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 13: The Dark Deal
The abandoned theater where Jack and Emily were hiding felt like an orphan of time, left to decay silently amid the chaos of New York City. The air was thick with the scent of dampness and mold—an echo of history's forgotten glory. But tonight, within its crumbling walls, a daring plan was taking shape.
"Evening gowns, tuxedos… and most importantly, invitations," Emily said, her voice edged with despair as it echoed through the empty space. "We need a miracle."
Jack moved to the cracked window, his eyes fixed on the skyline—towering buildings that symbolized wealth, power, and the vast chasm between him and Richard. He clenched his fists, his gaze unwavering. "We're not waiting for miracles. What about Donny? Any news?"
Emily pulled out her phone and dialed quickly. She put it on speaker, waiting anxiously. "Donny, we need help—now!"
A tired voice came through, accompanied by the clatter of keyboard keys. "I'm still tracing the offshore account. It's complicated—like a spiderweb of transactions. I'm working on it, but I need more time."
"We don't have more time," Jack replied grimly. "We need formalwear—and the invitations. Anything that gets us into that gala."
There was a pause as Donny seemed to be thinking fast. "Invitations… I might know someone. A less conventional route. But it'll cost. A lot."
Jack didn't hesitate. "Money isn't an issue. Just get us in."
"Alright," Donny exhaled. "Give me a few hours. I'll see what I can do."
Time stretched unbearably. Emily paced nervously, twisting her fingers together. "Jack, what if we're found? Richard won't let this go."
Jack stepped beside her, gently taking her hand. It was cold, trembling. "Trust me, Emily. I won't let anything happen to you. We have to trust Donny—and ourselves."
Hours passed. Then, the phone rang again. This time, Donny's voice carried a spark of excitement.
"Jack, I've got them! Two invitations—but there's a catch."
Jack's pulse quickened. "What kind of catch?"
"They belong to a couple who had to cancel last minute. But…" Donny hesitated. "They know Richard. Closely."
Emily gasped. "That's too risky! If Richard recognizes us—"
"Risk and opportunity go hand in hand," Jack cut in firmly. "We don't have options. We'll have to play our roles well. And maybe this is exactly what will throw Richard off—he won't expect us to walk right into his world."
Donny continued. "I'll send you the address. They live on the Upper East Side. Be careful when you go."
Jack ended the call and turned to Emily, resolve burning in his eyes. "Let's go."
Stepping out of the theater, they navigated the streets of New York cautiously. Night had fallen, and the city lights cast shifting shadows across the pavement like a labyrinth. Jack stayed alert—Richard's reach was everywhere.
The taxi stopped in front of a luxurious apartment building on the Upper East Side. The lobby glittered with opulence—elegant men and women strolling past them like ghosts from another life. Emily took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
Following Donny's instructions, they arrived at the couple's suite. The door opened to reveal a middle-aged woman in a silk robe, her hair neatly pinned up, exuding quiet elegance.
"You're friends of Donny?" she asked, her tone slightly haughty as she assessed Jack and Emily.
"Yes, ma'am," Jack replied politely. "We're here for the invitations."
She nodded and disappeared into the apartment, returning moments later with two elegant cards. She handed them over without a word. "Enjoy the event."
Jack took the invitations, scanning the names printed on them: Robert Harrison and Elizabeth Harrison.
"Do Mr. Harrison and Mr. Richard Lane know each other?" Emily asked carefully.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Of course. Robert and Richard have been friends for years. You… know Richard?"
Emily forced a smile, suppressing the panic rising in her chest. "Just heard of him. We know he's very influential."
Elizabeth studied her for a moment, then simply said, "Well, you should go now. I need rest."
As they stepped outside, their hearts were still racing. They knew—they had crossed into dangerous territory.
Back at the theater, Jack and Emily pored over the invitations and the Harrisons' profiles. Every detail mattered. They couldn't afford a single mistake.
"We need appropriate attire," Emily said, her voice laced with anxiety. "We can't show up looking suspicious."
"I know someone who might help," Jack said, recalling a contact in the fashion industry. "Let's see if he's still around."
Time was slipping away. Every second counted.
Just as they prepared to leave, the phone rang again—Donny.
"Jack, I traced the source of that offshore account!" Donny's voice was both excited and grave. "It belongs to a shell company—and the real owner behind that company… is Richard."
Jack's stomach dropped. "He's laundering money through offshore accounts?"
"It's worse than that," Donny went on. "This company is tied to multiple illegal operations—arms trafficking, drug deals… even human trafficking."
Jack's hands tightened around the phone. "Richard… he's involved in all of this?"
"And more," Donny whispered. "I uncovered something else—a name. 'Obsidian.' He's linked to every major deal. I believe Obsidian is the real boss behind Richard. Someone darker. More powerful."
Jack's grip tightened until his knuckles turned white. He finally understood—the war he was fighting wasn't just against Richard. It was part of a vast, hidden network of corruption stretching deep into Wall Street.
"Donny, keep digging," Jack said, his voice low and sharp. "No matter what it takes, find out who Obsidian really is."
After hanging up, Jack looked at Emily. Her face was pale, shaken by the revelation.
"We have to change the plan," Jack said, his eyes narrowing. "Tonight's gala isn't just a chance to enter Richard's office—it's our only shot at getting close to Obsidian."
He knew the charity gala would be more than a social event. It would be a battlefield of secrets, power, and blood.
Night fell, and New York lit up like a constellation of stars. Beneath the shimmering surface, Jack and Emily wore elegant suits and gowns—but beneath the fabric burned hearts filled with rage and determination.
They were stepping into the heart of darkness—not just for survival, but for justice.
And whatever awaited them inside that glittering hall, they were ready.