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Chapter 14: The Empire's Foundation
Author: QuasiMan
last update2025-11-07 01:31:15

Morrison's Soul Food was packed for lunch service when Marcus arrived. He'd parked the Porsche three blocks away—driving it into this neighborhood felt like parading wealth in front of people who had nothing, and it made his stomach turn.

Inside, Robert was working the kitchen with a speed and grace that betrayed his decades of experience. He looked up when Marcus entered through the back door and grinned.

"The new equipment arrived this morning. Marcus, it's beautiful. Professional-grade everything. My line cooks almost cried."

"Good investment?"

"Best investment. Come here, let me show you."

They toured the upgraded kitchen—gleaming stainless steel, equipment that hummed efficiently instead of clanking desperately, prep stations organized with the precision of a surgical theater. The staff worked faster, smoother, with smiles instead of frustration.

"This changes everything," Robert said. "We can handle twice the volume now. Maybe start thinking about catering, private events, expan
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    Morrison's Soul Food was packed for lunch service when Marcus arrived. He'd parked the Porsche three blocks away—driving it into this neighborhood felt like parading wealth in front of people who had nothing, and it made his stomach turn.Inside, Robert was working the kitchen with a speed and grace that betrayed his decades of experience. He looked up when Marcus entered through the back door and grinned."The new equipment arrived this morning. Marcus, it's beautiful. Professional-grade everything. My line cooks almost cried.""Good investment?""Best investment. Come here, let me show you."They toured the upgraded kitchen—gleaming stainless steel, equipment that hummed efficiently instead of clanking desperately, prep stations organized with the precision of a surgical theater. The staff worked faster, smoother, with smiles instead of frustration."This changes everything," Robert said. "We can handle twice the volume now. Maybe start thinking about catering, private events, expan

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