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 7: Isabella's Protection
Night had fallen over New York, its neon lights blinking like a thousand watchful eyes across the city that never slept. Jack sat in the living room of Isabella's apartment, surrounded by towering bookshelves filled with legal volumes. The air carried a faint scent of lemon essential oil. He held a glass of red wine but barely noticed it, staring instead into the swirling liquid as his thoughts drifted far away.
Ever since Old John's advice, Jack had thrown himself into investigating Richard's financial records. Using the connections and experience he'd built during his time on Wall Street, he secretly traced every suspicious transaction, hoping to uncover the link between Richard and the shadowy figure pulling his strings.
But things hadn't gone as smoothly as he'd hoped. Richard's financial network was incredibly complex—his money moved through layers of shell companies and offshore accounts like a carefully constructed maze, nearly impossible to navigate. And worse still, Jack had an uneasy feeling that someone was watching him.
This morning, he discovered one of his tires had been slashed. It wasn't random—it was a warning. A message telling him to stop digging.
He told Isabella everything.
Isabella was a lawyer he had met in the underworld—a "fixer" who operated in the gray areas of legality. She specialized in handling high-risk cases and had access to powerful networks and resources. When Jack had hit rock bottom, she had helped pull him back up. They shared a bond built on trust and mutual respect.
"Jack, do you really believe there's someone even more dangerous behind Richard?" Isabella asked, setting her book aside and looking at him with concern in her eyes.
Jack nodded and recounted Old John's insights and the strange events he'd recently experienced.
"I see," Isabella said thoughtfully, walking over to the window and gazing out at the glowing city skyline. "It looks like you've crossed a line they won't let you cross again. They won't allow you to keep digging."
"That's why I need your help, Isabella," Jack replied, lifting his gaze to meet hers. "I need your protection—and your resources—to uncover the truth."
Isabella turned around and walked back to him, gently taking his hand. "Jack, I know you're smart. And brave. But your enemies are powerful beyond imagination. I can't promise full protection—but I'll do everything I can."
"I know, Isabella," Jack said gratefully. "Just knowing that gives me peace of mind."
She released his hand and walked to the desk, picking up the phone and dialing. "John, it's Isabella. I need a favor… protect someone for me… Jack Carter… Yes, his safety is critical… No, I can't explain right now… Just make sure nothing happens to him. Understood?"
After hanging up, she faced Jack. "I've arranged for John to provide protection. He's an old friend of mine, runs a private security firm. His men are ex-military—highly skilled."
"Thank you, Isabella," Jack said sincerely. He knew she was risking her own position by calling in favors for him. This wasn't just help—it was trust.
"You don't have to thank me, Jack," she smiled slightly, though her expression betrayed exhaustion. "Now tell me—what's your next move? What's your plan?"
Jack took a deep breath and laid out his strategy. He intended to start with Robert Claus, Richard's lawyer.
"Claus?" Isabella frowned. "He's clever, and fiercely loyal to Richard. Getting anything useful from him won't be easy."
"I know," Jack agreed. "That's why I need you to find everything you can about him—his family, his social circles, and any past cases he's handled. If we can find his weakness, we can break him."
"I'll do my best," Isabella said. "But be careful, Jack. Claus and Richard aren't ordinary men. If they decide you're a threat, the consequences could be deadly."
"I understand," Jack replied. "I'll be cautious. I won't let them hurt me."
Over the next few days, under Isabella's protection, Jack continued his investigation into Richard's finances. He combed through every suspicious transaction, searching for clues.
Meanwhile, Isabella used her connections to dig into Robert Claus. Her findings revealed that while Claus appeared to be a respectable attorney on the surface, he was deeply involved in illegal activities. He used his legal status to shield Richard and other criminals from prosecution—and profited handsomely from it.
One weekend afternoon, Isabella handed Jack a thick file. "This is everything I found on Claus. See if there's anything useful."
Jack flipped through the pages. Among the details, he noticed something significant—Claus had a daughter named Alicia, currently studying at Harvard University. She was his only vulnerability.
"Isabella, thank you," Jack said, looking up at her with genuine gratitude. "You're incredible."
"You're welcome," she smiled. "So what's your next step?"
"I'm going to meet Alicia," Jack said firmly. "I want her to understand what her father is doing—how dangerous it is. I believe she can convince him to come forward with the truth."
"Jack, this is risky," Isabella warned. "Claus will go to any lengths to protect his daughter. If he finds out you're targeting her…"
"I know," Jack interrupted. "But I have no choice. This may be my only chance."
The next morning, Jack set off for Boston with a carefully prepared dossier in hand, determined to confront Robert Claus's daughter, Alicia. He knew it was a dangerous gamble—but he had no other option. To expose the truth, to seek justice, he had to risk everything.
To protect himself, to protect Isabella, and to bring the true masterminds to justice—the real battle had only just begun.