Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 44: A Whisper of Treachery

Chapter 44: Chapter 44: A Whisper of Treachery

Through Lily’s little apartment’s blinds, the morning sun created gentle patterns on the floor. The anxiety in the air was evident despite the day’s relative stillness. She was shaken by her near miss with Jack Monroe last night, but she knew she couldn’t waste time worrying about it.

Ethan sat at the kitchen table beside her, looking at the papers Ghost had left behind before vanishing once more. Between them were pages of surveillance reports and encrypted files that painted a bleak picture of Jack’s kingdom.

Ethan broke the silence by saying, "This is it." That’s what we required. Evidence of his involvement in arms transactions, blackmail, and money laundering. He’s done if we can get this information out to the appropriate parties, like the media or police enforcement.

Lily’s thoughts were racing as she gazed at the pages. It won’t be sufficient to ruin his company. We must ensure that he is incapable of recovering from this. Individuals like Jack always manage to rebuild.

With a sad grimace, Ethan nodded. "We’ll destroy everything, but we must do it wisely. He is now keeping an eye on everyone, even us.

The silence was broken by a knock on the door. Lily froze, looking quickly at Ethan. They were both aware of the dangers of being discovered.

Ethan motioned for Lily to remain behind and took a rifle off the counter. He cautiously walked to the door and looked through the peephole. Before he opened it, his shoulders loosened a little.

Natalie stood in the corridor, her eyes wide with fright and her face pallid.

"Natalie?" Lily hurried to the door and stated that. "Why are you in this place?"

With shaking hands, Natalie entered. She muttered, "I had nowhere else to go." "They’re observing me."

"Who is observing you?" After locking the door behind her, Ethan questioned.

Natalie’s voice broke as she said, "Jack’s men." They have been after me for days; I’m not sure what I did to raise his suspicions. I believe they are aware that I have been giving you false information.

Lily felt a knot in her stomach. For weeks, Natalie served as an insider, providing vital information on Jack’s whereabouts and activities. She was in serious danger if Jack had found out about her treason.

With a scathing tone, Ethan said, "You shouldn’t have come here." "You could have led them directly to us if they were observing you."

"I was cautious," Natalie emphasized. I turned around and went in a new direction. I have no other option—I need your assistance!

Lily touched Natalie’s arm in a comforting manner. "You must tell us everything first, and then we will work this out. What plans does Jack have?

Natalie paused, her eyes darting back and forth between them. He has paranoia. He is increasing security at all of his properties in response to last night. Additionally, he is bringing in reinforcements, including experts in... problem-solving.

Ethan’s mouth clenched. "That refers to us."

Natalie gave a nod. "And there’s another thing. In two days, he intends to transport a sizable supply of guns. His greatest deal to date. If you are able to stop it.

With her thoughts racing, Lily concluded, "We can cripple his operation."

With a frown, Ethan paced the room. "We will be stepping into a trap if we pursue that shipment. Following last night, he will be anticipating interference.

Lily countered, "But he wins if we don’t act." "This might be our only opportunity to permanently defeat him."

Natalie’s gaze was desperate as she glanced between them. "I’ll assist you. I am aware of the location and security procedures. I can let you in.

Ethan paused, obviously conflicted. "It is too risky. If he finds you...

"He won’t," Natalie firmly stated. "I’ll see to that."

Lily touched Ethan’s arm to get his attention. "We require her. This is our best opportunity.

Ethan grudgingly nodded after a long pause. "All right. However, we operate on our own terms. To do it, we’ll need Ghost’s assistance.

Lily looked at the timepiece. The stakes were bigger than ever, and time was running out.

Lily and Ethan met Ghost in a remote parking garage later that night. Beneath the shadow of his helmet, the mysterious hacker leaned against his motorcycle, his face unreadable.

With a tone of dry amusement, Ghost remarked, "You’re really pushing your luck." "This time, what do you need?"

"We’re removing Jack’s shipment," Ethan declared plainly. "We need someone to watch the area and figure out how to get past their security."

Ghost cocked his head, seemingly taking the request into account. "Are you aware that this is essentially a suicide mission? Jack is not a moron. The location will be secured by him.

Lily stated, "That’s why we need you." "Are you able to do it?"

With a groan, Ghost took a tablet out of his backpack. Tell me the specifics. I’ll see what I can accomplish.

Natalie took the initiative to give the address and describe the security protocols she had seen. Ghost listened carefully as he retrieved surveillance footage and plans, his fingers skimming the tablet’s screen.

"This is going to be difficult," he acknowledged. However, it is not impossible. You’ll still need to move quickly once you’re inside, but I’ll set up a distraction to entice some of the guards away.

Lily nodded, her expression displaying resolve. "We’ll take care of it."

With a gleam of admiration in his eyes, Ghost looked at her. Harper, you’re brave. Don’t get yourself murdered, please.

Lily and Ethan got ready for the expedition back at the apartment. They went over the strategy, double-checked their escape routes, and inspected their weapons.

Natalie discreetly observed them, her face displaying a mix of fear and shame. She whispered, "I never wanted any of this." "I only wanted to act morally."

Lily’s features softened with sympathy as she gazed at her. "You’re courageous for confronting him. Few would.

Natalie smiled, but it was too small to reach her eyes. "I hope it’s sufficient."

Lily was alone in the kitchen, gazing out the window at the city below as the clock approached midnight. She reflected on all the choices that had brought her to this point, including Daniel’s treachery, her desire for vengeance, and the surprising bond she had formed with Ethan.

"Are you alright?" Ethan’s voice interrupted her train of thought.

She turned to see him standing in the doorway, a worried look on his face.

She responded, "I’m fine," but her voice faltered.

His hand touched hers as he took a step closer. "We’ll overcome this. Together.

Lily’s heart grew larger as she gazed up at him, filled with both appreciation and love. She knew she could trust him in spite of everything.

"I’m grateful," she muttered.

"For what purpose?"

"For remaining."

A tiny smile curved Ethan’s lips. "I’m not leaving," I assured you.

The three of them packed their bags and got ready to go as midnight drew near. None of them faltered despite the looming weight of what they were about to execute.

"This is it," Ethan stated steadily. "No second chances."

Lily nodded, her will to succeed hardening. "Let’s get this done."

As they approached the last conflict with Jack Monroe, they stepped out into the night, their silhouettes vanishing into the gloom.