Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 21

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

**Chapter 21**

Before long, Easton made his way back, Lucas in tow, along with the precious ice pack. He knelt beside the boy, his fingers gently gliding through Lucas’s tousled hair. “Alright, buddy, be quick and take this to Mia,” he urged, his voice warm and encouraging.

As he watched Lucas dash away, clutching the ice pack tightly against his small frame, a wave of unexpected affection surged within Easton. It was a feeling he hadn’t anticipated; Lucas had a way of reaching into the depths of his heart, stirring emotions he had never felt with Stella’s child. It was a connection that surprised him, leaving him to ponder the nature of their bond.

At that moment, Gordon approached, his expression serious but relieved. “I’ve got everything sorted out,” he informed Easton, his tone brisk. “The legal chief just finished up with the police—they’re shutting down the mall for three hours. This will give us time to clean up and restore order before we reopen.”

A sense of satisfaction washed over Easton at the news. He felt a weight lift off his shoulders as he and Gordon exited the mall together, their footsteps echoing in the now-quiet space.

Meanwhile, panic seized Sophia as she received a call from Mia. It hit her like a freight train, igniting a surge of adrenaline that propelled her to grab her keys and race toward the Foster Group’s mall without a moment’s hesitation.

Finally, when she caught sight of Mia and Lucas, both unharmed and safe, a wave of relief flooded through her. The tension that had gripped her chest began to dissipate, and she exhaled the breath she had been holding, feeling the knot of worry unravel.

As soon as Lucas spotted her, all the fear and frustration he had been holding back burst forth. He rushed into her arms, clinging to her as if she were his lifeline.

Sophia’s heart nearly shattered at the sight of her son in such distress. Thank goodness they had emerged from the ordeal relatively unscathed, aside from Mia’s minor injury.

In the aftermath of the chaos, Sophia decided to take two days off work, determined to be there for Lucas. The poor child was plagued by nightmares each night, and she found herself unable to sleep, always hovering by his side, whispering reassurances to make him feel secure.

One evening, as they snuggled together on the couch, engrossed in a television show, the news flickered on, showcasing the grand opening of the Foster Group’s luxurious new villas in the northern district. The event was nothing short of spectacular, and there, on the screen, was Easton.

“Then that’s perfectly fine. He’s quite busy and might not have the time to see you,” Sophia explained, her tone softening as she spoke.

Lucas’s face fell, disappointment evident in his downcast gaze. But then, a new thought sparked in his mind, and he wrapped his small arms around Sophia’s neck, his voice sweet and innocent. “Mommy, do you think that man is super handsome?”

Sophia shot him a bemused glance, a mixture of amusement and confusion washing over her. “What’s with that question?”

“Maybe you should make him your boyfriend,” Lucas suggested, his enthusiasm palpable. “I really, really like him!”

Unable to contain her laughter, Sophia playfully booped his nose with her finger. “Just because you like him doesn’t mean Mommy does. Besides, haven’t you heard? The more handsome a guy is, the more of a heartbreaker he can be.”

Lucas looked up at her, bewildered by her words, yet deep down, he couldn’t deny that he had a soft spot for Easton.