FIFTY FOUR

ALICE'S POV

I woke up that morning with a clear plan in mind, ready to set things in motion. The sun was just starting to peek through the curtains, casting a soft glow in my bedroom. I stretched, feeling a surge of determination coursing through me.

First things first, I grabbed my phone and dialed my account manager. "Good morning, John," I greeted him, trying to sound as composed as possible despite the nerves. "I need 1.5 million dollars in cash today. Can you arrange that for me?"

John sounded slightly taken aback. "Um, sure, Alice," he replied cautiously. "May I ask what it's for?"

I chuckled softly, trying to maintain my calm demeanor. "It's for a project I'm working on," I said vaguely. "I'll explain later. Can you have it ready by 10 AM?"

"Of course," he confirmed, though I could sense his curiosity lingering in the air. He knew better than to pry too much, though. I trusted him with our finances, but some things were best kept private.

After hanging up, I made my way to the