Chapter 237 - Shadows Of Regret

Jake's Private Study

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Blake asked Jake who has been giving him an awkward look for some very long minutes.

"How long do you intend on punishing yourself and just how long do you think you can shy away from doing what you have always loved to do?" Jake finally asked, his gaze on Blake was sharp and intense. He didn't want to miss any of his expression as he answered his question.

Blake looked away from him but didn't say anything. He didn't want to say anything or rather he didn't have the answer for his question.

"Blake I have told you over and over again that it wasn't your fault. You can't keep beating yourself over it, it's all in the past. You have to come out of this"

"Easier for you to say because it wasn't you who almost killed those people. I had –"

"I'm happy you said almost, because nobody died" Jake cut in, before sighing.

"Look it's been 8 years, I think that's enough time to step out of the shadow of regret. You have made enough atonement, and I think that's enough. Just because you made one mistake doesn't mean you should kill yourself and hold keep your life on a standstill. You're a programmer Blake, you and I know that's what you are born to do. On the hack hub you still remain undefeated and that's your real Identity, you should own it. What happened was unfortunate I agree but stop berating yourself over it for too long and move on" Jake paused, his eyes still fixed on him.

"The company is facing hard times and this is the time when your expertise is really needed. Remember it's not just my company, it is ours. We must protect it together. Dad didn't have a brother to help him and we both saw how it wore him out till he fell sick, but I have you and your support would be really appreciated. Not because I can't do but because it's our birthright. It's high time you step on board and take a rightful seat at the company and stop counting numbers." Jake said in calm and gentle tone like he was coaxing him. He knew it was hard for Blake to move on after the mistake he made, but he didn't think it was enough to punish himself for so long. He was only a teenager at the time of the incident and he wasn't entirely at fault.

Yes he punched those keys that had affected the city's traffic system, resulting to several accidents with many casualties but his friends were also to blame. If they hadn't pushed him into proving himself with something as dangerous as that, then he'd wouldn't have been this traumatized.

Blake tried not to look at Jake as he spoke. He knew his brother was right about what he had said, but it wasn't something easy to get past. He had watched behind the screens how those cars and buses ran into each other. People were yelling and weeping from pain resulting from the inflicted injuries. It was only by the act of God that they weren't any fatalities on that day.

He could still remember it like yesterday. Only if he had said no to his friends, and let them have whatever doubts they are wanted to have, then things would have happened differently. But then he was so lost and carried away by the fact that people liked and respected, and even spoke alot about him, not because he was a Beau but because he was a young and talented programmer, who people wanted to meet.

Being viewed like that had fed his ego and when some clique of his friends had dared him into hacking into the city's traffic system, he didn't read much into it until he lost control and that incident happened.

When he touched those keys he always felt invincible and that's why he had felt the urge to prove his friends wrong when they underestimated his ability, but little did he know the sad outcome of such foolishness.

His father had taken him to the proper authorities to admit his wrong doings and as a minor he was sentenced to 150 days community service. His family compensated every one of the victims but still that wasn't enough to shake off the guilt he felt. And that was why he had kept to himself and refrained from friends except one would count the rich heirs among their circle who he bumps into sometimes. But he didn't think they were friends either.

"I also want to forget and let go, but it's hard." He hissed as he turned to look at Jake.

"Just try. I'm here to support you and so is grandfather. And above all you're grown now and are no longer that naive kid you were years ago. I'm sure you can do it" Jake encouraged him. He needed Blake to be on board while they resolved all these issues together. His words made Blake nod.

Blake looked at Jake as he tried to tell him something. He was yet to tell Jake about his attempt in trying to neutrslize the virus. Jake noticed the hesitant look in his eyes.

"Say it I'm listening" Jake told him.

"I think I might be able to neutralize the virus" Blake announced nervously. Jake looked at him and nodded his head. He was already knew that if anyone was capable of fixing the problem with the software, then it was Blake.

Blake was quite surprised when his brother didn't give the reaction he was expecting. He didn't expect to be overly excited or something, but he was expecting series of questions from him but none came. Rather his nodded acknowledging the fact that he heard him before saying, "Don't do anything about it." His answer surprised Blake.

"Why? Don't you want to save the company?" Blake asked in confusion.

"Of course, but not like this. I want to take everything she has as punishment for Dad's death.. She's living too comfortable and I hate it" He said.