Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 69

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

**Chapter 69**

Sophia squinted at May, her skepticism palpable. “May, you’re lying,” she stated with a tone that brooked no argument, her expression a mix of disbelief and irritation.

May rolled her eyes in response, internally thinking, ‘Honestly, there are times when playing the fool is the best strategy, but not with you, Sophia.’

Deep down, May understood that trying to deceive Sophia was a futile endeavor. Her friend had an uncanny ability to see right through any façade. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, May decided it was time to lay everything bare. She recounted the entire saga of her recent escapades in Menolia, leaving no detail unspoken.

“May, I don’t care how wild your adventures become, but how on earth did you end up entangled with someone who actually had the audacity to follow you back to Jenston?” Sophia exclaimed, frustration lacing her voice.

May could sense the weight of her friend’s concern. “Have you forgotten who your father is in Jenston? If this information leaks, it won’t just be a minor inconvenience. You know he won’t hesitate to tear you apart,” Sophia added, shaking her head in disbelief.

That reality gnawed at May’s insides. “Aside from you, Julian, and his family, nobody in Jenston has the slightest clue,” she muttered, her spirit deflating like a balloon losing air.

Sophia rubbed her forehead, exasperated. “Is that really the crux of the issue? Sooner or later, people will discover you’re Minister Young’s daughter. I’m genuinely concerned that this guy might fixate on you because of your lineage and jeopardize your career. You know better than anyone how high your father’s expectations are. If he ever finds out you’re stirring up trouble, he’ll explode.”

May felt herself sink lower, the weight of her predicament pressing down on her. “I’m on the verge of losing my sanity, Sophia. I need your help to come up with a plan, please.”

Sophia let out a heavy sigh, her mind racing. “If he doesn’t make a move, we stay put and keep our heads down. If he shows up, then we’ll confront him directly. As long as he isn’t some creep, we’ll find a way to manage the situation.”

May nodded, her heart filled with a mixture of hope and dread. She truly wished for a smooth resolution.

As the day of Howard Group’s anniversary dawned, Sophia and Julian arrived at the party hall together, their anticipation palpable. Just as expected, they soon encountered Ryan.

Stella was also present at the event, though she had arrived with her family. At that moment, she was on the second floor, mingling with relatives and engaging in small talk with the corporate elite.

“Damn, who is that woman? She’s absolutely stunning.” It was Stella’s brother, Nicolas, freshly returned from abroad. Although he had met Sophia years ago, the memory was faint and almost forgotten.

Stella followed his gaze, and her stomach twisted in annoyance. ‘Ugh, her again—always flaunting that seductive charm,’ she thought to herself, feeling a pang of irritation.

It wasn’t just the siblings who noticed Sophia. George and his wife, Catherine, caught sight of her too. The moment Catherine laid eyes on Sophia, her expression hardened, and her fingers curled into fists. “Sophia?” she whispered, her voice laced with disbelief. Nicolas’s interest piqued further upon hearing the name. ‘So that’s Easton’s ex? Of course, only the most beautiful woman in Jenston could be linked to him,’ he mused, perhaps a tad too eagerly.

George’s demeanor shifted instantly, his face darkening as he regarded Sophia. “She’s not someone you should ever be thinking about. Stay away from her,” he warned, his tone stern and icy.

Catherine let out a derisive laugh. “Oh, George, please don’t tell me YOU’re interested in her, which is why you’re trying to scare our son off?”