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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
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 31: Unlikely Ally
Rick stood wide eyed, staring at the figure in front of him, his mind in a rush. He shivered as he heard the familiar voice. The dust had settled and the dim light from the tunnel flickered, revealing the person’s face.Jackson Farrow was a man Rick hadn’t seen in over a decade, a man Rick had trusted once, but who had simply disappeared without a trace before Rick’s life went into hell.He was older now, but his eyes were still sharp. Facing Rick,he raised his arms in gesture of peace, but Rick was still so coiled for a fight. However, he stepped back.Rick muttered, his grip tightening on the metal rod he was still holding."You’ve got to be kidding me. What the fuck have you been doing? And why are you here now?"There was no humor in Jackson’s expression, but he smirked. “I thought I’d be the last person you’d expect to see, but you don’t have time to wonder about my motives, Rick. You and your family are in grave danger. I’m here to help."Rick’s mind raced and his eyes narrowed.
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 32: Into the Storm
The room was filled with tmmasked intruders with lethal precision. They stepped out, raised their guns, and spread their eyes out to cover every corner. Rick clamped the chair so tightly in his hand that his knuckles turned white; he turned his eyes back and forth, looking at the invaders, calculating where and how they would attack.Laura clung to Elvis, her back against the wall. Charles stood in front of them, prepared to take a bullet for them. But Jackson was calm, his eyes on the situation, reading the layout as if it were laid out before him.Rick moved first.Swinging the chair at the nearest attacker, he hit the man’s shoulder with it. The man went down sideways, before Rick could finish him off, two more came to him, moving fast, trained motions. One of them fired, and the bullet just missed his head as it embedded itself into the wall.“Stay down!” Laura crouched, shielding Elvis with her body and Rick shouted at her.Behind the nearest attacker, Jackson moved next, slippin
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 33: Shadows of the Past
Again, the door broke open, and masked figures poured into the room. This time, Rick was ready. On instinct, his body moved, grabbing the nearest thing—a heavy vase—and throwing it at the first man through the door. The intruder staggered backward and more were rushing in behind him."Move!" He pulled his gun and yelled, shoving Laura and Elvis behind him. Three rapid shots, each hit its mark, he fired.Another man fell back, clutching his leg, and two men dropped to the floor.Another attacker swung around and threw his shoulder into Rick, knocking him off balance. Rick saw his chance, and slammed his fist into the guy’s stomach. Rick managed to get his gun and the attacker doubled over in pain. The fight was crazy, but Rick had spent years in prison learning how to handle crazy. He had to.Laura crouched, arms around Elvis who trembled in fear. Her eyes stayed on Rick as she saw him fight their enemies. Fear had no place, there was only survival.Slick as a shadow, Jackson got in be
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 34: Crossroads of Fate
The boarded up windows let in early morning light, long shadows cast on the dusty floor of the abandoned building. Rick hadn’t slept. His mind was too busy thinking of their next steps. He took a glance over at Laura and Elvis who had been curled up on an old pile of blankets in the corner, exhausted from the nights events.Rick’s muscles were coiled, like springs. The quiet felt wrong. He didn’t trust it. It was too still, as if something was just out of their grasp. The weight of everything pressed down on him and he rubbed his temples. The faceless enemy hunting them, undertaking black markets, betrayals, the Eldwolf family, Wyndon, the hotel. He needed to keep his family safe, but the questions ate at him, how much longer could they run?Rick heard a faint sound outside. Footsteps. He got up and walked silently toward the window to look out onto the street. He watched as a familiar figure walked towards the building, purposefully. Jackson.Rick’s gun tightened around his grip. Jac
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 35: A Dangerous Alliance
Its dark windows hid the atmosphere within the black sedan, gliding through the streets. In the back, Rick sat, eyes forward, mind sharp and alert. Jackson was driving, his face unreadable, with Laura at his side, holding Rick's knee for reassurance. It was cold and quiet and indifferent and far away from the city outside, quiet and indifferent and far away from the brewing storm Rick found himself at the heart of."Are you sure about this?" Her voice trembled slightly as she whispered. "Is Hartman really to be trusted... this Hartman?"His face hard, Rick turned to her. "Nobody in this business, Laura, I don't trust anyone. We don’t have much of a choice right now, however. We need allies—dangerous or not—Wyndon’s closing in."The driver’s seat cleared its throat, Jackson. "Hartman’s not an ally, Rick. He’s a tool. We use him to hurt Wyndon and then get out. No strings attached."His eyes narrowed as they approached the industrial district where the meeting was to be held, and he nod
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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
