Chapter 124

Cecilia "Yes, I am," Nicole nodded nervously. Harper softened her voice. "I'm Mason's cousin." At those words, Nicole's face transformed completely. Her pupils dilated in terror, her thin body shaking as if it might fall apart at any moment. A cascade of emotions washed over her—panic, fear, sorrow, and finally a deep, consuming pain that seemed to devour her from within. "W-why are you here?" Her voice trembled. "I've told the police everything... I don't know anything... I didn't see anything... Please don't ask me anymore... please stop asking..." She hugged her knees to her chest as she crouched down, burying her face. The rest of her words became inaudible mumbles, a quiet litany of self-reassurance that broke my heart. I shook my head at Harper. Not now. Just the mere mention of the boy's name had triggered such a breakdown—her fragile mental state couldn't handle any more questions. "Nicole, it's okay. We're just here to check on you," Harper knelt beside her, speaking in gentle