Chapter 70
The Venetti estate was alive with activity as preparations for the Geneva operation moved into full swing. Marco stood at the center of the war room, maps and blueprints of the luxury hotel spread across the table. Around him, a handpicked team of loyal operatives reviewed their assignments with quiet focus. Carmen stood beside him, her presence commanding, her resolve unshakable.
“This is a precision strike,” Marco said, his voice firm. “No collateral damage, no unnecessary risks. We eliminate their key operatives and expose Il Spectro. If we succeed, the Consortium collapses. If we fail…” He didn’t finish the sentence, letting the weight of their mission speak for itself.
Carmen stepped forward, addressing the team. “We’ve planned every detail, but the most important thing is to stay flexible. The Consortium thrives on chaos—we won’t give them that advantage. Trust your training, trust each other, and we’ll come out of this alive.”
Luca approached, his face serious. “The cars are ready. It’s a long drive to Geneva, but the timing will work in our favor.”
Marco nodded, dismissing the team with a curt gesture. As the operatives filed out, Carmen turned to Luca.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “For everything.”
Luca’s expression softened. “Just come back, Carmen. The little one needs his mother.”
Her throat tightened, but she managed a small nod.
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Later, Carmen stood in the nursery, cradling her son. The soft light of the lamp illuminated his peaceful face, and for a moment, the chaos of the world outside faded away.
She kissed his forehead, whispering, “I’ll be back, my love. And when I am, this will all be over. No more hiding, no more fear.”
Luca appeared in the doorway, his presence quiet but steady. “It’s time.”
Carmen hesitated, her arms tightening around her son before she placed him gently in his crib. “Take care of him,” she said, her voice firm but edged with emotion.
“I will,” Luca promised.
Carmen turned away, her heart heavy but her resolve unshaken.
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The luxury hotel in Geneva loomed against the night sky, its glass façade glittering like a jewel. Inside, the Consortium’s most powerful figures gathered, their opulent surroundings a stark contrast to the violence they orchestrated.
Carmen and Marco arrived in a sleek black car, their disguises impeccable. Carmen wore an elegant black dress, her hair swept up, while Marco was sharp in a tailored suit. They moved with practiced ease, blending seamlessly into the crowd of wealthy elites.
“Eyes sharp,” Marco murmured as they entered the grand lobby.
“Always,” Carmen replied, her gaze scanning the room.
The hotel was alive with activity. Waiters moved through the crowd with trays of champagne, while guests laughed and mingled, oblivious to the deadly game unfolding around them.
Carmen’s earpiece crackled softly as Sergio’s voice came through. “You’re clear to proceed. Security’s focused on the main entrance. You’ve got about ten minutes.”
“Understood,” Marco said, steering Carmen toward the elevator.
Inside the elevator, tension hung heavy between them. Marco glanced at Carmen, his voice low. “Are you ready for this?”
She met his gaze, her eyes fierce. “We didn’t come this far to fail.”
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Reaching the private conference floor required more than just timing—it required precision. Disguised as investors, Marco and Carmen entered the lavishly appointed meeting hall, where the Consortium’s operatives were gathered. The air was thick with power plays and whispered deals, but beneath the surface, danger simmered.
Carmen’s earpiece crackled again, Luca’s voice urgent. “Second group of guards just arrived. They’re stationed by the emergency exits.”
“Noted,” Carmen whispered, her smile never faltering as she passed a drink to Marco.
They navigated the room, their movements coordinated as they identified targets. At the head of the table, a tall man in a crisp gray suit commanded the attention of the group. His presence was commanding, his voice steady and authoritative.
“That’s him,” Marco murmured.
“Il Spectro?” Carmen asked, her tone steady.
Marco nodded. “He fits the profile. Stay close.”
As the meeting progressed, Marco and Carmen edged closer to their targets, their cover holding strong. But beneath the surface, the danger loomed closer with every passing second.
They had one chance to strike, and they couldn’t afford a single mistake.
