Chapter 39 - The Gamblec
Jack sits alone in his office, the glow of the computer screen casting sharp shadows across his face. The USB drive Chris gave him lies on the desk, its contents still unexamined. He takes a deep breath and plugs it in.
The screen flickers to life with files upon files of evidence. Financial records, wire transfers, offshore accounts – all linking Marcus Lin to illegal gambling dens in Macau and Hong Kong. The debts are staggering. Marcus owes money to some of the most dangerous crime syndicates in Asia.
"This is it," Jack mutters, leaning back in his chair. "Marcus is bleeding money, and Lisa is his only lifeline."
[Mission Update: Expose Marcus Lin's Gambling Debts. Progress: 50%]
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Jack pulls out his phone and dials Chris. "I need you to do something for me."
"Name it," Chris says.
"Get me a meeting with Marcus Lin. Tell him it's about his debts."
There's a pause. "You're going to blackmail him?"
"Not exactly," Jack says, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse."
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The meeting is set for that night in a private poker room at one of the city's underground casinos. The air is thick with smoke and the clinking of whiskey glasses. Men in tailored suits gather around poker tables, throwing chips like they're tossing away pocket change.
Marcus Lin sits in a VIP booth, a glass of bourbon in hand. His eyes are bloodshot, his face haggard. He looks like a man on the brink of desperation.
"Jack Carter," Marcus says, his voice slurred. "I heard you wanted to talk."
"I do," Jack says, sliding into the booth. "About your debts."
Marcus's jaw tightens. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Jack pulls out a stack of documents – financial statements, loan agreements, photos of Marcus entering and exiting underground casinos. He lays them on the table one by one.
"You owe half a million to the Zhou Syndicate," Jack says. "Another two hundred thousand to the Kong Triad. And that's just the start."
Marcus's eyes dart around, sweat beading on his brow. "What do you want?"
"Simple," Jack says, leaning forward. "Lisa Thompson is using you to fund Derek's takeover attempt. Cut ties with her. Feed me information on her financial moves. In exchange, I'll cover a portion of your debt."
Marcus sneers. "And what if I say no?"
Jack leans even closer, his eyes cold. "Then I release everything to the Zhou Syndicate. You won't last a week."
Marcus swallows hard, his hands shaking. "You're playing a dangerous game, Carter."
"I know," Jack says, standing up. "The question is – are you in or out?"
[Mission Update: Expose Marcus Lin's Gambling Debts. Progress: 100%]
Marcus's shoulders slump in defeat. "Fine. I'm in."
Jack smirks as he walks away, his phone buzzing in his pocket. It's Mia. "Jack, we have a problem," she says, her voice tense. "Sophia just called. Lisa's making her move."
Jack's eyes narrow. "Then it's time we make ours."