CHAPTER 154: BUILDING RESILIENCE

Samantha stood on the ferry deck, her hair whipping around her face as the salty sea breeze tousled it. The island emerged from the horizon, a patchwork of lush greenery and waters. Beside her, Jake studied the landscape with a thoughtful expression. "This place is beautiful," Jake murmured, his voice barely audible over the waves crashing against the ferry's hull. "It is," Samantha agreed. Jake nodded; his gaze focused on the approaching dock where a group of islanders awaited their arrival. "Let's get to work then." As they disembarked, they were greeted by a tall, wiry man with a sun-weathered face. "Welcome to our island. I'm Kanoa," he said, extending a hand. "Samantha," she introduced herself, shaking his hand firmly. "And this is Jake." "We've heard a lot about you," Kanoa said warmly. "We're excited to start this project." The trio made their way to a makeshift conference area, a shaded spot under a canopy of palm trees. Several locals, engineers, and building staff gath