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Tenfold Retribution Chapter 17: Dark Intentions
Rick’s thoughts raced and the cacophony of chaos simply drowned them out. Facing the intruders coming out of the shadows his heart pounded in his chest and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He’d been taught to fight, to survive, but nothing could ready him for the mix of desperation and rage that was his instinct now.He roared, charging at the closest intruder, “Get away from my family!” They collided and the man lunged at him, grappling for control.Rick took over and he quickly maneuvered his body to bring himself on level terms, delivering a punch which sent the man reeling backwards.More figures appeared, and Rick was out numbered. Another intruder swung a crowbar at his head and he ducked to avoid a potentially fatal blow. He sent his assailant sprawling to the ground with a kick of his own.He shouted again, ‘Laura!’ hoping for the best.He heard her voice, full of panic, in the distance. “Rick! I’m here!”He screamed, “Stay where you are!” He couldn’t afford to l
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 18: Shadows of Betrayal
Rick's shoulders squared as he narrowed his focus to the figure of Mark, still outside the chaos, pleased grin all over his face.“Mark!” The noise of the ongoing skirmish was cut through by Rick. “What are you doing here?”The rest of the chaos around them was a total contrast to Mark's casual gait as he stepped forward. He replied, his voice dripping in sarcasm, “Just thought I’d come see how the night was going.” “It’s not like you’re having the best of luck.”Rick had reared his fists and was hanging in spite of anything. “This isn’t a joke. You’re the one behind this, aren’t you? You set us up.”“Me?” He even raised his hands in mock surrender, grinning now in feigned innocence. “I’m just an interested party.” I’d be more worried about your little family if I were you. ‘It’s a dangerous world out there, Rick.’”Rick could feel Laura's unease beside him and then the tension thickened in the air. “We’re done playing games, Mark.” No matter what you think you’re going to do here, it
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 19: The Weight of Shadows
His heart raced as he twisted against the rubble that was pressing him to the ground. Every frantic movement reminded him of the gravity of his situation, the sharp pain in his arm pulsed. In a cloud of dust and debris the world around him creaked ominously, threatening to collapse further.Desperation clawed at his throat, “Laura!” he shouted again. Trying to shift the debris, it felt like you were trying to move a mountain. He felt panic and was absolutely helpless, trapped in some kind of nightmare to which he had no way out.The darkness grew darker, beginning to press in, when a voice pierced through. “Rick! Are you there?”His voice was hoarse. “I’m here! I’m stuck, but I’m okay! Where are you?”“I’m... I’m not far. Hold on!”He could hear her voice, shaky but determined.“Just stay there! I’ll find you!”Rick once more started pushing against the debris, using every ounce of strength he had left. His body screamed in protest, but the metal beams were heavy. Not now. He had to g
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 20: The Rising Tide
The smoke of the collapsed warehouse's embers slowly died down.Laura, Rick, and Elvis stood back from the wreckage, for they were still catching their breath. The momentary relief of escape was not on Rick’s mind. He knew Mark wouldn’t stop. They would only get more desperate. It wasn’t just strength against strength, it was strength against power, strength against manipulation, and in some cases revenge. He needed to stay ahead and Rick needed to do it.Silence broke when Rick muttered, “We can’t stay here.' Charles had been standing by, silent and vigilant as always, and he glanced at him. “We have to get somewhere safe.”Her eyes showed concern, Laura tightened her grip on Elvis. “But where, Rick? Nowhere feels safe if Mark is still out there.”He wiped the dust off his face and frowned. “He just won’t stop until he gets what he wants. I have something he didn’t expect though—resources. We’re going somewhere he won’t think to look for us. We have to regroup and plan for now.”Char
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 21: Surrounded by Shadows
Rick stood in the doorway, watching the approaching headlights cut through the darkness, growling louder as the roar of engines got so deafening. The safe house was surrounded by dozens of cars closing in fast. His thoughts went wild, thinking of his next move. This time he had reinforcements, and Mark was here.“Charles!” He snapped into action, Rick barked. “Get Laura and Elvis out the back!” And take Naomi with you and take a safe route through the woods.”Charles nodded and moved toward Laura, who was clutching Elvis tightly, as he always was under pressure. “Come with me, madam. We need to go now.”“Rick, what are you going to do?” Laura's voice was trembling with fear and she asked.Rick's expression was firm. “I’ll hold them off. Elvis and you need to be safe. Right now, that’s all that matters.”Laura’s eyes watered, but she didn’t protest. Rick wouldn’t back down when it came to protecting his family regardless of the cost, so she knew. Turning, she followed Charles to the ba
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 22: A Dangerous Alliance
It was quiet in the safe house after the confrontation with Mark’s men. The air was still tense as if a storm was about to break. Rick walked around the living room, his mind going over everything that could go wrong next. Mark wouldn't back off, he knew, and not after the stunt Rick had pulled tonight. Mark would humiliate him back, with everything he had.Laura sat on the couch with Elvis asleep in her arms, wrapped up protectively, but now Elvis was awake and still groggy. His small, innocent eyes looked up to his father as he did, not knowing what was going on around him.Charles walked in with a grim face, and Rick stopped in front of the large window and stared out into the night, but was interrupted by his thoughts.Charles said, in his calm, but urgent tone, “We need to leave.It's no longer safe here. I wouldn't be surprised if Mark's already planned his next move, and he knows where we are."Rick clenched his jaw. "I know. But where can we go? There’s only so much we can run.
