Chapter 93:The Apology of the Rival

Her phone was buzzing on the nightstand when Sophia woke up. The bedroom had a gentle golden light from the sun, which had just begun to rise. Alexander shifted next to her, but he remained still.

She grabbed for the phone, rubbing her eyes, and spotted an unidentified number. She took a time to think before responding.

“Hi?”

Silence, followed by a heavy sigh. “Mrs. Blackwood... This is Nathaniel Carter.

Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she sat up. The prior adversary of Alexander was Nathaniel Carter. Their lives had been all but wrecked by this guy.

"What do you want?" she said in a stern but restrained tone.

"I need to talk to you and Alexander personally. His voice had changed. not conceited. not patronizing. Nearly regretful.

Sophia grimaced. "Why ought we to pay attention to anything you have to say?"

I must apologize to you both. And because... I know something that might be useful to you.

Sophia clenched her hand around the phone. “What sort of data?”

A hold-up. "Something that could make all the difference."

She looked at Alexander, who had woken up and was observing her intently.

Before he could say anything more, she disconnected up. "Meet us at our office in two hours," she added.

Alexander sat up and wrinkled his brows. “Who was that?”

Sophia drew in her breath. “Carter Nathaniel.”

Immediately, his face darkened. "What is it he wants?"

"He wants to apologize," he says. And he has knowledge that may make all the difference.

Alexander's mouth tightened. "We'll investigate that."

They waited in Alexander's office for two hours. There was a lot of stress.

Nathaniel entered after the door opened. He seemed more worn down and less confident. Under his eyes were dark circles, and his shoulders drooped a little.

With a hushed voice, he murmured, "Thank you for meeting me."

Arms crossed, Alexander reclined on his chair. "Cut to the chase."

Nathaniel inhaled deeply and nodded. "I was mistaken in every way. All about you, business, and life. He looked at Sophia. "I was particularly mistaken when I attempted to ruin your family."

Sophia remained silent, waiting for him to go on.

Nathaniel blew out his breath. "I allowed my pride and greed to make me into someone I'm not even familiar with." Seeing you fail was something I wanted to do because I wanted to feel strong. Ultimately, however, I lost everything,my business, my reputation, and my dignity.

Alexander squinted his eyes. "Now you're asking for forgiveness?"

He shook his head, Nathaniel. "No." I didn't anticipate that. I want to put things right, however. After a moment of hesitation, he continued. "I am aware that Sophia has been under surveillance."

Sophia gasped for air.

Nathaniel looked at her. "Someone still wants retribution. They haven't finished yet, either.

Alexander balled his hands up. “Who?”

Nathaniel paused. "I don't have a name. But I am aware that they have been looking into your background. Additionally, they pose a threat.

A cold shiver went through Sophia. "Why are you telling this to us?"

"Because I understand the experience of being overcome by hatred." Additionally, I no longer want to be that person.

Alexander took a long time to examine him. "If you are speaking the truth, then assist us in identifying the person."

Nodding, Nathaniel said. "Yes, I will."

Sophia sighed, her thoughts whirling. Although Nathaniel's rivalry was finished, a new danger had just emerged.

Furthermore, they were clueless about their opponent this time.

Leaning into his hug, Sophia nodded. But she felt in her heart that their anniversary party had been ruined.

And that was merely the beginning of the storm.

With his fingers clasped together, Nathaniel sat rigidly on the chair opposite Alexander and Sophia. There was a lot of stress in the workplace.

Alexander's tone was forceful and low. "We need names if you're speaking the truth, Nathaniel. Not another riddle.

Nathaniel blew out his breath. Although I don't have all the information, I am aware that someone has been working behind the scenes. A person who still desires retribution

Sophia felt her heart race. "But who? Numerous dangers have already been addressed.

After a moment's hesitation, Nathaniel took his phone out. "This communication arrived yesterday night. Even though it was delivered anonymously, I was able to identify the offshore account that sent it.

Alexander took the phone from him.

"They're not worthy of peace. Ensure that they are deprived of it.

Alexander clenched his fingers around the phone. He faced Nathaniel. "The account is owned by whom?"

Nathaniel clenched his jaw. “Camille.”

Sophia's breath caught. Camille? But she departed from New York!

Nodding, Nathaniel said. "She did." She held onto her resentment, however. She has been working covertly to damage your reputation by giving the media false information. She still holds you two responsible for her demise.

Alexander's face became gloomy. "Where is she right now?"

Nathaniel paused. "I own an address. She has been residing in Boston while using a new identity.

Sophia let out a loud sigh. "We must confront her."

Nodding, Alexander said. “Now.”

On that night, Nathaniel, Sophia, and Alexander landed at a posh hotel in Boston. Nathaniel gave them the apartment number, which took them to a spacious penthouse.

Alexander rapped loudly.

Silence.

The door then opened just a crack.

Upon seeing them, Camille's face emerged, her expression contorted. "Why have you come here?"

Sophia moved ahead. "Camille, we are aware of your actions."

With her knuckles white, Camille's hold on the door became more firm. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Alexander's tone sounded icy. “Enough lies. All of it,the threats, the leaked reports, the efforts to ruin our family was tracked back to you.

There was a flicker of rage in Camille's eyes. "First, you destroyed me!" she yelled. "You disgraced me and ignored me as if I were unimportant!"

Sophia spoke in a forceful yet composed tone. "You, Camille, did it on yourself. You had options from us, but you chose to exact retribution.

Camille's eyes began to well up with tears. I lost everything. I just wished that you had the same suffering.

Nathaniel's voice rose. “Nothing will be fixed by revenge, Camille. I discovered this the hard way.

Camille turned to face him, her face changing.

Sophia drew in her breath. "You must cease your running. If you accept the penalties, you may be able to start anew.

The tears poured down Camille's cheeks. What if I do? So what?

Alexander's tone mellowed a little. "Perhaps you'll find peace at last."

A broken sob escaped Camille's throat. Her eyes faltered with anger for the first time.

After two weeks, Camille confessed to her crimes and surrendered herself up. In light of the evidence, the most severe charges were dismissed in favor of community service and rehabilitation.

Camille wrote Sophia a note one evening.

"I may not ask for your forgiveness, but I had to apologize. for everything. Because I let hatred overtake me, I now have to deal with the harm I did. I could be deserving of atonement someday. I appreciate that you haven't given up on me entirely.

Camille.

Sophia put the letter down after reading it twice.

An arm was put around her by Alexander. "Are you convinced by her?"

Sophia blew out a breath. "I have no idea. But I'm aware that harboring hatred only leads to one's destruction. For the time being, maybe it is sufficient if she is really attempting to change.

Alexander gave her a forehead kiss. "At last, this chapter can be closed."

Sophia grins. "Yes. It is finished.

And for the first time in a long time, their lives were really at peace.