Chapter 142. Backfire

Poppy’s face had turned a liver-like shade of purple, her whole body trembling with barely contained rage. Every muscle in her seemed wound tight, as if the smallest provocation could make her explode.

She raised her hand and pointed at Serena, eyes sharp and burning, as if she could stab her through the air. Her lips trembled slightly, betraying how close she was to snapping.

At that moment, a calm male voice came from behind Serena. She instinctively turned her head, a flicker of caution crossing her features.

When the newcomer saw her, his expression stiffened for a brief moment, and a faint spark of recognition lit up his eyes. Something in his gaze made her chest tighten with a strange mix of nostalgia and unease.

Poppy immediately dropped her sinister expression and replaced it with a sweet, almost eager smile, stepping forwa