Volume 8: The Shadow War Escalates
Synopsis: Jack's position on Wall Street grows increasingly stable, but his battle against the remnants of Richard's empire intensifies. A silent war unfolds in both the open and the shadows—and Jack faces greater challenges and dangers than ever before.
Chapter 15: A Deeper Conspiracy
Isabella's voice came through the phone line, trembling with restrained urgency. "Jack, it's worse than we thought… Blackstone isn't just Emily Greene's private muscle. They were involved in what happened to you—back then!"
Jack's heart pounded like a war drum. A cold chill gripped him from within. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice low, controlled, though rage simmered beneath.
"I can't be one hundred percent certain," Isabella replied quickly, "but all the clues point here. I traced the breach that led to your company's downfall—the data leak that destroyed everything. One of the key access points connected directly to an offshore server linked to Blackstone. They weren't just covering tracks—they were managing the entire operation, erasing any evidence that could lead back to the Greene family."
Jack closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. This revelation was like lightning splitting the sky, illuminating the truth he had chased for years in the dark. Richard Greene had only been a puppet. The real mastermind behind his ruin, the hidden force pulling the strings, had always been Emily—and Blackstone.
"Keep digging, Isabella," Jack said, his tone ironclad. "I want every detail—every operation, personnel list, and transaction between Blackstone and the Greene family. This time, I'm not just exposing them. I'm wiping them out."
He hung up, fists clenched so tightly his nails nearly drew blood. Emily Greene—you dared to destroy me! Took my career, shattered my life, and tried to bury me under a lifetime of disgrace? I will settle this. Every last debt will be paid.
He turned to Kevin, who stood nearby, watching with concern. Jack's eyes burned with purpose.
"Kevin, contact security immediately. Initiate a full-level system scan across all servers—especially those connected to external networks. Not a single anomaly gets overlooked."
Kevin nodded, sensing the gravity of the moment. "Understood. I'll get right on it."
As Kevin turned to leave, Jack's phone rang again. Lister.
"Jack, I hear you've run into some new trouble," Lister drawled, amusement lacing his words. "Seems like ShieldTech isn't quite done with you yet."
"You always did have good sources," Jack replied coolly, knowing Lister kept tabs on every move he made.
"A partner should keep an eye on his investments," Lister chuckled, then shifted tone. "I might have some inside information about ShieldTech. Something that could help you—if you're interested."
Jack smirked inwardly. Of course Lister wouldn't offer anything without a price.
"What do you want, Lister?" Jack cut straight to the point.
"I've heard your intelligent security system has made some breakthroughs in data analysis," Lister said smoothly. "I'd like a detailed technical report—just so I can assess the project's market potential."
Jack's jaw tightened. That system was Ryan Group's crown jewel, the very weapon he needed to defeat Emily. Sharing its details with Lister would be like handing over his strongest card—leaving himself exposed.
"That's too much," Jack declined firmly. "The technical report is confidential. I can't give it to you."
There was a pause.
"Jack, think carefully," Lister warned, his tone turning sharp. "Emily is already moving. She's launching media campaigns against you, trying to dismantle your reputation piece by piece. Without my support, you won't survive this."
"Is that a threat?" Jack laughed dryly. "Mr. Lister, do you really think I fear your threats? Ryan Group didn't rise to where it is today because of favors. It rose because of strength."
A long silence followed.
"In that case, I won't disturb you further," Lister said finally, and the line went dead.
Jack slammed the phone down, frustration boiling beneath his calm exterior. Emily closing in. Lister circling like a vulture. Pressure mounting from all sides.
Then Kevin burst back into the office, pale-faced and breathless.
"Jack, something's happened!" he gasped. "One of our core databases has been attacked. It contains sensitive client information and financial records!"
Jack's stomach dropped. This wasn't just another cyberattack—it was a calculated strike. Emily and Blackstone were escalating their war. Their goal wasn't just to cripple Ryan Group. It was to destroy him.
"Activate emergency protocols," Jack ordered sharply. "Cut all network connections. Secure the data at all costs. We cannot afford a leak."
Just as he finished speaking, the office door flew open.
Isabella stormed in, her face pale, her eyes wide with panic.
"Jack, I found it!" she blurted out. "I traced Blackstone's current operations. They're running a project called Operation Dark Dawn. Its objective is clear—completely destroy your reputation and ensure you're disgraced beyond redemption on Wall Street!"
Her words struck like thunder, sending ice through Jack's veins.
Darkness was descending. A conspiracy far deeper than he imagined was unfolding around him.
But he wouldn't let it consume him.
Before the shadows swallowed him whole, he would uncover the truth.
He would strike back.
And he would return—not just to the light—but to victory.