Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 12

**The Case of the Bleeding Shadows by Emma Blackwood**

**Chapter 12**

As Sophia gracefully descended from the stage, her heart still racing from the adrenaline of her presentation, Easton pivoted sharply on his heel and strode out of the hall, with Gordon dutifully trailing behind him. The air was thick with the buzz of conversation, but Easton’s focus was elsewhere. “Mr. Foster,” Gordon began, his voice steady, “about an hour ago, Ms. Weston asked me to inform you that she would like to have dinner with you tonight.”

Easton, his gaze momentarily flickering to his watch, responded coolly, “Did she provide any reason for this request?”

Gordon shook his head, a hint of uncertainty in his expression. “No, sir. She didn’t elaborate.”

With a slight frown, Easton replied, “Please inform her that I have prior commitments this evening. Also, arrange for the head of the Maritime Authority to come to the Foster Group office. Make sure he brings the proposal from Crestview Group.” His tone was clipped, leaving no room for argument.

“Understood, Mr. Foster,” Gordon affirmed, nodding as he took note of the instructions.

Meanwhile, as Sophia stepped off the stage, her friend May rushed forward, enveloping her in a warm embrace. The atmosphere crackled with energy as the head of the Maritime Authority announced the winning bidder right there, in front of an eager crowd. Sophia had just played a pivotal role in securing the port project for Crestview Group, a feat that felt monumental.

May, her eyes sparkling with excitement, grabbed Sophia’s hand tightly. “Sophia, you absolutely crushed it! Congratulations on making it to the big leagues—all in one go!”

“May, I’m counting on you to take the reins from here. Please ensure Crestview Group capitalizes on this momentum,” Sophia replied, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and determination.

May beamed back at her, “No worries at all! I’ll ensure you’re over the moon with the results, my dear boss. Now come on, we’re heading out to celebrate this victory properly tonight!”

Sophia couldn’t suppress a laugh at May’s enthusiasm, and she nodded in agreement, feeling a wave of joy wash over her.

On the other side of the hall, Stella stood frozen among the throngs of people, her body trembling with a mix of rage and disbelief as she processed the announcement. Her fists were clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned a stark white, a physical manifestation of her inner turmoil.

“Absolutely,” Julian replied, his enthusiasm infectious. After hanging up, he shot a quick message to Edward, eager to share the news.

At the Roycourt Club, the most exclusive establishment in Jenston, Julian had reserved a private room on the second floor, inviting a handful of his childhood friends and Vincent from Prosperity Group to join in the celebration.

May and Sophia arrived early, already buzzing with excitement as they ordered drinks and laughed together. When Vincent walked in, his eyes immediately found Sophia’s, and he made a beeline toward her, plopping down right beside her and launching into an animated conversation.

“Congratulations, Ms. Roth! You’ve truly made a name for yourself tonight,” Vincent exclaimed, his grin wide and genuine.

Sophia raised her glass, clinking it gently against his, and then turned to Julian, her expression warm. “Thanks, Mr. Shaw. But honestly, I couldn’t have pulled off the port project without your support.”

Julian smiled back, taking a sip from his glass, and then quickly moved to sit beside her, eager to help keep the conversation flowing. “Come on, everyone, let’s raise a toast! Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate this achievement.”