Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 45

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

**Chapter 45**

Sophia dabbed at her eyes, a soft sniffle escaping her lips. “Okay,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Edward had been observing Sophia’s quiet sorrow ever since she returned home months ago. It was a subtle sadness that clung to her, a shadow that seemed to darken even the sunniest of days. She immersed herself in her work with determination, yet he often caught her standing alone in the garden, her gaze lost in the distance, deep in thought, as if she were trying to decipher the secrets of the universe.

“Sophia, my dear,” he began gently, his voice laced with concern, “do you hold me responsible for what transpired with Easton?”

The question hung in the air, catching her off guard.

She shook her head vigorously, her hand reaching out to clasp his. “Uncle Edward, please don’t say that. I could never blame you for anything. Easton and I… those days are behind us now.”

Edward gave her hand a tender pat, feeling the warmth of her touch. “I witnessed the depth of your love for him. When his company teetered on the brink of disaster, I thought that by investing, I could secure your happiness. I believed I was making the right choice, but…”

His voice faltered, thick with regret. “This was my mistake. I am the one who caused you pain.”

At that moment, Sophia understood the weight of guilt that Edward had been bearing all these years. In his prime, he had been a formidable leader, a man of action known for his unyielding resolve. Yet, when Easton had initially rejected the proposal, Edward’s reaction had been anything but measured. He had pushed relentlessly, believing that the marriage would bring joy, but his methods had only deepened Easton’s resentment towards her.

It was only later, when Julian had confided in her, that she learned the full extent of the circumstances surrounding their relationship.

“Uncle Edward, I have never held you accountable for what happened,” she reassured him softly. “You have always cared for me, protected me. You and Julian have given me a wonderful life, and I have always felt cherished.”

She paused, reflecting on the complexity of emotions that swirled around them. “Some feelings simply cannot be forced,” she said with quiet acceptance. “I realize now that I was far too idealistic back then. Both Easton and I have forged new paths since those days. Let’s leave the past where it belongs.”

May, equally taken aback when she learned the news, had done some digging and discovered that someone had manipulated the situation to ensure Yvonne received a harsher sentence. The identity of this mysterious benefactor, however, remained elusive.

“Whoever orchestrated this didn’t just handle Yvonne’s case for us. They even secured a statement from the court to publicly exonerate Crestview Group. I’d say that’s a pretty solid outcome,” May added, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and relief.

“It’s just so infuriating that Yvonne is being so obstinate,” she continued, bitterness creeping into her tone. “She’s clammed up and refuses to reveal who’s behind it all.”

“Don’t worry,” Sophia reassured her, a sense of determination rising within her. “Stella can’t keep her secrets buried forever. One day, she’ll slip up, and that’s when we’ll uncover the evidence we need.”

After their conversation ended, Sophia turned her attention back to her email, discovering a message from the Maritime Authority. It informed her that she could come by the following afternoon to collect the first approved clearance permits and shipping documents.

Success felt tantalizingly close.