Chapter 18: A Dangerous Offer

Leaning against her kitchen counter, Lily gazed at the drawer that held Jack's journal. Its weight was debilitating, as though the pages themselves were living things that threatened to invade her reality. She kept thinking about what Ethan had said: "Avoid Jack." He poses a threat. However, wasn't every player in this perverse game dangerous?

She required clarification. She required authority. And whether Ethan liked it or not, that meant seeing Jack Monroe once more.

When darkness fell, Lily had already decided. After getting her coat, she walked out of her apartment and went to the address Jack had written on a piece of paper when they first met. It took her to a dimly lit dive pub on the city's outskirts, the kind of place where secrets lurked in the shadows and anonymity was currency.

The air inside was heavy with the stench of cigarette smoke and old beer. A few customers were seated sporadically throughout the pub, their faces partially obscured by the darkness. Jack was writing something on a napkin and drinking whiskey in the far corner.

Lily walked up to him, her shoulders squared. Jack's piercing green eyes glowed with recognition as she slid into the seat across from him.

With a sneer tugging at his lips, he added, "Lily." "I wanted to know if you would show."

Without introducing herself, she stated, "I need answers." "I would like to know what you intend to do with the information you have on Victor Kane."

Jack swirled the whiskey in his glass while leaning back in his chair. "Direct and to the point. I appreciate that about you.

Lily yelled, "Don't waste my time, Jack." There's a reason you came to me. What are you looking for?

Jack looked at her for a while, as though he was considering telling her the truth. Then he lowered his voice and leaned forward. Victor's kingdom is disintegrating. His resources are limited, and he has created too many enemies. I will see to it that everything falls apart.

"And for that, you need me?" Lily crossed her arms and inquired.

Jack grinned more broadly. Not precisely. But you're in a special place. Ethan has feelings for you, while Victor has feelings for Ethan. You are valuable because of that.

His comments made Lily's stomach turn. She didn't want to play along with anyone, especially Jack. "What does 'valuable' mean to you?"

Before responding, Jack took a swig of his whiskey. Victor has the utmost faith in Ethan. Everything may become unstable if Ethan gives him false information. Additionally, you might be able to persuade Ethan to comply.

Anger flaming in her chest, Lily shook her head. Do you wish for me to control Ethan? To tell him a lie?

Jack shrugged and replied, "Call it what you want." "But you'll have to get your hands dirty if you want Victor to pay for what he did."

Lily balled her fists beneath the table. She detested Jack's composure like he was playing a game. However, she was unable to deny the veracity of his statements. She needed to stop Victor, but she couldn't do it by herself.

"What do you stand to gain?" Her eyes narrowed as she asked. "Why are you so determined to defeat Victor?"

Jack's smile wavered, giving way to a brief moment of resentment. "Let's assume that Victor and I have a past. I'm going to wreck his life since he ruined mine.

Lily wanted to ask him specifics, but there was a warning on his face that she shouldn't. Rather, she reclined in her chair and tried to take it all in.

"If I assist you," she replied slowly, "how can I be sure you won't blame me when it suits you?"

A slight smile crossed Jack's lips. "You don't. But Lily, you have a fire inside of you. You don't seem like the kind of person who lets anyone, including myself, walk all over you.

Lily's thoughts were racing as she gazed at him. She couldn't deny Jack's point, but she didn't trust him. She needed to take charge of the situation if she wished to safeguard herself and those she loved.

At last, she stood up and said, "I'll give it some thought."

Jack nodded, but it was impossible to read his face. "Take your time. Don't take too long, though. There is no way you can afford to wait for Victor.

With the chilly night air stinging her, Lily walked out of the bar. Anger, fear, and determination were all at odds in her thinking. One thing was certain: she couldn't allow Victor to continue to rule her life, even though she wasn't sure who to trust anymore.

Her phone buzzed with a message as she made her way back to her flat. Ethan sent it.

"I must see you. It is urgent.

Lily's heart fell. After what she had discovered, she was not prepared to confront him. Ignoring him, however, was not an option. She texted back a brief response after taking a deep breath:

"Come on over."

The tension between them was evident when Ethan showed up. His face was reserved as he stood in her living room.

"Lily, I must know the truth," he murmured quietly. "Do you collaborate with Jack?"

Lily's chest constricted. She couldn't tell him everything just now, but she didn't want to lie to him. "Jack came over to me," she said. "He claimed to know Victor."

Ethan tightened his jaw. "And you thought he was real?"

Lily's voice was shaking as she said, "I'm not sure what to believe." "However, I am aware that I cannot simply do nothing."

Ethan stepped forward, his intense blue eyes burning. "You're endangering yourself if you trust Jack. Lily, he doesn't give a damn about you. He is taking advantage of you.

"Then assist me!" Lily's irritation boiled over as she yelled. "Give me another choice if you don't want me to work with Jack. Tell me how Victor can be stopped.

Ethan's face softened as he gazed at her. "Lily, I'm trying. I'm attempting to keep you safe.

"I don't require protection," she adamantly declared. "The truth is what I need."

They were silent for a moment. Ethan then extended his hand and gently brushed a lock of hair away from her face. He whispered, "You're stronger than I ever gave you credit for." "You don't have to do this alone, though."

The warmth of his touch sliced through Lily's rage, causing her determination to falter. However, she knew in her heart that the fight ahead would put them both to the test in ways they had not yet anticipated.

Lily closed her eyes, bracing herself for what was about to happen as Ethan drew her into a tight embrace. She was resolved to bring Victor's dominion to an end, even if it meant making sacrifices in the process, despite the looming shadows.