Chapter 8 - Rebuilding the Port
Six months later, the Black Coast looked entirely different.
The corrupt political alliances that had plagued the harbor for decades were gone, replaced by a transparent, worker-owned maritime cooperative managed directly through the Seraphina Trust. The shipping lanes hummed with efficient, legal commerce, free from the shadow of syndicate violence.
Inside the newly renovated penthouse overlooking the harbor—no longer a cold monument to excess, but a warm, sunlit home—Seraphina sat at her mahogany desk, reviewing shipping manifests.
A soft knock sounded at the open office door.
Marcus Vane stepped inside, holding a thick leather portfolio. "Mrs. Moretti, the port authority board meeting in London has concluded. They unanimously approved the expansion of our Pacific shipping routes."
"Thank you, Marcus," Seraphina said, signing her signature with a steady hand. "Make sure the community grant for the Cicero public schools is funded by Friday."
"Already handled," Marcus said, hesitating for a moment before speaking again. "There's… one more thing. Word on the underground wire is that Dominic tried to secure backing in Marseilles, but the local syndicates heard how he lost the Black Coast. They wouldn't even take his call."
Seraphina didn't look up from her papers. "A king who forgets who built his throne deserves to wander the desert alone."
May you like
Marcus nodded respectfully and turned to leave.
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