Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 6

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

**Chapter 6: We’ll See About That**

The atmosphere in the party hall was thickening with excitement as more guests arrived, each one adding to the vibrant tapestry of laughter and conversation. Sophia had been navigating through the throngs of attendees alongside Julian for what felt like hours, and the effects of the few drinks she had indulged in were beginning to surface, lending a warm glow to her cheeks.

“Sophia,” Julian said, his voice cutting through the din, “if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, why don’t you take a moment to breathe on the balcony? I can entertain Mr. Shaw for a while.” His tone was considerate, and Sophia appreciated his thoughtfulness.

She offered him a gentle smile, her eyes sparkling. “That sounds like a good idea. I’ll take a seat for a bit and be back shortly.”

As she stepped outside, she was greeted by the enchanting allure of a summer night. The sky was a canvas of twinkling stars, each one a tiny beacon of light against the deep indigo backdrop. Sophia tilted her head back, momentarily lost in the celestial display, and a sudden pang of longing struck her heart. Lucas was far away in Japoria, and she found herself wishing he were there to share this moment with her.

Just as she was about to reach for her phone to call him, a cloud of overpowering perfume swept over her, enveloping the balcony in a suffocating haze. Sophia instinctively frowned, her senses assaulted by the cloying scent.

“Ms. Roth, what a delightful coincidence! I never expected to run into you here, especially while accompanying Easton to this Prosperity Group gala,” Stella remarked, her voice laced with a teasing lilt as she approached, a smirk playing on her lips.

Sophia turned to face Stella, her expression cool. Stella was dressed in an outfit so audacious and alluring that it practically demanded attention, her curves accentuated and on full display.

‘No wonder Easton can’t resist having her by his side wherever he goes. If I were a man, I’d probably be weak in the knees, too,’ Sophia mused internally, a hint of disdain creeping into her thoughts.

‘But honestly, that perfume is just too much. Only a tasteless guy like him would be drawn to something so over-the-top,’ she added, her inner monologue dripping with sarcasm.

Sophia’s lips curved into a faint smile as she replied, “It seems I keep encountering familiar faces tonight. Ms. Weston, what exactly is your role in my life these days?”

Stella’s demeanor shifted, her smile faltering as frostiness crept into her expression. “Sophia, Easton and I have been quite happy together these past few years. Since your divorce, he’s been a different man—much happier. I trust you’re not considering trying to reclaim him now that you’ve decided to reappear.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow, her scoff barely concealed. “Stella, instead of fretting over me, his ex-wife, perhaps you should keep an eye on all those younger, prettier women who are currently circling around Easton.” She gestured subtly in their direction.

Stella’s gaze followed Sophia’s gesture, and her face flushed crimson as she spotted Fiona Lowe—the actress everyone was buzzing about—standing right next to Easton.

“Mr. Foster is quite the heavyweight in Jenston’s high society—wealthy, influential, and a notorious womanizer. I suppose you’ve witnessed all of this over the last five years, Ms. Weston,” Sophia remarked with a smirk that was both playful and cutting.

Stella clenched her jaw, her anger bubbling just beneath the surface. “I trust Easton completely. But when it comes to you, that’s a different matter entirely. He’s spent most of these past five years in Menolia, and now that I’ve finally got him back, I won’t let anyone swoop in and disrupt what we have.”

“And here you are, popping up at the most inconvenient time, just as he’s relocating his business back to Jenston. Don’t pretend you don’t have feelings for him,” she added, her tone dripping with accusation.

Sophia felt a flicker of surprise at the revelation that Easton had been in Menolia for most of the past few years, but she quickly brushed it aside. ‘That’s not my concern anymore,’ she thought, her resolve firm.

“Ms. Weston, with such a vivid imagination, it’s a pity you’re not writing novels,” Sophia retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

She picked up her glass of wine, sidestepped Stella, and added provocatively, “Stella, honestly, it’s quite pathetic to see you like this. But I must admit, there’s a certain satisfaction in witnessing your discomfort.”

“You want to know why I’ve returned? Let me make it clear: I’m here to ensure that everyone who has ever wronged me faces the consequences of their actions. And you… you’re certainly on that list.”

Stella’s glare followed Sophia as she melted back into the crowd, her eyes smoldering with resentment. She gritted her teeth, muttering under her breath, “We’ll see about that, Sophia.”

Just then, Julian approached, accompanied by a distinguished gentleman. “Sophia, allow me to introduce you. This is Mr. Vincent Shaw, the vice CEO of Prosperity Group,” he said, his tone warm and inviting.

*****

A week had passed since the Prosperity Group gala, and Sophia found herself completely engrossed in her design work and keeping tabs on the Crestview Group project. The world outside her office felt distant and unimportant, and she had little interest in any gossip that might be swirling around.

One afternoon, May popped into Sophia’s office, her expression bright with excitement. “Dear Ms. Roth, you really need to take a breather. Look what I brought you!”

Sophia looked up, her eyes widening as she noticed the two bags of food in May’s hands, a smile breaking across her face. “You’re a lifesaver! I haven’t eaten all day, and you knew just what I needed.”

They settled onto the office couch, and May cracked open a can of beer for Sophia. “You’ve been holed up in here all day. You have no idea how much buzz is happening out there,” she said, her voice conspiratorial.

Sophia continued to munch on her food, shaking her head. “I’m swamped. Who has the energy for other people’s drama?”

“Ever since you showed up at the Prosperity Group party, the entertainment media has been going wild digging up your past with Easton. Now they’re even pairing you with Mr. Shaw!” May exclaimed, taking a sip of her beer.

Sophia let out a weary sigh. “I haven’t been back home in forever. I had no idea the celebrity gossip game was this intense these days.”

May chuckled, “Trust me, you’ll soon adapt to the media frenzy. You’re known as Jenston’s top beauty, and those trending topics are just another Tuesday for you. But I bet more than a few people out there are going to be losing sleep over you.”

Sophia simply smiled knowingly, not bothering to respond.

Then May leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Sophia, rumor has it that Easton’s planning to talk to Crestview Group about acquiring Rothea Designs.”