Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 23

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

Easton didn’t linger at Elmwood Bistro for long. After exchanging a few words and a farewell with Julian, he stepped outside, the cool evening air hitting his face as he left the warmth of the café behind.

Later that evening, after sharing a hearty dinner at the Roth residence with Edward, Julian felt the weight of a conversation pressing on his mind. He turned to Sophia, his expression serious. “Sophia, I need to talk to you about something important.”

In response, Sophia made her way to the kitchen, the familiar scent of coffee beans filling the air as she brewed two steaming cups. She ascended the staircase to the study on the second floor, balancing the mugs carefully. “Julian,” she began, her brow furrowing slightly, “is there something specific on your mind?”

Julian nodded, his demeanor serious as he gestured for her to sit. “I met with Easton today. He’s changed his approach. Instead of trying to buy out Rothea Designs, he’s now looking to collaborate with Crestview Group. He’s laid out some enticing proposals.”

Sophia felt her heart skip a beat, her mind racing. “Did he really say that?” she asked, incredulity lacing her voice as she struggled to absorb the information.

“Yes,” Julian affirmed, his eyes steady on hers. “I asked him why he was so invested in Rothea Designs, and he mentioned that your company had assisted his father’s museum three years ago.”

A sudden realization hit Sophia like a jolt. She recalled the past vividly—the generous payment Easton had made to Rothea Designs back then. ‘Why is he making such a fuss about this now?’ she wondered, confusion swirling in her thoughts.

As she spoke, Sophia tried to keep her explanation concise, recounting the events of that time to Julian. “He was adamant about it, though,” Julian interjected, a hint of concern in his voice. “He wants me to convey his sincerity to the director of Rothea Designs.”

Sophia felt a wave of reluctance wash over her. She had never envisioned herself entangled in business dealings with Easton, save for the port project, which was vital to her plans for expansion in the South. That was the one battle she was determined to fight with all her strength.

Beyond that, however, she had no desire to form any business ties with the Foster Group.

Yet, the allure of Easton’s offer was undeniable. For a company like Crestview Group, the potential profits over the next five years could pave the way for a prosperous future.

When they met that evening, after exchanging polite pleasantries, Julian wasted no time. He got straight to the point, his phrasing mirroring their previous conversation.

Easton, however, appeared unfazed by Julian’s directness. With a subtle, relaxed smile, he replied, “Since you’re standing firm on this, I suppose there’s no need to press the issue further.”

With the collaboration discussion set aside, they shifted their focus to the port project. Julian found himself genuinely impressed by Easton; he was not merely a savvy businessman but someone born to excel in the industry.

Every idea Easton proposed was not only innovative but also far more advanced than anything Sophia had considered—sharper, bolder, and intricately detailed.

Julian couldn’t help but reflect that even if the Roth family had not invested back then, Easton would have likely navigated the Foster Group out of its troubles and propelled it to success within three to five years, just as it stood now.

A sigh escaped Julian’s lips as he thought, ‘Dad’s decisions did lead Sophia to marry the man she loved, but they also subjected her to so much pain and heartache. It was Dad who made things the hardest for her. No wonder he has carried such guilt ever since.’