7: Peril at Every Turn
Volume Summary: During the rescue of Isabella, Jack uncovers a deeper conspiracy behind Richard. He realizes that what he faces is not just personal revenge, but a far more dangerous power struggle. He must proceed with caution to protect himself and those close to him.
Chapter 7: Betrayal
"Emily, long time no see." Kevin stood behind her, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "Didn't expect to see you here tonight."
Emily's heart sank. She knew immediately—Kevin had either discovered her secret or at least suspected something. His smile now felt sharp, laced with mockery and menace.
"It's a small world," Emily forced a calm expression, though her hand trembled slightly around the champagne flute. "You're here too?"
"Of course," Kevin replied smoothly, his gaze drifting past her toward Richard and the older tycoon in the corner. "How could I miss an event like this?"
Emily knew denial was pointless. Kevin was a Wall Street veteran—cunning, perceptive, and ruthless. If he was here, it meant he had something on her.
"Kevin, what exactly are you trying to say?" she asked carefully, maintaining a polite mask.
Kevin didn't answer right away. Instead, he took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and swirled it thoughtfully. "Emily, how long have we known each other? Ten years? Maybe longer?"
"Something like that," Emily replied absentmindedly. A decade was enough time to understand someone—and to see through them completely.
"Ten years… Time flies," Kevin sighed, his tone growing darker. "We've been through so much together—trials, betrayals… Do you still remember?"
Emily's face paled. She knew exactly what he meant. Years ago, for the sake of a promotion, she had betrayed Kevin—leaking one of his most important projects to a rival.
"Kevin, that was the past. We've moved on…" she tried to explain, but Kevin cut her off.
"Moved on? Really?" His eyes turned sharp. "Do you think I ever forgot what you did? I was just waiting—for the right moment to make you pay."
A chill ran down Emily's spine. She had always known Kevin was patient. And vengeful.
"Then what do you want, Kevin?" Her voice wavered.
"What do I want?" Kevin let out a cold laugh. "I want to know why you betrayed Richard. Why you're helping that homeless rat, Jack."
"I… I haven't…" Emily started to deny it, but Kevin interrupted again.
"Don't play dumb, Emily. I've known about your contact with Jack for a while. Did you really think you could hide it from me?"
Emily fell silent. There was no use lying—not to Kevin.
"If you already know, then what difference does it make?" she said finally, finding her courage. "I've made my choice. I'm helping Jack, and I won't change my mind."
"You're a fool!" Kevin snapped. "You think you're helping him? No—you're signing your own death sentence! Do you even realize who Richard is? Do you think he'll let you walk away?"
"I'd rather die than go back to being his pawn," Emily declared firmly.
"Foolish! Utterly foolish!" Kevin spat. Then he leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Emily, I'm giving you one last chance. Come back to Richard. Pretend none of this happened. I can protect you."
Emily hesitated. She knew returning to Richard might be the only way to survive. But doing so would mean betraying Jack—and herself—once again.
"No," she shook her head, rejecting his offer. "I can't."
"You'll regret this," Kevin growled. He turned sharply and disappeared into the crowd.
Emily felt hollow inside. She knew without doubt—Kevin would report her betrayal to Richard. And Richard would not show mercy.
She had to leave. She had to warn Jack and Isabella.
As she turned to exit, Richard appeared before her.
"Emily, it's been a while," he greeted with a false smile. "How have you been lately?"
"Well," Emily managed a strained smile, suppressing the fear rising inside her.
"I hear you've been quite active lately—charity events, public appearances," Richard remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "So noble of you."
"It's just part of giving back to society," Emily replied cautiously.
Richard stepped closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Emily, remember this—I bought your loyalty. The cost of betrayal is higher than you can afford."
He patted her shoulder lightly and walked away.
Emily's heart froze. There was no doubt now—Richard knew everything. She had no escape.
She hurried out of The Money Club and dialed Isabella's number.
"Isabella, run! Kevin knows our plan—Richard knows too!" Emily's voice was filled with urgency. "You're in danger!"
There was a pause on the other end before Isabella's calm voice responded. "Emily… thank you. We'll be careful."
After hanging up, Emily felt a wave of despair wash over her. She realized she had become a liability—betrayed by both Richard and perhaps even Jack. Alone and exposed, she didn't know what came next.
Meanwhile, in a rundown apartment in Brooklyn, Jack and Isabella sat in tense silence.
"Emily says Kevin knows our plan. And Richard probably does too," Isabella said, frowning.
"Then we move faster," Jack replied. "We have to expose Richard before he makes his move."
He walked to the window, gazing at the glittering skyline of New York City.
"It's almost over," he murmured. "Soon, we can start over."
But what he didn't know was that a greater storm was already closing in. The people he trusted—might already be preparing to strike from behind. In the world of Wall Street, betrayal was never in short supply.