Soren hurried home, worry etched on his face. As soon as he stepped inside, he found Poppy curled up on the sofa, shivering beneath a thick blanket. 

Her hair was still damp, strands clinging to her cheeks, and she looked utterly miserable. 

“What happened?” Soren asked, frowning in concern. 

Poppy kept her eyes lowered, long lashes shadowing her expression. She looked so vulnerable, but said nothing. 

Macy, flustered and angry, jumped in, “We were at the grocery store, just checking out, when suddenly someone threw a bucket of water at Miss Yates and started screaming that she’d stolen their cake.” 

“Those little punks–honestly. Thank goodness it was just water. If it had been anything else…” Macy patted her chest, still shaken. 

Soren’s frown deepened. “Did you catch them?” 

Macy shook her head. “They took off before I could react. I couldn’t leave Miss Yates alone, so I brought her straight back here.” She let out a heavy sigh, clearly 

upset. 

Soren pulled out his phone. “I’ll have someone check the security footage.” 

“No, don’t,” Poppy said softly, reaching for his hand. Only then did she look up at him, her eyes rimmed with red, heartbreakingly fragile. “It’s not a big deal, Soren. Please, don’t worry.” 

She glanced at Macy, who immediately caught on. 

“Those kids were probably paid to do it,” Macy said, her tone grim. “I don’t think catching them would change anything. Someone must’ve heard Miss Yates doesn’t have anyone here, and now she’s done so well at Fawkes Enterprises–people get jealous. That’s why they’re stooping so low.” 

As Macy finished, a shadow flickered across Soren’s mind–Evangeline’s face. 

A woman driven by jealousy… Soren wouldn’t put this kind of thing past h 

“Mr. Fawkes, the real problem is, people need to know Miss Yates has your support,” Macy pressed, her gaze shrewd. “If everyone’s aware she has you in her 

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corner, they’ll think twice before trying anything. Isn’t your grandmoth coming up? That’d be the perfect chance for Miss Yates to attend as your dele 

Soren’s eyes darkened in thought. 

Poppy had achieved so much at Fawkes Enterprises–she deserved some recognition. And he knew being seen as his date at the party would make her happy. It would also serve as a warning to Evangeline. 

Two birds with one stone. 

Yet, remembering Evangeline’s pale face from earlier, he hesitated. 

She’d just lost her baby. Her emotions were volatile. And accusing her of this–well, it was just suspicion, not proof. 

Finally, Soren spoke. “I’ll have a few bodyguards stay with you tonight, and keep you safe from now on.” 

Poppy pressed her lips together, disappointment flickering across her face. 

Soren’s words were a clear rejection of Macy’s suggestion that she attend the party as his date. 

She shot Macy a look, and Macy tried again, “Mr. Fawkes, that’s just a temporary fix. If-” 

Soren cut her off, voice cold and sharp, “Macy, you’re talking too much today.” 

Gone was his usual teasing; his tone was stern and left no room for argument. He was genuinely annoyed. 

Macy realized she’d crossed a line and immediately fell silent. 

Poppy sensed the shift as well. From the look on Soren’s face, it was clear he wasn’t going to change his mind about his date for the party. 

She dropped the subject and steered the conversation elsewhere. 

After a few more exchanged words, Soren left the room. The moment the door shut behind him, Macy looked close to tears. “What’s gotten into Mr. Fawkes lately? He’s… different.” 

Poppy felt a dull frustration settle in her chest. 

Macy had been living at the manor long enough to know Soren’s moods inside out. Poppy had always counted on her to help win Soren over. But now, she wasn’t so 

sure. 

2000 

Chapt