to straighten it, even though no one could see him. “Thank you, Erica. Put them through,” he said, keeping his voice steady despite the adrenaline pulsing through him

77For a split second, Edgar's face twisted in disbelief before he regained his sneer. "Oh, come off it, Allvar. You? Securing a deal with Henley? Don't make me laugh," he scoffed, leaning against the wall with crossed arms. "You must be dreaming."Ms. Abbott chuckled, her laugh sharp like a knife. "What is it with you today, Falck? Think we’re stupid? Henley wouldn't waste his time on you. Bloody liar." She shot him a mocking grin. “What’s next? Gonna tell us you’re our chef on the board too?”Allvar’s eyes gleamed, and he couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at his lips. “Oh, Ms. Abbott, I wouldn’t joke about things I can’t back up. That’s your specialty.” His words cut through the air like a blade, causing her grin to falter, but Edgar wasn’t done yet."Give me a break." Edgar rolled his eyes, his voice dripping with disdain. "There’s no way in hell you closed that deal. Henley’s impossible to please, and you're just—""A bloody nobody," Jake cut in, his voice thick with contempt. "

79Allvar didn’t flinch, didn’t back down an inch. He met Edgar’s fury with a calm, unwavering gaze. “Talk to you like what, Edgar? Like I’m not afraid of you? Like I don’t need to kiss your ass to get ahead? Is that what’s bothering you?” His voice was steady, measured. “Because if that’s it, I can’t help you.”Edgar’s jaw clenched, and his eyes flashed with anger. “You think you can just stand there and disrespect me like that?” His voice shook, a mixture of rage and disbelief. “You’re out of line, Allvar. Completely.”“Disrespect you?” Allvar’s lips curled into a small smile, his tone as sharp as a blade. “I’m just speaking the truth. If that feels like disrespect, then maybe you should start asking yourself why you feel so threatened.”Jake, who had been standing quietly to the side, cleared his throat and finally spoke up, his voice low but firm. “Edgar, maybe we should back off,” he suggested, his gaze shifting nervously between the two men. “He’s not worth it.”Edgar whipped ar