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 8: Countermeasures
The black-and-white photograph of John Smith's death lay cold and lifeless on Jack's massive desk. In it, John's eyes were wide open—frozen in terror and confusion. Smudges of dried blood clung to the edges of the image, a grim reminder that this was no longer a game of numbers. This was a war for survival.
"That snake Emily Carter sure knew how to disappear fast," Jack muttered, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. He paced the room, the expensive wool carpet beneath his feet unable to absorb the fury burning inside him. "She knows too much. We have to find her—before she spills everything. If she's gone, then the next corpse might be mine."
Kevin stood nearby, his expression shadowed with guilt. "I've had Isabella pull every string she can, but Emily has vanished without a trace. The fake passports we found in her apartment point to five different countries—none of them lead anywhere."
Jack stopped pacing, locking eyes with Kevin. "Use every resource available—even the ones that operate in the dark. Emily must be found alive. And if she's dead, bring me the body. I need to know who gave her orders."
Kevin nodded and left the office without another word. Jack knew this would be a tough fight. The remnants of Richard's empire, combined with an unknown mastermind pulling the strings behind the scenes, formed a threat powerful enough to consume him whole.
He walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing down at the glowing skyline of New York. The city was like a vast furnace—capable of forging miracles or reducing everything to ash. And right now, he stood on the edge of a blade, one wrong step away from oblivion.
"What about Richard's overseas assets?" Jack asked, his voice low, tinged with barely concealed anxiety. "How far along are we with cleaning them up?"
Kevin answered from behind him. "Slow progress. They're scattered across the globe, buried deep, and tied up in complex legal battles. It could take months—or longer—to fully dismantle them."
Jack exhaled sharply. That was his greatest concern. Those hidden assets were ticking time bombs, ready to detonate at any moment.
"What about the European contact Isabella mentioned? Any leads on this man… von Rein?"
Kevin shook his head. "We only know he's German. He holds significant influence in European financial circles and maintains close ties with several major banks. But he's cautious—almost invisible. We haven't been able to uncover his true identity or location."
Von Rein. The name sent a chill through Jack. His instincts told him this man wasn't just a shadowy figure—he was likely the very force backing Emily Greene.
"I need you to arrange a trip to London," Jack said suddenly, his tone firm and unyielding.
Kevin's face changed instantly. "To London? That's too dangerous! Emily Greene must know by now that you've uncovered her secrets. She'll have traps waiting for you there. And the company is in a critical phase—you can't afford to leave!"
"Exactly why I must go to London," Jack countered, turning to face him, fire in his eyes. "Emily made her move in New York. That means her reach extends into my inner circle. I won't sit back and wait to be hunted—I'm bringing the war to their doorstep."
He took a breath, continuing. "During this time, I'm leaving the company in your hands. Increase security, especially around Finance. And protect Lucy and Emily at all costs." (Note: "Emily" may be replaced with "my sister" or another appropriate relation.)
"I understand, Jack," Kevin replied, exhaling deeply. He knew better than to argue. "I'll do everything I can to protect the company and your family. You take care of yourself."
Over the next few days, Jack worked furiously to prepare for his trip to London. He reached out to old contacts—friends and allies built through years on Wall Street. These connections were invaluable, and now was the time to call them in.
He studied Richard's business dealings in London closely, searching for weaknesses in Emily Greene's network. One key discovery stood out—a small private bank called Golden Finch Bank. It specialized in offshore services, offering money laundering and tax evasion solutions for high-profile clients.
Golden Finch Bank… This might be the opening we need.
Jack opened the bank's website, carefully reviewing its information. The client list was heavily protected—known only to a select few.
"Isabella should be able to help me get access," he thought.
The night before his departure, Jack visited Lucy's apartment. He didn't want to tell her the truth about his mission in London—only that he had urgent business to handle.
Lucy was in the kitchen preparing dinner when he arrived. Seeing him, she smiled warmly. "You're here. Dinner's almost ready."
Jack walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and whispering in her ear, "While I'm away, promise me you'll take care of yourself. Don't go anywhere alone. If anything happens, call Kevin."
Lucy turned around, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You seem unusually tense for just a business trip. What's going on?"
Jack offered a faint smile, gently brushing her cheek. "Nothing to worry about. Just some heavy work matters. I don't want to trouble you."
Lucy sighed softly, resting her head against his chest. "I know it's not easy for you out there. I'll be fine. I'll wait for you."
Jack held her tightly, guilt tightening his chest. He hated keeping things from her—but protecting her peace of mind mattered more. He vowed to resolve everything quickly, so she could live a life free from fear.
After dinner, they watched a movie together in the living room. Then Jack kissed her goodbye and left.
He never told her what he was walking into. All he could do was silently pray that he would return safely.
Early the next morning, Jack boarded a flight bound for London. As the plane lifted off, he looked out the window at the shrinking skyline of New York. Emotions churned within him—determination, fear, and a quiet sorrow.
He knew this journey to London would be unlike any other. But he was ready. He wouldn't run. He would fight—for himself, and for those he loved.
The plane touched down at Heathrow Airport under a gray sky, drizzling lightly. Jack tightened his coat, inhaled deeply, and stepped onto the tarmac.
London—a city where history and modernity intertwined—was ready to greet him.
And somewhere in its streets, a new, fiercer battle was about to begin.