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 23: Shadows Moving in the Dark
Mark Eldwolf sat in his private study nursing a drink and staring out at his city as dawn broke. Since the cruiser party where Rick had humiliated him, publicly, his once calm demeanour had become more and more volatile. It haunted him with the memory of being struck in front of his peers, the memory of watching his carefully built business deal collapse. Rick was beneath him, he had worked too hard to be brought down by him.He gripped the glass in his hand and shattered it. The pain didn’t bother him and blood dripped down his knuckles. His thoughts were only of revenge.A voice from behind him said, “Sir.”His bloodshot eyes narrowed at the man who had just come in. Lucas was his right hand man, just as ruthless as Mark, but much more calculating... Without flinching, Lucas took in the sight of Mark’s bleeding hand.His voice was steady, “Rick has aligned himself with the Black Viper Syndicate,” Lucas told him.He looked at Mark’s eyes widen and a cruel smile stretched across his f
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 24: The Flames of War
The soft hum of the city beneath him barely registering, Rick stood in his office staring out of the window. His world had gone into turmoil, events of the past few days, and the alliance with the Black Viper Syndicate had made it only worse. Rick knew Mark’s retaliation had to be coming soon, and it was not going to be pretty. The fire burning inside him just wouldn't be extinguished. This was now or never, the stakes were higher than ever.Behind him stood Charles, his loyal butler, with a newspaper folded under his arm. His brow was knitted and worry seemed carved into his face. "We’ve been told the fire at the hotel was no accident, Rick."His jaw tightened and he clenched his fists. “Who’s responsible?”Charles cleared his throat, hesitated. “The Ghost. He’s working with Damian.”At the mention of Damian’s name, Rick’s eyes tightened.“What do we know about The Ghost?” Turning to face Charles, Rick asked.Charles replied, “Very little. He’s an elusive guy. He’s a master of assass
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Chapter 49: The Unforeseen Trap
The next morning Rick woke up and his brain still was raving from thoughts of the night before’s mission at the Eldwolf mansion. He’d got the evidence on Melissa and now had to work out his next move. He sat in his study, finally, and spread the documents out across his desk as he studied the details of Melissa’s corrupt dealings. He was pleased with the knowledge that her empire was broken as its underbelly was fragile. This was his way of taking down the mighty Eldwolf legacy.Very quietly, Charles entered and set a cup of coffee on Rick’s desk. He asked as his voice became calm, but his eyes showed anticipation, “Everything goes as planned, sir?”Glancing over at his loyal butler, Rick nodded. “More or less. And Damian held up his end of the deal. I’m not sure he’s all with us, but I’m not sure he’s against us either. Yet he may still be loyal to his mother.”A look of caution crossed Charles's face and he sighed. “Damian is volatile. He’s an Eldwolf, but he’s driven by resentment.
Chapter 48: A Dangerous Game
The next evening, Rick geared himself up for what would be one of the most risky moves he’d ever made in pursuit of his vengeance. The whisper in the dark seemed to echo his promise in his mind, and though he still had the glimmer of hope, he was watchful. Melissa’s own son was Damian, a gamble. If it paid off, he’d have the leverage he needed to destroy her for good.Rick’s study was the last place Charles would step into and his expression was one of calm concern. “Sir, are you really sure you want to do this? Even with Damian’s help it’s really risky to infiltrate the Eldwolf mansion.”He slid on a pair of leather gloves and nodded. Charles, I don’t have a choice. It’s the best opportunity we’ve had to do something really damaging to Melissa. If Damian holds up his end then we’ll have the evidence to expose her entire operation.”Charles frowned. “And if he betrays you?”Rick’s gaze hardened. “Then I’ll be ready.”They nodded subtly to each other; Rick checked his watch. When he ch
Chapter 47: Shadows of Betrayal
The dim glow from Rick's desk lamp shot long shadows across the room as he rummaged through files that he had been given by the mystery contact. Each document was a piece of a big puzzle and it showed how big Melissa’s network was. Rick had expected corruption, but offshore accounts, bribed officials and a few unsavory connections suggested something much deeper.Glancing at Rick’s grim expression, Charles entered the room. “Any news?”Rick gestured for him to sit. He handed Charles the folder and said, “Take a look at this. A msterious friend came through.It’s not just about Melissa. It’s just a whole syndicate that she runs under her influence.”Charles furtrowed his brows as he scanned the documents. “I didn’t expect this, sir. If we play this right, she might bring her empire crumbling down. But… there’s a risk.”His fingers tapped against the desk and Rick nodded. “We’ll need allies in this. People who can help us without getting caught in her crossfire.”Charles put the folder d
Chapter 46: A Web of Shadows
