"It’s lunchtime. Do you mind having lunch with me?" Madam Birch asked. Without waiting for Clara's response, she placed the order.

Dishes were brought out one by one, each one exquisitely presented, but Clara had no appetite.

"Madam Birch, the lunch doesn't matter. If you want to tell me anything, please get straight to the point. I don't like beating around the bush," Clara said.

Madam Birch chuckled. "Well said, Miss Wells. You don't like beating around the bush, and neither do I. But, well, you've led me around in circles, haven't you? Back at the hospital, I thought we had an agreement. I even admired your decisiveness and felt bad for you. I never expected you to go back on your word!"

Clara looked her right in the eye and said, "Rest assured, Madam Birch, I didn't come to Latveria to reconcile with Wilson. I just need his help with something. As soon as he agrees, I'll return to Solaria immediately and stop bothering him."

Madam Birch scrutinized Clara suspiciously. "You nee