Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 46

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

**Chapter 46**

Sophia was deeply engrossed in drafting an email to the Maritime Authority, her thoughts flowing seamlessly as she tapped away at her keyboard. The soft hum of her office provided a comforting backdrop, allowing her to concentrate. Suddenly, a sharp knock at the door jolted her from her focus, breaking the spell of her concentration.

Her assistant, a bright-eyed young woman named Clara, entered the room with a slight urgency in her step. “Ms. Roth,” she said, her tone laced with a mix of professionalism and excitement, “I just received a call from Mr. Jeffrey Shaw’s assistant at Prosperity Group. They’re inquiring if you have any availability this afternoon. It appears he has a matter of significance he wishes to discuss.”

Sophia paused, her fingers hovering above the keyboard. The mention of Jeffrey Shaw was unexpected. Crestview Group had always interacted with Prosperity Group through Vincent, Jeffrey’s son, and the chairman himself reaching out was both peculiar and intriguing. She felt a ripple of curiosity mixed with caution.

“Thank you, Clara,” Sophia replied, her voice steady despite the sudden shift in her thoughts. “I’ll arrange to meet him.”

Internally, she grappled with her feelings about Vincent. Their interactions had always been strained, and she had deliberately minimized their professional contact ever since the whispers of scandal had begun to circulate. The last thing she needed was to be entangled in rumors that had no basis in reality.

Putting aside her personal opinions, Sophia had always ensured that her dealings with Vincent remained strictly professional. This approach had allowed the partnership between their companies to flourish without any unnecessary complications.

*****

Later that afternoon, Sophia found herself seated at a quaint café situated conveniently near the Crestview Group office. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the soft chatter of patrons around her.

“Hello, Mr. Shaw,” she greeted warmly, her demeanor poised as she extended her hand.

“Hello, Ms. Roth,” Jeffrey replied, a genuine smile spreading across his face, his demeanor as polished as ever.

Once they were both settled at a small table, Sophia gestured to the waiter, who promptly delivered a steaming cup of coffee to Jeffrey.

“Thank you for accommodating me on such short notice,” Jeffrey began, his voice smooth and courteous. “I was hoping to discuss a matter where I might seek your assistance.”

While Sophia listened, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of detachment. She had no insight into Easton’s motivations, but she was certain they had nothing to do with her past.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding,” she stated, her tone polite yet firm. “Easton and I have been over for years. He wouldn’t jeopardize your business over some outdated gossip involving me. That simply doesn’t add up. I’m afraid I must decline your request, Mr. Shaw.”

As her words settled in the air, she noticed the worry lines deepen on Jeffrey’s face. He seemed perplexed, struggling to comprehend why Easton would suddenly target Prosperity Group, especially since it had no connection to Sophia.

Realizing that Sophia’s stance was unwavering, Jeffrey understood that any further discussion would be futile. He would have to navigate this challenge on his own.

The encounter left Sophia with a lingering sense of curiosity, but she saw no reason to delve deeper into the matter.

She knew Easton well enough to understand his character. He was a man who took what he wanted, his arrogance and ambition knowing no boundaries. That was precisely why she refused to get embroiled in the conflict between their companies; it was a battle she had no intention of fighting.