133Marcus’s eyes narrowed, cutting Allvar off mid-sentence. “Don’t give me that sanctimonious garbage, Falck! Don’t stand there pretending you were doing anyone a favor.” His gaze hardened, his voice shaking with bitterness. “You did it for yourself. Because I was a threat. Because you wanted to take my place.”Allvar shook his head, his jaw tightening. “That’s not true, Marcus. You’re twisting things in your head.”“Oh, am I?” Marcus laughed bitterly. “Because from where I’m standing, it sure looks like I’m right.”Allvar kept his voice steady, especially for Seraphina’s sake, his tone low but unwavering. “You pushed too far. You know that.”“Don’t you dare patronize me!” Marcus barked, the anger in his voice sharp and cutting. He took a step closer, his eyes blazing with accusation. “You ruined me. And you stand here, acting like you’re the hero?”“Hero?” Allvar raised an eyebrow. “If standing my ground makes me the hero in your eyes, maybe you should take a look at yourself.”“Oh,
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
135As they walked away, Seraphina held tightly onto Allvar’s arm, her steps matching his as they left the commotion behind. She stayed quiet at first, sensing his frustration, but the question was already forming in her mind. Finally, she glanced up at him, her brows knitting with concern.“Allvar,” she began softly, “what exactly happened between you and Marcus?”He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. He couldn't really tell her the truth. “It’s… complicated, Seraphina. We worked together, and he crossed some lines he shouldn’t have.”She raised an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with his vague answer. “I gathered that much, but what sort of lines are we talking about? He seemed… well, furious doesn’t even cover it.”Allvar paused, clearly choosing his words carefully. “Let’s just say Marcus had a habit of making deals that weren’t exactly on the level. I found out, and… I couldn’t let it continue. I reported it to our superior.”Seraphina’s eyes widened. “So he lost his job becaus
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
137The server, noticing the tension, cleared his throat politely. “Excuse me, sir,” he addressed Marcus, keeping his tone courteous but unmistakably firm. “If you’re not a guest, I’ll have to ask you to leave.”Marcus’s smirk slipped slightly, a flash of anger flaring in his eyes before he managed to contain it. He leaned in toward Allvar, his voice low and mocking. “Always hiding behind others to clean up your messes, aren’t you, Falck? Typical.”Allvar’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. “You really think barging in here is going to change anything, Marcus?” he replied, his voice measured. “If anything, it only shows how desperate you are.”“Oh, I’m desperate?” Marcus scoffed, stepping closer despite the server’s watchful gaze. “I’m not the one hiding out, playing nice over a fancy lunch while you keep your dirty little secrets hidden away.”Seraphina tightened her hold on Allvar’s arm, sensing the rising hostility. “Is that all you came here to do, Marcus?” she interjected, her v
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
139Serena’s shock was almost comical, her jaw slightly dropped as her eyes darted between Allvar and Seraphina. But the surprise quickly sharpened, her lips twisting into a mocking smirk. She crossed her arms, letting her gaze linger on Allvar with exaggerated amusement.“Allvar,” she drawled, voice dripping with condescension, “fancy seeing you here. I didn’t think this was quite… your scene.”Next to her, Derek cast a dark glare at Allvar, though his bruised face and bandaged jaw made his attempt to look intimidating a bit pathetic. Allvar fought back a laugh, but a flicker of amusement betrayed him as he glanced at Derek’s state.“Nice look, Derek,” Allvar said with a chuckle, folding his arms. “What happened? Did you trip over your ego?”Derek’s face flushed, but he forced a grin, stepping closer as if to assert dominance. “Funny coming from you,” he sneered. “Who would’ve thought a guy like you would be out with… company? Thought you were still recovering from the last time Sere
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