Volume 4: Counterattack from the Edge
Summary: Jack launches a powerful media campaign, exposing Richard's illegal dealings and corruption, sparking widespread public outrage.
The next day, the air in Manhattan seemed charged with tension. On financial news channels, female anchors spoke louder than usual, their voices laced with excitement and concern. Richard Carlisle—a name once synonymous with power on Wall Street—was now like a leaf caught in a storm, teetering on the edge of ruin.
Jack sat hunched over in a creaky chair inside his rented, shabby apartment. Outside, the city bustled with life, but he was mentally miles away—his battlefield was not in the streets, but in the digital world and the invisible war of public opinion. His computer screen scrolled endlessly with headlines and social media posts, each one bearing the same name: Richard Carlisle.
He hadn't slept in two days. Empty instant noodle cups and coffee mugs littered the room, filling the air with a sense of disarray. Yet his eyes burned with intensity—the fire of vengeance, the hunger for justice.
"The media offensive has begun," he muttered to himself, a cold smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
After learning from Emily that Richard had murdered someone to silence them, combined with the evidence Brian had prepared to expose him, Jack knew it was time to strike. Financial tactics alone could wound Richard, but not destroy him. In Wall Street's rules of engagement, as long as you had money, you could climb over corpses and still be celebrated. But when morality was compromised—when the public's conscience was outraged—no amount of wealth or influence could save you.
Jack understood the power of the media, especially in an age of information overload. A single article could make or break a man. He would use this weapon to drag Richard's crimes into the light and bury him beneath the weight of public scorn.
"Kevin, how are things going?" Jack called, his voice hoarse from exhaustion.
"I've done what you asked. I sent Brian's evidence to The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Bloomberg. I also leaked it anonymously to influential finance blogs like Wall Street Insights and Morning Finance. The story is starting to spread—but Richard's PR team is already trying to suppress it."
"They'll try," Jack said with a bitter chuckle. "But the harder they fight to contain this, the more people will believe it's true. Remember—we need to keep the pressure on. Make their PR team run themselves ragged."
Jack hung up and rubbed his tired eyes. He knew media reports alone wouldn't be enough. Social media had to be ignited, the narrative shaped and controlled.
Using contacts he'd built during his years on Wall Street, Jack reached out to several journalists and financial commentators he trusted, feeding them anonymous tips about Richard's inner dealings—how he manipulated insider information, how he embezzled company funds for personal luxury, and even details of his backroom deals with politicians and business elites.
The stories exploded across the internet like bombs.
#WolfOfWallStreetScandal
#RichardCarlisleExposed
#ShameOfFinance
#CarlisleGroupOnTheBrink
Trending topics flooded social platforms.
"I always knew these Wall Street elites were scum! They only care about lining their own pockets and don't give a damn about ordinary people!" wrote a user named "WallStreetVictim."
"Richard Carlisle is the modern-day Gatsby—glamorous on the surface, rotten underneath! He belongs in prison!" another chimed in.
"I sold all my shares in Carlisle Group! Who knows when they'll turn into worthless paper!"
The pressure from public opinion crashed down on Richard Carlisle like a tidal wave. Within hours, Carlisle Group's stock plummeted, wiping out billions in market value.
His PR team worked frantically to contain the damage, issuing denials and calling the allegations malicious smear campaigns. They contacted social media platforms, demanding content be taken down—but it was futile.
In the digital era, information spreads faster than truth can catch up. While rumors may die among the wise, anger spreads like wildfire. Richard Carlisle had crossed a moral line; no defense could erase the disgust building against him.
Inside Carlisle Group's headquarters, Richard stared at his computer screen, his face pale with fury, his bloodshot eyes wild with desperation.
"Who the hell is doing this? Who's behind this?" he roared, his voice raw with rage and fear.
His lawyers and PR team stood silently around him, too afraid to speak.
"We've tried everything, Mr. Carlisle, but the backlash is too strong—we can't control it anymore," one lawyer finally dared to say.
"You can't control it? That's what you're paid for—to tell me you can't control it?!" Richard bellowed, sweeping a pile of documents off his desk in a fit of rage.
He knew this was real trouble. If he couldn't regain control soon, he faced disgrace—and prison.
Desperate, he began calling every contact he had, reaching out to old allies in politics and business. Most ignored his calls. Some hung up immediately.
He felt abandoned. Betrayed.
Meanwhile, Emily sat by the floor-to-ceiling window of her luxurious apartment, gazing at the glittering skyline of Manhattan. She held a glass of wine, untouched, her mind far away. On the TV screen, breaking news played clips of Richard Carlisle's downfall. Her expression was complex—relief mixed with sorrow.
She knew Richard deserved everything coming his way, but she had once loved him deeply. And she carried guilt—for knowing the truth and choosing silence.
"Maybe… I should do something," she whispered to herself, setting the glass down and picking up her phone.
As Richard fell deeper into despair and Emily wrestled with her conscience, Jack sat quietly in a secluded corner of Central Park, receiving an unexpected call.
It was Isabella. Her voice was excited.
"Jack, you did it! I saw the news—Richard Carlisle is a pariah now, hunted by everyone!"
"Not time to celebrate yet," Jack replied calmly. "This is just the beginning. He'll strike back hard. We have to be ready."
"I know. But listen—I've made contact with a key figure who could finish him for good." Isabella paused, her tone turning serious. "It's Henry Bell."
At the sound of that name, Jack's breath caught.
Henry Bell—one of the original founders of Carlisle Group, and Richard's former mentor. Years ago, after a bitter falling-out, he had been forced out of the company.
"Henry Bell? Is he willing to help us?" Jack asked cautiously.
"I'm not sure, but I'll convince him. He's never forgiven Richard for what happened—he might see this as his chance."
"I'll meet him," Jack said firmly.
Isabella promised to arrange the meeting quickly.
Jack ended the call and looked toward the distant lights of Wall Street. Hope flickered in his eyes. Henry Bell might be the final piece needed to bring Richard Carlisle down once and for all.
But he also knew—Richard's retaliation was coming.
And when it did, Jack would be ready.
The night deepened, neon lights blinking like countless watchful eyes. Somewhere beyond the skyline, a financial storm was brewing. And Jack, like a predator in the shadows, waited patiently for the perfect moment to strike.