Rick’s office window let in the morning sunlight that cast long shadows across his desk. Preparing in his mind for the series of meetings to come, he leaned back in his chair. Melissa was now on edge and every move would have to be overly careful. He didn’t underestimate her, but he knew she wouldn’t be expecting his next play.Charles had compiled overnight, and Daniel entered with a briefcase filled with documents. “These are people who knew Melissa and people who, generally, are allies and business associates to her.nSome of them have questionable ties to illegal businesses. Maybe she has leverage or connections that we need exposed?”With grim satisfaction, Rick nodded and thumbed through the files. “Good work, Daniel. First, let’s call some of these people, if they know we are on to their involvement with Melissa, maybe one of them will cut a deal.”Daniel’s eyes, glinted with interest. “We can move fast, I can reach out discreetly. She’ll find a way to silence them the moment Me
Chapter 45: The Fire Ignites
Rick’s determination was only reinforced by the whispers and wary glances his employees gave him. Rick knew that Melissa’s leak about his prison past had already blown through the news cycle like wildfire. He was sick of being played by her schemes and this time he was going to be the one on the offense.Daniel's voice was low but firm as he headed towards the elevator with them“Your reputation is going to take some heat. a reminder—sometimes the best defense is to get control of the story.Give her a fight she won’t see coming if she wants one.”Rick nodded. “Well, the best way to get all this out of her is to expose her backstory first and maybe nudge her to open the lockers and let the skeletons out but she’s built a wall around herself, she thinks she’s untouchable, but I know people—old contacts—people who remember things she’d rather forget.”Daniel smiled tight lipped, impressed. “Just now you’re thinking like a true player.”They went into the elevator, and Rick’s mind was buz
Chapter 44: The Counterstrike
Charles trailed Rick through the halls of his company’s headquarters, looking worried. Staff and security hurried to their posts beneath the tension in the air, ready to take on an assault from Melissa Eldwolf’s forces that felt to be only moments away. His mind churned as he tried to see what move she’d be making next. If Melissa was ruthless, he had always known it, but sending her private security team to his doorstep was a big move.A guard told Rick as they made it to the executive floor, “Sir, we've reinforced the security perimeter. We’ll be ready if anyone tries to get in,” she said.“Good,” replied Rick, his anger tight in his voice. “Be sure no one enters or leaves this building without my permission. If Melissa thinks she can intimidate me, she’s sorely mistaken,’” he said.Finally, Charles spoke, having been silent during the situation. “This isn’t just her security team showing up, Rick.” Melissa is playing bigger game.. She’s saying something, she’s not scared to get agg
Chapter 43: Unveiling the Past
The weight of what it might contain was pressed down on Rick’s desk as he stared at the small envelope. The way Nathaniel Rhodes disappeared from the room just as quietly as he'd dared in the first place, leaving Rick even more questions than answers, was how he learned to not get involved in the first place. Like a ticking time bomb the envelope sat untouched.Laura came in quietly, eyes narrowing at the envelope in Rick’s hands. She walked over to him, her eyes concerned, “What is that?” she asked.She looked up at Rick, his face unreadable. "That’s from an old friend of my grandfather's. I think there’s something inside that can help us,” he says.Her fingers brushed his arm, and she moved closer. “Do you trust him?”Rick hesitated. “I don’t know. Just when we need it most, he appeared out of nowhere, offering help. It’s too convenient. …if there’s even a chance it’ll hold something useful…”His eyes were once again fixed on the envelope, and he trailed off.Laura was quiet, but he
Chapter 42: The Calm Before the Storm
The next morning, Rick sat in his office, staring out the large windows that looked out over the bustling city skyline. He still had the taste of victory from the battle he had just won at the board meeting, but the battle was fresh in his mind. Melissa wouldn’t give up that easily, he knew. She was cunning and Damian, had resources, allies that still could do some damage.As quietly as possible, Laura entered the room, her feet making a soft sound on the polished marble floor. Rick turned to face her, the tension of his eyes met hers and softened."How are you holding up?" she sat down in a chair across from him, asking.Rick sat back in his chair and ran a hand through his dark hair. “I should be asking you that question. I know that's a lot to take in all of this."Her eyes were clouded with worry and she offered a small smile. "It has been, but I’m fine. I just hate that you fight all the time. Rick, you deserve some peace."He looked at her, his gaze softening further, and reache
Chapter 41: Unveiling the Trap
Rick had been juggling the ongoing audit with plans to grow the Sky Limitless Hotel empire when the days had been relentless. It was palpable and he could feel the pressure building. The Eldwolf family was usually quiet, too quiet, and Rick knew better than to trust their silence.Rick focused unyielding in his office reviewing the final documents. Nearby, Charles stood with a calm worried expression on his face.Charles’s voice was low and steady, he said, “Rick, everything’s ready for the audit but there’s something off. Melissa and Damian have been hiding. It doesn’t feel right.”Rick leaned back in his chair, exhaled slowly. “Charles, they’re not the type to give up. They’re probably planning something, I’m sure.”He paused for a moment. “ maybe we should be proactive, rather than waiting for them to strike.”Rick shook his head. “No. Playing their game is what we’ll be doing if we confront them now. They want us to act without thinking. It is very important that we keep calm and
