Chapter 63
The sky outside the estate glowed with the faint hues of dawn, but the devastation left by the Consortium’s attack was still raw. Guards moved through the grounds, collecting weapons and bodies, their faces grim. Inside the estate, the heavy silence spoke louder than any words.
Carmen sat in the nursery, her son cradled against her chest. The baby, unaware of the chaos that had surrounded them, slept soundly, his tiny hand curled into her shirt. But Carmen’s mind was far from peaceful.
Marco entered quietly, his shirt stained with dirt and blood, though none of it was his own. He paused in the doorway, his gaze softening as he took in the sight of Carmen and the baby.
“You should rest,” he said, his voice low.
Carmen looked up at him, her eyes tired but sharp. “So should you.”
Marco stepped inside, leaning against the wall as he ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t. Not after this.”
Carmen adjusted the baby, placing him gently into his crib before standing to face Marco. “They came for us, Marco. For him.” Her voice wavered, but only slightly. “And it won’t stop until we stop them.”
Marco crossed the room, his hands resting on her shoulders. “I’ll protect you. Both of you. No matter what it takes.”
“You can’t do it alone,” Carmen said, her eyes locking with his. “I won’t let you.”
Marco’s grip tightened slightly, his voice filled with quiet intensity. “I need you safe, Carmen. If anything happened to you…”
Carmen reached up, cupping his face in her hands. “We don’t win this if I’m sitting on the sidelines. I’m not just your wife, Marco. I’m your partner. And I’m not going to stand by while you fight this war alone.”
For a moment, Marco said nothing, his eyes searching hers. Then he exhaled, his forehead resting against hers. “You’re stubborn, you know that?”
Carmen smiled faintly. “It’s why you love me.”
Marco chuckled softly, though the sound was tinged with weariness. “I do.”
He pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her as if holding her could shield her from the dangers ahead. “I swear to you, Carmen. I’ll protect this family. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“And I’ll be right there beside you,” Carmen replied, her voice steady. “Every step of the way.”
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Later that day, the Venetti war room was filled with the heavy presence of allies and advisors. Sergio Montini stood to the side, talking quietly with Luca, while the heads of other loyal families watched Marco and Carmen expectantly.
Marco stood at the head of the table, his hands pressed firmly against its surface. His voice, when he spoke, carried the weight of the attack and the resolve it had forged.
“Last night, the Consortium made their intentions clear,” Marco began. “They didn’t just attack our port or our shipments—they came for our home. For our family. And that is something I will not tolerate.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room, but Marco’s gaze didn’t waver.
“They think we’re weak,” he continued. “That we’ll crumble under their pressure. But they’ve underestimated us. The Venetti family has survived wars, betrayals, and every attempt to destroy us. And we will survive this, too.”
Carmen stepped forward, her voice calm but commanding. “This isn’t just about defense. It’s about sending a message. The Consortium thrives on fear and chaos, but they will learn that we are not afraid. That we will not be broken.”
Sergio nodded, his voice carrying across the room. “What’s the plan?”
Marco straightened, his gaze sweeping the room. “We strike back. Hard and fast. We target their strongholds, their supply lines, their leaders. We make it clear that anyone who sides with them is signing their own death warrant.”
“And we do it together,” Carmen added. “This isn’t just a fight for the Venetti family. It’s a fight for all of us. If the Consortium wins here, they’ll come for the rest of you next. This is our chance to stop them before they spread any further.”
The room fell silent as the weight of their words sank in. Then, one by one, the allies nodded, their resolve hardening.
Sergio stepped forward, his hand extended to Marco. “The Montini family stands with you. Let’s show these cowards what happens when they cross us.”
Marco shook his hand firmly. “Together.”
As the meeting adjourned, the room filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Plans were set into motion, alliances solidified, and the path to war became inevitable.
Marco and Carmen lingered in the room after the others had left, standing side by side as they looked over the maps and plans spread across the table.
“This is just the beginning,” Marco said quietly.
Carmen placed a hand on his arm, her touch steady. “Then let’s make sure we finish it.”
Marco turned to her, a faint smile breaking through his grim expression. “You know, I think I finally understand what you meant. We’re stronger together.”
Carmen smiled back, her confidence unwavering. “It’s about time you figured that out.”
As they stood there, united in purpose and resolve, the future still loomed uncertain. But one thing was clear: the Venetti family would not go down without a fight.
