Volume 3: The Rise to Power
Summary: Driven by sheer determination and courage, Jack risks everything to save Isabella from Richard's clutches.
Richard's hand lifted slightly, and the sharp blade of a knife gleamed coldly under the dim light, pointing directly at Isabella's delicate face. Her eyes widened in terror, muffled cries escaping through the tape over her mouth.
"Stop!" Jack roared, his voice echoing through the vast emptiness of the warehouse. His body tensed like a predator ready to strike.
A cruel smile curled on Richard's lips as he observed Jack's reaction. "Jack, look at you—so worked up over one woman. I'm truly curious… what magic does she possess that could bring you—a former Wall Street elite—to this pitiful state?"
Jack ignored the mockery. His gaze remained locked on the man holding the knife—Richard's top enforcer, known only as Black Bear. Towering and muscular, with a jagged scar across his face, Black Bear's eyes burned with ruthless intent.
"I'll say it one last time—let Isabella go," Jack's voice dropped lower, each word sharp as ice.
Richard shrugged, sipping his wine as if nothing were at stake. "You've got it backwards, Jack. It's not me who has no choice—it's you. Hand over the evidence, and I might let her live. Refuse, and I promise—you'll regret ever being born."
Jack inhaled deeply, suppressing the rage boiling inside him. He knew panic would only play into Richard's hands. He had to stay calm—only then could he find an opening.
"The evidence isn't on me," Jack said slowly, his eyes piercing into Richard's. "Do you really think I'd be stupid enough to carry something so valuable on my person?"
Richard's smirk faltered. He narrowed his eyes, suspicion flashing within them. "Not on you? Then where is it?"
"I hid it somewhere safe—somewhere only I know," Jack paused deliberately, watching Richard's expression carefully. "If you let Isabella go, I'll tell you where."
For a moment, hesitation flickered across Richard's face. He understood the stakes—those documents could ruin him, even send him to prison for life.
"Fine," Richard said after a pause. "I'll agree. But first, I need confirmation that the evidence is real."
"No problem," Jack replied. "I can give you an address. You send someone to retrieve it. Once verified, you release Isabella."
"No way," Richard snapped. "I won't fall for your tricks. I want proof before I let her go."
"Then we have nothing left to negotiate," Jack said coolly. "If you don't trust me, then kill her."
With that, Jack made a sudden, unexpected move. He pulled his gun from his waistband and fired a single shot into the ceiling.
Bang!
The deafening crack shattered the tension. Everyone flinched, raising their weapons instinctively, eyes darting toward Jack.
He didn't waste a second. He aimed straight at Black Bear, his voice cold and steady. "Black Bear, I know you're smart. You work for Richard because of money—but is dying for a boss who will throw you away when convenient worth it?"
Black Bear hesitated. He knew Richard well—his loyalty was only as strong as the profit it brought.
"I can double what he pays you," Jack continued. "And I can guarantee you won't be implicated once Richard falls."
Black Bear fell silent. He knew the truth—Richard was already cornered. Staying loyal now would only drag him down too.
"You really mean it?" Black Bear asked, his voice trembling slightly.
"Absolutely," Jack replied. "I keep my word."
Richard's face turned dark with fury. "Black Bear! You dare betray me?!"
But Black Bear ignored him. Slowly, he lowered the knife, conflict evident in his eyes.
Then, without warning, chaos erupted.
One of Richard's men—who had been standing behind him—pulled out a pistol and fired point-blank at Black Bear.
Bang!
Black Bear grunted, collapsing to the floor. Blood seeped through his clothes.
"Traitor!" the man spat.
Jack roared in anger and raised his weapon, firing multiple shots at the shooter.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The man dropped lifelessly.
Gunfire erupted throughout the warehouse. Screams and curses filled the air like a battlefield erupting in flames.
Using his agility, Jack dodged bullets while searching for the perfect moment to counterattack. He had to end this quickly—otherwise, both he and Isabella wouldn't make it out alive.
He moved between crates and machinery, using them as cover, constantly shifting position to find the best angle. His aim was precise and calm, every shot hitting its mark.
Soon, most of Richard's men lay motionless on the ground. The remaining few cowered in corners, too terrified to expose themselves.
Realizing the tide had turned, Richard turned to flee.
Without hesitation, Jack raised his gun and fired at Richard's leg.
Bang!
Richard screamed in pain, crashing to the ground, blood pouring from his wound.
Jack approached slowly, towering over Richard, his gaze as cold and sharp as a blade.
"Richard, you've lost," Jack said icily.
Richard sat on the floor, pale and wide-eyed, despair flooding his features. He knew it was over.
Jack ignored him and walked over to Isabella. Carefully, he cut the ropes binding her wrists and removed the tape from her mouth.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently.
Isabella shook her head, tears streaming down her face. She threw herself into Jack's arms, clutching him tightly—as if trying to merge into him completely.
"I'm fine," she whispered between sobs. "Thank you, Jack."
Jack rubbed her back soothingly. He knew the trauma she had endured. She needed time to recover.
Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine.
He spun around just in time to see another guard charging at him with a knife—the last of Richard's loyalists, seeking vengeance.
Jack shoved Isabella aside and leapt away as the blade slashed through empty air.
The attacker snarled and lunged again.
Jack stood his ground, calm and focused. This was the final battle. Only by defeating this man could he ensure their safety.
The guard swung wildly, launching relentless attacks. Jack dodged with precision, waiting for the right moment.
Then, finally, an opening appeared.
Jack seized it. He dashed forward, delivering a powerful punch to the guard's jaw.
The man groaned, staggered, and collapsed onto the cold floor.
Jack exhaled deeply. He had defeated Richard—for good.
He walked back to Isabella and took her hand firmly in his.
"Let's go," he said softly.
Together, they stepped out of the warehouse, disappearing into the night.