Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 40: Secrets Unearthed

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Secrets Unearthed

The city was slowly illuminated by the first rays of dawn, which gave the busy streets a pale golden glow. Following their heated encounter with Marcus Cain, Lily and Ethan went back to his flat. Lily’s thoughts were racing after the long night, which was full of insights. Marcus had given him a wealth of information about Jack Monroe’s activities, including the names of important figures in his organization, secret accounts, and hidden warehouses. But Lily was troubled by the price of Marcus’s assistance.

Could they really put their trust in him?

Ethan’s face was blank as he filled two coffee mugs in the kitchen. "You haven’t spoken much since we left the Velvet Room," he began, passing a hot cup to Lily.

Lily encircled the mug with her hands, relishing the warmth. "I’m still taking it all in. We got what we wanted from Marcus, but I still feel like we struck a deal with someone as deadly as Jack.

Ethan leaned on the counter and moaned. "Marcus is unquestionably hazardous. However, he is also our best opportunity to defeat Jack. We will need to remain vigilant.

Lily nodded, her thoughts returning to the pile of documents Marcus had given them before their departure. Sensitive information in the documents, he had cautioned them, might be their greatest asset or their downfall.

Lily put down her mug, determined to control her racing mind. "Let’s begin reviewing the documents. We can take action sooner if we are aware of what we are dealing with.

They laid out the papers on the dining table after Ethan gave his consent. The size of Jack’s empire quickly became apparent.

Marcus had been telling the truth. Jack Monroe had a large and well-planned operation. He was in charge of a global network of illicit arms sales, money laundering operations, and smuggling routes. The extent of Jack’s impact became more apparent with each document.

Lily pointed to a string of bank transactions and remarked, "Look at this." "Offshore banks are connected to these accounts. We might be able to interfere with his cash flow if we could find out where the money is going.

Ethan scowled as he bent over. It won’t be simple. For years, Jack has been doing this. He is adept at hiding his identity. However, we may have a chance if we can locate an insider who manages these accounts.

Lily turned the pages and nodded. Her gaze fell upon a list of names, all of whom were coworkers of Jack’s. A single name caught my attention: Natalie Grayson.

As Lily read out loud, "She works as a personal assistant." She manages many of Jack’s daily tasks, including his bank accounts, in accordance with this.

Ethan scowled as he looked at the name. "I am aware of her. She has spent years with Jack. She is the only one who is aware of his secrets. However, getting her to speak is a different matter.

Lily put the page down, her face hardened with resolve. "We’ll force her to speak after that."

Lily and Ethan went in search of Natalie later that day. The filings state that she was employed at one of Jack’s upscale downtown office buildings. It would be difficult to enter, but Lily had a strategy.

"Are you certain of this?" As they parked a few blocks from the building, Ethan inquired.

Lily straightened the stylish jacket she had taken from Ethan’s closet. Yes, without a doubt. I’ll enter pretending to be a customer. I’ll persuade her to assist us if I can get her by herself.

"What happens if she doesn’t?"

Lily’s mouth clenched. "Then I’ll show her that her only choice is to assist us."

Though he knew better than to disagree, Ethan wasn’t quite persuaded. He handed her a tiny earphone and warned her to use caution. "I’ll be paying close attention throughout. I’m coming in if something goes wrong.

Lily nodded reassuringly to him and got out of the car. The city was reflected in the slick glass facade of the tall office skyscraper that towered ahead. She inhaled deeply before entering through the main doors.

With marble floors, pricey artwork, and security officers at each entry, the lobby was as opulent as she had anticipated. Lily walked confidently up to the front desk, her shoes clicking on the shiny floor.

She greeted the receptionist with "Good morning." "Natalie Grayson and I are meeting."

The receptionist hurriedly typed while glancing at her screen. "Please tell me your name."

Lily responded with ease, adopting the nickname she and Ethan had decided upon: "Rebecca Sinclair."

With a nod, the receptionist made a brief phone call. I’ll see you now, Ms. Grayson. Go to the eighteenth floor via the elevator.

With her heart racing with excitement, Lily thanked her and headed for the elevator. She inhaled steadily as the doors slid closed. She had the opportunity to approach Jack Monroe’s operation. She had to avoid making a mistake.

Lily entered a modern office space as the elevator doors opened. In the corridor, a tall, dark-haired woman with sharp features greeted her.

The woman held out her hand and said, "Natalie Grayson."

"Rebecca Sinclair," Lily said, giving a strong handshake.

Natalie motioned for her to come along. "You seem interested in talking about a possible business cooperation, according to my assistant. What precisely are you thinking of?

Despite the fury building within her, Lily smiled calmly. "I actually want to talk about something a little more intimate."

Natalie’s eyes narrowed, and she stopped moving. "I don’t think I understand."

Lily lowered her voice to a whisper. "Natalie, I am aware of your employer. I am also aware of what you do for him.

Natalie’s eyes widened, but she covered them up very quickly. "Ms. Sinclair, I believe you have the wrong idea."

"Do I?" Lily moved closer and asked. "I am aware that you manage Jack Monroe’s money. Additionally, I am aware of how vulnerable you are. Do you think Jack would allow you to leave if he even had the slightest suspicion that you were speaking to someone like me?

A glimmer of panic appeared on Natalie’s face as her poise wavered. "What are you looking for?"

Lily’s tone was measured yet forceful as she maintained eye contact. "I want to defeat Jack Monroe." And you’ll assist me in doing it.

Natalie gave a sour laugh. "You don’t know what you’re requesting. If Jack discovers—

"He won’t," Lily cut in. "Not if we take care. Consider it, Natalie. You’ve been tidying up his mess for years. Do you truly want to live your entire life always watching others?

Natalie paused, letting her guard down. "I need protection if I assist you. Jack is constantly watching. If he has any suspicions—

"You’ll be safe," Lily assured. But first, we need information. We’ll make sure you’re secure if you help us defeat him.

Natalie’s countenance was conflicted, and she remained silent for a long time. At last, she gave a nod. "All right. I’ll assist you. However, you will be held accountable if this goes wrong.

With a silent sigh of relief, Lily let go of the moment’s burden. They were one step closer to bringing Jack Monroe to his knees with Natalie’s assistance, even though she knew the road ahead would only become more hazardous.

Ethan’s voice crackled over the earphones as she walked out of the building. "How went it?"

Lily gave a small smile, her determination more determined than ever. "We have a supporter. It’s time for us to act now.