Volume 4: Counterattack from the Edge
Summary: Under mounting public pressure, regulatory authorities launch an investigation into Richard Carlisle's company, putting him at risk of criminal prosecution.
Richard Carlisle's empire appeared even more fragile today than it had yesterday. If yesterday had been the first cracks in his fortress, today was the moment when the walls seemed ready to collapse entirely.
His furious roar reverberated through the office, shaking even the gilded trinkets on their shelves. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, Manhattan's skyline loomed—once a symbol of his power and wealth, now nothing more than a cold, indifferent graveyard of ambition.
"SEC! Those bloodsuckers! What do they think they're doing?!" he bellowed, hurling a crystal ashtray against the marble floor, where it shattered into jagged shards. "Who do they think they are, investigating me? I've donated millions to them!"
Steven Green, Richard's longtime attorney and a seasoned Wall Street operator, remained composed despite the storm. Adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses, he replied carefully, "Mr. Carlisle, the situation has taken an unexpected turn. The SEC is moving aggressively—they've received numerous anonymous tips and appear to have gathered evidence that could implicate you. With the current media frenzy, they can't afford to ignore this."
Richard slumped back into his leather chair, his face drained of color. He clawed at his hair as if trying to rip the thoughts from his mind. "What kind of evidence? Do they know about the off-the-books deals? Is this all because of Brian?"
Steven hesitated before answering. "From what we can tell, the SEC has already summoned several former and current employees of Carlisle Group for questioning. They seem to be focusing on your insider trading, embezzlement—and possibly your offshore accounts."
"Damn it! That bastard Brian—he leaked everything!" Richard growled, his voice thick with hatred. He wished he could dig Brian's corpse out of the ground just to desecrate it again.
"This isn't the time for blame," Steven interjected sharply. "We need to act fast. If the SEC gets solid proof, we're all facing prison time."
Richard's head snapped up, his eyes blazing with wild desperation. "Stop them. At any cost. Steven, use every connection we have—call our contacts in Washington. Pressure the SEC. Reach out to those politicians and fund managers who owe us favors. Tell them if I fall, they'll go down with me! Money is no object—whatever it takes, make this disappear!"
Steven exhaled deeply. He knew Richard had lost his grip on reality—but right now, his only job was to keep his client afloat.
"I'll do what I can, Mr. Carlisle," he said, grabbing his briefcase and leaving the office without another word.
Meanwhile, at the SEC headquarters in Lower Manhattan, the atmosphere was one of intense focus and quiet urgency.
Eileen O'Connor—the so-called "Iron Lady" of Wall Street, feared by even the most powerful executives—sat reviewing stacks of investigative reports behind her desk. Her piercing gaze cut through each page like a scalpel.
"What's the latest on Carlisle Group's financial movements?" she asked without looking up.
A young analyst in glasses answered promptly, "Ms. O'Connor, we've traced large sums of money being transferred overseas recently—mainly to tax havens like the Cayman Islands, Switzerland, and Panama. One particularly large transfer went to an offshore account under the name 'Blackstone Fund,' whose real owner remains unidentified."
Eileen frowned. "Blackstone Fund? Dig deeper. Find out its background and any possible link to Richard Carlisle."
"We're already on it, Ms. O'Connor."
She set the report aside and rubbed her temples. She suspected that Carlisle's crimes went far beyond insider trading and embezzlement. There was something bigger lurking beneath the surface—an intricate web of corruption.
"Tomorrow morning at eight, we conduct a full-site inspection at Carlisle Group's headquarters," she ordered. "Make sure this operation stays confidential and efficient. We need to catch Carlisle completely off guard."
"Yes, ma'am," the analyst saluted and left the room.
The news spread quickly across Wall Street like wildfire. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the next shoe to drop.
Jack learned of the impending SEC raid from Kevin. Sitting alone in his shabby apartment, staring at the glowing screen, he allowed himself a faint smile. "The show's about to begin."
"You don't think Carlisle will just roll over, do you?" Kevin asked cautiously over the phone.
"Of course not," Jack replied coldly. "Richard Carlisle is dangerous. He'll do anything to protect his power and fortune—even if it means crossing the line. He won't go quietly."
"What should we do then?" Kevin asked nervously.
"We keep the pressure on," Jack said firmly. "We ensure the SEC investigation proceeds smoothly and gathers enough evidence to put Carlisle away for good. But we also prepare for his retaliation. He might come after us—or worse, after Emily."
"I'll have someone watch over Emily," Kevin assured him.
"Thank you, Kevin," Jack said gratefully.
He took a deep breath, determination flashing in his eyes. He knew the final battle between him and Carlisle had begun. Only one of them would survive it.
By the next morning, major newspapers and financial outlets were filled with damning exposés on Carlisle Group. Detailed reports revealed how Richard Carlisle had manipulated insider information, siphoned company funds for personal luxury, and even hinted at ties with organized crime.
Public outrage exploded once again. Carlisle Group's stock plummeted further, nearly worthless. Richard Carlisle had become a pariah, condemned by all.
At precisely eight o'clock, a team of sharp-dressed SEC investigators arrived at Carlisle Group's headquarters. Warrants in hand, they announced the start of an official on-site investigation.
Standing by the window, Richard watched the agents enter and exit, his expression dark and unreadable. He knew his world was crumbling around him.
He refused to accept defeat. He would fight back. And Jack Rogers would pay the ultimate price.
He picked up the phone and dialed a number, his voice low and deadly. "Begin the operation. I want Jack Rogers gone—permanently."
Meanwhile, Emily sat in a quiet café, chatting with an old friend. A strange unease settled in her chest, as though danger was closing in.
She had no idea that a black sedan had just pulled up across the street, its tinted windows hiding several men in dark suits—watching her every move.
In another part of the city, Jack waited anxiously for word from Kevin. He knew Carlisle's retaliation was coming. He had to be ready.
Suddenly, his phone rang.
It was Kevin.
"Jack! It's bad! Carlisle sent men after Emily!"
Jack's heart dropped.
"I'm on my way," he said grimly, hanging up and sprinting out the door.
The race against time had begun…