The Tycoon's Odyssey

Chapter 256: 256:The Changing Underworld

In the corner of BSSR, Utkal having a coastal sealine, held a unique dual identity. It was known as the state's economic capital, and also the home to the hidden power struggles within the city.

Beneath its surface, the underworld network thrived like a hidden garden.

Unlike the typical image of organized crime, with its dark alleys and lurking dangers, Utkal's underworld was an intricate web of foundations supporting the community—businessmen, politicians, and every rich person had their own group of loyal dogs, prepared to bite at their command.

The underworld, despite being suffocated and hidden, had its involvement everywhere.

Each local shop had to pay a 'protection fee' to various firms responsible for guarding the area against the rival thugs. They acted as deterrents in the area to sway away another group of thugs and thieves as this was considered their area.

Surprisingly, the roots of these forces often began from none other than the orphanage, where 6 out of 10 children, who dreamt big, join the group for a better future.

And Evan knew this very well; he, too, had been one of them. Struggling to survive in the harsh conditions of slums of orphanages, starved and battered.

As Evan's car drove through the bustling streets, he marveled at the transformation.

Instead of the previous seedy bars and smoke-filled rooms of the vibrant casinos, the place had been replaced with venues for charity events. Surrounding these establishments were schools, orphanages, and sports clubs, each dedicated to nurturing the city's youth. The money that flowed through the underground channels was channeled back into the community, funding programs that enriched the lives of countless children.

"Sir, that was a casino once and all those small buildings were illegal gambling dens. There were few others and all those small buildings that are now used as storage houses were the orphanages," the man standing beside Evan gave him briefs as he walked out of the car.

"According to your instructions, we have broken down the buildings we needed to and constructed new ones."

"Hmm," Evan simply nodded as he moved through one of the large institutions that had been built with these funds. It was an impressive building, sprawling and modern, filled with laughter and the sounds of children playing—a place built for a hopeful future.

As he walked down the corridor, Evan could hear the joyful shouts from the playground outside. The kids were running, laughing, and playing their games, blissfully unaware of the complex world that lay just beyond the walls.

Stepping outside, Evan paused for a moment to take in the view. The expansive fields were well-maintained, bright with green grass and colorful playing equipment.

It was a stark contrast to the world he once knew, where darkness reigned supreme. The streets were littered with garbage and one could understand the effect all this would have on children when the orphanage itself was situated near all such criminal houses.

But now, the underworld had become a beacon of hope, a place providing opportunities for those who had none.  Watching the children play, their faces lit with joy, Evan felt a sense of pride swell within him. This was the future he had fought for—a future where even the underworld could be a force for good.

As he continued walking, Evan approached the main building, where a long line of men in sharp black suits stood waiting.

They were part of his organization, a team that had grown significantly over the past year. Each man stood straight, eyes focused forward, ready to salute their leader. Evan nodded to them, a gesture of acknowledgement that rippled through the ranks. They returned the gesture with respect, their faces reflecting the hard work and dedication they had gone into building this new empire.

Evan stepped inside the building, the atmosphere shifting from the lively sounds outside to a focused, serious tone inside. He walked through the corridor, greeted by the smiles and nods from his associates. Framed photographs adorned the walls, showcasing the milestones the organization had achieved in the community—a reminder of their purpose and the lives they were changing.

As he reached his office, Evan was greeted by Roman, a familiar face from a year ago.

Roman had once been his foe who had tested his brute fist in the past. But now, he stood before Evan transformed into a valuable ally. A smile crept onto Evan's lips, a mix of gratitude and camaraderie.

"You have worked hard, Roman," Evan said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Roman nodded, pride evident on his face. "It's been a challenging journey, but worth every effort. We've built something great here, Boss. And all this because of your effort, Sir."

Evan's lips twitched, he always felt weird when someone called him 'Boss,' something that reminded him of being a gang leader.

Evan stepped closer, "I appreciate everything you've done. This place is thriving because of you and your team. Together, we are making a real difference."

Roman beamed at the compliment. "Thank you, Boss. It means a lot coming from you. We've got more plans ahead, and I'm ready to take on whatever that might come next."

Evan could feel the weight of their shared history, the struggles they had faced, and the battles they had fought. This was more than just business now; it was about the legacy and future they were shaping together. Continue your journey on m|v-l'e -NovelBin.net

As they talked, Evan glanced out the window, watching the children play on the fields. He thought about how far they had come and how much further they could still go. In this underworld, he had found a purpose, and with allies like Roman by his side, he felt confident that they could continue to create a positive impact in Utkal.

As they began discussing their plans, the laughter of the children outside filled the air.

After the pleasant talk, Evan decided to shift the conversation to their main agenda.

"Where is Jerkins?"

"He will be here soon?" Roman replied, watching Evan closely, wondering if he would make a big move and use the pawn planted in government soon.

'It seems Indra might go through another round of chaos,' Roman thought.

A few moments later, a well-groomed man in a black suit entered the place with a smile and bowed respectfully.

"Well, Sir, it has been a long time since I saw you."

"I also feel the same."