Volume 1: Fallen from Grace
Summary: Jack tries to contact Emily and discovers she may also be under Richard Greene's control. He begins to suspect that Emily knows more than she lets on.
Chapter 11: Emily's Secret
Jack took a deep breath and answered the call. Isabella's voice came through, tense with urgency.
"Jack, I found something! The electronics from Oscar's scrapyard—specifically the ones seized by customs—were originally manufactured by a company called Stellar Tech, about six months ago. The models are mixed, but one batch stands out—they're custom-built encrypted storage devices. Model number: SRT-X9000."
"Encrypted storage?" Jack's brow furrowed, his pulse quickening. "And the buyer?"
"That part's still unclear. Stellar Tech appears to be a shell company. But I found something else… something strange." Isabella paused, her tone shifting. "The legal representative of Stellar Tech is none other than… *Emily Carter.*"
Jack felt as if struck by lightning. Emily? His ex-girlfriend—the woman who had left him when he was at his lowest point? Could she really be the legal head of such a suspicious company?
"Are you sure, Isabella? Did you make a mistake?" Jack's voice trembled slightly.
"I double-checked, Jack. Name, ID number—it all matches your ex, Emily Carter." Her voice was firm. "I dug deeper. Stellar Tech was registered shortly after your downfall. The funding is murky too—traced back to an offshore account overseas."
Jack's mind went blank. A thousand questions raced through his head. Why would Emily become the face of this company? What connection did she have with Richard Greene? Had her leaving him been part of the same conspiracy?
"Jack, are you okay?" Isabella pulled him back to reality. "You need to stay calm. This is more complicated than we thought."
"I know," Jack replied, forcing himself to suppress the storm of shock and anger inside. "Isabella, keep digging. I want every detail about Emily and Stellar Tech—her financial trail, her connections to Greene, anything."
"Consider it done," she said. "But Jack… be careful. If Emily really is tied to Greene, then you might already be exposed."
After ending the call, Jack leaned against the wall, his thoughts in chaos. He couldn't believe the woman who once claimed to love him was now tangled in this web of deceit.
Emily's betrayal cut deeper than Greene's treachery. He had believed—even when the world turned its back on him—she would stand by him. But now, that belief lay shattered.
He remembered her final words before she left:
"Jack, I'm tired of living without a future. I need stability, security—not to struggle in the mud with you."
At the time, he thought she'd simply grown tired of poverty. Now, it seemed her real reason was to distance herself from him—to avoid being dragged down by his fall.
Closing his eyes, Jack inhaled deeply, forcing himself to focus. There was no room for grief or rage now. He needed clarity. He needed truth.
He opened his notebook and began organizing the puzzle pieces he had gathered so far: Richard Greene, Stellar Tech, Emily, Oscar's scrapyard… scattered fragments that needed to be connected into a coherent whole.
He started writing:
Emily Carter – Legal rep of Stellar Tech; possible collusion with Richard Greene; involvement in the plot against Jack.
Investigate: Financial sources, relationship with Greene, recent movements.
Stellar Tech – Shell company used for money laundering; custom-built encrypted storage may contain hidden data.
Investigate: Company background, device purpose, final buyer.
Oscar's Scrapyard – Hub for illegal trade orchestrated by Greene; smuggling electronics for laundering.
Investigate: Origin of devices, nature of contraband, customs involvement.
Kevin – Supplier of incriminating evidence against Greene; motives and true identity unknown.
Investigate: Background check, potential threats from Greene, possibility of being a double agent.
With everything laid out, Jack felt his thoughts begin to settle. He knew what he had to do next—he needed solid proof connecting Emily to Greene, and expose their crimes.
He decided to start with Emily. He had to find her. And he had to confront her.
He picked up his phone, scrolling through his contacts until he found her name. The number was still there—but his fingers hesitated over the screen.
How could he face her? How could he ask the questions burning inside him?
Finally, he pressed the call button.
The phone rang several times before it was answered.
"Hello?" Emily's voice came through—distant, unfamiliar.
Jack exhaled slowly.
"Emily, it's me. Jack."
There was a pause on the other end.
"Jack? Why are you calling me?" Her voice carried both surprise and unease.
"There are things I need to ask you," Jack said coldly. "About Stellar Tech. About Richard Greene."
Her breathing grew shallow.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she denied, though her voice trembled.
"Don't play dumb, Emily." His tone hardened. "I know you're involved with Greene. I know you played a role in what happened to me. Tell me why."
"I… I…" She faltered, struggling to speak.
"Tell me the truth, Emily." Jack softened slightly. "Give me a reason to believe you're not the person I think you've become."
"I… I can't say here." Her voice dropped to a whisper, filled with despair. "If you really want the truth… come see me. Tomorrow night, eight o'clock. Same place."
Then she hung up.
Jack stared at the phone, heart pounding with uncertainty. Why had she invited him? Would she truly reveal the truth—or was this another trap?
He didn't know. But he had to go. No matter what awaited him—blades or fire—he had to uncover the truth and reclaim justice for himself.
He looked up at the New York skyline. Its lights glittered like stars, but beneath them lurked danger, deception, and secrets waiting to be unearthed.
He knew the road ahead would only grow darker. But he was ready.
One step at a time, he would drag everyone who betrayed him off their pedestals—and bring them crashing down.
The next afternoon, Jack decided to scout the meeting location Emily had mentioned. He needed to ensure safety and prepare a detailed plan—for whatever might happen.
The place was an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Brooklyn, near the docks. It was isolated, nearly deserted—perfect for a secret meeting, but equally dangerous.
Dressed in simple disguise, hat pulled low, Jack approached cautiously. He surveyed the area. Only one entrance. No surveillance. To the west, dense trees offered good cover.
Inside, the warehouse was vast and empty—except for a single intact room. Inside were two chairs, a table, and a dim light bulb hanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere felt oppressive.
A chill ran down Jack's spine. Something about this place felt wrong. This wasn't just a meeting to confess the truth—it was a setup.
He changed his plan. He wouldn't walk in blindly. He needed preparation.
Back at his hideout, he told Old John everything.
John listened silently, then spoke gravely.
"This Emily isn't playing games. If she chose a place like that, she's ready for anything. Going alone is risky."
"I know," Jack replied. "But I have to go. I need to know why she betrayed me."
John sighed.
"Fine. Then I'll go with you. Just remember—your life comes first. If anything feels off, pull out immediately."
Jack nodded.
Tonight would be the most important night of his life. He would face Emily's betrayal, Greene's conspiracy, and the countless dangers lurking in the shadows.
He inhaled sharply, determination hardening in his eyes.
This was no longer just about revenge.
This was about survival. Justice. Redemption.
New York shimmered under the city lights—a city of dreams, and of nightmares.
And the storm was coming.