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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
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 12: Counterattack
There was a whirlwind of activity following the press conference. Rick and Laura were ready to stay one step ahead of the Eldwolf family, whatever retaliation there might come. After Rick’s bold statements caused a ripple in the business community, whispers of support started up and Rick could feel a tide was turning.On a Monday morning ,Rick sat in the study reviewing emails from potential investors that had reached out to him regarding working together. Call it hope, he felt like the very public show of strength was working. At exactly the same time, Laura walked in to the room, a look of both excitement and concern was on her face.But she handed him a tablet and said, 'Rick, you need to see this.' “It’s about the press conference, it’s a news article.”After he took the tablet, he started reading. The headline read, *“Rick Eldwolf: A Comeback Story? As one of the Former Prisoner in this case, he says his hope is to rebuild the legacy.”*And as he scrolled through the article he f
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 13: Confrontation
The atmosphere in the banquet hall had changed dramatically, because Melissa Eldwolf and the others had come. The rumblings in the air as static before a storm, the conversation dropped away, the new arrivals' eyes went from Rick to the new arrivals, back to Rick.He hardened his shoulders for what was to come. When she took in the room’s tense energy she smirked more. When it came to situations like these, she excelled at taking chance, making use of it.Melissa started off with a condescending tone, ‘Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome all, you’re here for Rick Eldwolf, a man with a famous past and big ideas. However, let not forget the facade behind the façade.”The heat rose in his chest. He could feel the changing loyalties in the room, some guests leaned in closer, curious, and some guests shifted uncomfortably, not knowing where to put their allegiances.“What do you want, Melissa?” Keeping his voice steady, Rick asked. “It’s our event, not yours.”Melissa had an exaggerated expressi
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 14: Shadows of the Past
A thick tension was in the air as Rick drove Laura home. Both of them had the weight of the events of the party on them. Laura stole glances at Rick looking for the thoughts behind his stoic expression. He was a powerful figure, the flickering streetlights casting their series of shadows on his face, but the man she knew was dissonant.Finally she broke the silence and asked, “Are you okay?”Rick nodded, but he didn’t look away from the road. His voice was low and contemplative and he just replied, ‘Just thinking.’”It felt like many of her thoughts betrayed her calm exterior, her words pointing to exactly this, “I wish things were different.”His gaze pierced Rick and he turned to her. “What do you mean?”“About my family. What they did to us… to you.”Memories of his wrongful imprisonment surfaced on Rick’s jaw, he clenched his. Laura, ‘They will pay for what they did.’” Your family will.” They won’t get away with it.”Laura’s chest felt a spark of fear. “I don’t want you to do anyt
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 15: The Dark Reckoning
The attack boiled down to a blur of chaos, and as the fight happened around him, it became incomprehensible when it faded into darkness and into Rick's world. He had felt weightless, like his body was being pulled into an abyss, the wails of Laura fading into nothing.He was pulled back to consciousness, gasping for air, but just as swiftly. It burned through his side, and he struggled to sit up, confused. The room flickered with dim light and shadows and shapes danced in the corners of his vision.“Rick!” There was fear and urgency in Laura’s voice cutting through the fog.His voice was dry and scratchy, he croaked, “Laura?” He pushed himself up, but a wave of dizziness hit him and he collapsed back onto the floor.Her voice quaked, 'Stay down!'Rick blinked rapidly, trying to get his bearings as he tried to figure out what the hell was going on. He saw the shadows moving around him and knew that the intruders in the house were still there.His voice was hoarse, so he asked, “Did the
Tenfold Retribution Chapter 16: The Shadows Unveiled
The dawn crept in and the light it cast was warm golden, over the chaos of the previous night. The living room was a mess, overturned furniture, broken glass, the lingering smell of fear. A heavy blanket of urgency had settled over him, they had to act fast before the intruders came back.“Rick?” He heard Laura’s voice. Stepping into the room she was pale but resolute. “What do we do now?”Rick’s mind raced, we need to strengthen our defenses. “We can’t afford to sleep again.” Today, I’ll have some security cameras installed, and we’ll have to find a safe place for you and Elvis.”Laura gave a nod, her face set. “I’ll call Charles and ask him for help. He’s got connections in security; he can recommend someone reliable.”She was determined, Rick registered. “Good idea. First, let’s see how Elvis is doing.”They tiptoed toward the bedroom where the blissfully unaware son slept, stretched out on his bed. Rick watched Elvis, his small profile under the covers, and felt a strong wave of p
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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
