Chapter Three-Hundred and TwoMartha stared at the message on her phone, uneasiness spreading across her face. Raymond was in the city, and he already knew about Berth Nine. Couldn’t he leave her alone for once? She barely enjoyed her family’s victory, and now her younger brother wanted to ruin everything again.Her phone rang, and his name flashed on the screen. She declined the call immediately and shoved the phone into her handbag. That should have been enough to make him stop, but Raymond never gave up easily. Once he discovered that someone had money or something valuable, he kept calling until he got what he wanted.“Mum, are you sure everything is alright?” Lina asked, watching her mother’s strange behaviour.“Of course I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be fine?” Martha replied quickly, forcing a smile. “Let’s just find somewhere to eat. I’m tired of standing around here.”Lina studied her face but said nothing. What exactly troubled her mother? Martha barely paid attention to anything

Chapter Three-Hundred and Four“Why are you so nervous, big sister? I haven’t even told you anything yet.”Martha narrowed her eyes at Raymond. “Because I know you. You never come here without a reason.”Raymond placed a hand over his chest as though she had wounded him. “Can’t a man visit his own family anymore? I came to see you people, and you’re already treating me like an unwanted guest.”“Then behave like a normal guest. Why did you suddenly start asking about Berth Nine?”“I heard you got the harbor back. I came to congratulate you. Is that a crime?”Lina glanced at her mother before answering. “The transfer is complete, and the records have been cleared.”“Really? And how did that happen?” Raymond asked.“Adrian helped us.”“Adrian?” He turned to look at her. “Your Adrian?”Martha frowned. “Why are you so interested in him?”“I’m only asking a question. Must everybody interrogate me today?”Andrew chuckled. “Your mouth will get you into trouble one day.”“Not if I keep it swee

Chapter Three-Hundred and FiveWE NEED TO TALK. DON’T KEEP US WAITING.Raymond stared at the message, his smile disappearing. He typed a reply, then deleted it. What was he supposed to tell them? He had returned to his family, but he had no idea how to get them access to Berth Nine.His phone rang. He answered immediately, keeping his voice low.“I told you I’ll find a way to pay. Just give me a little more time.”“You’ve been asking for more time for months,” the man replied. “We didn’t lend you that money to listen to excuses.”“I know, but things have changed. My family—”“Your family has just regained control of Berth Nine. Don’t tell me you have nothing useful to offer.”Raymond glanced toward the house. “I can’t promise you anything.”“You don’t need to promise. You need to deliver. Tomorrow, Raymond. Don’t make us come looking for you.”The call ended.Raymond stared at his phone, cursing under his breath. He had hoped visiting his family would buy him some time. Instead, he ha

Chapter Three-Hundred and SevenThe officials arrived at Berth Nine a little after ten, and Lina was ready for a routine inspection. The updated records had been checked twice, the operational arrangements were in place, and there was no reason for the visit to become complicated. Unfortunately, the officials seemed determined to prove otherwise.One of them studied his tablet, frowned, and turned to the operations manager. “This reference number doesn’t match the current system.”The manager leaned forward to examine the screen. “Which reference number?”“This one. It appears in a request submitted recently, but it doesn’t match the updated records we received.”Lina recognized it immediately. “That reference is outdated. It was replaced after the restoration.”“Then how did it appear in a new request?” the official asked.“That is what we’re trying to establish,” the manager replied carefully.The official tapped his tablet again. “We’ll need to review the discrepancy before we proc

Chapter Three-Hundred and NineRaymond had barely touched his breakfast when his phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen, and his appetite disappeared.YOU HAVE UNTIL THIS EVENING. WE WANT ACCESS, NOT EXCUSES.He locked his phone and slipped it into his pocket. These people had apparently appointed themselves his personal alarm clock, except their reminders came with threats instead of pleasant music.“Raymond, are you listening to me?” Martha asked.“Of course, big sister.”“What did I just say?”He paused. “Something important?”Martha stared at him. “This is why I worry. A grown man with debts, no job, and the attention span of a distracted chicken.”“Must we discuss my financial situation before I’ve finished eating?”“Why? Will finishing your food pay your debts?”Raymond sighed. “I came here to recover, not to attend a daily conference about my failures.”“Then recover quickly. Your failures are becoming expensive guests.”Before he could respond, Lina entered the living room,