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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
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 25: Broken Shields
Heavens only knew what the blast sounded like, but Rick’s estate was destroyed like a thunderclap, making for chaos in the dark. Glass rained down, furniture went crashing across the room, and the explosion was felt. The breath was knocked out of him, and Rick was thrown against the wall already on high alert. His ears rang, the world spun wildly, for a moment.“Laura!” He shouted and panic seized his chest. Shouting past the haze of smoke and dust, he staggered to his feet. His mind was focused on one goal, and his instincts kicked in, he had to find his family.Charles was already racing down the hallway. “This way, sir!” His old voice strong from the calamity, he called over the chaos, 'I’ll check the east wing, you take the west!'Rick nodded and ran toward the west wing where Laura and Elvis were. A mix of fear and fury had him up and running forward as his heart pounded furiously in his chest. Damian, Mark, The Ghost had crossed a line, and whoever had done this was now at war.
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 26: Unraveling Shadows
The smoke had begun to fog the air inside the estate, the tension suffocating, the smoke mixing with the fear that hung over it. The Ghost’s lifeless body was on the ground and Rick was standing over his unconscious body, his questions and an impending doom all happening in his head. Rick knew that this was just a taste of what was to come, Charles had disarmed the detonator.Laura held their child tightly, glanced at Rick, eyes wide in fear and worry, and cautiously made her way towards Rick. “Rick, what’s happening? They wouldn’t leave us alone,” I asked. Her voice quaked, but she tried to stay calm for Elvis as the terror in her eyes was unmissable.Rick’s jaw clenched, his fists still trembling from the adrenaline of the fight, he turned toward her. I don’t know, but we’re not safe here anymore. It was supposed to send a message.” He looked at The Ghost, lying on the floor, a reminder that danger was too close.Charles, nearby, adjusted his suit and looked unreadable. “Sir, I’ve
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 27: The Unseen Threat
The message on his phone stared back at Rick’s heart, pounding, like a dark omen. He didn't hesitate a moment, taking off to the control room of the bunker where the security monitors were set up. Right behind him came Charles, grim but ready.Laura knew they were in a hurry and scooped Elvis up in her arms and ran after them. Rick was tense and she could tell something terrible was about to happen.Rick’s hands flew across the keyboards, bringing up the live feeds from the estate and around it. They felt safe for the past few hours in the bunker, but the feeling of safety was melting away quickly now.“Where are the other cameras outside?” His anxiety grew with each second and he switched between feeds, muttering to himself.Behind him, Charles stood beside him and his eyes were trained on the monitors. “They’re all intact, sir. No signs of interference. Or is this another way to throw us off balance?”Just as Rick started to respond, one of the screens flickered, and a brief flicker
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 28: The Unfolding Storm
The police cars in the distance had flashing lights, and Rick knew better than to hope on chance. The authorities approaching didn’t seem to faze the masked attackers closing in, and the steely focus of the masked attackers on him suggested there was more to come. Now, Rick had been backed into too many corners to let his guard down.“Stay low!” Laura and Elvis were barked at by Rick, who pushed them further behind a large tree trunk, his voice a tense whisper. Charles took out his weapon, reloading quickly.Charles looked between the figures coming from the treeline and the far off police cars, and muttered, 'We can't take them all on. They’re not here to negotiate.”Rick gritted his teeth. “They’re here to ensure I don’t walk away from this.”He wasn’t wrong. The men in black were moving efficiently and in unison. These weren't thugs, these were professionals; they were probably sent by one of the many powerful enemies Rick had made while away. There was no shortage of candidates,
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 29: Shadows Closing In
Rick gritted his teeth at the rumble of collapsing tunnels, and twisted metal, struggling to pry the door open. Every pull strained his muscles, but the door wouldn’t budge. Dust and debris filled the air, each breath became heavier with each passing minute.“We need to move!” He groaned, pressing his hand on the cut on his forehead. “They can’t hold much longer.”Rick was trembling behind Laura, clutching Elvis to his chest. She looked like she was about to start panicking, the seriousness of the situation weighing in on her eyes.Rick tried to force a calm expression and turned to them. “Stay with me. Always, there’s another way out.”Doubt crept into his mind even while he said it. The tunnels had been compromised far worse than he’d expected, and the attackers had them cornered. They knew every inch of the estate’s hidden pathways, whoever was behind this. No, they weren’t just random destruction—they wanted him and his family dead.Charles wincing as he pushed himself up, said, '
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 30: Unseen Threats
As Rick, Laura, Elvis, and Charles continued in the underground chambers, there were a thousand thoughts running through Rick's mind. It was well beyond a family dispute; it was an attack on their lives. It wasn’t just the Eldwolf family’s greed. But there were large forces behind it that didn't want to be fully seen, waiting for the right time to take their shot.Everybody could hear it, their hearts pounded with every step as Laura held Elvis close. Rick’s face remained stone-like, determined.The weight of all the secrets was pressing down on all of them and they had to get out—now.Charles whispered, his voice just as raspy as his wounds. He pointed at an unmarked passage at the far end of the chamber. “Behind here is a hidden exit. In the city’s early days, it was used for smuggling. I hope it’ll get us out safely."His instincts were screaming that something wasn’t right but Rick nodded. The air was so tense one almost couldn't breathe, the halls were way too quiet. He knew they
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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
