Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 43: Into the Lion’s Den

Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Into the Lion’s Den

As Lily and Ethan disappeared into the shadows of the busy metropolis, the streets were strangely still. They had a clear goal: infiltrate Jack Monroe’s inner circle and plant the proof that would guarantee the destruction of his enterprise. Now, survival was more important than retaliation.

Lily’s knuckles were white when she gripped the little USB disk. It included a meticulously crafted digital trail of Jack’s illicit activity, which was made up to implicate his closest friends and colleagues. The intention was to destabilize his empire from within by inciting his own people to rebel against him.

"Are you certain about this?" Lily’s question was hardly audible above a whisper.

Ethan looked at her, his face hard. It’s the sole option. We strike at his weakest point—his faith in others around him.

Despite her heart thumping in her chest, Lily nodded. She couldn’t tell if the adrenaline pulsing through her veins or terror was to blame.

They made their way to the opulent nightclub that was one of Jack’s numerous offices. With a menacing glow from its neon lights, the structure towered over the roadway. For Lily and Ethan, it felt like the quiet before the storm, even though the bass of the music inside was vibrating the air.

Ethan pulled her aside and murmured, "Remember." "All we’re doing is planting the drive and leaving." No needless dangers.

Lily gave a small smile. "The only thing we seem to take these days is risks."

The bouncer at the door examined the falsified invitation that Ethan gave him and then nodded them inside. The air in the crowded nightclub was heavy with drink and perspiration. As they made their way through the crowd, Lily experienced a twinge of dread, but she maintained her concentration on their goal.

Only his most loyal collaborators were permitted to work from Jack’s private suite on the top floor. Although getting there would be difficult, Ghost had given them the building’s layout and comprehensive instructions on how to get past the security measures.

When they arrived at the stairway to the higher floors, a muscular guard stopped them. "This area is restricted," he stated in a forceful yet flat tone.

Ethan smiled endearingly. We are in this place to meet with Mr. Monroe. He is anticipating our arrival.

The guard’s eyebrows went up. "What are your names?"

Ethan reached into his pocket and took out a clean five hundred dollars in cash. He looked at the guard knowingly as he held it out. "No names are required. Tell him we’re here, please.

After a brief pause, the guard pocketed the money and moved away. "Go quickly."

Nervous, Lily let out a hushed breath as they climbed the stairs. She couldn’t get rid of the idea that something would go wrong, even if Ethan’s assurance was comforting.

The commotion of the nightclub below stood in sharp contrast to the secluded room. With floor-to-ceiling windows providing a breathtaking view of the city, it was sleek and contemporary. The space was dominated by a big desk that was overflowing with papers and electronics.

Ethan took the USB disk out of his pocket and declared, "This is it."

Lily walked over to the desk PC and nodded. With her fingers flying over the keyboard, she inserted the drive and started uploading the data. As she watched the progress bar get closer to completion, every second seemed to drag on forever.

"Nearly there," she whispered.

Ethan stood guard at the door, watching the corridor beyond. "Be quick. We are running out of time.

With a gentle beep, the upload was complete, and Lily swiftly took the drive out. "Finished. Let’s leave.

They started to go away but were stopped when they heard footsteps coming toward the suite.

With a tight voice, Ethan murmured, "Someone is coming."

As they looked for a hiding place, Lily’s heart raced. Just as the door opened, they slipped behind a big cabinet, and Victor Kane and Jack Monroe himself entered.

Jack looked as dominant as ever, his angular features gleaming in the low light. With a chilly efficiency, he walked up to the desk and began going through the documents.

Victor declared, "We’re getting closer to the breach." Our staff is working to identify the source. It shouldn’t be long.

Jack nodded, but it was impossible to read his face. "All right. I want this resolved quickly. No loose ends.

With her body pressed firmly against Ethan’s, Lily held her breath. As they listened to the discourse, she sensed the anxiety emanating from him.

"How about Natalie?" Jack’s tone was dangerously calm as he inquired.

Victor paused. As far as we can determine, she is clean. However, I’m closely monitoring her.

A slight smirk formed on Jack’s lips. "Take that action. Additionally, make sure she understands the repercussions of betraying me. I don’t put up with betrayal.

With a nod, Victor left Jack alone and left the room.

As Jack approached the cabinet where they were hiding, Lily’s heartbeat accelerated. Through the opening, she could see his shadow, towering menacingly.

Ethan silently comforted her by tightening his hand around hers. Jack was about to grab for the cabinet door when his phone chimed, diverting his focus.

"What is it?" On the phone, he yelled.

The voice on the other end was heard after a moment. Jack’s face darkened at whatever was uttered.

"Seek them out," he said. "Now."

Lily and Ethan were left in startled silence as he abruptly ended the call and hurried out of the room.

They slipped out of their hiding place after waiting for the sound of Jack’s footsteps to subside. Even though Lily’s heart was still pounding, she made herself concentrate.

"We must leave immediately," Ethan remarked.

They moved quickly but carefully as they went down the stairs again. They had enough cover to blend in because the nightclub was still full.

Lily had a wave of relief as they emerged into the refreshing night air. However, it didn’t last long.

Victor Kane emerged with his revolver pulled as a black SUV screamed to a stop in front of them.

"Are you going somewhere?" he inquired in a menacing tone.

To protect Lily, Ethan moved in front of her. "Any trouble is not what we want."

Victor grinned. "That’s too late."

A sleek motorcycle blasted up behind him before he could move. The black-clad rider got off the horse and pointed a gun at Victor.

"Drop it," Ghost ordered, his voice muffled by the modulator integrated into the helmet.

Victor paused, his gaze flitting between Lily, Ethan, and the enigmatic newcomer.

He growled, "This isn’t over," then retreated to the SUV and drove away.

Ghost took off his helmet as the SUV vanished into the night, displaying a sardonic, cunning face.

"Aren’t we cutting it close?" His tone was serious but playful as he spoke.

Ethan expressed his relief as he replied, "Thanks for the save."

Lily nodded, her head still spinning from what had happened that evening. "Did we receive what we required?"

Ghost grinned. "You tell me." He displayed a tiny gadget that was exactly the same as the one Lily had inserted into Jack’s PC.

As Lily gazed at it, insight came to her. Ghost had been proactive, making sure they had a fallback in case things didn’t work out.

"We’re not finished yet," Ethan stated firmly.

"No," Ghost concurred. "But we prevailed tonight."

A glimmer of hope flickered through Lily as they vanished into the night. They had survived by taking a chance. However, the conflict with Jack Monroe had not ended yet.