Volume 4: Counterattack from the Edge
Summary: Richard Black is arrested and sentenced to a heavy prison term, his former glory and power reduced to nothing.
Early spring in Manhattan still carried a sharp chill, as if mocking those who once stood at the pinnacle of success—now cast down into ruin. Richard Black's confession had swept through Wall Street like a hurricane, exposing the rot hidden beneath polished appearances.
Outside the Federal Court Building, the air buzzed with tension. Reporters swarmed like vultures circling prey, their cameras and microphones poised for the moment of reckoning. The scent of disinfectant mixed with the restless energy of the crowd, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation.
A black prison van rolled slowly out of the courthouse gates. Harsh flashes of light illuminated Harold Klein's worn face. Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, his hands cuffed tightly behind him, he kept his head low—as if trying to escape the cruel reality unfolding around him. Those eyes, once burning with ambition and greed, were now bloodshot, hollow, and filled with despair.
The press surged forward, shoving microphones toward him, their voices slicing through the air like knives.
"Mr.Klein, do you have any comment on the charges against you?"
"Did you really order Richard Black to frame Jack Reno?"
"How long do you think you'll be sentenced for?"
Harold remained silent, like a broken puppet caught in strings of fate. He knew that no words could change what was coming. Once the pride of Wall Street, a figure of admiration and envy, he was now a pariah—a man whose name evoked only disgust and condemnation.
Through the van window, he spotted a familiar face in the crowd—his former assistant, Alex. Standing in the back, expression conflicted, Alex watched with a mix of pity and fear. Harold wanted to say something, but his throat tightened. No words came.
The vehicle rumbled to life, pulling away with its condemned passenger. Behind it, Alex lowered his head and disappeared into the crowd.
Meanwhile, in a quiet café in Lower Manhattan, Jack Reno sat by the window, savoring a rare moment of peace. Wearing a simple gray sweater and dark sunglasses, he blended unnoticed into the bustling street scene.
He glanced at his phone screen, where news alerts detailed Harold Klein's indictment. A faint smile touched his lips—not out of vengeance, but relief. The weight he had carried for so long was finally lifting.
Kevin entered the café, pulled off his baseball cap, and sat across from Jack with a serious expression.
"Jack, I traced the real owner behind Blackstone Fund. It's Morgan family money," Kevin said in a hushed tone.
Jack's eyes sharpened instantly. "Henry Morgan?"
"Exactly. Henry is the beloved grandson of old John Morgan. One of the most powerful figures among the younger generation of the Morgans. His influence on Wall Street runs deep. Blackstone is just one of his tools for laundering money and illegal trading."
Jack exhaled slowly, nodding. He had always suspected that Harold Klein had a powerful backer—but not someone as formidable as Henry Morgan. The Morgans were one of the most influential financial dynasties in American history, their reach spanning continents.
"Why would Henry get involved?" Jack asked, curiosity laced with suspicion.
"It's simple," Kevin replied. "Your rise threatened the Morgan family's dominance on Wall Street. Henry saw you as a potential rival—and he decided to eliminate you before you could challenge him."
Jack fell silent for a moment before speaking softly. "It seems I've made an enemy of the Morgan name."
"Be careful, Jack," Kevin warned. "Henry Morgan is ruthless. He doesn't play fair. You need to be ready for anything."
"I will," Jack said firmly. "If he wants war, then I'll give him one. If he comes after me, he better be prepared for what follows."
"What are you going to do?" Kevin asked.
"I'm going to find him myself," Jack replied calmly. "I want to look him in the eye and ask why he did this."
"You're going straight to Henry Morgan? That's too risky!" Kevin exclaimed.
"Don't worry," Jack said with a knowing smile. "I have my ways."
Meanwhile, atop the JPMorgan Chase headquarters on Fifth Avenue, Henry Morgan stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing over the city below. Dressed in a tailored Italian suit, his hair perfectly groomed, he radiated the quiet confidence of someone born into power.
His assistant, a sharp and composed young woman, entered the office.
"Mr. Morgan, Harold Klein has been formally indicted," she reported.
Henry nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. "I see."
"Do you have any instructions?" she asked.
"No," he said coolly. "He's of no use to us anymore. Shift your focus to Jack Reno."
"He's been quiet lately," she noted.
"That's exactly what makes him dangerous," Henry mused, a faint smirk curling his lips. "Jack Reno is smarter than I expected. He didn't fall—he fought back. And he put Harold behind bars. That kind of resilience deserves our attention."
"How should we handle him?" she asked.
"We won't need to lift a finger," Henry said confidently. "He'll come to us soon enough. I've already prepared a special gift for him. I'm sure he'll appreciate it."
Henry turned back to his desk, flipping through a stack of documents with casual indifference. His eyes, dark and calculating, betrayed the mind of a master strategist—one already orchestrating the next move in a deadly game.
Back in New York, while Jack waited for his inevitable confrontation with Henry, Emily found herself trapped in fear. Ever since she helped Jack secretly, she had become a target for the remnants of Richard Black's network.
She received anonymous calls and threatening letters—hateful messages warning her to stay out of things or face dire consequences. Terrified, she barely left her apartment, living each day under a cloud of dread.
Afraid to go to the police—knowing how deeply Richard's influence ran in the city—she had locked herself inside, helpless and alone.
When Jack learned about Emily's situation, he was furious and deeply concerned. He immediately sent Kevin to protect her and vowed to deal with those who threatened her.
"Emily, believe me—I won't let anyone hurt you," Jack said, holding her hand tightly.
Looking into his eyes, Emily saw strength, love, and determination. She knew Jack was her only hope, the light guiding her through darkness.
"Jack, please be careful. Richard's men are dangerous. They'll stop at nothing," she whispered anxiously.
"I won't give them the chance," Jack assured her gently.
He understood now—this wasn't just about revenge. It was about protecting those he loved. He needed to grow stronger, more resilient, to defeat the enemies lurking in the shadows.
Just then, Jack's phone rang. An unfamiliar number flashed on the screen.
He took a deep breath and answered.
"Hello, is this Mr. Jack Reno?" a deep, magnetic voice asked.
"This is he. Who am I speaking to?" Jack asked cautiously.
There was a brief pause before the voice responded calmly.
"This is Henry Morgan."
Jack's heart pounded. He knew in that moment—the time had come.