CHAPTER 400

Sophia’s POV

“Throw it out,” I whispered, barely able to get the words past the tightness in my throat. My heart pounded painfully in my chest as I held Roxy closer, her small, warm body nestled against mine. It was irrational, I knew that, but the fear that settled inside me felt too real, too immediate. The moment I saw those initials, it was as if Julia and Henry were right there, in our home, threatening everything we had rebuilt.

Elijah didn’t move right away. He just stood there, staring at the music box in his hands, his expression unreadable. I could see the tension in his jaw, the way his knuckles whitened as he gripped it tighter.

“Throw it out,” I repeated, louder this time, feeling more desperate. “I don’t want it anywhere near her.”

Before Elijah could respond, Kayla rushed over, her eyes darting between us and the silver box. When she saw the initials, her face twisted with anger. “Those bastards,” she spat, her voice trembling with fury. “They’re still stirring up troub