Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 14

**The Case of the Bleeding Shadows by Emma Blackwood**
**Chapter 14**

“Sophia has always been quite the unyielding force here in Jenston. Let’s see just how long her little reign of smugness holds up,” Yvonne remarked, her voice dripping with barely contained irritation. The words hung in the air, heavy with disdain, as she crossed her arms defiantly.

Before Yvonne could even register the weight of her own words, Stella’s palm collided sharply with her cheek, the sound echoing in the tense atmosphere. “You Jenston-born socialites really do believe you rule the world, don’t you? So utterly full of yourselves! And just because I hail from another city, you think you can trample all over me?” Stella’s voice was a mixture of anger and incredulity, her eyes blazing with indignation.

Yvonne, her cheek stinging and her pride wounded, shook her head vigorously, her mind racing to find the right words. “Please, Stella, it wasn’t me. It was Sophia and…” Her voice trailed off, lost in the whirlwind of Stella’s fury.

But Stella had no intention of listening to Yvonne’s feeble excuses. With a dismissive huff, she strode past her, her heels clicking assertively against the polished floor as she led the others toward the private room on the third floor. Yvonne stood frozen in place, a mixture of shock and embarrassment washing over her.

*****

Meanwhile, at the Foster Group headquarters, Easton reclined confidently at the head of the long, polished table, completely engrossed in the proposal from Crestview Group. The room was filled with a palpable tension as he flipped through the pages, each one revealing the meticulous work that had gone into the project.

Kevin Watson, a representative from the Maritime Authority, was practically glowing with enthusiasm as he praised the proposal. “Honestly, this proposal from Crestview Group has completely taken me by surprise. Ms. Roth has absolutely nailed the details of the port project and laid out a crystal-clear three-year plan that’s easy to follow.” His eyes sparkled with admiration as he spoke, clearly impressed.

“And those risk mitigation charts? I mean, unless you’ve got more than a decade of real industry experience, there’s no way anyone could’ve pulled that off with such precision.” Kevin’s voice was animated, his excitement infectious.

As Easton continued to read, he noticed Sophia’s smooth, handwritten notes in the margins, each one a testament to her sharp intellect. Every issue she had flagged was significant—insightful, focused, and thorough. It was abundantly clear that she had poured her heart and soul into this work.

“Crestview Group has its roots in shipping and port projects that date back decades. With a foundation like that, it’s no wonder they’re capable of handling this,” Easton remarked, his tone one of respect mixed with a hint of admiration.

Kevin nodded in agreement, his enthusiasm unabated. “What truly surprised me is Ms. Roth herself. She’s nothing like the ‘just a pretty face’ that everyone made her out to be. Her skills are impressive—she’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.”

Gordon nodded thoughtfully, understanding the weight of Easton’s words. “After Ms. Roth’s return, Crestview Group not only acquired Rothea Designs but also secured the port deal for the next three years. Those two victories in just three short months have sent their stock price soaring. It’s already doubled.” Easton had been monitoring the market himself and recognized that Gordon was spot on.

With renewed purpose, Easton grabbed the proposal file, rose to his feet, and made his way out of the conference room. “Mr. Foster, should I invite Ms. Weston to accompany you to the chamber of commerce dinner tomorrow evening?” Gordon asked, trailing behind Easton while checking the schedule on his tablet.

“No need for that. The Weston Group will be attending as well. You should come with me,” Easton replied coolly, his expression unyielding.

“Yes, Mr. Foster,” Gordon replied, a hint of resignation in his voice.

Over the years, it had become a familiar routine for Gordon to ask ahead of time about Easton’s companion for any event—no matter how grand or modest. Stella had always been the only woman by his side, a constant presence in his life that spoke volumes about their connection.