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
Rick 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 mad
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
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
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