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Volume 8: The Shadow War Escalates

Synopsis: Jack's position on Wall Street grows more 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 4: The Counterstrike Plan

The night sky over Manhattan shimmered like a black velvet canvas scattered with countless diamonds. Jack Chen stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his top-floor office at Phoenix Capital, holding a glass of aged whiskey he had no intention of drinking. His gaze pierced through the glass, watching the endless flow of traffic below—like glowing rivers of stars—but they could not illuminate the darkness that loomed within him.

John Smith's betrayal felt like a splinter buried deep beneath his skin, painful yet impossible to remove quickly. Victor Sloan was like a venomous snake, coiled and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And lurking in the shadows, Golden Peak Group loomed like an unshakable mountain, threatening to crush everything Jack had built.

He had no choice but to fight back.

No more waiting, no more playing defense while these schemes devoured his empire and threatened to strip him of everything. He would rise like a wounded lion, claws and fangs bared, tearing apart anyone who dared to challenge him.

Jack walked over to his desk, where a thick file rested under the soft glow of the office lights. Gold-embossed letters on the cover read Project Nightingale. This was his secret counter-offensive plan, named after the nightingale—a bird that sang the sweetest songs in the darkest hours, bringing hope when all seemed lost.

He pressed the intercom button and spoke, his voice low and commanding: "Kevin, come to my office."

A few minutes later, Kevin Li entered—the man Jack trusted most. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, Kevin carried himself with the calm confidence of someone who had seen it all and remained unshaken.

"Boss," Kevin greeted with a slight nod.

Jack gestured toward the file. "It's time for Nightingale to take flight. We can't afford to keep absorbing hits—we need to strike first."

Kevin picked up the document and flipped through its pages. A spark of excitement flickered across his face.

"This is a solid plan, boss," Kevin said, his tone measured. "But it's also high-risk."

"I know," Jack replied, his eyes unwavering. "The higher the risk, the greater the reward. We don't have the luxury of time—we must seize the moment and deliver a decisive blow."

Kevin nodded. "Understood. I'll make sure the Nightingale team is ready to move immediately."

"Good," Jack said. "Our first step is to disrupt the relationship between Victor Sloan and Golden Peak Group. John Smith is our pawn—we must use him wisely to create suspicion between them and destabilize their alliance."

"I've already arranged for John to feed Victor some false information," Kevin reported. "We're monitoring their communications closely, hoping to uncover deeper evidence."

Jack nodded approvingly and walked over to the bar, pouring himself another glass of whiskey. He swirled the amber liquid slowly, letting the weight of the moment settle.

"Beyond John, we need more intelligence," Jack continued. "Victor Sloan and Golden Peak are not simple adversaries. They'll resort to unconventional tactics—blackmail, coercion, even connections in the underworld."

Kevin thought for a moment. "Boss, I suggest reaching out to Isabella. She has extensive contacts in New York's underground circles. She might be able to provide us with valuable insights."

Jack smirked slightly. "I was already thinking the same thing. That woman always knows how to turn up at the right time with the right information."

"You're right," Kevin agreed. "She could be the key."

Jack set the glass down. "Get me everything you can find on Golden Peak—especially their recent financial movements and offshore transactions. I want every detail."

"Understood, boss. I'll dig until I find the cracks," Kevin said firmly.

"There's one more thing," Jack added. "Keep a close watch inside Phoenix Capital. Especially those who were close to Richard. We need to clean house before it destroys us from within."

"I've already assigned people to investigate," Kevin assured him. "If anything suspicious arises, you'll be the first to know."

"Perfect." Jack gave a satisfied nod. "This mission is critical, Kevin. It determines the future of Phoenix Capital. I expect nothing less than your absolute commitment."

"Boss, you can count on me. I'll clear every obstacle in your path," Kevin said with conviction.

After Kevin left, Jack returned to the window, gazing once again at the glittering skyline of New York. He inhaled deeply, feeling the pulse of the city beneath his feet.

He knew it now without a doubt—

An invisible war had already begun.

He reached for his phone and dialed Isabella.

"Jack, you finally remembered me," came her husky, teasing voice on the other end.

"Isabella, I need your help," Jack said without preamble.

"Oh? The great new titan of Wall Street actually needs my assistance?" she teased.

"No games, Isabella. You know this city better than anyone. I need intel on Golden Peak Group—especially their secret dealings and any ties they have to criminal organizations."

There was a pause before she responded. "Golden Peak, huh? They're not exactly saints. I can look into it… but, Jack, what are you willing to offer in return?"

Jack smiled faintly. "Name your price. Anything."

"Anything? I'll remember that," she laughed softly. "Alright, I'll see what I can find. But don't expect miracles—Golden Peak plays things very carefully. Finding dirt on them won't be easy."

"I know," Jack said seriously. "But I believe in you."

Ending the call, Jack rubbed his temples. Fatigue tugged at his body, but adrenaline surged through his veins—this was the moment everything changed.

He needed to mobilize every resource, rally every ally. He would become a cunning fox, hunting silently in the dark, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Back at his desk, he opened his laptop and began studying Golden Peak's files. On the screen was Robert Greene—a veteran financier with a reputation for ruthlessness.

"Robert Greene, do you really think I'm afraid of you?" Jack muttered to himself, eyes burning with determination. "You'll soon learn who the real winner is."

He picked up a second, encrypted phone and dialed a hidden number. When the line connected, he spoke in a low voice:

"Get me Emily. I need to meet her."

And just like that, Operation Nightingale officially began.

The stage was set. The counterattack was about to unfold—and this time, Jack would not lose.