Chapter 74
The grand hall of the Venetti estate was filled with tension as Marco and Carmen stood before a table of their closest allies. Sergio Montini, his injuries barely healed, leaned against his cane as he listened intently. Luca stood nearby, arms crossed, while the heads of smaller families murmured their concerns.
“This war isn’t just ours anymore,” Marco began, his voice firm. “The Consortium wants to destroy all of us. If we don’t stand together, none of us will survive.”
A skeptical voice came from the back. “With all due respect, Marco, your family’s been weakened. Can you really lead us to victory?”
Marco’s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Carmen stepped forward.
“We’ve been hit hard,” she said calmly, her gaze sweeping over the room. “That’s true. But every attack has only made us stronger. We’ve identified their weaknesses, dismantled their operations, and now we know who we’re fighting.”
Her voice softened, taking on a quiet authority. “This isn’t about pride or power. It’s about survival. And survival isn’t won by running or doubting—it’s won by standing together. If we lose, the Consortium won’t just take our territories. They’ll take our families, our homes, our lives.”
The room fell silent as her words sank in. Sergio nodded, breaking the tension. “She’s right. The Venettis have proven their strength time and time again. I say we follow them.”
One by one, the other heads nodded, their doubts replaced by resolve. Marco glanced at Carmen, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.
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Later, Marco and Carmen walked through the estate grounds, their son in Carmen’s arms. The weight of the meeting still hung between them, but the sight of their child seemed to soften the edges of the tension.
“You were incredible back there,” Marco said, breaking the silence.
Carmen smiled, shifting the baby in her arms so he could reach for her necklace. “I’ve learned a thing or two from you.”
Marco chuckled, but his expression turned serious. “No, really. They listened to you, Carmen. They believe in you.”
Carmen looked up at him, her voice gentle. “They believe in us, Marco. And that’s what matters.”
He reached out, brushing his hand over their son’s head. “He’s the reason we’re doing this. Everything—every fight, every risk—is for him.”
“And for us,” Carmen added.
Marco nodded, a small smile breaking through the tension on his face. “And for us.”
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The fragile peace didn’t last.
That evening, a messenger arrived at the estate with grim news. A minor ally, Don Paolo Conti, had been assassinated in his own home. Alongside his body, a bloodstained note had been left:
“Every choice has a cost.”
Marco stared at the note, his hands tightening into fists. “Rafael,” he muttered.
Luca stepped forward, his voice low. “It’s a warning. He wants to shake us before the final battle.”
“Well, it’s working,” Marco growled, slamming the note onto the table. “Paolo was loyal to us. Now his family is in shambles, and our allies are questioning if we can protect them.”
Carmen placed a hand on Marco’s arm, her touch grounding him. “We’ll handle this.”
Marco turned to her, his frustration still simmering. “How? Another speech? Promises we can’t keep?”
“No,” Carmen said firmly. “I’ll go to his widow. I’ll make sure she knows we haven’t abandoned them.”
Marco hesitated, his brow furrowed. “It’s dangerous. What if it’s a trap?”
“I’ll take Luca and a team,” Carmen replied. “They’ll keep me safe. But this has to be personal, Marco. She needs to see that we’re still strong, that we’re still fighting for our allies.”
Marco searched her face for a long moment before sighing. “Be careful.”
Carmen reached up, brushing her fingers over his cheek. “Always.”
