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 10: The Counterstrike
Jack scanned the room, his gaze lingering on each face. He knew there was a traitor among them—a spy lurking in plain sight, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He masked his suspicions carefully, revealing nothing.
"This meeting is crucial," Jack finally spoke, his voice steady and commanding. "It concerns our next steps. Through our investigation, we have gathered substantial evidence against Universal Investments—and the Richard family's illegal activities. It's time to deliver the final blow."
Andrew adjusted his glasses, cautious. "Jack, what exactly is our next move? Are we going straight to the SEC?"
Jack shook his head, a knowing smile playing at the corner of his lips. "No. We don't make it that easy for them. We want them ruined—financially, socially, completely."
Katherine leaned forward, eyes sharp. "What do you mean?"
Jack strode to the whiteboard and wrote three words in bold strokes: Media Exposure, Legal Prosecution, Financial Strike.
"We start with the media," he said, pointing to the first. "We expose the Richard family's darkest secrets until they become pariahs in the public eye."
"That part's already in motion," Isabella interjected. "I've reached out to several major outlets. They're eager for the story—if we provide the proof." She paused, her gaze flicking toward Jack. "But we need a spark—an explosive revelation to ignite the fire."
"I've got that spark," Jack said, eyes gleaming. "Remember the Poseidon Fund I had Mark investigate? While we couldn't fully trace its movements, we did uncover undeniable evidence of illicit transactions between the fund and Universal Investments. This alone will drag the Richard family into the abyss."
Mark nodded and handed Jack a file from his briefcase. "These are key transaction records. Not enough for a conviction yet—but enough to draw media attention."
Jack flipped through the pages, then allowed himself a satisfied smile. "Perfect."
"Next, we initiate legal proceedings," Jack continued. "Robert, how are you coming along?"
Robert pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up, speaking in his usual calm tone. "I've assembled a team of top-tier lawyers. We're compiling all available legal evidence. As soon as the media breaks the story, we'll file lawsuits against Universal Investments and the Richard family. Justice will be swift—and brutal."
"Good," Jack approved. "Now, the most critical phase—Financial Strike." His eyes turned cold and sharp as he pointed at the word. "We use everything we know—every financial tool, every market strategy—to destroy Universal Investments. Let them feel the full weight of my wrath."
Katherine frowned slightly, concern flickering across her features. "Jack, this kind of financial warfare carries enormous risk. One misstep could cost us dearly."
"I'm aware," Jack replied calmly. "But I trust our team. We can manage the risks and minimize losses. And if we want victory, we must be willing to pay the price."
For the next hour, Jack laid out his plan in meticulous detail. He outlined a complex trading strategy leveraging derivatives, short selling, and options to systematically dismantle Universal Investments' stock value. Every step was calculated—even accounting for possible countermeasures.
The two-hour meeting held everyone's undivided attention. Jack's strategy was like a finely tuned machine—each component working in perfect synchronization.
As the session ended, Jack looked around at his exhausted but determined team. Confidence swelled in his chest. Victory was within reach. His long road of revenge was nearing its climax.
"Remember," Jack's voice dropped low, firm with conviction, "we must remain vigilant. Our enemies are cunning. They will retaliate. We cannot afford even the smallest mistake."
"Yes, Jack!" the team responded in unison.
Afterward, Jack remained alone in his office, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing down at the glittering Manhattan skyline. Emotions warred inside him—revenge, anticipation, fear for what lay ahead.
He knew he was walking a dangerous path. But there was no turning back.
Suddenly, his phone rang.
An unfamiliar number blinked on the screen.
Jack hesitated, then answered.
"Mr. Jack Chen?" came a low, gravelly voice.
"Yes," Jack replied evenly.
"My name is Oliver Greene."
Jack's pulse quickened. The real test had just begun.
He exhaled slowly. "Mr. Greene, what can I do for you?"
"I hear you've been investigating the Poseidon Fund and Universal Investments," Greene's voice carried a clear threat. "Let me advise you to stop now. Some things are beyond your capacity to handle."
Jack smirked. "I'm only after the truth. If those entities are innocent, I'll walk away. But if they're guilty of crimes, I won't stop until they burn."
"Young man, you're naïve," Greene's tone grew colder. "There are forces in this world you cannot control. Continue down this path, and you'll bring ruin upon yourself."
"I've never feared ruin," Jack shot back. "And if you think intimidation will work on me, you've made a grave mistake. You'll learn who truly holds power."
A pause followed, then a low chuckle. "Bravo, Mr. Chen. I admire your courage. But remember—this game has only just begun. You'll soon learn that Wall Street plays by rules you cannot change."
The line went dead.
Jack tightened his grip on the phone, eyes burning with determination.
He had officially declared war on Oliver Greene. What followed would be a battle to the death.
He turned, walked to his desk, and picked up a sheet of paper. In bold letters, he wrote:
Oliver Greene
Then, beneath the name, he drew a large, black X.
This war—he would win.
Meanwhile, in a luxury high-rise in downtown New York, Oliver Greene set the phone down and smiled—a slow, cruel twist of his lips. He stood before the window, watching the city lights, eyes filled with contempt.
"Jack Chen," he murmured to himself. "An arrogant boy who doesn't understand the game. I'll show you—on Wall Street, only strength matters. Your dreams, your vengeance… they'll vanish like smoke."
He lifted a glass of red wine, swirling the deep liquid like blood.
"The game begins," he whispered, and drank deeply.
In the following days, Jack's team moved with precision and discipline. Isabella fed negative reports about the Poseidon Fund and Universal Investments to the press, drawing widespread public attention. Robert's legal team compiled damning evidence for an imminent lawsuit. Katherine monitored market trends, ready to launch the financial strike at a moment's notice.
Yet, events did not unfold as smoothly as expected.
Richard's remnants, led by the shadowy Oliver Greene, began their own counterattack. They deployed every means at their disposal—threats, misinformation, and intimidation—to disrupt Jack's operation.
The night before the financial strike was scheduled to begin, Katherine received an anonymous call.
"If you continue working with Jack Chen," the voice warned, "your family will suffer."
Terrified, she rushed to Jack.
His expression darkened instantly. Their enemies were escalating.
"Katherine," Jack assured her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "your family will be safe. I promise. Don't let this stop you. Keep going—we're too close to turn back now."
She nodded, though fear still clung to her like a shadow. She understood—she had entered a deadly game. One wrong move, and everything would collapse.
The next morning, Jack's team launched the financial strike.
Using leverage, options, and short positions, they flooded the market with bearish trades against Universal Investments. Within hours, the company's stock plummeted, erasing billions in value overnight.
Richard's faction retaliated fiercely, attempting to prop up the stock price. A brutal financial war erupted on the trading floors.
Jack and his team sat rigid at their screens, fingers flying over keyboards, executing trades with surgical precision. It was a war of intellect, nerves, and endurance.
By the end of the day, Jack's team emerged victorious. Universal Investments' shares hit rock bottom. The company teetered on the brink of bankruptcy.
The Richard family was finished.
Yet, Jack felt no joy.
This was only the beginning.
The true enemy remained hidden.
He looked out into the distance, jaw set, eyes burning with resolve.
"Oliver Greene," he whispered, "our game is just getting started."