Volume 9: Showdown on Wall Street
Synopsis: Jack has gathered enough evidence to launch his final strike against Richard's true mastermind. He will use every resource at his disposal to drag the hidden sins into the light of day.
Chapter 3: Media Exposure
Jack stood in a shabby office in Lower Manhattan, gazing through a grimy window at the glittering skyline outside. This was the alliance's temporary command center—the eye of the storm they were about to unleash. The table was piled high with documents, photographs, and audio tapes—irrefutable proof of Richard Bell's crimes and those who pulled his strings from the shadows.
"Ready, Chloe?" Jack asked, turning to the young journalist seated at her laptop. Chloe was an investigative reporter for The New York Observer, known for her sharp instincts and unshakable sense of justice. She was one of the alliance's most valuable members.
"All set, Jack," she replied, pausing only to rub her tired eyes. "The article is written. Just waiting for your final word. We can publish first thing tomorrow morning."
Jack exhaled slowly, nodding. "Good. Then we go live at dawn. Let all of New York—and the entire world—see the truth behind Richard Bell and his real puppet master."
He walked over to the whiteboard, covered in photos connected by red threads. At its center was Richard Bell, surrounded by figures—bankers, politicians, lawyers, even notorious mobsters.
"We need maximum impact," Jack said firmly, tapping the board with his marker. "We have to make sure this reaches the regulators, forces legal action, and encourages the victims to speak out."
From the corner, Rat took a drag off a cheap cigarette. "Those guys won't just sit back and take it. They'll do everything they can to stop us."
"I know," Jack acknowledged. "That's why we must be prepared. Kevin, how's network security looking?"
Kevin, a young hacking prodigy Jack had met in the underground world, adjusted his thick glasses and typed furiously. "I've fortified our systems, but they'll definitely try to hit us online. We need to be ready for counterattacks."
"Good," Jack said approvingly. "Tomorrow morning, Chloe publishes the story. Then Kevin protects our digital front, and Rat handles physical security. Remember—we're up against ruthless people. We cannot afford mistakes."
The next morning, The New York Observer broke the story with a headline that read:
"Wall Street's Dark Side: How Richard Bell Built a Financial Empire on Lies and Deception"
The article detailed Richard Bell's criminal activities—insider trading, market manipulation, money laundering, and more. It exposed his secret ties to corrupt politicians and organized crime, and hinted at the existence of a shadowy figure pulling the strings behind him.
The piece exploded across the city like thunder. Major media outlets picked it up, social media flooded with reactions, and public outrage surged. People were stunned—not just by Bell's crimes, but by the depth of corruption lurking beneath Wall Street's polished surface.
Richard Bell became a pariah overnight. His company's stock plummeted, investors fled, and business partners distanced themselves. Politicians who once flattered him now denied ever knowing him.
At the same time, regulatory and law enforcement agencies launched investigations. The FBI raided Bell's offices and home, seizing critical evidence.
Bell lost his mind.
He frantically called his lawyers, friends, allies—everyone he thought would help. But no one answered. No one wanted to be associated with a sinking ship.
"Damn you, Jack Carter!" Bell roared in his office. "You will pay for this!"
He immediately dialed his real boss.
"Sir, it's out of control! Jack Carter has exposed me. The authorities are investigating me!"
A cold voice came through the receiver. "Idiot! I told you to eliminate him before it got this far. Now how am I supposed to explain this to the board?"
"Please, sir, help me!" Bell pleaded. "I'll do anything!"
"You've already lost your value," the voice snapped. "I'll send someone to clean things up—before you reveal anything else."
Bell felt the blood drain from his face. He knew—he was finished.
Meanwhile, Jack and the alliance watched the fallout unfold closely.
"Bell is ruined," Chloe said excitedly. "His empire is crumbling. The authorities are closing in."
"This is just the beginning," Jack replied. "The real mastermind hasn't surfaced yet. We keep pushing until we bring him down too."
"I've found some leads," Kevin added. "It looks like the person behind this is linked to a company called Phoenix Group. Registered overseas, operates across multiple sectors—finance, energy, real estate. But I still can't confirm their identity."
"Phoenix Group…" Jack repeated quietly. "I'll remember that name. We'll find them. And when we do, they'll answer for every crime they've committed."
The media exposure was only the first move. Jack knew the real battle had just begun. He needed more evidence, more allies, and more pressure—until the darkness was fully exposed.
This time, he wasn't alone.
He had an army.
And he would not stop—until justice was served, and his vengeance complete.