Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 71

**The Case of the Bleeding Shadows by Emma Blackwood**
**Chapter 71**

For a fleeting moment, Ryan stood frozen, shock evident on his face. “May’s here?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if uttering her name could conjure her presence.

Easton’s lips curved into a mischievous smirk, the kind that hinted at secrets just waiting to be shared. “And Fiona is out having dinner with an actor. They’re trending online, can you believe it?” His tone was laced with a mix of amusement and disbelief.

Charles, caught off guard by the unexpected news, could only stare, his mouth agape as he struggled to process the information.

As Easton lifted his glass for another sip, Ryan noticed the sudden flurry of movement around him. The other two had already darted away, disappearing into the crowd like shadows at dusk. He imagined them scattering—one off in pursuit of familiar faces, while the other busied himself with a flurry of phone calls.

Finally, Ryan could breathe a little easier, the absence of their company granting him a moment of peace, free from the prying eyes and incessant chatter that often accompanied social gatherings.

Meanwhile, Sophia and May were engaged in light conversation with a few executives near the hotel gardens, their laughter mingling with the gentle rustling of leaves. As Ryan approached, he heard someone call out, “Mr. Howard!” and felt the weight of attention shift towards him.

Sophia and May turned to greet him, and Ryan noticed the warmth in Sophia’s smile, a genuine expression that contrasted sharply with the tension in the air. “Mr. Howard, what a delightful coincidence running into you tonight! Allow me to introduce you—this is my good friend, May from Brightway Law Firm.”

Ryan managed a tight-lipped smile, one that barely reached his eyes, as he extended his hand. “Ms. Young, it’s a pleasure to meet you again.”

May felt a sudden chill run through her, her nerves tightening like a coiled spring. It was as if time had momentarily stopped, leaving her feeling rooted to the ground, unable to move or speak.

Sophia, noticing May’s distant gaze, gently nudged her, breaking the spell that had captured her friend.

“Uh… Hello, Mr. Howard,” May finally managed to stammer, her voice barely above a whisper as she shook his hand, the contact fleeting yet electric.

Ryan sensed that he had caught May off guard, but he didn’t linger. A brief greeting was all he offered before turning away, his mind already racing ahead. Plenty of time, he thought, a sense of quiet confidence washing over him. She’s not going anywhere.

Sophia turned to May, her brow furrowed in genuine concern. “May, are you alright? You looked really rattled by him.”

May clutched Sophia’s hand tightly, her heart racing as she replied in a tense whisper, “That guy just now is from the Howard family in Jenston, isn’t he?” The disbelief in her voice was palpable.

Sophia raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. “You did just shake his hand. Don’t you know each other?”

Sophia smiled, her confidence returning. “You got it—no worries at all.”

By nine that morning, Sophia arrived at the Jenston government conference building, Emily and a few assistants in tow. Just as they approached the entrance, they encountered Easton and his team coming from the opposite direction.

Easton greeted her with a casual smile, an air of confidence surrounding him. “Looks like you’re ready for anything this time, Ms. Roth.”

Sophia returned his smile, pride swelling within her. “Of course. With Foster Group placing so much emphasis on this project, Crestview Group wouldn’t dare take it lightly.”

Easton nodded, his gaze lingering on her, an unspoken challenge hanging in the air. “Let’s hope Crestview Group sails through the preliminaries. That way, I’ll get to see you just as sharp and fired up at the finals.”

With that, Easton shot Sophia a long, meaningful look before leading his team inside. She watched him walk away, her jaw clenched tight, a fire igniting within her.

‘Who does he think he’s looking down on? Just wait and see,’ Sophia thought, determination burning bright in her chest. She was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead, no matter how daunting they seemed.