Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

- - -

​​

I was about to punch that despicable old man for daring to covet MY Serina.

Everything about Richard Thompson pushed me closer to losing control. His silly grin, lustful gaze directed at Serina, and those wretched flowers.

Rage rippled through me, and then I felt Serina squeezing my hand.

"Wait…", she whispered, only for me to hear.

Serina's eyes darted toward John, and I saw that he was outraged, just as I was.

That reminded me how John was protective of Serina when she arrived, and he was trying to get her attention at the bar.

It was obvious that he doesn't approve of his old man making advances toward Serina, and I understood Serina's intention. It's better to leave them to settle it within the family.

I can always beat them up later, when there are no witnesses.

"You told him that Seraphina is here?", Johnathan asked Magda icily.

"Is there anything wrong with that?", Richard said before Magda could respond. "Why do you sound like I'm not welcome? All this was paid with my money."

By now, the crowd gathered and created a circle around us silently.

I thought that the Thompson family will mind their image.

Magda is the topic (and the source) of many rumors, but anything related to Johnathan and Richard is limited to the business section.

Everyone who is someone is here, and they are watching. There are even reporters present!

Stephen Dyson from London's Beat was standing nearby, and I could literally feel his excitement while his phone was pointing our way (just like many others). Stephen was probably coming up with front-page headlines and I wondered how many of these people are streaming this live despite the invitation saying that taking photos and videos will not be allowed. This was too big for people to pass on.

Serina squeezed my hand to get my attention.

"I think we should leave.", Serina told me softly, but Johnathan heard her.

"You are leaving?", he asked, and I thought that he might start crying.

"I'm sorry, John, but I'm not comfortable being part of tomorrow's headlines. This is too much. My father was considering if me coming here was a good idea, and this proves that he was right." Serina glanced at Magda. "Maybe some of you are used to publicity, but I am not."

Magda's expression was a mix of anger, disbelief, embarrassment, and more anger. It seems that she still didn't recuperate from the fact that her father brought flowers for Serina. I could imagine Magda shouting insults and profanities if her father, brother, and half of London are not present.

Another squeeze on my hand. "Can you take me away from here, please?"

I wrapped my arm around Serina's shoulders protectively and we walked out. The crowd parted to let us pass.

"I apologize for this.", John said after us.

"I know it's not your fault.", Serina responded without halting her steps.

"Where are you going?", I heard John saying sternly and I glanced back to see him holding Richard's arm. "Don't you think you did enough?" John turned to Magda. "What were you thinking?"

Serina and I were out, leaving the aftermath behind us for John to handle, and I asked the valet to bring my car.

"Mitch is here.", Serina said.

"Give him a night off and let me drive."

Serina hummed in agreement, and I cocooned her in my embrace.

"Are you OK?"

"I'm fine.", she assured me and her hands pressing on my back gave me a sense of relief.

"Is Richard courting you or did I misunderstand the situation?"

Serina stifled a bitter chuckle. "Since the event at the Giantshade Industries, Richard Thompson is sending me flowers and other gifts every day. John assured me that his father will not be here, but…"

"Ah!" I understood the situation. "After your grand entrance, Magda called her father, thinking that he will deal with you. If she causes a scene, it can backfire, but the old man has more credibility and Magda won't damage her image. I have no idea what Magda hoped to accomplish, but she definitely didn't expect her father to show up with flowers, courting you while ignoring Magda. If your goal tonight was to utterly embarrass Magda, you can check this as: mission accomplished."

"I still need to process all this. I can imagine that Magda will go from mean to nuclear after tonight."

I cupped Serina's cheeks and made her look at me. "You know that I will not let her get close to you, right?"

I thought that she will be scared or nervous, but there was no trace of weakness. I saw only confidence as Serina smiled. "I know."

- - -

Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

- - -

"Where are we going?", Duke asked as he started the car.

My insides trembled from the stress of the party, and I needed some time to gather my thoughts.

"Haaa…", I let out a long breath as I sank into the comfy leather seat. "Can you give me a minute to think about it?"

"Sure. Take your time…", Duke said and pulled my hand up to kiss the back of my palm.

I was looking at the nightlights of London and enjoying that Duke was holding my hand while driving. It was peaceful and relaxing, just what I needed.

Tonight, even though almost nothing went according to my plan, overall, it was a victory.

The old man showing up, was unexpected.

Magda didn't get a chance to talk to Duke and I snatched him away right in front of her nose. And not only Duke, but even her brother and father paid more attention to me than her.

I can't wait for the gossip to spread through London and for Magda to drown in misery. People who sucked up to Magda will look at her with mockery and she will fall from her invisible throne into the depths of desperation.

Thompsons are skilled in making negative news disappear, and as a counter-measure, Mona hired a group of media influencers who will make sure that tonight's events don't die down quickly.

Magda was livid and she is unaware that I just began.

Let's see if Magda succeeds in drugging and killing me again. Wench.

Unfortunately, one part of my plan failed.

I wanted to officially announce that Duke and I are a couple, for the whole world to know. It's not that I care about it, but I know that it means a lot to him.

My plan was to use tonight's crowd and reporters at Magda's birthday party, but the old man showed up with a bunch of flowers and ruined everything.

However, the night was still young, and things could be salvaged.

I've got an idea.

"Duke, can we go to a nightclub?"

He frowned slightly, as if not sure if he heard me right. "A nightclub?"

"Yes. The most popular nightclub in London, please. I was planning to dance and drink with you tonight, but we had to cut it short. Let's have some fun in the town."

"Alright."

---

If you are not reading this at 'W e b n o v e l . c o m', then the content you're reading is stolen! Please support the author by reading this novel from the original source.