2024-10-22 20:21:15
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
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
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 36: The Night Assault
The clock ticked towards midnight and Rick, Jackson and the crew supplied by Hartman met at a remote location outside of Wyndon’s warehouse. Everything had been planned to a tee, every move calculated, but uncertainty was a heavy burden the weight of which felt like a dark cloud hanging over the group.Jackson checked his gear one last time, and Rick stood by him. The mission began to creep into his veins and his heart started pounding in his chest. The night was still, too quiet, even for traffic.Tactical vest straps tightened, Jackson muttered. “This is it. Once we move, there’s no going back.”His eyes scanned the darkened warehouse in the distance and he nodded. “I know. Hartman said we hit fast and hard. We can’t give Wyndon time to react.”Jackson glanced sideways at Rick. “And if Hartman’s playing us?”Rick clenched his jaw. He had thought about it more than once. They weren’t someone to be trusted but right now, they had no other choice. If there was a double cross in play, R
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 37: Shifting Tides
The hum of the city below was nice and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos he had recently been through, and Rick sat at his desk in the grand office of Sky Limitless Hotel. His mind was still buzzing from the ambush at the warehouse, and the strange woman that had just appeared from nowhere, but today he had to focus. He was forced to regain control of the hotel, his business interests.The silence was broken by his phone buzzing. The voice was Jackson’s calm, but with a faint edge. "Rick, we got word. But Wyndon is licking his wounds and he’s not out of the game yet. He’s regrouping.”Rick rubbed his temples as he leaned back in his seat. “Let him regroup. We have to be ready for what’s coming so we need to build our defenses. For now though, I’m returning my attention back to the hotel. We have business to handle.”Jackson shifted his tone to lighter, and replied. “Understood. I’ve got eyes on Melissa, and also …She’s looking like she’s up to something.”Rick’s jaw tightened. Meli
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 38: The Boardroom Showdown
The long table in the boardroom was crowded with Ricks presence at the head of it, Jackson and Charles at his side. Key stakeholders in Sky Limitless Hotel filled the room, most of them had been loyal to the Eldwolf family.It was obvious that they were uneasy and their eyes on him anticipating the first weak spot. It was a battle he had to win, not just for himself, for Laura, Elvis, for the empire.The storm simmered in his voice, but the confidence was there, and he started: “Thank you all for being able to join us on such short notice. There are serious things to discuss regarding the stability of Sky Limitless Hotel and the integrity of our board.”The first to speak was Richard Dawson, the old guard of the board. “Rick, we have to get down to the recent staff unrest and the gossip about Eldwolfs partnerships. They have history with this hotel, we can’t ignore that.”Rick responded.“And that history has just dragged this hotel down. I know that a lot of you have ties to the Eldw
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 39: The Aftermath of the Vote
As the votes were tallied, the atmosphere in the boardroom got so tense that one could feel like the temperature inside the boardroom.They stared at him, each mulling over what the ramifications of their choice might mean. The room held its breath for the moment. The air thick with anticipation.Melissa leaned on the table, looking feignedly confident and irritable at the same time. Rick stood resolute, his eyes on Dawson, who was tallying the votes, and she glared at him. Damian stood there arms crossed, looking like a coiled snake, ready to strike.“Isn’t this thrilling?” She remarked with an exaggerated cheerfulness that was more of a sneer than anything else. “An absolutely spectacle of democracy in action.”Rick remained unfazed. Melissa had been passing snide remarks, but he’d dealt with worse. It was a turning point for him and Sky Limitless Hotel, and he wouldn’t let her take his attention.The suffocating silence finally broke, when Dawson finally cleared his throat. “There
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 40: The Showdown
There was a heavy tension in the air in the boardroom. The board members had gathered for an emergency meeting at which Rick stood at the head of the table and stared down at them. The air was filled with whispers and of suspicion weighed heavily. Spread like wildfire were rumors of financial mismanagement resulting in Rick being compelled to come clean.Rick started to say, "Thank you for coming on such short notice," but his voice was steady in the rising storm. “I realize there have been serious questions about my leadership and financial decisions, and I want to talk about that directly.”Some of the board members glanced at one another, some skeptical, some concerned. Serious, Dawson sat at the far end of the table, leaning forward. “This is troubling for Rick, of course. They could jeopardize everything we’ve worked for if true.”Rick tried to keep his frustration in check and assured you, “They are not true. I have been transparent in everything I’ve done and the records prove
Tenfold Retribution 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
Tenfold Retribution 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
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
