Volume 4: Counterattack from the Edge
Summary: Refusing to accept defeat, Richard Carlisle uses his influence and connections in a desperate attempt to halt the regulatory investigation—and exact revenge on Jack.
The sun struggled through the city's smog, casting a pale, lifeless glow across Manhattan's glass towers. It was a grim reminder that even the mightiest fortresses could fall into shadow.
Inside Carlisle Group's headquarters, an oppressive silence hung in the air. The usual hum of ambition—whispers of multi-million-dollar deals, hurried footsteps of confident executives—had been replaced by fear and uncertainty. Employees moved like ghosts, avoiding eye contact, dreading the wrath of a man who had become a ticking time bomb.
Richard Carlisle stood at the floor-to-ceiling window, his back turned to the room. In the dim morning light, he looked tall, imposing—but also eerily isolated. A golden phone clutched in his hand, he barked into it with raw fury.
"I said do whatever it takes! Those key witnesses need to disappear—permanently. Whether it's money, threats, or… accidents, I don't care. Just make sure they never speak again!"
He slammed the phone down and spun around. His bloodshot eyes swept over the trembling employees like blades slicing through flesh. Every person in the room shivered under his gaze.
"Where the hell is Stevens?!" he roared.
A nervous assistant stepped forward, voice shaking. "Mr. Stevens… he's trying to reach our contacts in Washington… trying to…"
"To what?!" Richard grabbed him by the collar, yanking him off the ground. "To get us all thrown in jail?! You're all useless! Useless!"
The assistant paled, too terrified to speak.
At that moment, the office door swung open. Stevens Green entered, his face pale and drawn.
"Mr. Carlisle…" Stevens began, his voice tired. "I… I tried calling everyone in Washington, but… no one is answering. They're refusing to take our calls."
Richard's face twisted in rage, as if personally insulted. He released the assistant and lunged at Stevens, slamming him against the wall.
"They won't answer my calls?! Do they forget who gave them money? Who put them where they are today?!"
Stevens coughed painfully, struggling to speak. "They know, Richard… but this SEC operation—it's backed by something bigger. They're afraid. They want to protect themselves."
For a brief moment, Richard's expression went blank—empty, broken. He released Stevens, slumping to the floor, whispering, "It's over… it's all over…"
But then, madness flickered in his eyes.
"No," he muttered, suddenly rising. "Not yet. I won't let them win. There's still a way out. If I eliminate Jack… if those damning documents vanish… I can still turn this around."
He stormed to his desk, flung open the safe, and pulled out a black briefcase. Inside gleamed a Glock pistol and several loaded magazines.
"Stevens!" Richard's voice was cold, hollow. "I need you to help me with something. If we succeed, we survive. If we fail… we burn together."
Stevens stared at the gun, his face drained of color. He knew Richard had lost control—his mind shattered beyond repair.
"Richard… think carefully… there must be another way…" Stevens pleaded.
"There is no other way!" Richard snapped. "Jack is the only thing standing between me and freedom. Eliminate him, and everything goes back to normal. Help me find him. I'm going to make him suffer for everything he's done!"
Stevens closed his eyes, exhaled deeply, then spoke quietly. "I know where Jack is… he frequents a bar in Brooklyn called 'Blue Moon.'"
"Perfect." A cruel smile spread across Richard's lips. "Get me a car. I'm paying my old friend a visit myself."
Meanwhile, inside the modest Brooklyn bar known as Blue Moon, Jack sat at the counter, sipping whiskey. His gaze was calm, calculating—as if he had already foreseen the storm about to hit.
Across from him, Kevin sat with a worried expression. "This came faster than we expected. My contacts say Richard is hunting for you aggressively… and he may go to extreme lengths."
"I know," Jack replied evenly. "He's cornered. He'll stop at nothing. But I've prepared for this."
"What exactly have you prepared?" Kevin asked, puzzled.
Jack offered a cryptic smile, raising his glass. "To victory. Cheers."
Just then, the bar doors burst open, letting in a gust of icy wind. Richard Carlisle strode in, flanked by towering bodyguards.
His eyes locked onto Jack instantly, and a cruel grin stretched across his face. "Jack! We finally meet again!"
The entire bar fell silent. Conversations ceased. Eyes widened in fear.
Jack set down his drink and slowly rose to his feet, meeting Richard's gaze with quiet confidence. "I knew you'd come."
"You always were clever," Richard sneered. "But clever men die young."
He signaled his men to move forward.
"Do you really believe you can escape justice?" Jack asked calmly.
"Justice?" Richard laughed bitterly. "In this world, the law only binds the weak. I am Richard Carlisle. No law will ever touch me."
"Is that so?" Jack smiled faintly. "Maybe you'll change your mind soon enough."
At that moment, sirens screamed outside. Police cars screeched to a halt, surrounding the bar. Officers poured in, swiftly detaining Richard and his men.
Richard's smirk vanished. He stared at the officers in disbelief, shouting, "What are you doing?! Do you know who I am?! I am Richard Carlisle! You can't arrest me!"
An officer stepped forward, badge raised. "Mr. Carlisle, you are under arrest on suspicion of multiple criminal offenses. Please cooperate."
Richard collapsed to his knees, screaming in rage and despair.
Jack approached him slowly, looking down with cold certainty. "It's over, Richard. Everything you've done—you will answer for it."
Richard glared up, pure hatred burning in his eyes. "Don't enjoy this, Jack! I won't stop! I'll make you pay—even if I die, I'll ruin you!"
Jack ignored the threat, turning away and walking toward the exit. He knew this wasn't over. Richard's war wasn't finished. And more challenges awaited. He had to remain vigilant—to finish what he started.
New York glittered under the night sky, its lights dazzling and deceptive. Behind the glamour lay shadows—secrets, betrayals, vengeance. Jack understood that survival was the only path forward. Only by enduring would he achieve his retribution—and find peace.
And somewhere in the dark, Emily watched it all unfold. She saw Richard being taken away, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. She knew he deserved this fate—but once, she had loved him. She hoped he would find redemption in his downfall.
And now, more than ever, she was determined to stand beside Jack. With him, she believed they could overcome any obstacle, and build a future filled with truth and light. She would make up for her past mistakes—with action, with courage, and with love.