Chapter 15: The Hidden Pieces

The storm between Jared and Victor had escalated into a battlefield where every move carried heavy consequences. The media frenzy around Donovan Enterprises' alleged offshore accounts had ignited a fire Jared couldn't easily extinguish. Investors were pulling back, employees were growing restless, and the board was demanding answers Jared didn't yet have.

Jared leaned back in his leather chair, his eyes scanning the city lights outside his office window. Each flicker of light felt like a ticking clock, counting down the time he had left to stop Victor's onslaught.

Nina stood near his desk, a tablet in her hand. Her expression was tight, her usual calm veneer starting to crack.

"The story's gone viral," she said, showing him the headlines. 'Donovan Enterprises Faces Allegations of Offshore Fraud.' Below it, a cascade of subheadings detailed supposed whistleblower claims, incriminating financial records, and speculative commentary from analysts.

Jared's jaw clenched as he scanned the screen. "They're framing us for something that doesn't exist. How many more investors have called today?"

"Fourteen," Nina replied. "Most are threatening to pull out unless we issue a public denial. But without solid proof to counter the allegations…"

"They'll see it as desperation," Jared finished, running a hand through his hair. "Victor's setting me up to fail. He wants this to look like I'm scrambling to cover my tracks."

Nina hesitated. "Linda's traced part of the whistleblower story to someone with ties to Bellmont Holdings—a former analyst named Eric Beale. He left Victor's company under questionable circumstances about a year ago. If he's our link, we need to move fast. If Victor finds out we're onto him…"

"He'll burn the evidence," Jared said grimly. He stood, adjusting his suit jacket. "Get Linda on the line. I want every detail we have on this guy—addresses, associates, financial records. Everything."

Meanwhile, at Bellmont Holdings

Victor reclined in his sleek, minimalist office, the city skyline behind him shimmering like a crown. His satisfaction was evident as he watched the latest news broadcast, the anchor detailing Donovan Enterprises' growing scandal.

Angela entered quietly, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She carried a thin file and a tablet. "The whistleblower story is gaining traction," she said, placing the documents on his desk. "Jared's already lost three major investors today."

Victor smirked, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "And the SEC?"

"They've opened a preliminary investigation," Angela replied. "If we push now, they'll freeze his assets within forty-eight hours."

Victor's expression darkened slightly. "What about Jared himself? Any signs he's fighting back?"

Angela hesitated. "Linda traced part of the whistleblower story back to Eric Beale. If Jared gets to him, it could compromise everything."

Victor's smirk returned, colder this time. "Eric's a loose end. Handle it."

Angela frowned. "Victor, if we eliminate him now, it could draw attention. Jared's smart—he'll know we're cleaning house."

Victor leaned forward, his gaze like ice. "Then make it look like an accident. No loose ends, Angela. None."

Later That Night: Jared's Move

Jared's SUV pulled up outside a dilapidated apartment complex in Queens. The building was a far cry from the luxury he was accustomed to—graffiti-covered walls, flickering streetlights, and the faint stench of decay.

Inside, Eric Beale was a mess. The man sat at a wobbly kitchen table, his hands trembling as he stared at the steaming cup of instant coffee in front of him. His paranoia had only grown since he'd taken Victor's money. He'd tried to stay under the radar, but now the shadows felt alive with eyes.

A sharp knock at the door made him flinch. He moved cautiously, peering through the peephole.

"Jared Donovan," he muttered under his breath, recognizing the man standing outside. His stomach twisted.

Eric opened the door a crack. "What do you want?"

Jared's voice was calm, almost soothing. "To talk. That's all."

Eric hesitated, then let him in. Jared entered, flanked by two security guards who quickly scanned the apartment before retreating to the hallway.

"I know Victor used you," Jared said, getting straight to the point. "He paid you to plant the whistleblower story. What I need to know is why you agreed."

Eric slumped into a chair, his face pale. "I didn't have a choice. They threatened me—said they'd ruin me if I didn't cooperate. I figured if I played along, I could disappear after."

Jared studied the man, his sharp gaze probing for lies. "Do you have proof?"

Eric nodded, fumbling with a small USB drive he pulled from his pocket. "This has everything—emails, instructions, payment logs. But if Victor finds out I gave it to you, I'm dead."

Jared took the drive, his expression unreadable. "If you help me bring him down, I can protect you. But you need to disappear—for real this time."

Before Eric could respond, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway. Jared's guards moved into position, their hands on their weapons.

"We've got company," one of them said.

The door burst open, and a group of men in dark suits stormed in, their faces cold and unflinching

"Hand over the drive," one of them demanded, their guns drawn.

Jared stepped forward, his voice calm despite the tension. "You're too late. The information's already been sent to secure locations. You've lost."

The men hesitated, unsure if Jared was bluffing.

Eric, trembling, whispered, "You didn't really send it, did you?"

Jared glanced at him. "No. But they don't know that."

The guards opened fire, and chaos erupted. The firefight was brief but violent. Jared's team managed to overpower Victor's enforcers, but Eric was hit in the crossfire.

As they sped away from the apartment, Jared clutched the USB drive tightly, his mind racing.

"You should've left him," Nina said from the passenger seat, her voice tense.

"He was the key," Jared replied, his tone grim. "Victor just escalated this war. Now it's personal."