Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 67

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

**Chapter 67**

Ryan stood frozen beside him, his eyes locked onto May, a look of shock etched across his face as recognition dawned upon him.

Charles, ever the provocateur, waved a hand in front of Ryan’s face, trying to snap him out of his stupor. “What’s the matter with you? You’ve encountered every kind of woman in Menolia. Don’t tell me you’re actually taken aback by Sophia’s friend. Sure, she’s attractive, but she’s not exactly a knockout.”

Ryan, however, was oblivious to Charles’s jests. He turned his attention to Easton, his voice low and intense. “That’s Sophia’s friend down there, isn’t it?”

Easton took a long drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling up into the air as he nodded slowly. “That’s May Young,” he replied, his tone steady. “She’s a partner at Brightway Law Firm in Jenston—well-respected in the legal circles there.”

A shadow crossed Ryan’s features, his expression darkening. “So the woman who spent the night with me and then vanished is actually a lawyer,” he said, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. Easton maintained his calm demeanor, though surprise flickered in his eyes, while Charles looked utterly flabbergasted, his mouth agape.

“She slept with you? When? Where?” Charles pressed, his curiosity piqued.

Ryan chose to ignore the barrage of questions, downing his drink in one swift motion before striding out of the room, a storm brewing within him.

Meanwhile, May was making her way toward the restroom when a man stepped directly into her path, blocking her way.

“How dare you, blocking my—” Her voice trailed off as she recognized him; it was Ryan, the man she had shared a brief but intense encounter with in Menolia.

“What are you doing here?” May gasped, her heart racing at the sight of him, startled by his unexpected presence.

In an instant, Ryan grasped her wrist, pulling her into a men’s restroom stall, his body pressing her firmly against the door.

Not long after that, May had approached him, her confidence bolstered by the alcohol or perhaps genuine attraction, leading to their fateful night together at a hotel.

As he found himself momentarily distracted by his thoughts, May seized the opportunity to break free from his grip. But Ryan reacted instantly, tightening his hold on her wrist, pressing her even harder against the door, his eyes blazing with frustration.

Meanwhile, back at their booth, Sophia began to worry as May had been gone for an unusually long time. Perhaps she was struggling after all those drinks. Resolving to check on her friend, Sophia stood up, only to be halted in her tracks by a tipsy man who stumbled into her path.

“Hey, beautiful, all alone? Need some company?” he slurred, reaching out to grab her arm.

Instinctively, Sophia stepped back, nearly colliding with a waiter who was maneuvering a drink tray behind her.

In that moment, Easton appeared at her side, his presence a comforting shield. He swiftly pulled her close, wrapping his arm securely around her waist, ready to protect her from any unwelcome advances.