2024-09-26 23:33:54Rick awoke to the bright sunlight of a new day, his head pounding from the remnants of the previous night’s alcohol. As his eyes adjusted to the brightness, he noticed the room was in complete disarray. Clothes were strewn across the floor—Laura’s dresses, and all her inner wears too now lay on the ground.
The sight of her garments, especially the soft pink dress she had worn the night before, sent a chill down his spine. Something was terribly wrong.
He sat up, realizing he was wearing nothing but a pair of shorts. His mind struggled to piece together the events of the night before, but it was all a blur.
“What happened?” he muttered to himself. He couldn’t recall anything, no matter how hard he tried. His heart raced as he scanned the room, his eyes landing on Laura.
She was lying on the floor, partially covered by a blanket. Her hair was disheveled, and her makeup was smeared across her face, which could tell that she had been crying for hours. The sight of her in such a state made Rick’s stomach drop.
“I hope it’s not what I’m thinking,” he whispered as his heart skipped a beat.
As he stood to find his trousers, Laura stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and the moment she saw Rick, she began to tremble uncontrollably.
“Please don’t hurt me,” she begged, her voice cracking as fresh tears streamed down her face.
Rick froze, his heart sinking as he realized the gravity of the situation. He looked around the room, trying to make sense of the chaos. The shattered glass, the overturned furniture—it all pointed to a violent struggle. But he couldn’t remember any of it. Regret and anger surged through him as he tried to approach Laura, desperate to explain.
“Laura, it was an accident… I didn’t mean to—”
“Stay away from me!” Laura screamed, backing away from him. “I hate you, Rick! How could you do this to me?”
Rick’s heart shattered at her words. “Laura, please, you have to believe me. I don’t remember anything. I would never hurt you on purpose.”
But before he could say anything more, a loud knock echoed through the room. Rick’s blood ran cold. He had no idea who it could be, but the urgency in the knock filled him with dread. He quickly tried to dress, but before he could finish, the door burst open.
Police officers stormed in, followed closely by Melissa and Damian. “Arrest him!” Melissa shouted, her voice dripping with venom. “He’s a rapist!”
Rick’s world spun as the officers grabbed him, forcing him to the ground and slapping handcuffs on his wrists. “No, wait! Melissa drugged me! This is all a setup!” he protested, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
Melissa leaned in close, her voice a whisper only Rick could hear. “I told you, Rick. I always get what I want.” She straightened up, her expression suddenly somber as she rushed to Laura’s side. “My poor daughter,” she cooed, feigning concern.
Laura’s eyes filled with disgust as she locked onto Rick. “I hate you,” she spat.
“You've to believe Laura, I didn't do this!" Rick shouted as the police carried him off
*************
Five years later....
It was a bright afternoon, Rick made his way through the crowded cafeteria, he accidentally bumped into Big Mike, the most feared inmate in the prison. Big Mike, a mountain of a man standing at 6'8" and weighing over 300 pounds of pure muscle, turned to face Rick with a menacing glare.
"Watch where you're going, pretty boy," Big Mike growled, his massive fists clenching at his sides.
Rick knew he couldn't back down. In prison, showing weakness was a death sentence. "My bad," he said, keeping his voice steady. "No harm intended."
But Big Mike wasn't satisfied. He lunged at Rick, aiming a massive fist at his face. Rick, relying on reflexes honed by years of martial arts training before his imprisonment, ducked just in time. The punch whistled over his head, and Rick countered with a quick jab to Big Mike's solar plexus.
The larger man stumbled back, surprised by Rick's speed and precision. The other inmates formed a circle around them, eager to watch the fight unfold.
Big Mike charged again, this time managing to grab Rick and slam him against the wall. Rick felt the air rush out of his lungs, but he didn't panic. He brought his knee up sharply, connecting with Big Mike's groin. As the giant man loosened his grip, Rick slipped away and delivered a series of quick strikes to his opponent's face and body.
Despite the pain, Big Mike was far from finished. He swung his massive arms wildly, catching Rick with a glancing blow to the side of his head. Rick's vision blurred, but he shook it off, knowing that one solid hit from Big Mike could end the fight—and possibly his life.
