Volume 1: Fallen from Grace
Summary: Jack and Kevin begin an undercover investigation into Richard's transactions. They discover that Richard has close ties with a mysterious offshore company.
Chapter 14: Covert Investigation
After the incident at Oasis, Jack was recovering at Isabella's place. The bruises left by Richard's fists still throbbed with pain, though his body was strong enough to endure it. Isabella had brought some medicine and carefully cleaned his wounds, her eyes filled with concern.
"Richard really knows how to hit hard," she said, gently applying antiseptic to the bruise near Jack's eye with a cotton swab, frowning. "I used to think he was just another flashy playboy, but I never imagined he could be this ruthless."
Jack winced in pain but felt his anger burning even hotter inside. "Isabella, thank you for saving me again. I can't keep hiding forever. I have to do something."
"I know," Isabella replied, setting down the bottle and sighing. "You want to investigate Richard, right?"
Jack nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. "Exactly. He's the one behind everything. I'm going to uncover the truth and put him behind bars."
"Richard has been entrenched in Wall Street for years, with a web of connections so complex that going after him head-on would be like throwing eggs at a stone wall," Isabella warned. "Right now, you have nothing—not even a legitimate identity. How are you going to investigate?"
"That's why we have to do it in secret," Jack said calmly, already forming a rough plan in his mind. "He's involved in a major secret transaction—this is our opening. Isabella, can you help me gather as much information about it as possible?"
Without hesitation, Isabella nodded. "Of course. I know people in the underground circles—I'll do everything I can. But promise me, Jack, no unnecessary risks. Your safety comes first."
"I understand," Jack said sincerely, taking her hand. "I'll be careful. By the way, any news from Kevin?"
"I haven't contacted him yet," Isabella answered. "It's too sensitive a time. The fewer people who know, the better."
"But I think there's another angle we can take," she added thoughtfully.
"What angle?" Jack asked curiously.
"Emily," Isabella said slowly. "She seems terrified of Richard, but I get the feeling she knows more than she lets on. If we can earn her trust, she might be able to give us valuable information."
Jack's eyes lit up. "That makes sense! Emily could be the key. But how do we reach her? Richard won't let her out of his sight."
"That's the tricky part," Isabella muttered, stroking her chin in thought.
They sat in silence, both lost in contemplation. Then suddenly, inspiration struck Jack.
"Isabella, do you remember the Oasis bar we went to before?" he asked.
"Of course. What about it?" she asked, puzzled.
"Richard goes there often. Emily must be with him," Jack explained, hope flickering in his eyes. "We can try to sneak in and find a way to talk to her."
"You're insane!" Isabella exclaimed, lowering her voice quickly. "That place will be heavily guarded now, and Richard will be watching for you more closely than ever. This is impossible!"
"I know it's risky, but it's the only chance we've got," Jack insisted, his gaze unwavering. "We can disguise ourselves. Maybe pull off a little deception."
After a long discussion, Jack and Isabella finalized a relatively detailed plan. With Isabella's connections in the underground world, they would secure a convincing false identity and infiltrate Oasis when Richard wasn't paying attention, creating an opportunity to speak with Emily.
Over the next few days, Isabella worked tirelessly—gathering intelligence on Richard's secret dealings while also searching for a suitable cover identity. Meanwhile, Jack didn't waste any time either. He began intense physical training to regain his strength, knowing that if danger arose, he'd need every ounce of fitness he had. He understood that defeating someone like Richard wouldn't just require intelligence and courage—it would demand physical endurance as well.
Three days later, Isabella returned with exciting news. She had discovered that Richard's secret deal was linked to a company called Golden Sands Entertainment. On the surface, it operated as a legitimate entertainment business, but beneath the surface, it engaged in shady operations. More importantly, she had secured the perfect cover identity—a new bartender named Mike, recently arrived in New York with no background to question.
The identity was ideal: Mike was supposed to be a young man from out of town, easy to pass off as someone new and unknown. To complete the transformation, Isabella provided Jack with a fresh set of casual clothes and dyed his signature black hair brown.
Looking at himself in the mirror, Jack almost couldn't believe it. Taking a deep breath, he whispered to himself—From now on, I'm not Jack Carter anymore. I am Mike, an ordinary bartender. My mission is clear: uncover the truth... and make them pay.
That evening, dressed in his new outfit and accompanied by Isabella, Jack arrived at Golden Sands Entertainment, located in a suburban area of New York. The club was a dazzling spectacle—glittering lights, booming music, and a dance floor packed with bodies moving wildly. The air was thick with alcohol and raw desire.
Isabella introduced Jack to the club manager and then quietly slipped away. Jack took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement and anxiety, and officially began his undercover assignment.
Standing behind the bar counter, he forced himself to stay calm and focused, observing everything around him. He knew Richard could appear at any moment—he needed to remain alert at all times.
As the night wore on, the atmosphere grew increasingly wild. The crowd danced harder, their energy boundless, while customers lined up at the bar ordering drink after drink.
Jack mixed drinks with practiced ease, his movements smooth and professional—as if he truly were an experienced bartender. But his mind was racing. How can I get close to Emily? And once I do, how do I extract the truth without raising suspicion?
Just then, the heavy doors of the club swung open, and a group of people entered, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
At the front was a middle-aged man in a perfectly tailored suit, arrogance etched into his every step. His expression was one of disdain, as if the entire world existed merely to serve him.
It was none other than Richard Greene—the very man Jack had sworn vengeance against.
And right behind him, walking with a look of quiet resignation, was Emily.
Jack's heart pounded violently, as if it might leap from his chest. This is it, he realized. My chance has finally come.