Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 54: Dangerous Connections

Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Dangerous Connections

The strained faces seated around the conference table were illuminated by faint lines of light as the morning sun crept through Sarah’s office shutters. Everyone was on edge after their fight with Daniel the night before, but it had also made them more determined.

As she looked over the pile of documents in front of her, Sarah said sharply, "We need to concentrate on the connections Daniel is using to protect himself." "The offshore accounts are only the beginning. He is supported by a vast network of accomplices, facilitators, and sympathizers.

Lily’s seatmate Claire nodded. I’ve been gathering as much information as I can recall on his business associates. I can now see the patterns, even though some of them once appeared to be innocuous. They are all somehow connected to Daniel.

With her fingers lightly tapping the table, Lily leaned forward. "It will be more difficult for him to retaliate or elude justice if we can isolate him and cut off those connections."

"We’re dealing with people who are as corrupt as Daniel," Ethan continued, crossing his arms and standing close to the glass. To safeguard their interests, they will retaliate. It won’t be simple.

Lily concentrated on one name that kept coming up as Sarah’s team started going over the documents: Gerald Langston, a successful businessman renowned for his cunning strategies. Claire spoke to the fact that Gerald was one of Daniel’s closest friends and had assisted him in several dubious transactions.

Despite the difficulty of the work at hand, Lily’s voice remained firm as she stated, "We need to know more about Gerald." "We could jeopardize their alliance if we can reveal his relationship with Daniel."

Sarah looked at Max, a young tech specialist who was part of her team. "Max, look over Gerald Langston’s correspondence and financial documents. Seek out any evidence that connects him to Daniel or his illicit actions.

Max nodded while frantically working on his laptop. "On it. However, this man will have multiple layers of security if he is as strong as you claim. It could take a while.

Sarah said with unshakeable faith in her staff, "Just do your best."

Lily got a call later that day from an unidentified number. Her pulse thumping in anticipation of another danger, she paused a bit before responding.

"Lily Monroe?" said a deep, strange voice.

Indeed. Who is this?

"My name is Blake Jonathan. I am someone who has a close relationship with Daniel.

Lily tensed her hold on the phone as she froze. "What are you looking for?"

"I would like to assist you," Jonathan remarked. "I’ve had enough of Daniel burning too many bridges. I need to know that I can rely on you, yet I have knowledge that might bring him down.

Lily’s thoughts were racing. Is there a trap here? Or did Jonathan really want to help?

"How can I be certain that you don’t work for him?" Her voice was piercing with mistrust as she inquired.

Jonathan calmly answered, "Because if I were, you’d already be in a lot more trouble." "I’ll show you by meeting you at the Waterfront Café tonight. Come by yourself.

The line died before Lily could answer.

The idea of Lily meeting Jonathan by herself was strongly opposed by Ethan.

As they were in her living room, he protested, "This might be a setup." "You’re going straight into trouble."

Lily said, "I know it’s risky, but we can’t ignore it if he truly has information that can help us." I’ll exercise caution.

Ethan firmly stated, "Then I’m coming with you."

Lily gave a headshake. "I have to come alone," he said. He might back out if he sees you.

Ethan’s expression showed displeasure as his jaw tightened. "All right. However, I’ll be nearby. You should give me a call right away if something seems strange.

Lily reached the Waterfront Café as the sun was setting, her heart pounding as she looked around the peaceful space. At a lonely table at the rear sat a man in his early forties, wearing a dark suit. She came over and held out a hand, and he stood.

"Lily Monroe?"

She shook his hand cautiously and answered, "Yes."

"My name is Jonathan Blake," he said. "I appreciate you coming."

Jonathan wasted little time in getting them seated. For years, I served as Daniel’s right-hand man. I am aware of his methods, where he keeps his money, and who he confides in. However, even in my opinion, he has crossed too many boundaries lately.

Lily examined him, attempting to see how sincere he was. "Why now? What is causing you to turn against him?

"Because he’s going crazy," Jonathan acknowledged. He is creating enemies everywhere, and he will eventually bring everyone down with him. I do not wish to be involved in the fallout.

A folder he slipped across the table. It contains records of bribes, kickbacks, and other illicit actions, as well as documents that connect Daniel to Gerald Langston. Make good use of them.

When Lily opened the folder and saw the damning proof, she gasped. To tighten the noose on Daniel, they needed this very much.

She looked up at him and said, "Why should I trust you?"

Jonathan answered, "Because I have nothing to gain by lying." "And because you are the only person who can stop him, in my opinion."

Ethan texted Lily as their meeting came to an end, saying, "Get out now." There is a problem.

Her blood froze as she looked around the café, focusing on a man standing close to the entrance wearing a dark coat. His stance was stiff as he watched her closely.

"We must depart," Lily murmured hurriedly as she picked up the folder.

Jonathan followed her outside, but the man from the café came up to them before they could get to her car.

The man said, "Jonathan Blake," in a chilly tone. "You’ve been incredibly busy."

Jonathan’s expression grew stern. "Marcus, stay out of this."

Marcus, though, wasn’t paying attention. He took out his phone and dialed. "They’re present. Provide a backup.

Lily felt a wave of panic as Ethan’s automobile screamed to a stop close by. His gaze flitted from Marcus to Jonathan as he leaped out.

"Get into the vehicle!" Ethan yelled.

Without hesitation, Lily and Jonathan jumped inside the car while Marcus yelled commands into his phone. As Ethan sped off, swerving through the city streets to get away from their assailants, the tires squealed.

The team rummaged through the documents Jonathan had given them back at Sarah’s office. Although the evidence was overwhelming, it also showed how far Daniel and his supporters would go in order to defend themselves.

With a determined tone, Sarah stated, "We have what we need to take the next step." "However, we must be ready for reprisals."

Jonathan was sitting calmly in the corner when Lily looked at him. She couldn’t deny that his information had altered the course of events, even though she still had some reservations about him.

Softly, she murmured, "Daniel is losing control." "And the truth is drawing nearer to us."

Lily had a fresh feeling of purpose as the group continued to strategize late into the night. She sensed they were about to make a breakthrough, but the road ahead was hazardous. And she was resolved to see it through to the end, no matter what.