Rick feinted left, then darted right, using his agility to his advantage. As Big Mike turned to follow, Rick saw his opening. He launched himself forward, driving his shoulder into Big Mike's midsection and using the bigger man's momentum against him. Big Mike toppled backward, crashing to the floor with Rick on top of him.
Before Big Mike could recover, Rick straddled him and began raining down punches. The larger man tried to block, but Rick's strikes were too fast, too precise. Finally, Big Mike's arms fell to his sides, his face a bloody mess.
Rick stood up, his chest heaving as he looked down at his defeated opponent. The other inmates stared in stunned silence, shocked that someone had finally taken down the prison's most feared inmate.
Just then, a guard's whistle pierced the air. "Break it up!" the guard shouted, pushing through the crowd. But as he reached Rick, his expression changed. "Richards, you're coming with me. You've been bailed out."
Confused and still riding the adrenaline from the fight, Rick followed the guard out of the cafeteria. They walked through the prison's winding corridors until they reached the release area.
As the clanging of metal echoed through the cold, sterile halls, the guard unlocked the final gate. "You're free to go," he said, his tone indifferent.
Rick stepped out, blinking in the bright sunlight. His body was stiff from years of confinement, and his knuckles were swollen from the recent fight. As he exited the prison gates, he was greeted by a man in an impeccable suit.
"Young Master, sorry for being late," the man said, bowing slightly.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 4: Released From Prison
Rick stood frozen, still trying to process what was happening. The man in the suit knelt before him, his head bowed, pleading for forgiveness."Young master, please forgive me for coming so late. I know I can’t take back the time you spent in jail; please have mercy on me. I tried everything possible to find you, but I couldn’t." The man’s voice trembled slightly, as he knelt down.Rick’s brow furrowed. He had no memory of this man, "What's going on? Do I know you? And why are you calling me 'young master'? I'm just a poor orphan."The man, still kneeling, looked up with sorrow in his eyes. "Young Master, my name is Charles, and I served your grandfather for over fifty years. I was his personal butler and confidant. Twenty years ago, your grandfather made a bold investment in a company—a company that he believed would secure the future of your family for generations."Rick remained silent, as Charles continued."Your grandfather put everything he had into that company. He even took
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 5: Inherits His Legacy
Rick sat back in his chair, as he had just finished his meal and the remnants still laid out before him on the large dining table in the grand estate. The house, with its massive rooms, expensive furniture, and quiet elegance, was far removed from the cold, sterile walls of the prison he had known for years. Yet, despite the luxury that surrounded him, Rick’s expression was calm, almost indifferent. The years behind bars had hardened him, molded him into someone who could no longer be fazed by wealth or grandeur. It was as if the hardships of prison life had prepared him for this exact moment.He wiped his face with the napkin, placed it neatly on the table, and called out, “Mr. Charles.”The butler appeared almost instantly, stepping quietly into the room with his hands folded neatly in front of him. “Yes, young master?”Rick leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table as he fixed his eyes on Charles. “I want to know if you have any information about my wife. How is Lau
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 6: Returning Back to Save His Family
Laura’s tears flowed freely now, her body trembling in Rick’s arms. She had never imagined he would return, let alone find her in such a pitiful state. And the little boy—their son—stood quietly at her side, watching the sceneElvis tugged at Rick’s pant leg and looked up at him with innocence only a child could have. “Daddy,” he said softly, “I don’t want Mommy to suffer anymore.”Rick’s heart shattered at the boy’s words. He had never thought he would have a child, and during his five long years in prison, he had been completely unaware that Laura had borne him a son. The weight of it all crashed down on him, and for the first time in a long time, Rick wept. He held Elvis tightly in his arms, holding him close, as he embraced Laura too. “I swear to both of you,” Rick said, his voice trembling, “I will never let you suffer again. Never. Under my watch, no one will harm you. I’m sorry, Laura. I’m sorry for leaving you all alone, for everything.”Laura, still overwhelmed by everything
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 7: Cruiser Party
