Chapter 9 - The Harbor Restored
That evening, a private ceremony was held at Port Newark. The cool ocean breeze carried the salty tang of the Atlantic as hundreds of dockworkers, captains, and staff gathered along the pier.
Lyra stood on a raised platform before a massive, brand-new icebreaker vessel—the flagship of her restored fleet. Painted in gleaming white and dark blue along the hull was the ship’s new name: The Resilience.
Beside her stood Dante, along with the salon staff who had helped her on that fateful day three months ago. Lyra had personally bought the salon building and gifted it to the director and his team, ensuring they would never have to answer to snobbish clientele again.
Lyra stepped up to the podium, looking out at the working-class men and women who formed the true spine of the harbor.
"For eight years, this port was run on fear, corruption, and greed," Lyra declared into the microphone, her voice firm and resonant. "Starting today, Vance Global belongs to the people who work it. We are establishing full healthcare, fair wages, and a dedicated fund for every family who suffered under the previous regime."
May you like
Cheering erupted along the pier. Ship horns blasted across the bay, their deep notes echoing off the Manhattan skyline in a grand chorus of triumph.
Lyra picked up the traditional bottle of champagne, suspended by a golden ribbon, and swung it against the bow of the flagship. Glass shattered, foam spilled across the steel, and The Resilience was officially christened.
