ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY FIVE

ALICE'S POV

I sat in the upscale café, the soft hum of conversations creating a low background buzz. The elegant decor and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee provided a calming atmosphere, a stark contrast to the tension I felt about to unfold. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I waited for Konrad and Jocelia to join me at the table.

The waitress arrived, her notepad poised and ready. "Good afternoon. Can I take your orders?"

I looked up from my menu, my gaze steady. "I'll have a cup of tea and some cookies, please."

Konrad, his face set in a mask of stoic seriousness, glanced at Jocelia before replying. "Just bring me a glass of your finest gin and we won’t be needing anything at the moment, thank you."

The waitress nodded and walked away, her footsteps fading as she headed back to the kitchen. I turned my full attention to Konrad and Jocelia, my mind racing through the details I needed to cover.

“Now that we’re settled,” I began, my voice calm but firm, “we need to ad