Rick sat in his office, sipping a glass of whiskey while staring out of the large windows that framed the view of the city below. His mind wandered, though it always circled back to the same thoughts—his family, the struggles he had endured.When he heard a soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, and his butler, Charles, stepped in, his posture as impeccable as ever."Sir," Charles began, "there's an important event this evening that you may want to attend. It’s a gathering of several influential figures—one of those boat parties that serve as a social event for business discussions. It’s important for you to show your presence as the new heir."Rick sighed, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "I’m not interested in showing my face to the world as the heir, Charles. I prefer to stay out of the spotlight for now."Charles smiled softly, unfazed. "You don’t need to make an entrance as the heir, sir. You could simply attend for fun, enjoy the party, and remain incognito. It
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 8: Cruiser Party 2
As Laura stared at the luxury cruiser, she turned to Rick, as she was completely confused"Is this really the venue?" she asked, pointing toward the large boat where people were walking up the stairs leading onto the deck. Everything about the scene seemed larger than life, and it felt surreal to her.Rick smiled warmly at her and nodded. "Yes, Laura, this is the place," he said with a playful tone. "This is a big surprise."Still stunned, Laura narrowed her eyes slightly and asked, "Why did you keep it a secret? You could’ve told me."Rick chuckled, leaning in closer to her. "I wanted to see the look on your face when I surprised you," he admitted, "And trust me, it was worth it."Laura let out a small laugh, though a nervous one. She looked up at the cruiser. She had never been to an affluent party like this, so she felt a pulse pound in her wrist. Rick, sensing her fear, placed his hand gently on her lower back. "You shouldn't be frightened..it's just a party" he reassured her.
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 9: Revenge
As Rick calmly sipped his drink, a slight smirk on his face, the room remained silent, shocked by the sudden turn of events. Damian, now lying on the floor, blood trickling from his nose and lip, groaned in pain as he tried to push himself up. “Y-you idiot!” Damian shuttered as his voice was strained. “I didn’t do anything—this wasn’t my fault!”Mark glared down at him, his chest pounding up and down “You’ve embarrassed my family! You’ve ruined the deal with the Tycoon Business Empire, all because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut!”From the corner of the room, a group of security guards rushed in. Two of the guards moved toward Damian, lifting him up by the arms.“Take him out of here,” Mark commanded, as he thought that he was in control.The guards nodded and began dragging Damian toward the exit. Damian struggled weakly against their grip, but he was too dazed and battered to put up much of a fight. His eyes darted around the room, searching for some form of support, but everyon
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 10: Unraveling Alliances
With the tension in the cruiser building, Rick’s heart raced from a need to protect Laura from those threats that were becoming more apparent. Rick turned to Mark’s condescending smirk, twisting his gut, and took a step closer to lessen the space between them.“You come in here and think you’re going to charm her with the money in your pocket or that you know people in the right places?” The intensity under the surface of Rick’s voice was palpable, though his voice was low and controlled. “I don’t think Laura deserves your empty promises.”Mark's chuckle was hollow, but not with amusement.“Oh, I’m sure she does, Rick. This is a world of influence and power, but look around you. They still see you as a criminal, a shadow of the real men. You believe you can shield her? You’re just a pawn in this game.”“Enough!” Laura’s voice carried above the heated exchange, like a knife. Shaking her head with frustration, she moved forward. “Mark, you’re not helping. I don’t want any of this! You’v
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 11: The Calm Before the Storm
The whirlwind of planning and preparation lasted a few days at the mansion. Rick and Laura moved into their ultra high end new home but beneath the surface this new home was churning, and a storm brewing. They strategized on how to do the Eldwolf family in with Charles’ help.A pile of documents was spread before Rick at the grand dining table. The windows were tall, allowing the sunlight through, but Rick wasn’t comfortable. Furrowing his brow he went through the papers, trying to outline possible business alliances or contacts who might be able to bolster their position against the Eldwolf family.“Rick, are you sure you’re doing this?” His concentration broke and he looked up to see Laura leaning against the doorway looking concerned and determined. “It’s like we are about to go into a battlefield.”Rick nodded, his jaw set. “I don’t mean to sound like we’re not ready, but we have to be. They’re gonna walk all over us, if we don’t give them a fight now.”Her arms crossed over her c
Latest Chapter
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
