Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 106: The Crossroads

Chapter 106: Chapter 106: The Crossroads

The atmosphere was oppressively tense. An unsettling quiet descended upon the penthouse as soon as Graham Whitmore departed, like the eye of a hurricane poised to release its wrath. The weight of his remarks caused Lily’s mind to race as she paced the room.

**"Ethan will survive if you leave. No more dangers. "No more war."**

She tried to ignore the notion, but it kept coming back to her. Ethan had been so certain that they would fight together, so certain. Was she prepared to risk his life, though? If her presence turned out to be the cause he lost everything, could she live with herself?

Ethan stood at the window, his fingers clenched into fists, watching her. "Don’t even think about it," he replied in a stern but quiet voice.

She faced him and looked into his storm-black eyes. "Ethan, we can’t ignore what he said."

"Yes, we can," he rejoined promptly. Therefore it is a falsehood. Voss is proposing a trap rather than peace. He won’t stop if you go. After he perceives it as a win, he will still come after me. He will never stop.

Lily took a deep breath. "But what if—"

"No." He took two steps across the room and grabbed her shoulders forcefully but softly. "Lily, I’m not losing you. Not in this manner. Not because some power-hungry jerk was attempting to pretend to be God. We battle together.

She nodded despite the sting of tears in her eyes. She wished to have faith in him. She had to trust him. "Together."

With a sigh, Ethan drew her into his embrace. "We’ll find another way."

However, Lily couldn’t get rid of the impression that their alternatives were dwindling as he held her close.

**A Strategy Under Way**

They assembled their closest pals, Carter, Olivia, and Damien, early the next morning. With data, maps, and surveillance video strewn across the table, the penthouse’s living room was transformed into their war room.

It was Damien who spoke first. It was Voss’s offer? It’s nonsense. Even after you go, Lily, he will continue to target Ethan. He’s only using you as an excuse to get close to you."

Olivia gave a nod. "Voss is not forgiving or forgetful. He removes danger. He is a menace since Ethan refused to submit to him. Eliminating Lily from the picture won’t alter that.

Lily nibbled on her lip. "So, what should we do? We must not simply wait for him to attack.

Ethan clenched his teeth and leaned forward. "We take the fight to him."

Carter’s eyebrow went up. "You mean a preemptive strike?"

"Exactly." Ethan gestured at the map. "Voss thinks he’s controlling the board, but he doesn’t realize we have a move he didn’t account for."

Lily’s brows wrinkled. "Celeste Voss."

Ethan’s lips formed a sneer. "Exactly. Voss has kept her away from his company for years. His one real vulnerability is her. We will have more power if we reach her first.

Damien whistled a little. "That’s dangerous. He will strike back if he learns. "Hard."

Ethan stated, "That’s why we have to be smart about it." "We don’t harm her. We just let him know that we are capable.

Olivia folded her arms. "And what happens if Celeste doesn’t want to be a pawn in this?"

Lily stood up. "We then persuade her that she is already. Voss is still hazardous even if he loves her. She may agree to cooperate with us if she were aware of half of what he has done.

As the plan’s actuality struck in, they were silent for a while.

Carter nodded at last. It’s audacious. Even reckless. However, it could be our only chance.

Ethan looked at Lily. "Are you in?"

She inhaled deeply. In front of her was a crossroads. There was only one safe route: leaving in the hopes of finding tranquility. The other was dangerous, risky, and perilous. However, she could only go in one direction.

"I’m in."

**The Initial Step**

Olivia and Damien used their connections to find Celeste Voss that evening. They had their answer by dawn.

"She’s in Paris," Olivia said. "Using a false identity while staying at the Ritz-Carlton. Even Voss has a schedule, despite his paranoia. She typically walks unaccompanied along the Seine in the morning. It’s our best opportunity to speak with her.

Ethan gave a nod. "We depart tonight after that. We reach her before Voss notices our approach.

Lily could feel the rush of adrenaline. There was no going back once the plot got underway.

She looked at Ethan as she packed her things. "Do you think she’ll listen to us?"

He let out a sigh. "I’m not sure. However, we must make an effort.

Lily gave a nod. One thing was certain, but the path forward remained unclear.

Their decision had been made.

Furthermore, there was no turning back.

**A Perilous Meeting**

It was dark when the jet touched down in Paris. Their strategy hinged on time and accuracy. They would have to back off, or worse, if they made any mistakes.

To go to a little apartment close to the Ritz, Ethan, Lily, and Damien leased a vehicle. Olivia had previously set up surveillance and was keeping tabs on Celeste’s whereabouts.

Olivia added, "She leaves at six-thirty sharp every morning," over the earpiece. "Just a basic coat and sunglasses, no security detail. She fits in.

Feeling the chilly Paris air on her skin, Lily rearranged her scarf. "Then we better make this count."

They waited beside the Seine, close to a peaceful area where Celeste frequently paused to take in the scenery. Ethan moved forward as soon as she got close.

"Celeste Voss."

Startled, she turned. She stepped back, her blue eyes flickering with realization. "Who are you?"

Ethan said, "Someone who wants to help you," However, we must speak. "Now."

Celeste paused and looked around. "If my father sent you—"

Lily interjected, "Your father is the problem," "And we need you to see it before it’s too late."

Celeste’s interest and caution clashed as her lips formed a narrow line. Then she nodded and sighed. "All right. However, this must be worth my time.

Lily let out a breath. They were in.

The real game started now.