Volume 9: Showdown on Wall Street
Synopsis: Jack has gathered enough evidence to launch his final strike against Richard's true mastermind. He will use every resource at his disposal to drag the hidden sins into the light of day.
Chapter 12: The Trial of Justice
Richard sat comfortably on a leather sofa, sipping amber whiskey as he observed Jack—bound and bruised—before him. The air was thick with the scent of cigars, mingling with the metallic tang of blood.
"Jack, Jack… look at you," Richard said mockingly, taking a slow sip. "Once the golden boy of Wall Street, full of ambition and pride. Now look at you—broken and defeated. Truly pathetic."
Blood dripped from the corner of Jack's mouth. With great effort, he lifted his head, eyes burning with fury and defiance. "You think this is victory, Richard? Don't fool yourself! Your crimes will be exposed—and you'll face justice!"
Richard laughed bitterly, the sound echoing through the empty room. "Justice? You still believe in that fairy tale? This world belongs to the strong. Law is just another tool for the powerful to control the weak. As long as I have money and influence, I can shape reality itself!"
He placed the glass down and leaned forward, tapping Jack's cheek with mocking familiarity. "You think your so-called evidence can bring me down? You underestimate me, Jack. I've prepared for everything. Even if you leak it all, it won't be enough to destroy me."
"That's where you're wrong!" Jack growled. "I've already sent everything to The New York Times. It'll be published tomorrow. There's no escape for you this time!"
For the first time, Richard's smirk faltered. His eyes narrowed, and a cold, murderous aura radiated from him.
"The New York Times, huh?" he muttered. "I suppose I underestimated you. But don't worry—I'll make sure they never publish a word."
With a flick of his wrist, two masked men stepped forward, holding a blood-stained metal rod.
"Jack, one last chance," Richard said coldly. "If you withdraw your accusations, I'll let you walk away free. I might even give you enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life. Otherwise…"
His gaze dropped to the rod, his voice laced with menace. "Otherwise, you'll wish you were never born."
Jack took a deep breath, ignoring the pain coursing through his body. With what little strength he had left, he spat directly into Richard's face.
"Go to hell, Richard. I'd rather die than let you win."
Richard's face twisted in rage. "Beat him! Beat him until he begs for mercy!"
The men obeyed without hesitation. The rod came crashing down onto Jack's body, each strike accompanied by muffled cries of agony. Yet Jack refused to beg. He wouldn't give Richard the satisfaction. He knew surrender meant total defeat.
Just as darkness began to consume his consciousness, the villa door exploded inward.
Isabella stormed in, flanked by her armed team.
"Stop!" she roared, her voice filled with fury and vengeance.
Richard's expression shifted—shock, then fear. He hadn't expected her to arrive so soon.
"Isabella, this is between me and Jack," he barked, trying to mask his panic. "Stay out of it!"
Isabella laughed coldly. "You dare touch my people? You've declared war on me. And now, I'm here to show you what happens when you cross me!"
She signaled her men, and chaos erupted. Gunfire cracked through the air as her forces clashed with Richard's henchmen.
Amidst the gunfire, screams, and explosions, Isabella rushed over to Jack and freed him from his restraints.
"Jack, are you okay?" she asked urgently, concern flashing in her eyes.
Jack coughed weakly, managing a faint smile. "Thanks… for saving me…"
"Don't talk. Rest," she whispered, carefully guiding him to safety.
Suddenly, a shadow lunged from the darkness. A masked man raised a gun and fired—aiming straight at Jack.
"Look out!" Isabella shouted, throwing herself in front of him without hesitation.
A single gunshot echoed.
Blood stained Isabella's shirt. She staggered, collapsing into Jack's arms.
"Isabella! Isabella!" Jack screamed, shaking her desperately. "Wake up! Please wake up!"
Her eyes fluttered open, weak but smiling. "Promise me… expose Richard… promise me…"
Then, gently, her eyes closed—and she was gone.
Jack held her lifeless body, letting out a cry that tore through the night. Grief, anger, and despair surged within him. In that moment, he swore vengeance. Richard would pay. No matter the cost.
Wiping tears from his eyes, Jack stood. He picked up a fallen weapon and charged toward Richard.
By now, Richard was broken. He knew he had lost. His empire was crumbling. His power slipping away.
"You win, Jack," he whispered, slumping to the floor, eyes hollow. "But I won't go alone. You'll come with me!"
With a mad grin, he pulled a remote from his pocket and pressed a button.
"Let's burn together, Jack!"
A deafening explosion shook the villa. Flames engulfed the entire building in seconds.
But Jack didn't die.
At the last second, Kevin arrived and pulled him to safety.
After learning of Jack's capture, Kevin had immediately contacted the police. They arrived just in time to defuse the remaining bombs and contain the situation.
Richard perished in the fire, his crimes buried beneath the ashes.
The next day, The New York Times ran the full exposé. Every piece of evidence Jack had collected was published, revealing Richard's corruption in brutal detail. The financial world was thrown into chaos. Investors turned against him, and public outrage demanded justice.
Regulatory agencies launched a full investigation into Richard's company, uncovering years of illegal trading and fraud.
His empire was dismantled. His assets seized. His accomplices arrested.
Jack had avenged Isabella. He had brought justice to those who suffered under Richard's greed.
Yet, as he stood before the wreckage of his past, there was no joy in his heart. He had won—but at an unbearable cost.
Grieving deeply, Jack decided to leave Wall Street behind—for now. He needed time to heal, to reflect, and to find a new path forward.
He looked into the distance, eyes filled with quiet determination and hope.
One day, he would find peace. One day, he would rebuild his life.
And Isabella—his greatest ally, his deepest love—would always remain in his heart.