Chapter 552

"Miss, could you help me?"

A slightly frail, middle-aged voice startled me, and I looked up to see an elderly woman with graying hair and pleading eyes.

"How can I help you?" I asked politely..

"Oh, I was hoping you could buy me a cup of coffee," she said, catching me off guard and stirring a bit of pity in me. "I haven't had one in so long because I don't have any money."

Without thinking, I nodded. "Of course."

"Thank you," she replied, gesturing to the chair across from me. "Could I sit here to drink it?"

Since I was already getting her the coffee, letting her sit didn't seem like a big deal. But just as I was about to agree, Jace's voice cut in.

"Excuse me, ma'am, would you mind taking a seat elsewhere?"

I looked up, startled to see him still there. I thought he'd left.

Before I could fully process it, Jace had guided the woman to another table, slipped some cash into her hand, and sent her on her way.

I watched, puzzled, as she walked off without even looking at the coff