Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 35

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

**Chapter 35**

Gordon couldn’t shake the feeling that this was Easton’s way of retaliating for the rumors Vincent had spread—a stark reminder that some adversaries were far too perilous to provoke.

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Stella arrived at the Summit Hotel precisely at seven o’clock, the soft glow of the setting sun casting a warm hue over the elegant exterior. As she stepped into the private dining room, she felt a flutter of anticipation. Just as she was beginning to settle in, the door swung open, and Easton strode in, his presence commanding and unmistakable.

“Easton! It feels like an eternity since we last met. David has been working on some drawings just for you. He insisted I deliver them personally,” Stella exclaimed, her voice brimming with warmth as she unfurled the colorful artwork across the polished table.

Easton’s gaze softened as he beheld the creations. He had always harbored a deep affection for David. The boy had faced a myriad of health challenges since his earliest days, his childhood a tapestry woven with the threads of illness and fragility.

Even during the years when Easton resided predominantly in Menolia, he made it a point to check in on Stella weekly. His foremost concern was always David’s well-being—an unwavering commitment that spoke volumes about his character.

“How has David been feeling lately?” Easton inquired, his eyes glued to the drawings as he meticulously examined every stroke and color.

“Much better, Easton. You can finally put your worries to rest,” Stella reassured him, her tone soothing. “In fact, the doctors you hired all agree that he needs more exposure to the outside world and to interact with other children.”

As she served him a plate of food, she ventured into a sensitive topic once more, her voice gentle yet firm. “I mentioned St. Mary’s Children’s House before. Have you given it any more thought?”

A slight frown creased Easton’s brow. “Stella, if you’re concerned about his education, we could always hire a private tutor. Let his immune system strengthen for another year or two before we even think about sending him to school.”

Stella had anticipated this response. Easton had always been excessively cautious where David was concerned, his protective instincts often bordering on the overbearing.

And therein lay the crux of her connection to Easton—David was the sole thread binding them together.

“As his mother, I just want him to experience what every other child enjoys—a normal life,” she confessed, her voice thick with emotion, the words catching in her throat as she spoke.

“Easton,” Stella broke the stillness, her voice laced with curiosity. “Have you noticed how different Sophia seems since her return? Now that she’s at Crestview Group, it feels like she’s deliberately targeting our company.”

She observed him closely, searching for any flicker of his current feelings toward Sophia, hoping to gauge his reaction.

Easton set down his fork, his piercing gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. “Where are you going with this, Stella?” he asked, his tone deceptively calm yet edged with an undercurrent of tension.

She hesitated for a moment, then deliberately placed her own fork down, sensing the weight of the conversation.

“I hope you don’t think I’m overstepping,” Stella said lightly, attempting to diffuse the tension. “I usually keep my distance from family matters, but it’s been difficult watching my father become increasingly anxious about the port deal. I only brought it up because I genuinely care about him.”

Easton dabbed his mouth with a napkin, the coolness of his demeanor sending another chill through her. “The port deal was awarded through a transparent and fair process. The reality is, the Weston Group was simply outbid. To imply that Crestview Group or Sophia personally is acting with malicious intent is a serious and unfounded accusation.”

Stella felt a shudder run down her spine at the icy calmness in his voice, realizing that she had treaded onto dangerous ground.