Volume 4: Counterattack from the Edge
Summary: Jack, through Kevin, locates a crucial witness—a former assistant of Richard's who possesses direct evidence of his crimes.
The charity gala buzzed with chatter and clinking champagne glasses. Dressed in their finest, Wall Street elites moved through the ballroom like actors on a grand stage, each smile carefully curated, each handshake laced with hidden agendas. Emily walked beside Richard, her arm looped through his, forcing herself to maintain an air of elegance despite the unease gnawing at her insides—like a marionette manipulated by invisible strings.
Richard wore his practiced social smile, engaging in light conversation with financiers and politicians alike, discussing vague market forecasts and economic optimism. But Emily could see the tension behind his eyes. His gaze darted around the room constantly—as if searching for something, or someone.
"Richard, you don't look well," Emily said softly, concern creeping into her voice.
He flinched slightly, turning toward her with a smile that barely reached his eyes. "I'm fine. Just tired from all the company issues lately." His tone was dismissive, and Emily knew he was lying.
"Richard, if there's anything going on, you can tell me. I want to help," she insisted, hoping to bridge the widening chasm between them.
Richard looked at her, his expression unreadable. He seemed to want to say something but shook his head instead. "Thank you, Emily. But I can handle it myself."
Midway through the evening, Richard suddenly received a call. His face paled slightly as he listened, then he hung up quickly.
"I need to take care of something. Wait for me here," he said, his tone more urgent than before.
"What happened?" Emily asked, a growing sense of unease settling in her chest.
"Nothing serious—just some internal company matters. Don't worry about it," he reassured her before striding away.
Emily watched him disappear down the corridor, her anxiety mounting. Something was definitely wrong, and it felt bigger than just a business crisis. She made a decision—she had to find out what was really going on.
She left the ballroom and followed the hallway, scanning for any sign of Richard. At the end of the corridor, she came upon a quiet lounge room. From within, she heard Richard's voice—raised in anger.
Hesitating only briefly, she gently pushed open the door.
Inside, Richard was shouting at a man. "Are you insane? You're telling me this now? Why didn't you say anything earlier?"
Emily finally got a clear view of the other man—an older gentleman in a suit, visibly shaken.
"I… I didn't want to either. But… but Brian…" The man stammered, clearly terrified of Richard.
Brian? Emily's heart skipped a beat. She recognized the name—another senior executive at Kane Corporation, and one of Richard's fiercest rivals.
"What about Brian? What did he do?" Richard snapped.
The man shrank back. "Brian… he has some… some damaging evidence against you. And he… he plans to hand it over to the regulators…"
Richard's face turned deathly pale, his fists tightening. "Evidence? What kind of evidence? I covered my tracks perfectly! How could he possibly have proof!"
The man trembled. "He knows about your offshore accounts… and he also knows about the embezzlement…"
At those words, Emily felt as if struck by lightning. She had always suspected Richard of illegal dealings—but embezzlement? That was a criminal offense. If proven, it could land him in prison for life.
"Are you sure? Are you absolutely certain Brian has this evidence?" Richard's voice was low, dangerous, his eyes burning with predatory intensity.
The man nodded frantically. "Yes, I saw the documents with my own eyes. Mr. Richard, you… you must be careful!"
Richard exhaled sharply, trying to steady himself. He stepped toward the window, gazing at the glittering skyline of New York, his expression dark with fury and desperation.
"Fine. I understand. You've done well," he said coldly. "I'll deal with this."
Relieved, the man bowed his head. "Thank you, Mr. Richard! Thank you!"
"But…" Richard turned suddenly, his eyes icy. "To make sure this doesn't get out… you'll have to keep silent… permanently."
Before the man could react, Richard lunged forward, covering his mouth and slamming him to the ground. The man struggled violently, muffled cries escaping his lips, but Richard's grip was ironclad.
Emily stood frozen at the doorway, paralyzed with horror. She had known Richard was ruthless—but never imagined he would go this far. She wanted to stop him, to scream, to run in and pull him off—but her legs wouldn't move.
She watched, helpless, as Richard tightened his grip until the man stopped moving entirely. Then, slowly, Richard rose to his feet, staring blankly at the corpse at his feet—his hands drenched in blood, like a fallen angel turned demon.
He turned—and saw Emily standing in the doorway, her face pale, her body trembling.
"Emily…" His voice cracked, raw with emotion. He tried to speak, but no explanation came.
"You… you killed him…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"I… I didn't have a choice," Richard rasped. "He was going to destroy me!"
Emily stared at him, her eyes filled with horror and disappointment. "You're… terrifying…"
Without another word, she turned and ran, her heart pounding wildly. She never wanted to see Richard again. Whatever bond they once shared was gone—shattered beyond repair.
Richard remained in the room, watching her retreat, his soul empty. He knew then—he had lost Emily forever. And with her, everything else.
Emily stumbled out of the gala, her mind spinning. She felt like she was breaking apart inside. She needed clarity. She needed to decide what to do next.
She hailed a taxi and returned to her apartment, collapsing onto the couch, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear and regret.
Suddenly, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen—it was an unknown number.
After a moment's hesitation, she answered.
"Hello?" Her voice was hoarse.
"Emily, it's me—Jack." A familiar voice came through the receiver.
Emily froze. She couldn't believe her ears. "Jack? Is that really you? You're alive?" Her voice trembled with shock and joy.
"Yes, Emily. I'm alive. There's a lot I need to tell you, but I can't meet you in person right now. I need your help," Jack replied, calm yet resolute.
"Tell me what I can do. Anything—I'll do whatever it takes," she said without hesitation.
"I need you to find someone—Kevin. He knows many of Richard's secrets. He could be the key witness to bring him down," Jack explained.
Emily understood instantly. Jack intended to use Kevin to expose Richard—to hold him accountable before the law.
"I know Kevin. He used to be Richard's assistant. I know where he is now," she said.
"Good. I trust you, Emily. Find Kevin, and I'll guide you from there," Jack instructed.
"I promise, Jack. I will find Kevin and help you expose Richard's crimes!" Emily declared firmly. This was her chance—not just to redeem herself, but to reclaim her own integrity.
After hanging up, a surge of strength coursed through her. Fear, doubt—gone. She knew exactly what she had to do.
She would find Kevin. She would expose Richard. She would help Jack return to Wall Street—not as a victim, but as a victor. She would atone for her silence, for her complicity, for every mistake she had ever made.
She grabbed her phone and dialed a number.
"Hello, Isabella? It's Emily. I need your help…"