Chapter 13
The meeting room at the Venetti estate was filled with the low murmur of voices and the shuffling of papers. Marco sat at the head of the long, polished table, his hands clasped in front of him, his eyes shadowed from days of sleepless nights. Around him sat his remaining advisors—men who had once spoken with confidence but now exchanged wary glances, unsure of the storm they were caught in. At the far end of the table stood Arianna, poised and self-assured, her sharp eyes sweeping the room.
She placed both hands on the table, leaning forward just enough to command attention. “The De Luca family is regrouping,” she said, her voice clear and calm. “We’ve seen their movements, their shipments, and their alliances. If we don’t act now, we’re giving them time to become a greater threat.”
The men at the table shifted, exchanging uncertain looks. Arianna’s calm certainty unsettled them—she sounded too much like someone who was already in charge.
“And what are you suggesting?” Marco finally asked, his voice flat.
Arianna straightened, her confidence never wavering. “We target their supply lines. Choke their resources. The De Lucas rely on their ports and warehouses for arms and money. We hit them hard enough, they’ll lose the strength to retaliate.”
There was a beat of silence before one of Marco’s older advisors, Pietro, spoke up. “That’s a bold move,” he said cautiously. “What about the risks? The De Lucas have connections across the border—”
“And what about the risk of waiting?” Arianna cut in, her tone sharp. “Sitting back while they rebuild will destroy us. We cannot afford to show weakness.”
Marco sat quietly, his eyes fixed on Arianna as she spoke. There was something unsettling about the way she filled the room, taking charge of the discussion as though it was hers to lead. Pietro and the others glanced at Marco, clearly uncomfortable with Arianna’s growing influence, but they said nothing. Marco himself remained silent, his expression unreadable.
“This is the time for action,” Arianna continued. “I have men ready to move on the key ports. I’ll oversee the operation personally to ensure there are no mistakes.”
Luca, seated a few chairs away, watched Arianna with careful eyes. He leaned back in his chair, masking his distrust under a neutral expression. Something about her was too smooth, too planned, and he didn’t like it.
Pietro cleared his throat, his reluctance clear. “It’s a risk, but… I see no other option.”
The others murmured their agreement, though none of them looked happy about it.
Marco finally leaned back in his chair, his eyes still on Arianna. “Fine,” he said, the word clipped. “Do it.”
Arianna’s lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. “You won’t regret this.”
The meeting adjourned, and the men filed out quietly, leaving Marco alone at the head of the table. Arianna lingered for a moment before turning and walking out with the confident stride of someone who knew she was winning.
Marco watched her leave, his jaw tight. He could feel the power shifting under his hands, slipping through his fingers piece by piece.
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The small study in Vincent’s estate was dimly lit, the soft glow from the desk lamp barely reaching the corners of the room. Carmen sat in front of an old wooden desk, stacks of papers spread out before her. She rubbed her temple with one hand, squinting at the numbers on the page.
Offshore accounts. Payments to unnamed companies. All of them are traced back to shell organizations connected to the De Luca family. She had spent hours combing through Vincent’s network, reaching out to the few informants she still trusted, and what she had found was undeniable—Arianna’s fingerprints were all over these dealings.
Carmen’s stomach twisted as she flipped through the documents again, the evidence mounting with each page. Arianna wasn’t just working against Marco; she was helping De Lucas directly. Payments disguised as business dealings, wires routed through distant banks—it was all there, plain as day to someone willing to look closely.
“Why?” Carmen whispered to herself, her voice quiet in the stillness. “What’s your endgame, Arianna?”
She gathered the papers into a neat pile, staring at them as though they might offer her answers. Sharing this with Marco would expose Arianna, but Carmen hesitated. Would Marco even believe her? Or had Arianna already twisted his mind beyond reason?
She thought of the look in his eyes the last time they spoke—distrust, anger, doubt. You ran, he had accused. You didn’t trust me.
Carmen let out a slow breath and pushed the papers into a leather folder. She couldn’t let Arianna win. Marco deserved the truth, even if it came from her. And if he wouldn’t believe her? Then she would bring him proof so undeniable he’d have no choice.
Her hand moved instinctively to her stomach. “I’ll protect you,” she murmured, as though speaking to the child she carried. “No matter what it takes.”
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Luca stood near the front balcony of the Venetti estate, looking out into the night. The estate’s gardens were shrouded in darkness, the faint flicker of lanterns doing little to cut through the shadows. He heard the sound of footsteps behind him, light and measured. He didn’t turn. He knew who it was.
“Enjoying the view?” Arianna’s voice was calm as she stepped beside him, her eyes fixed on the same dark horizon.
“I’ve seen better,” Luca replied, his tone flat.
Arianna smiled faintly, as though she found his answer amusing. “You’ve been quiet lately. I thought it was time we talked.”
Luca turned his head slightly, finally looking at her. “About what?”
“About the future,” Arianna said smoothly. “About your future, Luca.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you were so concerned about me.”
“I’m concerned about the people who matter,” Arianna replied, tilting her head. “You’ve been loyal to Marco for years, haven’t you? And where has that gotten you? He barely listens to you anymore. He barely listens to anyone.”
Luca’s expression didn’t change, though his jaw tightened slightly.
“I can offer you something better,” Arianna continued. “Influence. Wealth. Security. All you have to do is think about where your loyalty really lies.”
Luca smiled faintly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “That’s a generous offer.”
“I don’t make offers lightly,” Arianna replied. “You’re a smart man, Luca. You know when to back the right side.”
Luca turned fully toward her, his gaze steady. “And you think you’re the right side?”
Arianna’s smile widened just slightly. “I think you already know the answer to that. Think about it.”
She turned and walked away, leaving Luca standing alone on the balcony. His smile faded as he watched her disappear into the house. For a moment, he said nothing, staring out into the night once more. Then he pulled out his phone and dialed.
“Carmen,” he said quietly when she picked up. “You were right. She’s playing her hand. And now she’s trying to bring me into it.”
Carmen’s voice on the other end was calm, steady. “What did she offer?”
“Money, power, influence. All the usual tricks.”
“Keep playing along,” Carmen said. “Let her think she’s winning. But keep your eyes open, Luca. She’s dangerous.”
“More dangerous than Marco realizes,” Luca muttered, glancing back toward the house. “But don’t worry—I’ll keep close.”
“Be careful,” Carmen said softly.
“I always am,” Luca replied before hanging up.
He slipped his phone back into his pocket, his expression hardening. The pieces were moving faster now, and Luca knew the storm was coming. One way or another, Arianna’s game would end—but it was up to him and Carmen to make sure Marco was ready for it.
