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
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
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
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
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
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
"Are you alright? Why on earth would you spill the drink all over the table like that?" Melissa, a middle-aged woman, exclaimed in a sharp, scolding tone.*Paaaah!*Melissa’s hand swiftly struck Rick’s cheek, the loud slap resounded through the conference room. "My father is no longer alive, so don't you dare think you can act all high and mighty around us," Melissa, his mother-in-law, uttered, her eyes narrowing with anger. As the late patriarch's daughter, she seemed intent on asserting her dominance over the situation.Laura, who was standing by the corner, could do nothing but swallow the pain of seeing her husband get slapped. Laura stood by the corner, her eyes cast down as her family members ignored her.Rick just stood there, holding his cheek, knowing he was in no position to retaliate. He could only endure the humiliation in silence. Rick Armstrong was merely a live-in son-in-law who had married Laura from the Eldwolf family. The marriage had been arranged due to a vow made
Later that evening, Melissa, Damian, and several other Eldwolf family members gathered in the luxurious living room of the Eldwolf mansion. Melissa paced back and forth as she was furious."That worthless Rick... How dare he stand up to me like that?" she hissed through her clenched teeth. "And to think my father had the audacity to leave him the hotel! This must be some sick joke!"Damian leaned back in his chair, arms crossed and a scowled."We can't let this slide, Mother. That hotel should belong to us. Rick and Laura are nothing but parasites. We need to figure out a way to ruin him and take back what’s rightfully ours."Aunt Vivian, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up. "We need to be careful. Rick may be a fool, but he’s now in a powerful position. If we’re going to take him down, we need to do it strategically."Melissa paused her pacing and turned to face them, a wicked smile slowly spreading across her face. "I know exactly what to do," she said as she placed