Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 68

**The Case of the Bleeding Shadows by Emma Blackwood**
**Chapter 68**

Sophia spun around, her heart racing, and found herself face-to-face with Easton. The warmth of his hand on her waist sent a jolt of surprise through her, and she instinctively stepped back, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment.

Fortunately, the bar was shrouded in a dim light, casting shadows that masked her crimson face. She silently thanked the universe for the cover; otherwise, the situation could have turned excruciatingly awkward.

“Hey, I met this beauty first,” a tipsy patron interjected, his breath heavy with alcohol. He attempted to stride forward, reaching for Sophia once more. “Isn’t it a bit much for you to be holding my date like that?” His voice was laced with bravado, but his intentions were anything but noble.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Easton’s hand shot out, gripping the man’s wrist with a fierce precision that spoke volumes of his strength. His gaze was icy, a storm brewing in his eyes. “She doesn’t know you,” he stated firmly, each word dripping with authority.

The man winced, pain flickering across his features as he struggled against Easton’s hold. “Who do you think you are to say she doesn’t know me?” he spat, his bravado faltering under the weight of Easton’s intimidating presence.

The bar manager, sensing the tension, hurried over, his face pale and anxious. “Mr. Foster, is there a problem?” he asked, glancing nervously between the two men.

Easton didn’t release his grip; instead, his voice dropped to a low growl. “Next time, don’t just let riffraff like this into the bar.” The authority in his tone left no room for argument.

As the man processed the manager’s use of Easton’s surname, his bravado crumbled. Panic washed over his face. ‘Wait, is this really Easton from the Foster Group?’ The thought raced through his mind, and he nearly stumbled back, fear evident in his wide eyes.

The manager, eager to defuse the situation, quickly added, “Yes, I’ll have him thrown out immediately.” Within moments, bar security arrived, efficiently dragging the offending patron away, leaving Easton and Sophia in a bubble of tension and unspoken words.

Easton turned to Sophia, his expression softening slightly as he took in her stillness. “Did that scare you?” he asked, his voice low and concerned.

Sophia met his gaze, her own demeanor cool despite the rush of emotions swirling within her. “No, I’m fine. Thanks for now.” She attempted to turn away, ready to escape the scene, but Easton’s eyes lingered on her attire, a slight frown creasing his brow. The thought of her remaining in this environment, exposed to the leering gazes of men, ignited a protective instinct within him.

Before she could slip away, Easton reached out, his fingers wrapping around her arm with a gentle but firm grip. “Where are you heading?” he asked, an edge of urgency in his voice.

Sophia blinked, momentarily taken aback by his insistence. “I’m just looking for my friend,” she replied, trying to pull her arm free.

Ryan scoffed, irritation flaring. “Don’t pretend you don’t know.” He had no desire to revisit the chaos of Menolia. Now that he understood who May was and where she could be found, he was determined to make her pay for what had transpired.

Easton tilted his head, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “So nothing actually happened, but you’re still this worked up? Come on, let’s go chill out in the VIP room and knock back a few drinks.”

Ryan shot Easton a glare, but he remained silent, irritation simmering beneath the surface. ‘If she hadn’t slipped out at the last second, you really think I couldn’t have gotten the upper hand?’ he grumbled internally, frustration gnawing at him.

Meanwhile, May had dragged Sophia all the way back to the car, both women breathless and wide-eyed from the whirlwind of events. “What’s going on? Did you see a ghost or something? And seriously, why’d you come running out of the men’s room?” Sophia bombarded May with questions, her curiosity bubbling over. For once, however, May, usually so composed and articulate, seemed at a loss for words.

“Don’t tell me you ran into some pervert?” Sophia pressed, concern flickering in her eyes.

“Really… It’s nothing. I just drank a bit too much, wandered into the wrong restroom, saw it was the men’s, and freaked out. Simple as that,” May shrugged, attempting to downplay the incident, though a hint of anxiety lingered in her voice.