ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY SIX

ALICE'S POV

Konrad took a sip of his drink, his gaze never leaving mine. He was contemplating, I could tell. "Fine. Say we entertain this idea of yours. What exactly do you propose?"

I smiled, sensing the shift in his attitude. "We work together to undermine Grayson’s foothold. I have access to information and resources that can be beneficial to both of us. With your influence and my connections, we can create a formidable front."

Konrad’s eyes narrowed as he considered my proposal. "And what makes you think I can trust you? You’ve played dirty before, and your reputation precedes you."

I met his stare head-on. "Trust is a luxury we can’t afford. But mutual benefit is something we can both understand. I’m not asking for blind trust; I’m asking for a partnership based on clear, mutual goals."

Jocelia looked skeptical. “And how do you propose we do that?”

“Simple, we frame him” I sipped my tea, relishing the warmth as it flowed down my throat. Across from me, Konrad shifted uneasily in