Chapter 90: Eleanor's Legacy

Sophia gazed at the well kept garden while sitting on the terrace of Eleanor Blackwood's magnificent home. Though she hadn't experienced anxiety in a long time, Eleanor had a way of making others feel that way. While sipping her tea, the elderly woman's keen eyes observed Sophia with a silent chuckle.

Eleanor put down her cup and said, "You seem to be thinking about something, sweetie."

Sophia gripped her cup and let out a breath. It’s just, this surprised me. You want to be my mentor."

Eleanor snickered. Did you believe I didn't like you?

Sophia paused before giving an honest response. "Yes." At first.

Eleanor gave a nod. "It was deliberate. You had to prove to me that you were strong enough to hold your ground. Blackwood ladies don't give up easily.

Sophia straightened her back. "I have no plans to."

With satisfaction, Eleanor responded, "Good." Standing tall amid a storm isn't the only way to be strong, however. It's important to know when to give in and when to resist.

Knowing there was a deeper lesson in those words, Sophia took them in.

Eleanor indicated the home. “Come on. “I want to show you something.”

Down a lengthy corridor, Sophia followed Eleanor to a door that seemed older than the rest of the home. She pulled it open and saw a room full with paperwork, pictures, and artifacts. The experience was like entering the past.

"The Blackwood Legacy Room is this," Eleanor clarified. There are lessons, triumphs, and failures from every age that have been left behind. Everything that constituted this family.

One of the antique journals on the shelf was touched by Sophia's fingertips. “Do you maintain records?”

Eleanor had a grin. Not just documents. Knowledge is inherited. Sophia, money alone does not equate to power. It has to do with knowing.

Sophia flipped over the journal's pages, reading entries made by ladies several years her senior. They discussed hardships, sacrifices, and victories.

"Do you want me to extend this?" she inquired.

Eleanor nodded. "Yes, one day." However, you have to learn first.

Eleanor sat opposite Sophia and placed a contract and a chess piece on the table.

According to Eleanor, "the greatest battles are won before they even begin." "Stell me, Sophia. How does one approach negotiations?

Sophia paused to think. “Leverage?”

Eleanor nodded. Yes. However, leverage isn't only about possessions. What the other person fears losing is at issue.

Sophia put her head forward. "You exploit their weakness, then?"

Eleanor gave a grin. "You give them hope that you can."

Sophia was frantic. For years, she had been studying how to fight for herself and how to suffer betrayal. Eleanor, on the other hand, was teaching her a whole new strategy for winning without ever brandishing a sword.

Their talk was just getting started when there was a knock on the door. With an envelope in hand, a butler came in.

"This just got here, ma'am."

Eleanor's face was inscrutable when she accepted the envelope. Sophia got it from her.

"That is for you."

The words inside made Sophia's stomach turn as she cautiously opened it.

We are aware of your secret. And soon, the whole world will.

Her blood became chilly.

Sophia's grip on the letter became more firm. As she glanced over the brief, icy letter once again, her heart thumped in her ears.

We're aware of your secret. The world will follow shortly.

It swept through her with icy fear. What was the secret? Moreover, who was responsible for this?

Eleanor's keen eyes observed her intently. "Inhale, my love. I’ll see.

After hesitating, Sophia gave the letter to him. Slowly, Eleanor read it, her face inscrutable. After that, she put it down coolly and turned to face Sophia.

"Never let them see you panic, my dear; that's the first lesson of power."

Sophia made herself breathe steadily. "What if, however, they actually have something on me?"

Head tilted by Eleanor. Do they?

Sophia was frantic. At least she didn't have anything illegal to conceal. Is her history with Jacob a factor? Her problems prior to meeting Alexander? Her bedrock?

As she said, "I don't know." "But I cannot disregard it."

Eleanor nodded. "Obviously not." Whether they are successful in unsettling you, however, depends on how you react. Whoever sent it wants you to be terrified. Their first action is that.

Sophia straightened. I will not allow them to prevail, then.

Eleanor gave a friendly grin. Good. We must now identify them.

She delivered the letter to Margaret, Eleanor's poised assistant, whom she had called in. "Discover the source of this. I want every nuance.

Without a word, Margaret nodded and walked away.

Sophia breathed out. “Anyone could be this. I've angered influential individuals with my foundation. Alexander's commercial competitors

Eleanor held out her hand. It is pointless to speculate. Facts are our main concern.

Sophia took in the instruction with a nod.

Eleanor eyed her. "Your rate of learning is rapid."

Sophia acknowledged that she had a terrific instructor.

Eleanor gave a grin. "You can go anywhere with flotty."

Sophia was told to accompany Eleanor to the balcony, where the city lights spanned the horizon.

Eleanor said, "I erred by reacting too quickly when I was younger." "A powerful woman has to learn to be restrained. Every war cannot be fought head-on.

Sophia listened carefully.

"Silence makes people uncomfortable," Eleanor said. "They start questioning themselves when they expect a reaction and don't get one."

Sophia took in this information. In the past, she would have reacted to the threat right away and sought explanations. Eleanor, however, was teaching her to be patient. Plans.

"Are you saying I shouldn't answer?"

Eleanor had a grin. Not yet. Leave them to ponder. Let them squander time wondering. Additionally, we dig ourselves in the meantime.

With her thoughts more organized, Sophia gazed at the metropolis. "I get it,"

Margaret brought back a folder one hour later. The letter was traced. The courier that shipped it had no sender name and was not registered. However, the study of the handwriting points to a person who is purposefully hiding their script.

Sofia scowled. Thus, they are exercising caution.

On the folder, Eleanor tapped. Thus, they too stand to lose something.

She caught Sophia's eye. "Then let's see what."

As they were planning their next move, Sophia's phone began to ring. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked down.

An unidentified number. Only one message.

See the headlines for tomorrow.

Sophia felt her stomach turn. In any case, this was not the end.