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 11: Life or Death
Alicia's resolute voice rang through the phone like a shot of adrenaline into Jack's veins. He knew this was the most crucial piece of the battle. Richard could manipulate money, power—even public opinion—but he could never control the human heart, especially not when it belonged to someone so close.
"Alicia, are you ready?" Jack asked with deep concern in his voice. "Richard won't let this go easily. He'll do everything in his power to stop you."
"I have nothing left to lose," Alicia replied calmly. "My father has been blinded by greed and power. If my testimony can even slightly bring him back to his senses, I'm willing to face whatever consequences come."
Jack paused for a moment. He could feel the pain and inner turmoil she carried—and how much courage it took. "We'll protect you, Alicia. Isabella will arrange a safe location for you. Your only job is to prepare yourself for the media and legal scrutiny."
"I trust you," Alicia said softly before hanging up.
Jack put down the phone and turned to Isabella. "Start Plan B now. Protecting Alicia is our top priority."
Isabella nodded, though worry flickered in her eyes. "I'll handle it personally. But Jack… Richard isn't going to back down easily. He might already be onto us."
"I know," Jack replied, stepping toward the window and gazing out over the glittering skyline of New York City. Beneath its dazzling lights lurked dark undercurrents. "This isn't just a game of money and power anymore. This is a fight for survival."
Meanwhile, inside Richard's office, tension hung thick in the air.
"That bastard Jack actually shorted Global Tech? Does he really think that can stop me?" Richard roared in fury, slamming a stack of papers onto the floor.
His men stood silently around him, too afraid to breathe too loudly.
"And Alicia! That traitorous little bitch!" His eyes burned with rage. "Find her—no matter the cost! She needs to learn what happens when you betray me!"
Richard had lost all composure. He understood now—Jack's plan wasn't just threatening his empire; it was shaking the very foundation of his existence. He would stop at nothing to destroy Jack, even if it meant resorting to the lowest tactics imaginable.
"Sir, we've tracked Alicia's location," one of his men whispered. "She's hiding at Isabella's place."
"Isabella?" Richard's brows furrowed. "So she's involved too? Looks like Jack really went all in."
"Sir, we should proceed carefully," another man cautioned. "Isabella has strong influence in the underground. A reckless move could backfire."
"Careful?!" Richard snapped. "Teach her a lesson! Let Isabella know—if she dares protect Alicia, she won't last a week in New York!"
A covert operation to capture Alicia was quietly set into motion.
Back at their base, Jack and Kevin were preparing their next move.
"It's time we released all the evidence we've gathered," Jack declared. "I want Richard's crimes exposed for the whole world to see."
"Understood," Kevin nodded. "I've contacted a reporter from The New York Times. They're running an exclusive tomorrow."
"Good," Jack said with a grim smile. "This time, Richard won't be getting back up."
But they didn't know that Richard's reach had already extended into their circle.
Just as Jack and Kevin were about to leave the office, a group of masked men stormed in, surrounding them.
"Mr. Jack," one of them said coldly, "we're here on Mr. Richard's orders. Please come with us."
"What do you want?" Jack demanded, his eyes sharp with suspicion.
"We'd prefer a polite visit," the man smirked. "But if you resist… well, we're not opposed to using force."
"Jack, watch out!" Kevin shouted, trying to shield Jack, but he was shoved aside effortlessly.
A fierce struggle erupted. Though Jack fought hard, outnumbered as he was, he was soon subdued.
"Let me go!" Jack growled, straining against his captors, but to no avail.
"Take him," the leader ordered coldly, dragging Jack away.
Kevin watched helplessly as Jack disappeared. He knew Richard wouldn't hold back this time.
"No, I have to warn Isabella!" Gritting his teeth, Kevin quickly dialed her number.
The line connected immediately.
"Isabella, Jack's been taken by Richard's men! You have to do something!"
Shock filled Isabella's voice. "What?! Jack's been captured? That madman Richard!"
"Please, Isabella—you have to save him! He's in danger!" Kevin pleaded.
"I know," Isabella said, forcing herself to stay calm. "You stay put, don't do anything rash. I'm sending a rescue team right away. Keep your head clear—protect yourself."
As soon as she hung up, Isabella summoned her elite forces.
"He dared lay a hand on my people? He must be suicidal!" Her eyes blazed with fury. "Everyone, move out! We're going after Jack. Anyone who gets in our way—eliminate them without hesitation!"
The rescue mission was underway.
Meanwhile, Jack was brought to one of Richard's secret villas.
He was bound to a chair, bruised and battered.
Across from him sat Richard, smirking with cold satisfaction.
"Well, Jack, didn't expect to see me again so soon, did you?" Richard sneered. "Did you really think I wouldn't find out what you were doing? How naïve."
"Your time is up, Richard," Jack spat. "The truth will come out!"
"The truth?" Richard laughed cruelly. "Do you really believe you'll live long enough to see that?"
He stepped closer, leaning down and patting Jack's cheek mockingly. "One last chance, Jack. Walk away from this, and I might let you live. What do you say?"
"In your dreams," Jack hissed, spitting directly into Richard's face.
For a moment, Richard's expression turned icy. He wiped the saliva off his cheek, eyes burning with murder.
"You asked for it," he snarled. "Teach him a real lesson."
The guards moved in, punching and kicking mercilessly.
Jack clenched his jaw, refusing to cry out. He couldn't break—not yet. Not until Isabella came.
But Richard wasn't done. He pulled out a small, gleaming knife and held it near Jack's face.
"Let's ruin that pretty face of yours, shall we?" he whispered sadistically.
Just as Richard raised the blade, a deafening crash echoed through the villa—the front door exploded inward!
Isabella and her team stormed in, guns blazing.
"Richard! Let Jack go!" Isabella bellowed, her voice cutting through the chaos.
Richard's face twisted in disbelief. He hadn't expected her to arrive so soon.
"Isabella, you dare defy me?" he roared. "Have you lost your mind?"
"This ends today, Richard," Isabella shot back fiercely.
Gunfire, screams, and shouts filled the villa as a brutal firefight erupted between Isabella's forces and Richard's mercenaries. Though Richard's men were many, Isabella's team was highly trained and coordinated. Soon, Richard's forces began to fall back.
Realizing the tide had turned, Richard ordered a retreat.
"Not so fast!" Isabella snarled, leading the pursuit herself.
In the end, she cornered Richard in the villa's backyard.
"No more running," Isabella said coldly, aiming her gun at his head. "It's over."
"Isabella, are you really going to kill me?" Richard whispered, desperation in his voice.
"When you framed Jack, you signed your own death warrant," she replied without emotion.
Just as Isabella was about to pull the trigger, a shadow lunged from the darkness—a remaining henchman, gun aimed straight at her.
"No!" Jack screamed, breaking free from his bindings and throwing himself in front of Isabella.
A single gunshot cracked through the night.
Jack gasped, staggered, then collapsed to the ground.
Isabella stared at Jack's motionless body, her mind going blank.
"Jack!..."