CHAPTER 16

"Skylar, open the door! Please, it's me!" Julian's voice reverberated through the hallway as his frantic knocks sent chills down my spine.

I froze, my fingers clasping tighter at the edge of the counter. It was late, too late for any sane visitor. My instincts yelled not to trust him. But something in his tone-desperation mixed with fear-forced me toward the door.

"Why are you here, Julian?" I asked after unlatching the chain lock through the crack in the door. My heart raced as I peeked out; his face was pale, his usual composure replaced with panic.

"Let me in, Skylar. It's not safe to talk here."

"Not until you tell me what's going on," I insisted, my voice trembling.

"Fine," he hissed, glancing over his shoulder as if expecting someone to appear out of the shadows. "Jasper knows about the twins. He's planning on using them to take control of the family business. You and the babies are in danger, Skylar. Please-I'm begging you-let me in."