Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 73

**The Case of the Bleeding Shadows by Emma Blackwood**
**Chapter 73**

Sophia accepted the bouquet, its vibrant colors contrasting sharply with her mood as she carried it into the lounge. The delicate petals fluttered slightly in her wake, but her mind was far from the beauty of the flowers. She plucked the accompanying card from its place, her heart racing as she unfolded it.

[Ms. Roth, ever since our last meeting, I just can’t get you out of my mind. Would you like to go on a date?]

The name at the bottom sent a shiver down her spine—Nicolas.

A surge of revulsion flooded through her, igniting a fire of indignation. How dare he? With a swift motion, she tore the card into tiny pieces, each rip a release of her frustration. Without a second thought, she tossed the entire bouquet into the trash can, the flowers landing with a soft thud, their beauty wasted.

As she stepped out of the lounge, her expression was a clear reflection of her annoyance. The irritation simmered beneath her skin, and she marched over to the front desk with purpose. “If flowers from that guy turn up again, just refuse them. Don’t bring them up,” she instructed, her voice firm and devoid of any warmth.

The receptionist met her gaze, nodding earnestly. “Got it, Ms. Roth.”

Meanwhile, in a lavish private room at the club, Nicolas was oblivious to the storm brewing in Sophia’s heart. He had just received a call from the florist, confirming that the flowers had been successfully delivered to Crestview Group. Leaning back in his chair, he lounged casually, one arm draped around a woman, laughter and the clinking of glasses filling the air as he played cards with his friends.

“Good, make sure to send more tomorrow,” he said, his eyes focused intently on his hand, a smirk playing on his lips.

One of his friends leaned forward, curiosity piqued. “Nicolas, seriously, which girl has you working this hard—sending flowers every day?”

Another chimed in, “Let me guess, is it Fiona, that superstar everyone’s buzzing about?”

A third friend scoffed, “Fiona? No way. Everyone knows her sugar daddy’s that loaded Thorne guy from Harlinton. And Nicolas, you’ve dated practically every celebrity under the sun. What makes her so special?”

Nicolas felt a heat rise to his cheeks, the thought of Sophia’s alluring curves and captivating smile igniting something within him. “The girl I’ve got my eye on these days is Ms. Roth from Crestview Group,” he declared, a confident grin spreading across his face.

Leaning back in his chair, a smug expression on his face, he continued, “Honestly, her being Easton’s ex only makes me want her more. Sophia’s like the hottest girl here. If I could actually get her in my bed, man, that’d be freaking epic.”

The room erupted in boisterous laughter, the camaraderie thick in the air.

That afternoon, Sophia arrived at the Maritime Authority, ten minutes early, her mind still swirling with thoughts of the unwanted bouquet. The heads of various trading companies were already gathered, and the director of the Maritime Authority had just made his entrance.

“Hey, Ms. Roth! Long time no see. You’ve been keeping busy lately, huh? Seems like it’s always your secretary showing up at our meetings,” the director joked, his tone light and friendly.

Sophia managed a relaxed smile, though her thoughts were elsewhere. “Yeah, it’s been a whirlwind—putting out fires left and right. I’ve had my secretary handle most of the port project stuff. If it’s something significant, I’m always on top of it myself, so no worries,” she replied, trying to keep her tone upbeat.

As she engaged in a pleasant discussion with the director, the atmosphere shifted when Easton walked in, accompanied by Gordon. The air thickened with unspoken tension as she turned to face them, her heart racing.