Chapter 86: The Redemption of Jacob

Sophia reviewed the most recent foundation updates as she sat in her office. She was pleased of the difference they were making every day, and the job was rewarding. But she was thinking about something else today.

That morning, a letter had come. She had halted when she saw the name on the envelope.

Jacob Carter.

It had been months since she had heard from him. Not since he was found guilty. She unfurled the paper with a small trembling of her fingers.

Sophia

I hope you will read this even if I don't deserve your time. For the last several months, I've been attending therapy. I first resisted it. I convinced myself that I wasn't the issue. However, I was.

I've had to confront the reality of who I am and the harm I did. I regret nothing more than hurting you. Although I am unable to alter the past, I am making an effort to improve myself.

I wanted you to know that I'm not the same guy who deceived you, even if I don't expect forgiveness.

Jacob

Sophia let out a slow breath. She wasn't prepared for this.

She leaned back and gazed at the words. Counseling? She never thought Jacob would decide to change. He had always been conceited and always placed the blame elsewhere. Was he really changed now?

She was startled out of her reverie by a tap on her door.

"Enter," she beckoned.

With a cup of tea in hand, Grace entered. You seem to be thinking deeply. What is happening?

After a moment of hesitation, Sophia gave her the letter. Grace's eyebrows raised as she swiftly read it.

"All right," she murmured, putting it aside. "That was not expected."

Sophia gave a nod. "I am at a loss for what to think. I have the need to trust him. However, the other aspect...

"Remembers what he did even now."

Sophia let out a sigh. "Exactly."

She was seated across from Grace. "Sofia, people may change. However, it doesn't mean you have to let them back into your heart.

"I understand," she muttered. "I just... I never imagined hearing from him in this manner.

Sophia found herself pacing the living room later that night. Alexander's piercing eyes never left her as he observed her from the sofa.

"You're bothered by something," he eventually replied.

She hesitated, wondering whether she should tell him. However, she had never concealed anything from him.

She approached him and gave him the note. His jaw tensed as he read it silently.

Alexander put it down and said, "He wants you to think he's changed." "Do you?"

Sophia bit her lip. "I'm not sure."

Alexander bent over. "What are you considering doing?"

She paused. "I... I want to try it myself."

His gaze became gloomy. "Want to go see him?"

She gave a nod. "Not by yourself. However, absolutely. I believe I should listen to him if he is really attempting to change.

Alexander's face was unintelligible. Then he let out a breath. "I won't stop you if this is what you must do. However, I will accompany you.

Sophia gave a quiet grin. "Anything less would be unacceptable to me."

Sophia and Alexander showed up to the jail the next day. Her stomach twisted at the bright lights and antiseptic walls, but she pushed herself to remain composed.

They were shown to a visiting room by a guard. As the door opened and Jacob entered, Sophia's pulse raced.

He had changed appearance. thinner. She could no longer see the arrogant assurance in his gaze. Something else was present instead—regret.

"Sophia," he murmured quietly. "Alexander."

Although Alexander nodded curtly, he felt agitated. He had no faith in Jacob. He most likely wouldn't.

Sophia inhaled deeply. "I received your letter."

Jacob clasped his hands together and nodded. "I didn't think you would show up."

She said, "I wasn't sure either."

A faint, melancholy grin appeared on his face. "That's reasonable."

Jacob bent over. "Therapy... I've never done something as difficult as this. However, it's also the first time I've given myself a thorough examination. He let out a breath. "I caused you pain, Sophia. And I've been regretting it every day.

Sophia looked at him. "Why now? Why alter?

Jacob bobbed his neck. "Because I lost it all." And for the first time, I was solely responsible for my own actions.

There was silence between them.

At last, Sophia spoke. "Jacob, I appreciate that you're trying. Really. However, I will never forget what transpired.

"I don't think you will." He looked her in the eye. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm working on improving."

Sophia gave a nod. "I hope you continue."

Jacob grinned a little. "I do, too."

Sophia felt lighter as they walked out of the jail. Although she had found peace, she hadn't forgiven Jacob.

Alexander encircled her with an arm. "Are you alright?"

She leaned close to him. Indeed. I believe I am.

However, her phone buzzed as they made their way to the vehicle. She froze, looking at the screen.

Unknown Number: *Sofia, you should be cautious about who you put your faith in.*

Her stomach fell.

As Sophia gazed at the letter, her pulse raced. The words had a chilling weight despite their simplicity.

Unknown Number: Sophia, you should be cautious about who you put your faith in.

Perceiving her abrupt tenseness, Alexander looked over her shoulder. As he read the sentence, his face became serious.

He wanted to know who sent this.

"I'm not sure," Sophia muttered.

Alexander tightened his grasp and seized the phone from her. "This isn't arbitrary." His desire for protection erupted. "Someone wants you not to think Jacob is real."

Sophia gave a shaky breath. However, who? Why now, too?

Alexander tightened his jaw. "We'll discover."

He motioned for them to be driven home. Despite her best efforts to ignore the discomfort, Sophia couldn't help but think about the message.

Alexander contacted his security detail back at their estate. Ethan, his head of security, showed there within an hour.

Ethan read the message. He verified, "It was sent from a burner phone." "I'll try my best, but tracking it will be challenging."

Alexander's face was unintelligible. "She's being watched by someone."

Sophia took a gulp. "Do you believe Jacob has anything to do with it?"

Ethan paused. "It is feasible. However, there is another hypothesis as well.

Sophia wrinkled her brows. "What is it?"

Alexander and Ethan looked at each other, and then Ethan said. Jacob had adversaries. Someone may not want him to change if he is really changing.

Sophia felt a knot in her gut. "You're stating... Could this be a warning?

"Yes," answered Ethan solemnly.

Alexander lost patience. "Identify who it is." There was no space for debate in his tone.

Ethan gave a nod. "I'll."

Sophia's phone rang the next morning.

Jacob.

After hesitating, she responded. "Hello?"

He spoke tensely. "Sophia. You must use caution.

A shiver went through her body. "Why?"

Jacob let out a sigh. "I believe someone is attempting to prevent me from evolving. This morning, I found a note in my cell. "You don't get to rewrite history," it said.

Sophia gasped. "Who did you cross, Jacob?"

Jacob's lack of response was revealing. He then said, "I had deals with dangerous people before I was arrested." They may see me as a danger if they believe I'm changing.

Sophia's heartbeat accelerated. "You're implying that I might be related to the person who sent me that message?"

"I'm not sure," Jacob said. "However, I don't want you to be in the middle."