Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 5

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

**Chapter 5: Meeting Again**

Despite the overcast skies and the occasional drizzle that marked Jenston’s weather, Sophia found herself enveloped in a deep sense of nostalgia for her hometown. The familiar streets, the quaint little shops, and the memories that lingered in every corner tugged at her heartstrings.

With her camera in hand, she wandered through the town, capturing snapshots of the life around her. Each click of the shutter was a moment preserved, and she eagerly sent a flurry of photos to Mia, her ever-reliable nanny, and Lucas, her closest friend. “Look at this,” she texted, “the old bookstore is still standing strong!” Her heart swelled with a mix of pride and affection as she shared glimpses of her daily life.

That evening, she had made plans to meet May at a charming café nestled in the university district, a favorite haunt of students and locals alike. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of patrons.

As May finally arrived, she plopped down at the table, breathless and slightly disheveled. “Sorry I’m late,” she gasped, her cheeks flushed from the brisk walk.

Sophia slid a cup of coffee, sweetened just the way May liked it, across the table with a teasing smile. “What’s the rush? I wasn’t exactly tapping my watch over here,” she quipped, her tone light and playful.

May took a sip and beamed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Are you kidding? When my stunning CEO calls me out, I can’t help but sprint over!”

Sophia felt her cheeks warm at the compliment, momentarily lost for words.

Meanwhile, Stella had made her way to the university district that day, intent on interviewing a well-respected physics professor. After stepping out of her car with her assistant, she decided to grab a quick coffee. It was then that she spotted May, her eyes narrowing in recognition.

‘Sophia? What is she doing back in Jenston?’ Stella thought, a wave of irritation washing over her. ‘I thought she was living the high life in Japoria, far from here.’

As her thoughts spiraled, anger bubbled within her. ‘After the divorce, Easton was still the one who swooped in to save Crestview Group. Without him, Sophia wouldn’t be enjoying the luxuries of being a Roth anymore.’

With each passing moment, her frustration grew, and she clutched her coffee cup tightly, marching over to confront them. “Ms. Roth, long time no see,” she greeted, her voice dripping with a sarcasm that could cut through glass.

Sophia, engrossed in conversation with May, barely acknowledged Stella’s presence. She shot her a frosty glance before returning to her coffee, unfazed.

Stella’s anger flared at Sophia’s blatant indifference. “You know, just because Easton helped out Crestview Group doesn’t mean you’re still the revered Roth heiress. Crestview is practically a ghost in Jenston now. Maybe it’s time you put that arrogance aside,” she spat, her words laced with venom.

May, unable to contain herself, chimed in, “Sophia, do you smell that? It reeks of cheap perfume and trouble. Looks like Ms. Homewrecker herself is here to ruin our day.”

Sophia couldn’t help but smile, her gaze dropping to the table as she suppressed a laugh. “Oh, I definitely caught the scent of something off,” she replied, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Stella, taken aback and seething, struggled to articulate her fury. “You two…” she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

Rising from her seat with an air of confidence, Sophia grabbed her handbag and stepped closer to Stella. “Ms. Weston, you really have some nerve. Even if Crestview isn’t what it used to be, it still overshadows your Weston Group,” she declared, her tone firm.

“What? Easton hasn’t been propping up your company all these years? Or has he simply grown tired of you, leaving you to wallow in your own inadequacies?”

Stella’s mouth fell open in shock, momentarily silenced by Sophia’s boldness.

With a satisfied smirk, Sophia turned on her heel, leaving Stella fuming in her wake as she exited the café with May. Stella glared after them, frustration boiling over as she hurled her coffee cup to the ground, shattering it with a loud crash.

“Stella, are you alright?” her assistant asked cautiously, eyeing the mess.

Ignoring her, Stella stormed past, her face a mask of fury, and climbed into the car, trembling with rage.

Once outside, May and Sophia hopped into Sophia’s car, the tension from the café still lingering in the air.

It was during this ride that May inadvertently revealed the details about Stella and Easton’s past. “You know, there’s been talk for years about them—some even say they have a secret child. But neither of them ever bothered to clear the air,” she said, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Sophia was taken aback. In her heart, she had always assumed that once she left, Easton would waste no time in marrying Stella, especially with a child in the picture. A wedding seemed like a foregone conclusion.

Julian nodded, his pride evident. “Yes, she is.”

Walking arm in arm with Julian, Sophia entered the hall, her heart racing at the sight of the bustling crowd. They were soon engaged in conversation with Jeffrey Shaw, the chairman of Prosperity Group, when his assistant leaned in and whispered, “Mr. Foster has arrived.”

Jeffrey’s booming laugh filled the air. “Show him in!”

Sophia’s gaze instinctively followed theirs, and her breath caught in her throat as she spotted Easton, impeccably dressed in a tailored dark suit that accentuated his tall frame.

Even after all these years, he looked remarkably the same: his strikingly handsome face, chiseled features, and a jawline that could cut glass remained as captivating as ever. Yet now, there was an added layer of cool confidence that surrounded him.

And beside him stood Stella, the very woman who had always held his attention.

As Easton entered the party hall, his gaze swept across the room until it landed on Sophia. For a fleeting moment, surprise flickered in his dark eyes, a glimmer of recognition that sent a jolt through her.

Maintaining her composure, Sophia watched as Easton approached, his expression unreadable. “Ms. Roth, long time no see,” he greeted, his voice smooth yet laced with an undertone of curiosity.

Sophia offered him a poised smile, her heart racing. “Mr. Foster, it’s truly been a while.”

The elite circles of Jenston were well aware of their past marriage, but that was a lifetime ago. The gossip had faded, and life had moved on.

Julian deftly guided Sophia away to mingle with other guests, ensuring she didn’t linger in that awkward moment.

Once Stella slipped away, Gordon approached Easton, leaning in to whisper something. He then pulled out his phone, showing Easton a website that piqued his interest.

Easton’s gaze flickered back to Sophia, his eyes narrowing as he tried to piece together the information swirling in his mind. ‘So, Crestview Group has already taken over Rothea Designs,’ he pondered, his thoughts racing.