Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 50

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

**Chapter 50**

“Mind your step,” Easton’s rich, resonant voice whispered softly, brushing against Sophia’s ear like a gentle breeze.

Startled, Sophia looked up, and her gaze locked onto Easton’s face, a mixture of surprise and recognition washing over her.

With a quick motion, she steadied herself and gracefully withdrew from his proximity, the warmth of their shared moment lingering in the air.

“Thank you,” she replied, her voice carrying a hint of gratitude as she turned to retrieve the scattered tools that had slipped from her grasp.

“Ms. Roth, are you alright?” Emily inquired, her voice filled with a blend of concern and eagerness as she approached, a brightly wrapped gift clutched tightly in her hands.

Sophia responded with a soft smile, nodding to reassure her.

Just then, Katherine made her entrance into the backyard, flanked by the Foster Group team, her expression one of genuine surprise. “Mr. Foster, what a delightful surprise to see you here,” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment.

Easton’s gaze flickered back to Sophia for a brief moment before he returned his attention to Katherine. “Mr. Watson extended the invitation,” he stated matter-of-factly, his tone even and composed. Katherine nodded in understanding, the pieces of the puzzle falling neatly into place. An invitation from the Maritime Authority clarified the reason for his presence today.

“Sophia, is everything alright?” Katherine asked, her brow furrowing with concern. “I heard quite a commotion coming from the children just a moment ago.”

Sophia let out a light laugh, the sound bubbling up from her chest. “Oh, it was just a little mishap while I was picking apples with the kids. I almost took a tumble, but I assure you, I’m perfectly fine.” The laughter of children echoed nearby, their gleeful shouts filling the air. “They hugged!” they chanted, their hands covering their grinning faces, reveling in the joy of the moment.

A warm flush crept up Sophia’s cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and delight.

Emily, ever the playful one, pinched the cheek of the outspoken child teasingly. “Be careful, or you might end up missing out on all the apples,” she warned with a playful grin.

She could still feel the lingering echo of his younger self, the boy who had held her hand and promised to always protect her. Those childhood vows felt like distant memories now, overshadowed by the passage of time.

So engrossed was she in her reverie that she didn’t notice Easton making his way toward her until a gentle nudge from Emily pulled her back to reality. “Ms. Roth,” she whispered, her voice filled with urgency, “Mr. Foster is coming this way.”

Sophia’s heart raced as she suddenly noticed Easton standing merely 150 feet away, his gaze locked onto hers. The moment their eyes met, an inexplicable urge to escape surged within her, and she quickly turned on her heel, walking away with purpose.

Easton halted in his tracks, confusion etched across his features. He had felt her gaze upon him just moments before, and it seemed so clear that she wanted to engage in conversation.

“Ms. Roth,” he called out, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity as he followed her toward the backyard. “Do you truly dislike me that much?”

Surprised by his pursuit, Sophia turned to face him, her heart pounding in her chest. “Mr. Foster,” she replied, her tone calm yet firm, “as I’ve said before, we’re strangers now. This isn’t a matter of like or dislike.”