Volume 5: Wall Street Rises Again
Volume Summary: Jack returns to Wall Street, only to find that things are far more complex than he imagined. Richard's remaining influence still lingers, and a far greater conspiracy awaits him. He must proceed with extreme caution if he is to eliminate these threats and restore order to Wall Street.
Chapter 7: The Traitor Revealed
Jack Chen's expansive office—once a symbol of triumph—now felt bitterly ironic. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating floating dust motes and casting harsh shadows on his stormy expression. He felt like prey in a meticulously laid trap, the hunter now hunted.
"Damn it! Those vultures caught wind of the blood and came running," Mark muttered, yanking at his tie in frustration. His usual composure had vanished. He walked over to the bar, poured himself a glass of whiskey, and downed it in one gulp. "I've traced some of Universal Investments' funding—they're using an offshore fund called 'Poseidon' in the Caribbean to launder money. But finding the real owner behind it all will take time."
Jack remained silent, his gaze fixed on the city skyline as if staring straight into the heart of New York itself. The leak hung over him like a sword—unsheathed, ready to fall.
"The intel Emily gave us… was crucial," Isabella broke the silence, leaning back on the leather sofa, arms crossed, exhaustion evident in her posture. Her carefully applied eyeliner couldn't hide the worry beneath her eyes. "We were able to track their movements so quickly because of her. Now, our every move is exposed."
"Emily's life is in danger," Jack finally spoke, his voice edged with concern. He knew Richard's remnants wouldn't hesitate to eliminate her.
"I've already assigned protection," Isabella replied. "But right now, the priority is identifying the mole. Jack, do you have any suspects?"
Jack shook his head slowly, his eyes shifting between Mark and Isabella. "I've trusted both of you for years. But today, I can't trust anyone."
The tension in the room thickened. Their expressions darkened—accused by the man they'd followed through fire and shadow.
"Jack, I know you're under pressure, but suspecting us won't solve anything!" Mark snapped. "We're on the same side. No one wants you to succeed more than me."
Jack exhaled, softening slightly. "I'm not accusing either of you. But this situation demands caution."
He walked to his desk and opened a secure folder filled with everything they had on Universal Investments and the tech firms.
"I re-examined all the data and noticed something strange. These companies may appear financially unstable, but their core technologies are highly valuable. One firm, Quantum Dynamics, holds AI chip patents that could revolutionize finance."
Isabella frowned. "So you're saying the money laundering is just a cover? That their real goal is to control these companies and seize their technology?"
"Exactly," Jack nodded. "Richard was ruthless, but short-sighted. Whoever's pulling the strings now is smarter—and far more ambitious."
"What do we do now?" Mark asked anxiously. "Our only lead is the mole. Without exposing them, all our efforts are wasted."
Jack's eyes sharpened. "Then it's time we changed tactics. Instead of waiting for them to strike, we make the first move." A cold smirk played on his lips. "Mark, keep tracing Poseidon's finances. Find out who really controls it. Isabella, plant false information. Let's make them think we're still focused on Universal's money-laundering case."
"False intel? What kind?" Isabella asked curiously.
Jack leaned close, whispering, "Tell them we've uncovered a secret agreement between Universal Investments and the Richard family. If we go public, their entire operation collapses."
Her eyes lit up. "Genius! They'll panic and try to stop us. Then we follow the trail straight to the mole."
"Exactly," Jack confirmed. "And I'll reach out to a few journalists. Let's stir up some old dirt on the Richard family. We'll force them to fight on two fronts."
"I see where you're going," Isabella grinned. "This should be fun."
Mark nodded, some of his anxiety lifting. "What's your plan for catching the mole?"
Jack stepped to the window, gazing out at the glittering city below, his eyes glinting with quiet menace. "Simple—we give them exactly what they want. An opportunity to expose themselves."
He took a slow breath. "I'm calling a meeting. All key personnel. I'll reveal some critical details—details only a select few should know. And then we watch who leaks them."
"But doesn't that put us at risk?" Mark asked cautiously.
Jack chuckled darkly. "No risk, no reward. To catch a shark, you need bait."
That night, Jack sent out a memo summoning all core team members to an emergency strategy session the next morning. The message rippled through the inner circle like a stone dropped into still water.
The next morning, the conference room buzzed with unspoken tension. Everyone wore masks of professionalism, but beneath the surface, paranoia simmered. Each person watched the others, searching for signs of betrayal.
Jack delivered a detailed update on their investigation, subtly weaving in misleading information alongside genuine intelligence—data only a handful of people should possess.
After the meeting, Jack lingered, observing everyone's reactions. Several looked uneasy, their eyes darting nervously.
One figure stood out—Alex, his longtime assistant. Usually composed and diligent, Alex seemed distracted, his gaze unfocused, lost in thought.
"Alex, stay behind," Jack said suddenly.
Alex stiffened visibly, a flicker of panic crossing his face. "Yes, Mr. Chen?"
Jack stepped closer, locking eyes with him. "You've worked with me for years. I've always trusted you like a brother. Tell me—is there something you're hiding from me?"
Alex paled, opening his mouth but saying nothing.
"You know what happens to those who betray me," Jack said, his tone icy.
Tears welled in Alex's eyes as he dropped to his knees. "Mr. Chen, I'm sorry! I had no choice!"
"Who ordered you?" Jack demanded.
Alex hesitated, then whispered, "Kane… Mr. Kane."
Kane. Jack's blood boiled. Richard's former right-hand man, a key player in the Richard empire. Jack had long suspected him—but now he had proof.
"What did he promise you?" Jack asked coldly.
"He offered me a fortune… and safe passage for my family overseas," Alex trembled.
Jack stared at him, disappointment burning in his chest. "For money, you sold out your conscience. You betrayed your friends. You disappointed me, Alex."
"Please, Mr. Chen! I beg you, forgive me!" Alex sobbed, pounding the floor in desperation.
Jack ignored him and dialed a number.
"Isabella," he said into the phone, voice sharp with fury. "Take Kane down. I want him alive. I have questions for him myself."
New York's night deepened once more. This time, darkness would bring Kane his reckoning. Jack knew this was only the beginning. The true mastermind was still lurking in the shadows, watching. And Jack would have to be sharper, more cautious than ever before—to dismantle every threat and reclaim Wall Street's future.
He turned back to the window, exhaling slowly, his reflection merging with the lights of the city below. His expression was carved from ice, his eyes blazing with vengeance.
The war had just begun.