Catarina's POV
I arrived at La Belle Époque early as I always did when I wanted the upper hand, and the café sat on a quiet corner of the city far enough from the Monte estate to avoid recognition but close enough to the hospital that Valentina could not claim distance as an excuse.
I chose a table in the back tucked away from the large windows, where the afternoon light could not touch my face directly. The leather banquette was soft beneath me, the linen napkins pressed to perfection and the silverware arranged that reminded me of a world Valentina Rossi would never truly understand.
The waiter appeared immediately, his eyes wide, folding his hands professionally.
"Mrs. Monte," he said, his voice low. "Your usual?"
"Earl Grey. And bring a cappuccino for my guest when she arrives,”
