CHAPTER 415

Sophia’s POV

It was late afternoon and I was nursing baby Roxy peacefully in my arms when my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening and closing. I knew that Kayla had come to pick up Reese from school.

I expected the usual flurry of excitement that came with Reese returning home. But today, when she walked in, her little face was anything but bright.

Kayla came in for a while, and I thanked her at once. “No problem, Sophia. But I’m really sorry I have to run. Got an important meeting.”

“Oh, no worries,” I replied. “Thanks so much.”

After Kayla left, Reese shuffled in, her backpack hanging low, and plopped down on the couch without responding. Her usual sparkle was missing, replaced by an unsettling silence. Normally, she would be all over Roxy, checking in on her and chatting about her day. Today, she barely glanced at her sister.

“Hi, sweetie,” I called out, trying to sound cheerful. “How was school? Did something happen?”

She shrugged, her eyes fixed on