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 9: SEC Investigation
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) office stood at the heart of Wall Street, a symbol of the highest authority in American financial regulation. Inside one of its dimly lit, airless interrogation rooms sat Richard Carlisle—once a towering figure among Wall Street's elite—now under the cold scrutiny of an SEC investigator.
The room contained only a cold metal table and two chairs. Harsh fluorescent lights illuminated Richard's exhausted face without warmth or mercy. Dressed in an expensive suit, he tried to maintain composure, but the fatigue around his eyes and the sweat on his forehead betrayed his inner turmoil.
"Mr. Carlisle, please confirm again—do all the fund flows under your 'Carlisle Charitable Foundation' comply with relevant laws and regulations?" Across the table sat Martin Bell, a tall, middle-aged investigator with wire-rimmed glasses and piercing eyes. Known for his strictness and integrity, Bell was one of the SEC's most experienced agents.
"Of course, Mr. Bell," Richard replied, forcing a smile. "The Carlisle Charitable Foundation operates with full transparency. All donations are used for charitable purposes, and we regularly publish financial reports subject to public oversight."
Bell returned a smile devoid of warmth—a smirk, almost. "Mr. Carlisle, the SEC is not some inexperienced tabloid journalist. We need solid evidence. Take, for example, your foundation's 'Light of Hope' program, which claims to support underprivileged children's education. Our investigation, however, shows most of the funds were transferred to a shell company based in the Bahamas. How do you explain that?"
Richard's heart sank, though he fought to remain composed. "That… must be a misunderstanding! Perhaps there was an error by our staff. I will investigate immediately and provide a satisfactory explanation."
"A misunderstanding?" Bell raised his voice slightly, laced with mockery. "Do you really think such a feeble excuse will hold up? We have substantial evidence proving you've used your charity as a front for money laundering, tax evasion, and even illegal transactions. It would be wise for you to come clean now and seek leniency."
Richard knew he was cornered. The depth of the SEC's investigation far exceeded his expectations. The carefully constructed web of lies was unraveling, exposing the bloody truth beneath. In that moment, he realized that what he had believed to be a flawless plan was riddled with holes when faced with true professionals.
He took a deep breath. There was no point in lying anymore. "Mr. Bell, I admit… there may have been irregularities in some fund allocations. But this wasn't entirely my decision—it was done under pressure from… certain individuals."
"Oh? Certain individuals?" Bell leaned forward, his tone sharp with interest. This was exactly what he wanted to hear. "Who?"
Richard hesitated, his eyes darting nervously. He knew that naming names meant betraying powerful allies—and possibly signing his own death warrant. Yet staying silent meant shouldering all the blame alone, facing disgrace, imprisonment, and the collapse of everything he had built.
"I… I can't say. They're people with immense power. If I talk, I'll be dead."
Bell gave a dry chuckle. "Mr. Carlisle, you don't have a choice anymore. You can either cooperate and hope for a lighter sentence—or stay silent and suffer the consequences. Think carefully."
Meanwhile, across the street from the SEC building, Jack sat inside an unremarkable black sedan, watching through binoculars. Dressed in a crisp, well-tailored suit, he looked nothing like the ragged man who had once roamed Brooklyn's streets. His expression was calm, cold—an unseen general orchestrating a decisive battle.
"Kevin, how's it going? Is everything proceeding according to plan?" Jack spoke into his earpiece.
"Affirmative, Jack. We anonymously submitted the evidence of Richard's money laundering to the SEC. And Bell, that stubborn old bastard, sure isn't letting up. Richard's in deep this time." Kevin's voice carried both excitement and anticipation.
"Good. Keep monitoring. I want to make sure Richard gets what he deserves." A glint of ice flashed in Jack's eyes.
He knew this was only the first step. Richard was just a pawn—behind him lay a much larger conspiracy. One by one, Jack would expose the hidden truths, dragging the darkness into the light.
Inside the interrogation room, Richard faced the most difficult decision of his life. No matter which path he chose, the cost would be enormous. But he had no other option—he had to gamble, for survival itself.
Taking a deep breath, he lifted his head, meeting Bell's gaze with sudden determination. "Mr. Bell, I can tell you what I know—but I need your assurance. Guarantee my safety. Guarantee that I won't be targeted by those people."
Bell smiled faintly. "You're smarter than I thought, Mr. Carlisle. I can assure you—we will do everything within our power to protect you. But you must speak the full truth. No omissions."
Richard nodded slowly and began to speak—his story unfolding like a dark novel of greed, betrayal, and conspiracy. A tale of Wall Street's hidden underworld.
Jack lowered his binoculars, a faint, icy smile curling his lips.
The best was yet to come.
Richard was only the beginning.
He would ensure that everyone who had ever harmed him paid the price they deserved.
The fire of vengeance burned brighter than ever—consuming every sin, heralding the dawn of justice.