Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 7

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

**Chapter 7: Nursing Home**

Sophia paused mid-sip, the cold beer resting in her hand, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. “Where did you get that info?” she asked, tilting her head slightly as she scrutinized May.

May took a moment, her gaze steady as she prepared to explain. “One of my seniors gave me a heads-up,” she said slowly, choosing her words carefully. “His law firm manages nearly a third of Foster Group’s projects. Just recently, Easton’s secretary forwarded them a bunch of files about Rothea Designs and Crestview Group.”

Sophia felt a familiar tightness in her chest at the mention of Easton. She knew him all too well—his domineering nature made him a force to be reckoned with. If he had his sights set on something, he would stop at nothing to claim it as his own.

Crestview Group had already completed the acquisition of Rothea Designs, the announcement plastered all over their official website. Yet, here was Easton, still scheming to swoop in and steal it away for himself, as if the ink on the contract hadn’t even dried.

“I’m just done with all his underhanded tactics,” Sophia declared, her voice firm. “I’ll have a word with Julian. I refuse to let Easton have his way this time. He has no idea that I’m the director of Rothea Designs. There’s no way he can pull off any takeover without my approval.”

May nodded in agreement, her expression one of support.

*****

The weekend arrived, and Sophia found herself standing at the entrance of Jenston Ruikean Nursing Home, a bouquet of vibrant, fresh flowers cradled in her arms. Even behind the dark lenses of her sunglasses, her beauty was undeniable, radiating an aura that turned heads. As she approached the reception desk, the receptionist couldn’t help but stare, utterly captivated.

‘Is she even real?’ the receptionist mused, her thoughts racing. ‘Her skin glows with an ethereal light, her nose is perfectly sculpted, and the way she carries herself—it’s like she stepped out of a dream, more radiant than any celebrity.’

Once Sophia completed the check-in process, she lifted her gaze, offering the receptionist a soft, warm smile. “Can I go in now?” she inquired, her voice gentle and melodic.

The receptionist, still in a daze, nodded blankly. “Y-Yes, you can,” she stammered, her heart fluttering at the sound of Sophia’s voice. ‘Oh my! It’s not just her looks; her voice is pure magic, sweet enough to melt anyone’s heart.’

With a grateful smile, Sophia thanked her and proceeded toward the VIP room. Upon reaching the door, she removed her sunglasses and knocked softly. Grace opened the door, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Mrs. Fo—” Grace began, but Sophia quickly pressed a finger to her lips, signaling her to keep quiet. She handed the bouquet to Grace and then tiptoed around to stand behind Irene, who sat comfortably in her chair.

With a playful tone, Sophia covered Irene’s eyes. “Hey, pretty lady, guess who?” she whispered, a grin spreading across her face.

Irene jumped slightly, startled at first, but recognition dawned almost immediately. The only visitors who dared to break her solitude were her perpetually stoic grandson and her beloved granddaughter-in-law.

Despite the fact that their familial ties had changed, no one could ever replace Sophia in Irene’s heart.

Irene’s face lit up with joy. She reached up, grasping Sophia’s hands tightly, her eyes sparkling with delight. “My precious girl, you finally decided to come back and visit me,” she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth.

At the sound of the word “precious,” a wave of emotion washed over Sophia. Her nose tingled, and her eyes misted with unshed tears. She knelt beside Irene, grasping her hand tightly. “Yeah, Grandma Irene, I’m back,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Irene smiled tenderly, her weathered hand stroking Sophia’s cheek. “Just having you here is enough, sweetheart. Promise me you’ll stay this time and not leave me again.”

Sophia nodded earnestly. “I won’t go anywhere. I’ll visit often and keep you company, I promise.”

Grace stood nearby, her heart swelling with happiness. ‘After Mrs. Foster and Mr. Foster split up, she left Jenston and was gone for five whole years. And now, she’s finally back,’ she thought, her excitement palpable.

With gentle hands, Grace helped Sophia settle down next to Irene. “Mrs. Foster, you don’t even know. Every single day, Mrs. Irene Foster misses you like crazy. She always asks me to help her check your posts on her phone,” she gushed, unable to contain her enthusiasm.

Stepping out of the car, Easton made his way to the front desk, checking in with a practiced ease before heading to Irene’s room. Upon entering, he found her sleeping peacefully, a gentle warmth flickering within him at the sight.

Grace approached him, pouring a glass of water. “Mrs. Foster just drifted off. Looks like your timing is a bit unlucky today,” she remarked, a knowing smile on her face.

Easton chuckled softly, a rare moment of levity breaking through his usually stoic demeanor. “It’s not often this mischievous lady agrees to take a nap,” he replied, sharing a brief smile with Grace.

He didn’t bother asking if Sophia had been there; deep down, he already knew she was closer to Irene and Grace than he ever was.

Even if he had asked, Grace would likely dodge the question, leaving him to navigate the conversation without an invitation to another lecture.

The memory of that fateful day when he and Sophia split still lingered. Irene had been furious, nearly fainting from the shock. She had given him hell for weeks, ensuring he would never forget the pain he caused.

After a while, Easton reviewed Irene’s weekly health report, feeling a wave of relief wash over him when he confirmed everything was normal. With that, he decided it was time to leave.

Just as he was about to step out of the nursing home, the receptionist called after him, her voice breaking through his thoughts. “Mr. Foster, could you wait for a sec?”

He turned to see the receptionist holding out a delicate bracelet. “Mrs. Foster dropped this when she checked in earlier today. We reviewed the cameras to verify it. Could you take it and return it to her when you see her?” she asked, her tone apologetic.

Gordon cringed internally. ‘Seriously, is this receptionist new, or does she just never check social media? How could she not know Mr. Foster and Ms. Roth have been divorced for ages?’ he thought, shaking his head slightly at the situation.

What truly surprised him, however, was Easton’s unexpected compliance. Without a word, Easton accepted the bracelet, slipping it into his pocket with a simple nod, his expression still unreadable.