f the customers seated at the table and the sound of the cups that she carefully placed on the trays. The morning had been particularly lively, and she
a smile. She responded politely, her mind already on another command. Each gesture was calcul
table three! » called Paul,
ed, grabbing a tray to p
upied by two elegant young women, probably there to enjoy a quiet morning in this remote corner of the city. They w
e anything else I can get you? » sh
u," one of the women replie
ng her tired but delicate face. Irina felt a slight discomfort, but she didn't
. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, adjusted her apron and was about to clean
e. It was a tip. A huge tip. Ten times more than
? » Paul asked, notic
left this," she replied
ders. "Good for you. Ke
l confused. Why had a stranger left him so much money? She finished
r. The walls were slightly shabby, and the furniture, although clean, was showin
he said softly as
d, gave him a tired smile. "Did
But... look wh
t of her pocket and sh
his for me. I don'
widened. "Maybe she saw how hard y
t to worry her mother. After making sure everything was in or
picked it up. The envelope was made of thick, luxurious paper, adorned with a golde
a sumptuous-looking invitation card. The golden
ed to a prestigious gala o
m: a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city, a s
stake, obviously. Why would someone like h
» asked his mothe
room with the map. She handed the invitation to
d his mother. "That
ake. I have nothing to do
present. "Maybe someone saw something in
g to wear for an event like this, and she ha
a trap or a jo
"Sometimes life surprises you, my darling. If you
of her was terrified of ending up in a world that was
g thinking, her gaze lost on the
sked asking Paul a question. "Hav
e of the most influential charitable organizations in the
ed cautiously. "I received a
incredulous. " You
"I don't und
ticed your work. Or maybe it's that woman from yeste
possible that this woman was connected to this m
decided to go, encouraged by her mother and Paul. She had saved up to rent a
bedroom, nervous but resolute. She had no idea what awaited her,