Volume 6: The Flame of Vengeance
Synopsis: Jack has uncovered crucial evidence against Richard's criminal empire and begins meticulously planning his revenge. He not only intends to reclaim everything that was taken from him but also to send every betrayer and tormentor straight into hell.
Chapter 8: Stirring Public Opinion
The icy wind in Brooklyn cut through the air like a blade. Jack pulled his old coat tighter around his body, walking briskly under the dim glow of the streetlights. The previous night's escape from the warehouse had been close—too close. It made him painfully aware that Richard had finally cast aside all pretense, determined to end Jack's life.
Relying solely on underground connections and minor tactics would be nothing more than a fantasy if he wanted to bring down someone as powerful as Richard. He needed something far greater—a force capable of shaking Richard's very foundation. He needed to expose the truth and use public opinion as his weapon.
"Kevin, how are things on your end?" Jack whispered into his phone, keeping his voice low.
"All set. Those small-time thugs I hired aren't bad at playing their roles. They're commenting on major media social accounts right now, claiming they witnessed a gang shootout near the warehouse last night—and that it was Richard's men involved." Kevin's voice carried a hint of excitement. "I've already tipped off a few tabloid reporters anonymously. Just waiting for them to bite."
Jack nodded slightly. Kevin was fast, reliable—an essential ally in his plan for vengeance.
"Good. Keep it up. And remember—stay anonymous. Don't leave any traces," Jack warned. "Also, have those guys target Richard's charity foundation next. Say they're embezzling donations, pocketing funds meant for the poor."
Richard presented himself as a respected philanthropist, but beneath that polished image were dark dealings. He used his charity as a front for money laundering, tax evasion, and even illegal transactions. If exposed, the scandal would shake the city.
"Got it, Jack. But do you really think these tabloids can handle this? What if Richard buys them off?" Kevin asked with concern.
"They might be bought—but they fear public outrage even more," Jack replied with a cold smirk. "Once we stir the pot and make enough noise, even Richard won't be able to suppress the truth."
After ending the call, Jack lifted his gaze toward Manhattan in the distance. The towering skyscrapers symbolized power, wealth, and Richard's overwhelming influence. But Jack would tear each one down piece by piece, dragging Richard from his throne and letting him taste the bitterness of total ruin.
In the following days, New York's news outlets—especially the gossip tabloids—began publishing increasingly negative reports about Richard's organization.
"Night of Terror in Brooklyn Warehouse – Was It a Gang War? Or Something More Sinister?"
"Charity Foundation Scandal Rocks the City – Where Did the Donations Really Go?"
"Wall Street Elite Caught in Web of Deceit – Where Is the Moral Line?"
Though the articles never directly named Richard, the implications were unmistakable. While some details remained unverified, the stories ignited widespread public interest and speculation.
Richard immediately sensed the storm brewing. He crushed the newspaper in his hands, roaring in fury, "Who is behind this?! Find out! Now!"
His subordinates stood frozen, too afraid to speak. They knew better than to interrupt when Richard was on the verge of an explosion.
Frank spoke cautiously, "Boss, could this be sabotage by competitors? Or maybe... someone we've wronged is trying to get back at us?"
Richard narrowed his eyes at Frank, a flicker of suspicion rising in his mind. Ever since the warehouse incident, his trust in Frank had waned. There was something he felt Frank wasn't telling him.
"Frank, is there anything you're hiding from me?" Richard asked coldly.
Frank paled instantly. "Boss, what are you saying? How could I ever hide anything from you? My loyalty to you is absolute!"
"See that it stays that way," Richard snapped. "Right now, our priority is finding the source of these leaks and shutting this down before it spreads further. We cannot allow public sentiment to spiral out of control—it will damage our operations."
But Richard's efforts proved futile. The negative coverage spread like wildfire, growing more intense by the hour. More people began questioning Richard's integrity, scrutinizing his charitable foundation, and digging into his past.
Worse still, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) launched an official investigation into Richard's company, suspecting insider trading and illegal money laundering. They demanded full financial records.
Panic gripped Richard completely. He knew that if the SEC dug deep enough, his entire empire would crumble.
He paced his office frantically, searching for a solution. Then his eyes fell on a newspaper headline:
"Mysterious Homeless Man Fights Off Armed Thugs – His Heroism Moves the Entire City!"
Richard froze. Jack! Could it really be him? Wasn't he supposed to be dead?
He read the article carefully, growing more uneasy with every word. Memories returned—Emily had once told him that Jack was alive and secretly investigating him.
Could it be... that Jack was behind all of this?
A dark realization settled over Richard. He had believed himself in control, pulling all the strings. But now, he saw the truth—he was the one being played.
"Jack… I will never forgive you!" Richard growled through clenched teeth. Hatred burned in his eyes. He swore he would find Jack and destroy him piece by piece until every trace of vengeance had been satisfied.
Meanwhile, Jack stood atop the Brooklyn Bridge, gazing at the glittering skyline of Manhattan. He knew the flame of vengeance had been lit. This game had only just begun.
He would see Richard disgraced, bankrupt, and stripped of everything.
And with Richard's blood, he would honor the memory of all he had lost.