Volume 8: The Shadow War Escalates
Synopsis: Jack's position on Wall Street grows more stable, but his battle against the remnants of Richard's empire intensifies. A silent war unfolds in both the open and the shadows—and Jack faces greater challenges and dangers than ever before.
Chapter 2: The Corporate Spy
Jack stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the ant-like bustle of people below. His mind, however, was clouded with unease. Amy's report about HawkEye Investments gnawed at him like a fishbone lodged in his throat—uncomfortable, dangerous, and impossible to ignore. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. Victor Sloan's reappearance was an unmistakable warning sign. Jack had no choice but to act fast and find a countermeasure.
He turned back to his desk, powered on his laptop, and began reviewing every available detail about HawkEye Investments. At first glance, the company appeared unremarkable—it had only been in operation for six months. But upon closer inspection, its investment strategies were unnervingly precise. They consistently targeted high-potential, undervalued tech ventures before anyone else even noticed them. That kind of insight could only come from either a genius-level strategist or someone with access to confidential intelligence.
Jack picked up his phone and dialed Amy. "Amy, have we figured out HawkEye's ownership structure yet? Who's really pulling the strings?"
"We've been digging for a while," Amy replied, her voice tinged with frustration. "But their corporate structure is like a Russian nesting doll—one layer hiding another. Right now, we can only confirm that it's officially controlled by an offshore fund. As for the real owner behind it all… we haven't cracked that yet."
Jack frowned. This only confirmed what he feared most. "Keep digging. No expense spared. I want to know who owns HawkEye—no matter what it takes. Also, focus on their recent transactions. See if any of them connect back to us."
After hanging up, Jack fell into a heavy silence. He began retracing every move he'd made since returning to Wall Street—each investment decision, each strategic maneuver. He combed through his memories, searching desperately for the point where things might have gone wrong—the moment HawkEye gained the upper hand.
Then, a detail caught his attention. Three months ago, he had presented a confidential report to the board outlining Phoenix Capital's five-year technology industry forecast. It contained highly sensitive internal data and long-term strategy plans—core documents that shaped the company's future. The report had only been circulated among a select few within the board.
Could the leak be coming from the board itself? The thought sent a chill down his spine. These were seasoned veterans—people who held the fate of the company in their hands. If one of them had betrayed him, the consequences would be catastrophic.
He immediately called Kevin, the company's Chief Security Officer. "Kevin, I need full background checks on every board member—focus on their financial status and overseas accounts. Also, get me the audio and video recordings from the board meeting three months ago."
"Understood, Jack," Kevin responded, sharp and efficient.
After the call, Jack rubbed his temples. He knew this investigation would stir unrest—possibly even cause a major internal crisis. But he had no other choice. He needed to uncover the rot inside the company before it spread further and destroyed everything he had rebuilt.
Meanwhile, in a rundown apartment in Lower Manhattan, Victor Sloan sat in front of his computer, scanning the latest investment plan from Phoenix Capital. A cold smirk played across his lips—as if the entire game had already been decided.
"Do you think you've won, Jack?" he muttered to himself. "How naïve. I'll make sure Richard gets his revenge. I'll strip you of everything again. I'll make you taste the bitterness of falling from heaven to hell."
He grabbed his encrypted phone and dialed. "Everything's proceeding as planned. Keep gathering intel on Phoenix Capital. And create some chaos for Jack—keep him distracted."
"Understood, sir," came the low, emotionless reply.
Victor hung up, lit a cigarette, and inhaled deeply. He exhaled a perfect smoke ring, watching it drift into the air like a vision of Jack's downfall.
The night passed without sleep. The next morning, dark circles under his eyes, Jack returned to the office. Kevin had already placed the requested files neatly on his desk.
Jack picked up the board meeting recording and began listening carefully. The atmosphere in the room had seemed cordial enough—board members chatting casually, discussing strategies. He studied every tone, every gesture, hoping to catch something off.
Then, something caught his eye. During the discussion about the five-year tech forecast, John Smith—a senior board member and former ally of Richard—seemed unusually evasive. His eyes darted away from Jack's gaze, and his posture lacked its usual confidence.
John Smith had once been Richard's right-hand man. After Richard's downfall, he had pledged loyalty to Jack, claiming to support his leadership.
Was it him?
Jack paused the playback and opened John's background file. The report revealed troubling signs—recent gambling debts in Macau, frequent large transfers from overseas accounts.
Jack inhaled sharply. He had found the crack in the wall.
He picked up the phone. "John, come to my office. Now." His voice was calm—but icy.
A few minutes later, John entered, smiling nervously—like nothing was wrong.
"Jack, what can I do for you?" he asked.
Jack said nothing. He simply stared at John, his eyes sharp as blades. Under that piercing gaze, beads of sweat formed on John's forehead.
"You've worked here for years, John," Jack finally spoke. "You know what happens to those who betray me."
John's face drained of color. He dropped to his knees. "Jack, please! I was desperate, I made a mistake—I'll never do it again!"
Jack looked down at the trembling man with no pity. He knew John was just a greedy pawn. Someone else was pulling the strings.
"Who gave the orders?" Jack demanded.
John trembled as he whispered the name—Victor Sloan. He confessed everything: the deal he had made, how he used his position to leak Phoenix Capital's confidential information to HawkEye Investments, how he had been feeding them intelligence for weeks.
Jack listened in silence, his heart turning cold. He hadn't imagined Richard's influence ran this deep—not even the boardroom was safe.
"Take him away," Jack ordered, waving to security. "Hand him over to the authorities."
As John was dragged out, Jack sank into his chair, staring blankly ahead. He knew catching John was only the beginning. The real war was still to come.
He had to find Victor Sloan.
He had to destroy Richard's remaining forces.
And the silent war had already begun.