Volume 4: Counterattack from the Edge
Summary: Richard's company is thrown into turmoil as internal conflicts erupt. Shareholders begin to question his leadership, and the stock price continues to plummet, leaving Richard in a state of desperation.
"The stock for Solar Dynamics… it's dropped below $5!" Richard's assistant screamed in horror, her voice slicing through the heavy silence of the office.
Richard shot up from his leather chair, snatching the tablet from her trembling hands. On the screen was the horrifying chart—Solar Dynamics' stock had plunged like a crimson waterfall, dragging Taurus Fund's net value down with it at an alarming rate, like a body being devoured by vampires.
"Damn it! Sell! Sell all our Solar Dynamics shares—cut losses at any cost!" Richard roared, veins bulging on his neck, like a cornered beast ready to lash out.
But the market was already in full panic. No one was buying. Solar Dynamics had become a cursed tumor—everyone wanted to get rid of it, fueling a vicious cycle that sent the stock into freefall. His orders vanished into thin air, ignored by the chaos of mass selling.
He collapsed back into his chair, pale and drenched in cold sweat. He knew now—Taurus Fund was on the brink. The damage was far worse than he had imagined.
"Kevin… Kevin! Find that bastard Kevin! I'll kill him myself!" Richard growled between clenched teeth, eyes bloodshot with rage.
The assistant stammered nervously, "Sir, we've already sent people after him, but… Kevin seems to have anticipated this. He's gone underground—he's nearly impossible to find."
That only fueled Richard's fury further. He grabbed the crystal paperweight from his desk and hurled it against the floor. Glass exploded outward, mirroring the shattering of his pride.
As Richard raged uncontrollably, an emergency board meeting was taking place inside Kane Corporation. The atmosphere in the conference room was tense, thick with hostility.
"Richard, is this what you call 'stable investing'? Taurus Fund has suffered massive losses—our reputation is in tatters! You owe us an explanation!" One of the senior directors slammed his fist on the table, his tone sharp and accusatory.
Richard forced a weak smile and replied, "Gentlemen, this is just temporary. Market fluctuations are normal. I've already taken action—I'm confident we can turn things around soon."
"Turn things around? The stock is in ruins! How exactly do you plan to fix this? We're not fools, Richard! Did you secretly divert fund assets into high-risk investments?" Another director fired back, suspicion dripping from every word.
Richard's face darkened, but he denied it vehemently. "Absolutely not! I swear on my honor—there has been no misconduct!"
"Your honor? What's your honor worth now? Rumors are spreading that you gambled with company funds, engaged in illegal transactions—all for higher profits! If you don't give us a convincing answer, we will take whatever steps are necessary!" The board pressed forward relentlessly, offering no mercy.
Richard knew his position was crumbling. The losses from Taurus Fund had cost him the board's trust. If he couldn't recover quickly, he would be ousted—discarded like yesterday's news.
Night fell, and Richard sat alone in his dimly lit office. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, New York shimmered with its usual brilliance, but to Richard, the city lights felt mocking and cruel.
Suddenly, the phone rang, breaking the suffocating silence. Richard hesitated before answering.
"Mr. Richard, hello. This is… Kevin." A slightly trembling voice came through the receiver.
Richard's eyes narrowed. He masked his fury behind a calm tone. "Mr. Kevin, how nice of you to call. I believe we have much to discuss."
"I know who the real mastermind is," Kevin said, his voice laced with mystery.
"Good. Then tell me—who dares cross me? I'll make sure they pay dearly," Richard replied coldly.
"But first… I need your protection," Kevin added after a pause. "You see, I've made a lot of enemies. If I expose the truth, I'll be hunted down."
Richard remained silent for a moment before responding. "Fine. Tell me everything, and I'll guarantee your safety. I'll provide shelter—whatever you need."
"Alright. But first, I need proof of your sincerity," Kevin said.
"What kind of proof?" Richard asked.
"A sum of money. Show me you mean business—and then I'll reveal the truth," Kevin demanded boldly.
Though furious, Richard had no choice but to comply. He agreed bitterly, and the two arranged a meeting time and location.
Meanwhile, Jack was watching from the shadows, closely monitoring Richard and Kevin's movements. Through listening devices modified by Pixel, he overheard their conversation and smiled with satisfaction.
"Well done, Kevin," Jack whispered into his earpiece. "Now follow the plan. Make sure Richard believes the real mastermind is someone within his own corporation."
"Don't worry, Jack. I know exactly what to do," Kevin responded.
The next day, Richard met Kevin in a remote warehouse as planned. He carefully handed over a suitcase filled with cash and impatiently asked, "Now, tell me—who is behind this?"
Kevin took the case, counted the money, and leaned in closer. "Well… I can't say for sure, but I heard it was… Mr. Brian."
"Brian?!" Richard's expression changed instantly. Brian was another executive at Kane Corporation—and Richard's biggest rival.
"That's right. From what I heard, Brian has always envied your position. He believes your poor management has damaged the company's interests, so he used this opportunity to bring you down." Kevin continued, embellishing the details with dramatic flair.
Richard's fury boiled over. He had always seen Brian as a thorn in his side, but due to corporate balance, he had never found the right moment to strike. Now, he finally had an excuse—a golden opportunity to eliminate Brian once and for all.
He stared coldly at Kevin and said, "Very well. I understand. You may go now. I'll arrange for your protection."
Kevin nodded and left quickly with the suitcase.
As he watched Kevin disappear, Richard's eyes burned with deadly intent. He picked up his phone and dialed a number.
"Yes. I need a favor… I want Brian… permanently removed."
Richard's counterattack had begun. He launched a secret investigation into Brian's past, hoping to uncover dirt that could prove his involvement—and then destroy him completely.
At the same time, Emily quietly observed the unfolding events. Seeing Richard resort to murder over power, she felt deep fear and disgust. She began working covertly with Jack, determined to make amends for her past mistakes.
She knew there was no turning back. Only by standing firmly beside Jack and opposing Richard until the end could she hope for true redemption.
What she didn't realize, however, was that Richard had already grown suspicious of her. He had noticed the subtle shifts in her behavior and suspected she might be connected to Jack.
"Emily, you've seemed… off lately," Richard said, gripping her wrist tightly, his gaze icy.
Her heart pounded, but she kept her composure. "I… I'm fine. Just stressed from work lately."
Richard smirked coldly. "Is that so? I hope you haven't betrayed me. Because if you have, I'll make sure you regret ever being born."
A chill ran through Emily. She realized she was in danger. She would have to tread carefully—to protect herself while helping Jack complete his revenge.
Under the night sky of New York, a thrilling power struggle was silently unfolding. Everyone was dragged into the whirlwind, willing to pay any price for survival, for vengeance, for power. And in the end—who would emerge victorious?