Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 59

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

**Chapter 59**

“What’s this?” Easton inquired, his brow furrowing as he observed the items in Gordon’s hands.

Gordon was making his way to the lounge, intending to hang the suit, when Easton suddenly appeared behind him, causing him to jump in surprise. The unexpected presence of his boss sent a jolt through him.

“Ms. Roth returned your suit, sir,” Gordon explained, his voice steady despite the abrupt encounter. “She also sent this antique painting as a thank-you gift from the Crestview Group’s Angel Fund.”

Easton accepted the painting with a distracted air, his eyes shifting to the suit that Gordon was clutching. It was a fine piece, tailored to perfection, but his focus was elsewhere.

His expression darkened as he pressed, “Was she here? Why wasn’t I informed about this?”

Gordon hesitated, momentarily thrown off by the intensity of Easton’s question.

Realizing that his earlier communication had been unclear, he rushed to clarify, “My apologies, sir. I wasn’t precise,” he said, his tone apologetic. “Ms. Roth had her secretary deliver everything.”

Yet, the explanation did little to alleviate the tension tightening around Easton’s features.

With a purposeful stride, Easton approached his desk, still holding the painting, his mind clearly racing with thoughts.

Gordon followed closely, eager to share more. “Mr. Thorne called—he’s back in town and has invited you to a private dinner at the entertainment company tonight.”

Easton stared blankly at the painting, lost in thought. After a brief pause, he offered a quiet murmur of acknowledgment, his mind still reeling from the implications of Ms. Roth’s visit.

“Any updates on the connection between Sophia and Evan from Rothea Designs?” he inquired, his voice low but laced with urgency.

Gordon shook his head, a hint of frustration creeping into his demeanor. “Evan’s proving to be quite elusive. We can’t even confirm basic details about him. The staff are fiercely protective of their boss’s privacy.”

“Keep digging,” Easton ordered, his tone brooking no argument.

“Understood,” Gordon replied, his resolve firm.

Determined, she followed him out, trailing him all the way to the parking garage, her heels clicking against the concrete floor.

Easton leaned against his car, feeling the alcohol’s effects weighing heavily on him.

Noticing his condition, Stella moved to his side, gently taking his arm. “Are you alright, Easton?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Whether it was the overpowering scent of her strong perfume or the sudden intimacy of her touch, Easton frowned and gently pushed her away, seeking to create some distance.

“Why did you follow me here?” he questioned, his voice steady but edged with irritation.

Successfully unlocked!

Seeing the glassy sheen in his eyes, Stella moved closer once more, wrapping her arms around his waist in a gesture that felt both comforting and invasive.

“You’ve had too much to drink tonight,” she said softly, her tone soothing. “Let me take care of you.”