Ever since Vanessa entered Wilson Fisk's life and the poisoning at the banquet, Fisk had become increasingly secretive in his dealings. James Wesley did not pry into the reasons, because he and Wilson Fisk possessed the rarest treasure in their line of work: trust. They both knew the other would never betray them for money, reputation, or any other reason. Both had grown up on the streets, sharing a friendship strong enough to entrust with their lives and families. Their silence was not born of rules, but trust. James Wesley's dissatisfaction mainly stemmed from his concerns about Wilson Fisk's trading partner. He feared that one day, that partner would demand something they could not provide.
But since the deal had been made and the contract signed, James Wesley intended to extract the greatest possible value from it. No matter how he disguised himself with suits and watches, he was, at heart, a starving wolf from the streets. The stale scent of blood caught between his teeth and matted into his fur proved that he had once torn enemies apart. "Let me take part in this, my friend." Before leaving the office, James Wesley made the suggestion with a serious expression. "The continuation of this enterprise benefits me. I cannot let you bear all the cost."
"You really are a gentle villain, James."
"Charming." James Wesley adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. "You missed an adjective. Charming."
Only after he left did Wilson Fisk sit back down and toss his diamond cane aside. Exhaustion swept over him again. James Wesley had imagined his predicament far too simply. Someone had already warned him of how the future world would develop. He had to control a deep-water port on both the East and West Coasts, possess a road or railway freight line spanning the United