Chapter 5: The Game of PowerVolume

 7: Peril at Every Turn

Volume Summary: As Jack rescues Isabella, he uncovers a deeper conspiracy behind Richard. He realizes that this is not just about personal revenge but a far more dangerous power struggle. He must be more cautious than ever to protect himself and those close to him.

Chapter 5: The Game of Power

Back in the abandoned warehouse in Brooklyn, the cold air seemed even more biting. Jack leaned against the peeling wall, lighting a cheap cigarette he had gotten from Rat. The smoke curled up before his eyes, blurring his features. Kevin's betrayal felt like a sharp knife, stabbing into his heart, nearly suffocating him.

"What's wrong? You look terrible," Isabella approached Jack, her voice laced with concern. In the dim light, her delicate face appeared somewhat haggard, yet her eyes remained resolute.

Jack took a deep breath, tossed the cigarette butt onto the floor, and crushed it underfoot. "I saw Kevin at The Money Club."

Isabella froze, then frowned. "Kevin? There? That can't be... He wasn't…"

"He works for Richard now," Jack interrupted, his tone low and icy. "I overheard him saying that I'm finished, that I have no chance of coming back."

Isabella gasped, her face turning pale. "No way... Kevin... Why would he do this?"

"For money, for power, to climb higher on Wall Street," Jack gave a bitter laugh. The betrayal of an old comrade hurt more than being penniless and homeless.

Isabella moved closer, gently taking his hand. "Don't lose hope, Jack. We will find the truth. Kevin's betrayal, though painful, also reveals how powerful the forces behind Richard truly are."

Jack nodded. He knew she was right. He couldn't afford to drown in sorrow and anger; he needed to rally, find a way to fight back.

"The Money Club... Those people are either rich or influential. What exactly do they do there?" Isabella pondered aloud. "Perhaps we can start by investigating them to uncover clues about the mysterious investor."

"I thought so too," Jack stood up, his eyes sharpening. "We need to get back into The Money Club, and this time, I'll figure out what they're plotting."

Entering the heavily guarded The Money Club wouldn't be easy. Jack needed a meticulous plan and more information.

"I have an idea," Isabella suddenly said. "I know someone who used to work on Wall Street—Emily. She might be able to help us."

Emily had been Isabella's colleague and one of the few people she trusted on Wall Street. After Isabella's ordeal, Emily had tried to help her.

"Contact her and see if she can assist us," Jack immediately responded. Every additional ally meant more hope.

That night, Isabella reached out to Emily through a secret channel. Upon learning of Isabella and Jack's situation, Emily agreed to help as much as she could.

"The Money Club is a unique place where the top figures from Wall Street gather to conduct secret deals and manipulate market trends," Emily explained over the phone. "To enter, you need an invitation from a member or... find some special channels."

"Special channels?" Jack pressed.

"Yes. While the club has strict management, every system has its loopholes," Emily continued. "I once heard from a friend working there that The Money Club holds a special dinner each month, inviting important clients and potential partners. These dinners have relatively loose requirements for attendees. Perhaps we can use this opportunity."

"A dinner?" Jack's mind raced. "When is it?"

"Next Wednesday," Emily replied. "I'll try to get you an invitation, but I can't guarantee success."

"Thank you, Emily," Jack said gratefully.

Over the next few days, Jack and Isabella prepared for the upcoming dinner. Jack needed proper attire; he couldn't attend a Wall Street elite event in rags. Meanwhile, Isabella taught Jack basic social etiquette and how to interact with high-profile individuals at the dinner.

Meanwhile, Kevin kept a close watch on Jack. Knowing Jack wouldn't give up easily, he had to remain vigilant to prevent any threats.

Wednesday arrived quickly. Emily managed to secure an invitation to The Money Club dinner.

Jack took a deep breath, donned a suit from a thrift store, put on black-framed glasses, and adjusted his appearance in the mirror. He looked like an ordinary investment advisor, an inconspicuous player on Wall Street.

Isabella walked up to Jack, straightening his tie. "Be careful, Jack. Remember, don't reveal your identity. If things get dangerous, retreat immediately."

"Don't worry," Jack squeezed Isabella's hand, giving her a reassuring look.

He got into a taxi and headed towards The Money Club in Manhattan. As night fell, the neon lights of New York City flickered brightly, foretelling a perilous game of power filled with danger and opportunity.

At the entrance of The Money Club, Jack handed the invitation to the security guard. The guard scrutinized the invitation carefully before nodding, allowing Jack to enter.

Inside, Jack was immediately struck by the opulent decor, exquisite dishes, and well-dressed guests. The air was thick with the scent of wealth.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his nervousness, and began scanning the crowd for Richard. He knew finding Richard would bring him closer to the mysterious investor.

Suddenly, he spotted a familiar figure standing in a corner, conversing with several men in suits.

It was Kevin!

Kevin seemed to notice Jack too, his expression stiffening. Clearly, he hadn't expected Jack to show up here.

Jack approached Kevin, his gaze cold and piercing, like a drawn sword. "Kevin, we meet again."

Kevin forced a smile. "Jack... What are you doing here?"

"Why can't I be here?" Jack sneered. "I'm just attending a regular dinner."

"You..." Kevin's face turned pale. He realized Jack already knew the truth.

"Kevin, tell me, where is Richard? Who is the mysterious investor?" Jack demanded.

Kevin hesitated, his eyes darting around. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

"Still trying to lie?" Jack's voice grew stern. "Kevin, you were once my friend, my brother. But you betrayed me, worked with Richard to frame me!"

Kevin fell silent, his eyes filled with regret and fear. "Jack... I... I had no choice..."

"No choice?" Jack scoffed. "For money, you'd sell your conscience and betray your friends?"

"I'm sorry... Jack... I really am," Kevin lowered his head, his voice trembling.

"Tell me, where is Richard?" Jack pressed again.

Kevin glanced around cautiously, ensuring no one was paying attention, then whispered, "Richard... He's in a private suite on the top floor, discussing matters with some big shots. As for the mysterious investor... I really don't know his identity, only that he's incredibly wealthy and powerful."

Jack nodded, believing Kevin was telling the truth. Kevin was merely a pawn, unaware of the true identity of the mysterious investor.

"Thank you, Kevin," Jack said. "This is your last chance. If you're willing to help me, I might consider forgiving you."

Kevin hesitated, then nodded. "I... I'll help you. But Jack, be careful. Richard and those behind him are not to be trifled with."

"I know," Jack replied.

Taking a deep breath, he headed towards the top-floor suites. He knew danger and unknown challenges awaited him. But he had to go, had to find Richard, had to uncover all the conspiracies.

A fiercer game of power was about to unfold.