Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 63

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

**Chapter 63**

When Easton caught sight of the bewildered expressions on their faces, he felt a familiar sense of understanding wash over him. This was not the first time he had walked into a room and found himself the center of attention, but the confusion etched on their features was palpable.

“Uncle Andrew, it’s been quite some time! How have you been faring?” Easton stepped forward, reaching out to clasp Andrew’s hand in a firm shake, his smile genuine.

“Can’t complain at all, my boy. It’s truly kind of you to ask,” Andrew replied, his voice warm but tinged with the weight of unspoken history.

Easton’s eyes then shifted to Sophia, a flicker of something unnameable passing between them. He opened his mouth, ready to bridge the silence, but before he could utter a word, Julian interjected, stepping forward with an outstretched hand.

“Mr. Foster, I had no idea you were Annie’s cousin!” Julian exclaimed, his tone friendly and inviting.

Easton responded with a slight smile, the corners of his lips barely lifting, and accepted the handshake, feeling the warmth of Julian’s enthusiasm but unable to fully reciprocate.

Evelyn, radiating joy since Easton’s arrival, chimed in with an infectious energy. “Let’s not linger here in the entryway,” she said, her smile unwavering like the sun breaking through clouds. “Dinner is about to commence, and we can catch up more at the table!”

With that, she took the lead, guiding Easton toward the dining room, her excitement palpable.

Annie, not wanting to be left behind, linked her arm with Julian’s, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as they followed the others inside.

As Easton walked ahead, he noticed Sophia finally seemed to relax, her tension easing slightly.

Inside the dining room, a long, elegantly set table awaited the guests, adorned with fine china and glistening silverware, the atmosphere rich with the aroma of a sumptuous feast.

Andrew claimed the head of the table, Evelyn seated beside him, her presence a comforting anchor. Annie and Julian settled into their seats next, laughter bubbling between them.

Sophia, being part of Julian’s family, found herself seated next to him, her heart racing with the proximity.

Evelyn had originally intended for Easton to sit beside Andrew for a more thorough catch-up, but he politely declined, suggesting instead that an elder from the Hughes family should take that esteemed place.

Known for his fierce loyalty, Julian would not allow anyone to make Sophia feel uncomfortable, especially not on a day meant for celebration.

Andrew’s expression darkened, caught between the disrespect shown to their guests and the unwelcome involvement of his nephew.

After Julian’s sharp reprimand, a careful silence enveloped the table, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

Once dinner concluded, the air felt stifling for Sophia, the weight of the earlier incident pressing down on her. Seeking solace, she fabricated an excuse and slipped out into the villa’s garden, desperate for a breath of fresh air.

Her heels, far too high for comfort, pinched her feet—shoes she would never have chosen had they not been a perfect match for her dress.

Ensuring she was truly alone, she quickly kicked off her shoes, and the moment her bare feet made contact with the cool grass, a wave of relief cascaded over her.

“Aren’t you afraid of stepping on something, Ms. Roth?” came a familiar voice, breaking through the tranquility.