Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 101: The Sweetest Revenge

Chapter 101: Chapter 101: The Sweetest Revenge

Though it no longer had the same oppressive hold, the weight of the past was still present. Ethan and Lily had been involved in a perilous game of survival and power for months, but now that they were on the brink of something new, there was one more thread to pull: a thread that would guarantee their attackers never came back.

With his fingers clasped together, Ethan reclined in his chair and gazed at the papers in front of him. Even though Moreau was no longer there, his impact was still felt, dispersed around the city like ashes from a dying fire. Many of his soldiers and associates had escaped, while others had taken to hiding. However, some were still attempting to regain their position of authority.

With her arms folded tightly across her chest, Lily paced the room. Her voice was forceful as she stated, "We should put an end to this once and for all." "Ethan, just because we left doesn’t mean they won’t return."

He looked up into her eyes. "I understand."

She stopped in front of his desk and let out a quick sigh. "So let’s ensure that they never do."

Ethan grinned. "You’re thinking of something?"

Lily had a determined look in her eyes. We take everything away from them, including their wealth, influence, and potential for future success. And we keep going till they have nothing left.

Ethan thought about what she had said, his mind already calculating the possible outcomes. Bloodshed wasn’t the only means to get revenge. Making sure your adversaries survived to witness their own demise was often the sweetest kind of retaliation.

His lips formed a gentle grin. "Let’s then make them regret ever betraying us."

Placing the Trap

Finding those who remained a threat was the first step. Names had already been supplied by Ethan’s sources—men who had previously stood with Moreau in the hopes of claiming his kingdom following his downfall. They were ambitious, desperate, and dangerous.

Together, Lily and Ethan painstakingly dissected their operations. They turned allies against one another, confiscated bank accounts, and revealed illicit activities. Every action was planned, and intended to weaken the remaining authority.

They dropped, one by one.

The crooked authorities Moreau had bought off were cut off. Even his most devoted supporters had to desert the ship once they revealed every covert investment. Moreau and his colleagues were left without financial assistance when businesses that had previously laundered money for them were searched. They burnt to the ground, both literally and figuratively, every safe house, backup plan, and rebuilding method.

Lily had never watched them fall apart with such joy.

The Last Participant

However, one man—Vincent Holloway—had managed to get past the system.

Holloway, a former colleague of Moreau’s, had been operating covertly, accumulating what little power he had. He was cautious and patient, in contrast to the others. He had waited, observed, and made plans before he hurried to regain control.

Ethan was aware that Holloway would be difficult to defeat.

They therefore set a trap.

The Gathering

Holloway believed he was meeting with a financier—someone who would provide the money to bring him back to power. Wearing a pricey suit, he arrived at a quiet private room in a composed and certain manner.

However, that confidence was dashed as he entered and saw Ethan Calloway waiting for him.

"Calloway," Although his eyes flitted to the exits, Holloway’s voice was measured as he welcomed.

Ethan leaned back in his chair and grinned. "Take a seat."

After hesitating, Holloway grudgingly sank into the chair across from Ethan. "I must admit, I didn’t anticipate you."

Ethan prepared a glass for himself and idly swirled it around. "That’s because you believed I was finished."

Holloway laughed, but not in a funny manner. "Everyone heard that you were leaving."

Ethan sipped his drink slowly before putting it down. "Yes, I am. However, not before ensuring that no attempt is made to reconstruct what Moreau left behind.

Holloway tensed. "What gives you the impression that you can stop me?"

Lily emerged from the darkness, her voice icy. "Because we have already deprived you of everything."

With his phone buzzing in his pocket, Holloway’s eyes grew wide. With a pale face, he took it out and read the texts. His accounts were frozen. His supporters—forsaking him. He compromised his safe houses.

Ethan grinned. You see, I don’t have to murder you, Holloway. I only need to confirm that you have nowhere else to go.

The eyes of Holloway flashed with panic. "You’re not understanding—"

Leaning down, Lily spoke in a whisper. "No, you’re not getting it. You were defeated. You will now know it for the rest of your life.

Holloway gritted his teeth and trembled a little. "You believe this is the end of it?"

Ethan’s head cocked. "That’s for you."

With his face contorted in rage, Holloway sprang up suddenly, but he realized there was nothing he could do. He was nothing, his empire gone, his authority broken.

Without saying another word, he rushed out.

A Triumph Without Violence

As the door closed behind Holloway, Lily exhaled. "It was gratifying."

As he finished his drink, Ethan laughed. I told you. It’s not always necessary for revenge to be messy.

She grinned. "The messy kind is still what I like."

Amused, Ethan shook his head. "Come on, let’s leave now."

Lily looked at him as they walked away. "So, what do we do now that this is officially over?"

Putting an arm over her waist, Ethan did so. "We are happy with the life we have fought for."

Lily grinned. "I believe I can put up with that."

After drawing her nearer, he planted a kiss on her temple. "We’ve been snooping about for too long. Now is the time to proceed.

She smiled softly as she glanced up at him. "And to what precise destination are we heading?"

Ethan grinned. "Anywhere we like."

There was no lingering threat for the first time in a long time. There are no distant shadows.

They had prevailed.

They realized that this was only the start of something bigger as they strolled hand in hand into the night.