Chapter 6 - THE COSTA EMPIRE
Roman’s changes began quietly.
He closed two illegal gambling rooms.
Then four.
Separated legitimate logistics operations from cash businesses.
Brought in independent accountants.
Some men laughed.
Some left.
Some became afraid.
Victor asked:
“You doing this because of Morgana?”
Roman answered:
“No.”
That was the right answer.
If he changed for Morgana, someday he could resent her for the cost.
He changed because his father’s world had finally begun to disgust him.
Morgana heard about it slowly.
She did not applaud.
When Roman mentioned shutting another operation, she said:
“Good.”
“That’s all?”
“What do you want, a sticker?”
He smiled.
“I have men worth millions congratulating me less convincingly.”
“I charge extra for emotional support.”
Then Roman lost something big.
A shipping contract worth twelve million dollars.
One former associate undercut him after Roman refused to move illegal goods through Costa facilities.
Roman was furious.
He came to Morgana’s apartment for dinner because she had invited him days earlier.
He arrived angry.
She noticed.
“What happened?”
“Business.”
“You want to talk?”
“No.”
“Then stop glowering at my pasta.”
He looked at the bowl.
“It deserves better.”
“Leave.”
He stared.
Morgana pointed toward the door.
“You do not bring that energy into my apartment and then insult dinner.”
For three seconds, Roman Costa looked genuinely stunned.
Then:
“You’re serious.”
“Yes.”
He stood.
Morgana’s stomach dropped.
Part of her still expected retaliation when powerful men were denied.
Roman picked up his coat.
“I’m sorry.”
She blinked.
“What?”
“I should not have come angry.”
Then he left.
No slammed door.
No threat.
No cold punishment.
Morgana stood in the kitchen staring after him.
Ten minutes later, her phone buzzed.
The pasta was actually good.
She laughed.
Then replied:
Liar.
He wrote:
Mostly.
Trust grew in small, boring moments.
May you like
Exactly where fear used to live.
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