Chapter 62
The Venetti estate buzzed with activity as allies arrived from across the region, their cars pulling into the courtyard in a steady stream. Marco stood at the top of the grand staircase, watching as Sergio Montini and his men entered the hall. Sergio, ever the statesman, offered a curt nod before extending his hand.
“Marco,” Sergio greeted, his voice steady. “It seems we have bigger problems than we anticipated.”
Marco shook his hand firmly. “The Consortium won’t stop until we’re broken. I’m glad you came.”
Sergio’s eyes flicked to Carmen, who approached from the side, a folder in her hands. “Mrs. Venetti,” he said with a slight bow. “I hear you’ve been leading the charge on intelligence.”
Carmen smiled politely but got straight to the point. “We’ve identified several strongholds connected to the Consortium. Supply routes, communication hubs—they’re well-coordinated, but not invincible.” She handed the folder to Sergio. “These are our primary targets.”
Sergio flipped through the documents, his expression darkening. “Impressive work. But striking these targets won’t be easy.”
“It never is,” Marco said. “That’s why we need your men. United, we stand a chance of cutting off their resources and turning the tide.”
Sergio closed the folder, glancing around the room where other family heads were gathering. “We’ll stand with you, Marco. But make no mistake—if we fail, the Consortium won’t just destroy your family. They’ll come for all of us.”
“Then we don’t fail,” Carmen said firmly, her voice cutting through the tension.
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By late afternoon, Carmen found herself in the estate’s war room, surrounded by maps, charts, and reports. She moved with purpose, directing men to gather intelligence and organizing the shipment of weapons to their allies.
Luca entered, a grim look on his face as he handed her a report. “More activity near the eastern docks. The Consortium’s building up forces there—could be another staging ground.”
Carmen scanned the report quickly. “We’ll need eyes on it. Double the surveillance, and have Montini’s men reinforce the area.”
“Done,” Luca said, then hesitated. “How’s Marco holding up?”
Carmen glanced toward the door. “Focused. Angry. But that’s not always a bad thing.”
Luca smirked. “Not when you’re about to go to war.”
She nodded, her attention returning to the maps. “We can’t afford any more surprises, Luca. Keep digging. We need to stay ahead of them.”
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That night, the quiet of the estate was shattered by the sound of gunfire.
Carmen woke to the sharp crack of a rifle echoing through the halls. Her heart pounded as she grabbed the baby from his crib, clutching him tightly as the chaos outside grew louder.
Marco burst into the room moments later, his gun drawn and his expression fierce. “Stay low,” he ordered, his eyes scanning the windows.
“What’s happening?” Carmen asked, her voice steady despite the fear tightening her chest.
“They’re here,” Marco said grimly. “The Consortium’s mercenaries. They’re hitting us where they think we’re weakest.”
Luca appeared in the doorway, blood staining his shirt but his eyes sharp. “We’ve pushed them back from the south wing, but they’re still pressing the outer perimeter.”
Marco nodded, his jaw clenched. “Keep them out of the main house. I’ll deal with this.”
“You can’t fight this alone,” Carmen said, shifting the baby in her arms.
Marco turned to her, his expression softening for a moment. “Stay here. Protect him.”
Carmen grabbed his arm before he could leave. “We protect him together. I’m not letting you do this without me.”
Marco hesitated, his love for her warring with his instincts to keep her safe. “Then stay close.”
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The battle raged for hours, the estate’s defenders holding their ground against the relentless assault. Carmen moved swiftly, coordinating with the guards and ensuring the baby was safe in a fortified room.
By dawn, the gunfire had faded, leaving the courtyard littered with bodies and debris. Marco stood at the gates, his face grim as he surveyed the destruction. Carmen joined him, her expression equally hardened.
“They won’t stop,” Marco said, his voice low.
“Then we take the fight to them,” Carmen replied.
Marco turned to her, his gaze steady. “This was different. They weren’t just trying to hurt us—they were trying to send a message.”
Carmen nodded, her resolve unwavering. “And we’ll answer it. Together.”
Marco reached for her hand, his grip firm. “We’ll make them regret ever coming for us.”
As the sun rose over the battered estate, the Venettis stood side by side, their determination stronger than ever. The Consortium had made their move, but Marco and Carmen were ready to fight back.
