Chapter 3

Julian

A cry escapes Poppy's lips—lips I've sworn to protect and cherish. She folds into herself, her face buried in her knees, and the intensity of her sobs sends a ripple of pain through the room, enough to unsettle even Uncle Dan.

I'm on my feet in an instant, turning Poppy's chair to face me, wrapping her in an embrace as my hands draw soothing circles across her back. My gaze shifts to Harper, who's standing there, a picture of bewilderment, her eyes wide with confusion yet filled with heartache as she witnesses her best friend's breakdown.

Turning to Uncle Dan, I catch the silent question in his eyes, a clear, 'You know who's behind this, Julian. Just spill it.'

I've already filled my uncle in on Theo's antics. Sure, I knew someone had their sights set on Poppy, but I figured that person was just using Theo to watch out for her and not invade her life.

This has to be someone else's doing. It's too twisted, even for the person who is watching Poppy.

I shake my head, and I can see Uncle Dan's jaw tighten in response. We're dealing with a different beast here, someone so menacing that Poppy feels the need to keep Harper and me in the dark, scared enough to lie to us.