Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 42: Jack’s Counterattack

Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Jack’s Counterattack

Even though Jack Monroe’s penthouse office had the best art and furnishings money could buy, the ambiance was everything but calm. Jack had an expression that could freeze blood as he stood by the floor-to-ceiling window and gazed out at the city lights. As Victor Kane, his most trusted enforcer, broke the news to him, his fists clenched at his sides.

"Your Cayman account was compromised," Victor stated somberly. 75 million dollars. Disappeared.

Jack’s black eyes narrowed and his jaw tensed. "And you’re telling me that you have no idea who is responsible?"

Victor hesitated, which was unusual for the typically assured man. "Not just yet. However, we are investigating the breach. We will eventually find the person who did this since they left a trail.

Jack, scarcely able to control his rage, turned to him. "Victor, a matter of time is insufficient. Now I want answers. This is war, not some small-time larceny. There is somebody out there that believes they can take from me and leave. I want you to find them and destroy them when you do. Do you get what I’m saying?

Victor nodded curtly. "I’ll put twice as much effort into it. They won’t get very far, whatever they are.

With a wave, Jack waved him away, already considering the alternatives. Amateurs did not possess this level of accuracy. He understood what they were doing, and anybody who dared to question him had to have inside assistance. One idea slipped into his head, and his eyes furrowed.

He whispered to himself, "Natalie."

Tension was high in the air back at Ethan’s flat. With her arms encircling her knees, Lily sat on the couch and gazed blankly at the television while it played some arbitrary late-night show. Ethan was waiting for updates from Ghost while pacing and holding his phone.

"Any updates yet?" The silence was broken by Lily’s question.

Ethan gave a headshake. "Not just yet. Ghost continues to keep an eye on the aftermath, but Jack will soon begin to take action. We must be prepared.

The idea made Lily’s stomach turn. Although she was aware that this would be risky, the realization of what they were facing felt more pressing than ever now that they had crossed the line.

She whispered, "Do you think he suspects Natalie?"

Ethan hesitated, his face unreadable. She is more at risk than any of us if he does. Betrayal is not forgiven by Jack.

Lily’s heart fell. To help them, Natalie had put herself in danger. It would be their fault if Jack directed his anger at her.

Lily firmly stated, "We cannot allow anything to happen to her."

Ethan gave a nod. "We won’t. We must, however, concentrate on hiding our own trails for the time being. If Jack discovers us, everything breaks down.

Jack made his first move that evening.

Natalie and Victor were seated in a poorly lit room, and his commanding presence made the cramped quarters feel even more cramped. Natalie was fighting to keep her cool, and her heart was pounding. Even though she had anticipated this moment, it was still terrifying.

"Jack’s account was drained," Victor stated in a stern and icy tone. "And you can probably guess why he’s... worried."

Natalie made herself look into his eyes. "I have no knowledge of it."

Leaning close, Victor stared into her eyes. "Don’t tell me lies, Natalie. For weeks, you’ve been behaving oddly—distracted, uneasy. Suddenly, someone hits Jack’s account. Don’t you think that’s rather a coincidence?

Natalie’s thoughts whirled. She had been ready for this, but her confidence faltered when Victor questioned her. With a tiny tremble in her voice, she stated, "I’ve been faithful to Jack for years." "Why would I turn on him at this time?"

There was no warmth in Victor’s smirk. "I’m here to figure it out. I hope you’re saying the truth for your own sake. Since if you’re not, His message was obvious as he left the threat hanging.

Natalie forced herself to keep her composure and swallowed hard. "I don’t have anything to conceal."

Victor looked at her for a long time and then got up. "We’ll see."

Natalie let out a trembling breath as he walked out of the room. Although she knew it wouldn’t last, she had bought herself some time.

When Ethan and Lily woke up the next morning, they discovered a parcel outside the door of Ethan’s apartment. There was no return address on the little black box.

Ethan carefully lifted it up, looking for any indications of danger. He opened the box and murmured to Lily, "Stay back."

A picture of Lily and Ethan together in the café where they had first met Ghost was the only object inside. It was obvious that Jack was aware of their involvement.

As Lily gazed at the picture, her blood froze. "He is aware," she muttered.

Ethan’s mouth clenched. He is cautioning us. Notifying us that he is observing

"Now what do we do?"

Ethan set the picture aside and put it back in the box. "We don’t change our minds. Jack may be aware of our involvement, but he lacks evidence. We have the upper hand as long as we continue to move.

Lily had some doubts. They had just become the prey of Jack Monroe, a predator.

Natalie used a throwaway phone to call Ethan later that day. As she spoke, her voice was trembling.

"He is aware, Ethan," she remarked. Victor asked me a question last night. Although he doesn’t currently have any evidence, it will be soon.

Ethan gripped the phone more tightly. "Are you okay?"

"For the time being. However, I’m not sure how long that will last. Ethan, you must complete this. Before Jack eliminates us all, take him out.

Ethan gave her his word that they were working on it. "Remain discreet and stay in contact. We will overcome this.

Ethan hung up the phone and looked at Lily. "Time is of the essence. We must proceed to the next phase.

Lily nodded, her resolve redoubled. Then let’s get started. Don’t wait any longer.

Victor brought Jack a report that night. "We have verified that the city was the source of the intrusion. It’s taking time, but our sources are helping us pinpoint the location. Whoever did this did a good job of hiding their trails.

Jack’s face grew serious. Victor, time is a luxury that we lack. Continue to press. And begin to rely on anyone who could have information, whether it’s Natalie, her contacts, or anybody else. How you do it doesn’t matter to me. Get me the results, please.

Victor paused. How about Natalie? If she’s involved...

A menacing sneer twisted Jack’s lips. "Natalie would regret betraying me if she did. But until I’m certain, I won’t do anything. She has been helpful to me, and I don’t throw away things that are helpful to me.

Victor gave a nod. "Comprehensive."

Jack’s thoughts solved the puzzle as he watched him go. If someone ventured to challenge him, he would hold them accountable.

However, even Jack Monroe was unable to foresee the extent to which Lily and Ethan would go in order to defeat him.