Chapter 994



Jake’s eyes brimmed with tears, gleaming red in the dim light. His voice quivered with palpable dread as he spoke.

“I’m sorry, Sophie. I arrived too late. It’s entirely my fault. Are you alright? Did you get hurt anywhere?”

Sophie paused, taking a deep breath to steady her voice. She gazed at Jake, her gaze laden with mixed emotions.

Relief washed over Sophie because Jake had managed to arrive just in time to rescue her, yet a trace of resentment lingered from his delay. The brush with death had been harrowingly close. Consequently, her faith in Jake had waned considerably, though she masked her feelings well. Calmly, she replied, “Dad, we’ll spare him for now. Our priority is to locate my mom.”

Jake quickly responded, his tone soothing, “Don’t fret. While I was on my way here, I dispatched a team to trace your mother’s location. We’ve pinpointed where she is, and she will be rescued shortly. She’ll be safe, I promise.”

Sophie gave a nod of acknowledgment.

Turning to his men, Jake ordered, “Detain Clayton.”

Then, Jake directed the bodyguards to escort Sophie to a place where she could recuperate.

Once Sophie departed, Jake was consumed by remorse. He had planned to rush to Sophie’s side the moment her distress call came in. However, an urgent plea from Lacey had delayed him, insisting that Elma appeared to be in peril, which diverted his attention at that critical moment. Despite feeling torn, he had chosen to stay by Elma’s side for a while, resulting in the delay of his arrival at Sophie’s side.

Though being the father of both Elma and Sophie, Jake acknowledged his bias at that critical moment. After all, Sophie was in good health, whereas Elma was not.

Jake admitted he was to blame for Sophie’s close call. He never anticipated that Clayton would actually attempt to end her. The thought of what could have happened if he had been just one second later was unbearable. The overwhelming sense of guilt and unease, stemming from Sophie’s ordeal, which could have been avoided with his prompt arrival, gnawed at him. Despite everything between him and Kallie and her apparent relationship with Clayton, the three kids were innocent, and any sufferings originating from being caught in the crossfire were uncalled for.

Jake dared not hope for Sophie’s forgiveness. All he could do was strive to make amends for the rest of his days.

Jake hadn’t lied to Sophie. Soon, news of Kallie reached them.

Jake had personally taken charge of the rescue operation to bring Kallie back.

However, it wasn’t until the following morning that Sophie heard of her mother’s rescue.

Sophie first made sure Brysen was safe before hurrying to the hospital.

Upon reaching the entrance to the ward, Sophie was greeted by Jake’s unsettling countenance, sending a chill through her heart. She hesitated at the threshold, grappling with the urge to enter.

Casting a glance at Jake, Sophie broke the tense silence.

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