Chapter 20 - The Empire of Blood and BoneTwo years later.
The international shipping lanes from Europe to the Pacific were entirely under Ortega control. No cartels challenged them; no rival syndicates whispered in the dark. The world operated on rules written in shadow, and the shadow belonged to one name.
In the grand study of the cliffside estate, the heavy iron vault in the floor remained locked—not containing secrets of blackmail, but holding a single framed photograph of a little girl in a muddy rose dress, standing beside a mafia boss in a ruined, blood-stained suit.
At the massive mahogany desk sat Maya—now fourteen, her sharp gaze scanning global shipping manifests with cold, calculated precision.
The heavy oak doors opened, and Ramon stepped in, placing a steaming cup of tea beside her notes. He looked at her with a quiet, approving pride that he reserved for no one else in the world.
"The cargo from Zurich has cleared customs, Boss," Maya said, looking up with a piercing, familiar intensity.
Ramon smiled faintly, resting his hand on the back of her chair.
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"Good," Ramon said, turning his gaze toward the window as the morning sun broke through the coastal fog. "Let's see who dares to enter our woods next."
What an incredible journey! If you want more epic sagas and thrilling mafia drama, drop a comment below on what empire Maya should conquer next!
