Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 65

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

**Chapter 65**

Upon returning to the villa, Sophia found herself engulfed in a haze of irritation that she just couldn’t shake off. The unexpected conversation she had with Easton regarding that fateful night lingered in her mind like an unwelcome shadow, leaving her feeling disoriented and unsettled. It was as if the man she once knew had morphed into someone unrecognizable, and she couldn’t quite wrap her head around it.

Two days had passed since Julian’s engagement party, and Sophia found herself back in Jenston, accompanying Julian as they navigated the familiar streets toward their office. The morning air was crisp, but the atmosphere inside the office was anything but refreshing. They were greeted by a mountain of paperwork that seemed to have multiplied in their absence, a testament to the chaos that often accompanied their work.

After a lengthy meeting, Sophia gathered her thoughts and approached Julian with the meticulously prepared documents she had been working on. She placed them in front of him, her heart racing slightly as she spoke. “The preliminary bid for the southern development project is set to kick off next month. I’ve drafted several proposals for you to review when you find a moment. Once we decide on a clear direction, we can fully immerse ourselves in the planning phase.”

Julian took a moment to peruse the documents, his brow furrowing slightly in concentration. “This looks good. Let’s push through the next couple of days, and then we can sit down to discuss everything in detail.”

Sophia nodded, ready to turn away and dive back into the chaos of their work, but Julian’s voice stopped her in her tracks. “Before you go, could you please sit down for a moment? There’s something important I need to discuss with you.”

Curiosity piqued, she turned to face him, her expression a blend of confusion and concern. “What is it?” she inquired, her heart beginning to race.

Julian hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face before he finally spoke. “What’s happening between you and Easton? Vincent came to see me about you.”

Sophia let out a frustrated sigh, her exasperation bubbling to the surface. “Let me guess—he informed you that the Foster Group is targeting the Prosperity Group and that they’ve snatched the project from them?”

Julian nodded, confirming her suspicions, and Sophia felt a wave of irritation wash over her. “I honestly don’t see why they think this has anything to do with me. My relationship with Easton ended years ago. It’s ancient history, Julian!” Her voice was tinged with exasperation, and she could feel her temper rising.

Seeing the irritation etched across Sophia’s face, Julian felt a sense of relief wash over him. The depth of her annoyance reassured him that perhaps there was no lingering affection for Easton. He had been taken aback when Vincent had first shared the news; the notion that Easton would swoop in and seize the Harlinton rail project from the Prosperity Group based on mere rumors was utterly absurd.

Sophia instinctively reached over to cover May’s mouth, her eyes darting around the room to ensure they hadn’t attracted any unwanted attention. Once she was certain they were safe, she lowered her hand, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease slightly. “A little quieter, May,” she whispered, her voice strained with the effort to keep their conversation discreet.

May softened her tone immediately, her expression still reflecting her shock. “But he knew the Angel Fund was your family’s foundation when he made that donation, right?”

Sophia rolled her eyes, exasperation creeping back into her voice. “Of course he knew.”

“And he actually gave you a detailed explanation about that whole parking lot scene with Stella?” May’s face was a canvas of disbelief, her eyes wide with incredulity.

Letting out a deep, frustrated sigh, Sophia leaned back in her seat. “What’s wrong with him? He’s behaving like a completely different person.”

May’s gaze sharpened, and she stated matter-of-factly, “He wants you back.”