Chapter 49
The Venetti estate buzzed with quiet urgency as men moved in and out of rooms, carrying fresh ammunition, reviewing maps, and relaying updates over crackling radios. In the main war room, Carmen stood at the center of it all, focused and unwavering as she studied the map pinned across the table. Each point marked with red ink told the story of what remained—territories they controlled, areas lost, and the shadow of Arianna creeping closer.
Luca entered briskly, brushing raindrops off his jacket as he approached. “We’ve located Arianna,” he announced, his voice low but certain.
Carmen and Marco both looked up from the map, their gazes sharp.
“Where is she?” Marco demanded, stepping closer, his arms crossed.
“She’s holed up in a compound deep in neutral territory,” Luca explained, setting a folder on the table. He flipped it open, revealing aerial photographs of a sprawling estate surrounded by dense trees and guarded perimeters. “It’s heavily fortified—Emilio’s mercenaries are stationed all around it. She’s dug in deep.”
Carmen’s brow furrowed as she leaned over the photos, scanning the details. “This isn’t just a hideout. She’s building a fortress.”
Marco’s jaw tightened. “It won’t save her.”
“It won’t be easy either,” Luca added, his tone serious. “The compound’s position gives them a clear advantage. Anyone who tries to get close will be torn apart.”
Carmen looked at Luca. “How many men does she have?”
“Hard to say,” Luca replied. “At least fifty mercenaries, maybe more. They’ve got heavy artillery and patrols covering every angle.”
Marco swore under his breath, slamming his hand against the table. “She’s cornered, but she’s using that to her advantage.”
“She’s stalling for something,” Carmen said, frowning. “Arianna wouldn’t just hide unless she was buying time. She’s planning something bigger.”
Luca hesitated before adding, “There’s more. One of my contacts intercepted a message sent from the compound. Arianna’s made a new alliance—an international arms dealer named Viktor Sokolov.”
The name dropped like a bomb in the room, and Marco straightened, his expression turning darker. “Sokolov?”
Luca nodded grimly. “The same. He’s supplying her with high-grade weapons—military-level firepower.”
Carmen’s stomach sank as she looked at Marco. “This changes everything.”
Marco’s fists clenched. “She’s bringing outsiders into this? Fine. We take her out before she has time to use those weapons.”
“We can’t rush this,” Carmen said sharply, earning a glare from Marco. “We can’t fight fire with fire. If Arianna’s armed with Sokolov’s resources, a head-on assault will get our men killed.”
Marco didn’t argue, though his silence crackled with tension. Finally, he turned to Luca. “I want every detail you can find on Sokolov—contacts, supply lines, meeting points. If Arianna’s relying on him, then we cut off her access to his weapons.”
“On it,” Luca replied before leaving the room with swift determination.
Carmen remained by the table, staring at the photos of the compound as Marco paced nearby, his boots thudding against the floor. “We need time to weaken her position,” she said finally. “If we move too soon, we’ll walk right into her hands.”
Marco stopped pacing, turning to face her. “Time isn’t something we have, Carmen.”
“We’ll make time,” she replied, her voice firm. “If Arianna’s arming herself, then every step we take has to count. We can’t afford to lose.”
Marco studied her for a long moment, the fire in her voice giving him pause. He didn’t say it aloud, but he could see it clearly: Carmen wasn’t just fighting to survive. She was fighting for their child’s future—for something bigger than herself.
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Later that afternoon, Carmen sat in Sergio Montini’s private study, the fire crackling softly in the hearth as rain pattered against the tall windows. Sergio poured himself a glass of wine before sitting across from her, his expression weary but thoughtful.
“You need to step back from this, Carmen,” Sergio said, his voice low but firm. “Let Marco finish this war. You’ve already done more than enough.”
Carmen’s gaze hardened as she set her teacup down. “And let Arianna win?”
“You know I don’t mean that,” Sergio replied, leaning back in his chair. “You’re carrying Marco’s heir. That child is the future of this family. You should be protecting yourself, not risking your life in meetings and battle plans.”
Carmen exhaled sharply, frustration brimming beneath her calm demeanor. “I am protecting my child, Sergio. Do you think I’d let Arianna tear apart this family without a fight? Without ensuring there’s a future to protect?”
Sergio frowned, swirling his wine thoughtfully. “You’re brave, Carmen. I won’t deny that. But bravery and recklessness are two sides of the same coin. The men follow you because you’re strong—but strength won’t mean anything if something happens to you.”
Carmen’s expression softened, though her voice remained resolute. “I’m not reckless. Everything I’ve done—every risk I’ve taken—has been for this family. For our survival.”
She paused, her hands resting on the slight curve of her stomach. “And for my child.”
Sergio nodded slowly, though his concern didn’t fade. “Then promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I don’t need to promise,” Carmen replied, standing. “I’ll win.”
As she left the study, she didn’t notice Marco standing just outside the door, partially concealed by the shadow of a tall column. He’d heard every word, his chest tightening as Sergio’s warning echoed in his mind.
Carmen was right—she wasn’t reckless. But her determination came at a cost, one that Marco was only now beginning to understand. She wasn’t just trying to save herself; she was carrying the weight of their family, their child, and everything they had built.
Marco stepped into the hallway as Carmen approached, his eyes searching her face. “You should be resting.”
Carmen stopped, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “And you should stop hovering.”
Marco exhaled, shaking his head. “You’re too stubborn for your own good.”
“I’ve heard that before,” Carmen replied lightly, though her tone softened when she added, “I don’t have a choice, Marco. If we don’t stop Arianna now, there won’t be anything left to fight for.”
Marco’s gaze drifted to her stomach for just a moment before returning to her face. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Carmen studied him carefully, her voice quiet but firm. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Just help me end this.”
Marco nodded, his chest tight with unspoken guilt and resolve. “We’ll end it together.”
For the first time in weeks, Carmen allowed herself to hope that his words might hold weight. But she knew better than to rely on promises—trust, after all, was something Marco was still working to earn.
Outside, the storm continued to rage, and the weight of the coming battle loomed heavy over them both.
Arianna had made her next move, and it was a dangerous one.
But Carmen was ready. And this time, there would be no escape.
