Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 34

**The Case of the Bleeding Shadows by Emma Blackwood**
**Chapter 34**

Stella sat in the car, her heart racing as she awaited Easton’s response. The air inside the vehicle felt thick with tension, and she found herself holding her breath, hoping for a favorable answer. Over the years, Easton had seldom denied her requests, his willingness to oblige her almost a given. Yet, the last time she had broached this particular subject, she had sensed a shift in his demeanor, a hesitation that lingered in the air like an unwelcome guest.

Maintaining her usual gentle facade, she had softened her tone, almost playfully suggesting, “If it’s too much trouble, just forget I ever mentioned it.” Her words dripped with sweetness, masking the urgency beneath her calm exterior.

Easton had not outright refused her, but his request for time to contemplate had left her feeling unsettled. Now, as she dared to raise the topic once more, she could feel that familiar pause creeping in, a moment of silence that stretched out before his eventual reply. “I’ll have Gordon pick you up tonight. We’ll talk then. This isn’t a good moment.”

A subtle smile danced on Stella’s lips, her heart fluttering at his words. “Perfect. I’ll see you tonight,” she replied, her voice a soothing melody that belied the anxious thoughts swirling in her mind.

After the call ended, Easton returned to the hospital room, where the doctor had just finished examining Irene. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of hope and concern. Bruce Zane, the director, approached Easton, flanked by the attending physician, both men adopting a demeanor of utmost respect.

“Your grandmother is doing much better, Mr. Foster,” Bruce said, his voice steady yet warm, attempting to reassure Easton. “She just needs proper rest for the next few days.” He continued, “We’ve scheduled round-the-clock nursing care to ensure she recovers comfortably.”

Despite Bruce’s comforting words, Easton’s expression remained inscrutable, though his eyes glinted with a distinct chill that seemed to freeze the very air around them.

“Dr. Zane,” Easton began, his voice calm but laced with a sharp edge, “our foundation contributes millions to this facility every year. My grandmother only stays here out of respect for the former director.” A weighty pause settled between them as he continued, “If you can’t maintain proper standards for her, perhaps it’s time we considered having Foster Group take over.”

A sheen of cold sweat broke out on Bruce’s forehead as Easton’s words struck him like a bolt of lightning. The chill that ran down his spine was palpable.

“Mr. Foster, this was a serious oversight in our management,” Bruce stammered, his voice taut with anxiety. “I give you my personal guarantee that nothing like this will ever happen again.”

“You’d better make good on that promise,” Easton replied coolly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

With that, he cast a dismissive glance and strode past them, his presence leaving an indelible mark in the room.

As Easton entered Irene’s room, he noted her expression. She could see that he was genuinely shaken this time, the tension radiating off him like heat from a flame.

Easton responded with a quiet hum of acknowledgment, his mind racing with thoughts. After a brief pause, he leaned forward slightly, his voice cutting through the silence. “Did she say anything during the ride?”

“Nothing at all,” Gordon replied, recalling how Sophia had thanked him when she entered the car, only to become engrossed in her work for the entire journey.

It didn’t escape Gordon’s notice how much Sophia resembled his boss—both exuded a quiet intensity and an unwavering dedication to their responsibilities.

Gordon’s response was precisely what Easton had anticipated.

“How’s the Harlinton Railway project proceeding?” Easton inquired, his voice taking on a distinct chill.

“Mr. Thorne followed your orders perfectly. He’s taken the project right from under Prosperity Group’s nose,” Gordon confirmed, a hint of admiration creeping into his tone as he spoke of the swift maneuvering.