Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 13

**The Case of the Bleeding Shadows by Emma Blackwood**
**Chapter 13**

The atmosphere in the private room had grown increasingly lively, the laughter and chatter rising to a crescendo that felt overwhelming for both Sophia and May. With a shared glance that spoke volumes, they decided it was time to escape the noise and seek solace in the fresh air outside.

“Sophia,” May said with a teasing lilt in her voice, “it seems like Vincent is completely captivated by you. Ever since he stepped through that door, his gaze hasn’t strayed for a moment.”

Sophia felt a slight blush creep up her cheeks at May’s observation. She was fully aware of Vincent’s lingering looks, and that was precisely why she had been eager to slip away from the crowd as soon as she could.

With a playful grin, May wrapped her arm around Sophia’s shoulders, pulling her closer. “You know what? If you keep your heart free from distractions like men, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Right now, it’s all about chasing our dreams and making our mark in the world. Anyone who doesn’t contribute to that can just step aside.”

Sophia couldn’t help but chuckle at May’s exuberant words. They were making their way toward the balcony on the second floor when they unexpectedly encountered Stella and her entourage, who were heading straight towards them. May muttered a quick curse under her breath, lamenting their unfortunate timing, but Sophia maintained her composure, acting as if Stella and her crew were invisible.

“Oh wow, look who it is—the reigning queen of Jenston, the heiress of the Roth family!” The voice belonged to Yvonne Hart, a woman Sophia recognized all too well from their college days. They had shared the same major, sitting side by side in countless lectures, but from the very first semester, Yvonne had been consumed by jealousy. Sophia seemed to have it all: wealth, beauty, and grades that consistently outshone her peers.

What truly gnawed at Yvonne, however, was the effortless way Sophia radiated confidence. Professors often lauded Sophia’s work, showcasing it as the benchmark for excellence, while Yvonne’s efforts were frequently cast in a shadow of comparison. That tiny seed of insecurity within Yvonne had grown into a full-blown vine of envy, wrapping itself around her thoughts.

May’s expression darkened as she processed the situation. Yvonne’s tone dripped with melodrama, and it was clear to her that anyone associated with Stella was likely trouble.

“Wow, Sophia,” May shot back with a smirk, “did every girl in Jenston get the same cookie-cutter face? Honestly, it’s like they were all churned out from the same mold. Maybe I’m suffering from face-blindness.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. “Ms. Weston, as a seasoned news anchor, you seem to have neglected your research. Do you really think you have any idea how Crestview Group achieved its success?”

“Before the Weston Group even set foot in Jenston, my family already owned a third of the ships operating at the port. So, tell me, do you still believe we’re amateurs?”

“Everything your family is currently doing in the shipping industry? We were perfecting that long before you ever arrived on the scene. Securing this project wasn’t a matter of luck; Crestview Group has always had the expertise.”

Stella stood there, momentarily speechless, her confidence shattered by Sophia’s words. Without sparing her a second glance, Sophia took May’s hand and strode past the group, not wasting another moment on the confrontation.