Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 54

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

**Chapter 54**

Easton raised his glass, his voice steady and measured. “What exactly are you suggesting?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. He wasn’t taken aback by Ryan’s knowledge of Sophia; after all, the union of their families had been the talk of the town, a grand spectacle that echoed through the streets of Jenston.

Despite Ryan’s relocation overseas years ago, their friendship had ensured that he remained privy to the latest gossip.

Yet, the irony lingered—Sophia had never actually met Ryan.

The Howards, while as powerful as the Fosters and Hayeses, preferred the shadows, rarely mingling with the elite society that thrived on visibility and connection.

Ryan, with his penchant for privacy, had stayed out of the public eye to such an extent that even someone like Sophia, a staple in the city’s upper crust, wouldn’t recognize him if they crossed paths.

“Sophia has no idea we’re connected,” Ryan remarked with a casual air, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. “If she did, I doubt she’d be so polite or seek my assistance.” Easton couldn’t help but silently concede the truth in Ryan’s observation. “But what’s prompted her to start an Angel Fund at this moment?” he asked, curiosity piqued.

Ryan paused, his brow furrowing as he carefully selected his words. “Her father was an organ donor before his passing. I think that’s something that has lingered with her,” he explained thoughtfully. “But it was really that little girl from the orphanage last week that ignited her passion to act.”

Easton nodded, understanding dawning on him.

Ryan’s gaze flickered toward Easton, a faint smile playing on his lips. “But I can’t help but wonder—maybe it’s because you yourself had a corneal transplant. Perhaps she…”

Easton’s glass froze mid-air as he absorbed this revelation.

“No,” he interjected calmly, shaking his head. “She doesn’t know about my surgery.”

Seeing the unyielding composure on Easton’s face, Ryan chuckled lightly. “Alright, let’s forget I mentioned that coincidence.”

Yet, Easton found himself grappling with uncertainty. Did Sophia truly remain unaware of his medical history?

Ryan’s mention of Sophia’s father struck a chord, surprising Easton more than he anticipated. He realized just how little he understood about her past—he had always taken for granted the simplistic narrative that she was just another pampered socialite, raised by her uncle, never once considering the depth of her genuine compassion.

Noticing Easton’s detached demeanor, Ryan decided to probe further. “Since I returned, there’s been quite a buzz about you and that news anchor, Stella. You’re not actually dating her, are you?”

Easton’s expression shifted in an instant, turning frigid. His lips pressed into a thin, resolute line, a clear signal that the conversation was at an end.

Ryan quickly raised his glass in a gesture of apology. “My bad. Let me make amends with three drinks.”

“Please, don’t bring that up again,” Easton replied, his irritation unmistakable. “I prefer not to discuss it.”

Ryan regarded him with a serious glance. “People interpret things differently than you might think. If you don’t correct them, they’ll continue to believe whatever they choose.”

Without another word, Easton turned away, a sudden wave of annoyance washing over him. He reached for another cigarette, lighting it with a practiced flick, inhaling deeply as he sought solace in the smoke.

*****

Quickly regaining her composure, she smiled back. “I look forward to collaborating with you.”

They engaged in a brief discussion about their plans until Sophia’s phone rang, cutting through the moment. It was Emily, calling her back to the Crestview Group for an urgent meeting.

Upon her return to the office, Emily entered, arms laden with a stack of documents.

“Ms. Roth, these documents arrived from the Maritime Authority yesterday,” she reported. “Would you please review them when you have a moment? We need to deliver them tomorrow.”

Sophia settled into her chair, her focus shifting to the papers as she began to scrutinize them carefully. Noticing Emily still hovering nearby, she looked up with a warm smile. “Is there something else?”

Emily shifted her weight, recalling the whispers she had heard about Sophia and Easton at the orphanage. She hesitated, uncertain if bringing him up would unsettle her boss.

“Ms. Roth, while reviewing the Angel Fund donations, I noticed Mr. Foster transferred 15 million from his personal account,” she said gently, gauging Sophia’s reaction.

Sophia’s hands stilled over the documents as she processed this revelation.

“Easton made a personal donation of 15 million?” she asked, her tone soft with surprise.

Emily nodded, handing her the financial documents for confirmation.

As Sophia examined the papers, she verified the transfer—every penny had indeed come directly from Easton’s personal account. Emily ventured cautiously, “We typically send token gifts to donors who provide their real names, according to our policy. But for Mr. Foster’s exceptionally generous contribution, should we prepare something more significant?”

The magnitude of the donation left Emily genuinely astonished, her admiration for Easton growing.