**
Fisk felt perplexed. The Hand's people had suddenly disappeared, and his pressure seemed to vanish along with them. For the moment, Hell's Kitchen was under his control. However, he could no longer access the resources and influence of the Hand, but he had solidified his hold over Hell's Kitchen. The gangs feared him—Fisk was now the man in charge.
Yet despite this newfound sense of ease, a significant problem loomed before him—what to do with the properties and land he'd acquired earlier? Fisk had long envisioned revitalizing Hell's Kitchen, seeing immense profits in it. But he couldn't handle it alone, and the many impoverished residents posed a challenge. It wasn't out of the goodness of his heart; these people simply refused to leave, understanding full well what was at stake.
Caught between relief and frustration, Fisk extended an invitation to Link. After all, he had heard of Link's recent exploits, even though he had once betrayed him.
...
Vanessa had arranged for the meeting. Link arrived with Jessica at an upscale restaurant that Fisk had reserved exclusively for the occasion.
"Link, I owe you an apology," Fisk began.
"I know, but it wasn't anything too egregious. And Fisk, how do you know that wasn't a weakness I intentionally let you see?" Link replied, winking at Fisk.
Fisk paused, then laughed heartily. "I understand. You're always setting the board for the next play. If I could afford you, I'd gladly bring you into my fold."
"Oh, you're referring to the redevelopment of Hell's Kitchen?" Link asked.
"Exactly. My previous partners have left me in the lurch, and I'm facing a dilemma now," Fisk admitted. "I'm uncertain whether I can push forward."
"Let's break this down. Your current issues are funding and the impoverished residents of Hell's Kitchen?" Link clarified.
"Yes. I had planned to buy up most of the land and property and then rebuild, making the area prosperous. But now, without my partners, I'm stuck."
Link smiled. "Fisk, this isn't as hard as it seems."
"Really?" Fisk blinked in surprise.
Vanessa, seated next to him, added, "Link, please, you must help Wilson."
"Of course!" Link raised his glass. "I used to be a cop here, so I understand this place well. I also know what you do, Fisk."
"Let's have a drink first—no need to rush into things."
The four of them clinked glasses and took a sip of their drinks before Link continued.
"First off, you need to separate the residents into different groups. One group consists of elderly people living on fixed incomes—they won't leave easily."
"And if you use force, Daredevil won't let it go, right?" Link added.
"Exactly!" Fisk readily agreed. This was indeed a significant obstacle.
"In my view, it's not hard to solve. You could build one or two large retirement homes as a charitable initiative," Link suggested. "Offer these residents long-term care contracts, ensuring their well-being in exchange for their properties. Problem solved."
"Plus, this will improve your public image. And with Vanessa's connections in the art world, she could host charity events."
"You could also support up-and-coming artists who haven't had their break yet. This would benefit Vanessa's business and bolster your social standing—while also providing tax benefits."
"Never forget about taxes. The IRS doesn't care who you are. But a charity foundation? That's a very good way to handle things," Link advised.
Fisk's eyes lit up. The advantages were clear, solving a number of problems in one move. Plus, this would boost his social standing—a key goal. He also appreciated how it could help Vanessa without him having to buy artwork on her behalf, something she despised.
Vanessa, too, looked excited. Since getting together with Fisk, she had encouraged him to step into the public eye. She was just as ambitious as Fisk—otherwise, she wouldn't have chosen such a dangerous man.
Link continued. "As for the rest, those who are broke, you could build affordable housing and offer them rental contracts."
"Charge them the same rent they're paying now, but for brand-new apartments. They'll be happy to agree. Meanwhile, for troublemakers—addicts and criminals—you can either send them to rehab or let the police deal with them."
"This wouldn't violate any contracts and would help clean up your buildings, leaving the honest folks behind."
"This would clear up a good number of apartments and reduce the troublemakers. It's perfectly legal, and Daredevil won't have a reason to oppose you."
"Of course, this will cost money. But there are plenty of docks here. You could set up a logistics company and handle all the cargo coming in from ships, providing jobs for a large number of workers."
"This would generate income and ensure that the workforce is loyal to you."
Fisk clapped his hands. "That's a fantastic plan! But the financial burden will still be heavy."
"Fisk, don't try to swallow it all at once. You can develop the land piece by piece. After all, this is your territory!" Link reminded him. "Think about the annual revenue from just one office building."
"Combined with the tax breaks from the charity, you can take your time with this."
"No one else can step in—this is your domain. There's no need to rush."
"And of course, reducing crime is crucial. I trust you're aware of that."
Fisk, still curious, asked, "Link, why are you choosing to help me?"
"Because this is New York. Do you think things will be peaceful once you're out of Hell's Kitchen?" Link shot back. "Before you arrived, this place was in chaos. You brought some semblance of order, even if that order comes with its own crimes."
"But at least fewer people are dying now. I have no choice but to side with you. At least there's some form of stability."
Fisk nodded. "I've never hidden my methods. I'll do whatever is necessary to achieve my goals, and I know you understand that."
"Of course. That's why I'm saying you should take a two-pronged approach: develop high-end real estate on one side and start charitable projects on the other," Link concluded.
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(End of chapter)