Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 42

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

**Chapter 42**

The day after Easton returned from the nursing home, he found himself on a plane headed to Cedarica for a business trip. The whirlwind of his life had swept him away again, leaving him with little time to breathe, let alone visit his beloved grandmother, Irene. Two whole weeks would pass before he could see her again, but Grace, ever the diligent caretaker, kept him updated on Irene’s condition. “Her health is improving,” Grace assured him over the phone, her voice warm and reassuring. “And Sophia has been a wonderful presence by her side. You would be proud.”

As he listened, Easton couldn’t shake the feeling that his grandmother was orchestrating these phone calls, almost as if she was waiting for Sophia’s visits to make them. Each time he spoke to Irene, he could hear Sophia’s gentle voice in the background, a soft murmur that brought him a sense of comfort. It was as if they were weaving a tapestry of connection, despite the distance separating them.

*****

That evening, Easton returned to Jenston, a city that felt both familiar and foreign after his time away. He was headed to a dinner with several corporate leaders, a gathering that promised to be both lively and strategic. As he stepped into the private dining room, he was taken aback to find Stella already seated at the table, her presence commanding and confident.

Gordon, always the discreet informant, leaned in to explain, “These executives are significant sponsors of Stella’s television network. They’re here to support her.” Easton nodded, absorbing the information. It was clear that the dynamics in the room had been carefully orchestrated; as he approached, the group rose to greet him, subtly nudging Stella toward the seat right next to him.

The seating arrangement was not lost on Easton. It was evident that everyone around the table assumed he and Stella were a couple. This perceived connection was the lifeblood of Stella’s career, as her association with him had opened doors that had previously been closed. The powerful executives surrounding them seemed to believe that their relationship was the key to their continued financial support of her news program.

The dinner unfolded with an air of excitement, filled with laughter and clinking glasses as toasts were made and cheers echoed around the room. Easton maintained his usual composure, sitting at the head of the table, exuding an aura of calm amidst the vibrant energy of the gathering.

As the evening progressed and the toasts began to dwindle, Stella leaned in closer to Easton, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Easton,” she said, her tone laced with urgency, “I received a call from the kindergarten principal yesterday. They’re ready to accept David as a transfer student once we finalize the paperwork.”

As she approached the elevator, the doors slid open, revealing Stella standing there, a predatory smile gracing her lips. In that moment, Sophia understood why May often described running into Stella as akin to “catching bad luck.”

Stella advanced toward her, her expression a mask of feigned concern. “I heard about your recent accident. What a pity it didn’t ruin your pretty little face,” she remarked, her tone dripping with insincerity. “I was actually curious about who else shares my disdain for you.”

Leaning in closer, she whispered conspiratorially, “Turns out it was Yvonne. Not surprising, really. She has every reason to hate you.”

Stella’s words hung in the air, a chilling reminder that luck, like the shadows that danced around them, could shift at any moment.