Chapter 75
The drive to the Conti estate was quiet, the weight of the mission heavy on Carmen’s shoulders. When they arrived, the air was thick with grief. The guards at the gate hesitated before letting her through, their eyes red and weary.
Inside, Paolo’s widow, Isabella, sat in the parlor, her face pale but composed. She looked up as Carmen entered, her expression unreadable.
“Mrs. Venetti,” Isabella said, her voice stiff. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Carmen began, her voice sincere. “Paolo was a good man. His loyalty to us never wavered.”
“And what did that loyalty cost him?” Isabella asked, her tone sharp. “My husband is dead. My sons are terrified. Tell me, Mrs. Venetti—what am I supposed to do now?”
Carmen sat across from her, meeting her gaze. “You stand with us. Paolo’s death wasn’t just an attack on your family—it was an attack on all of us. We can’t bring him back, but we can make sure his sacrifice wasn’t in vain.”
Isabella’s lips pressed into a thin line. “And how do you propose to do that?”
“By ending this war,” Carmen said firmly. “We’ve identified Rafael Moretti, and we’re preparing to strike. When we do, we’ll take down the Consortium for good. But we can’t do it alone. We need you, Isabella. Your family, your strength.”
Isabella’s eyes filled with tears, but she nodded slowly. “If you promise me justice—if you promise me vengeance—I’ll stand with you.”
“You have my word,” Carmen said, reaching out to clasp Isabella’s hands.
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When Carmen returned to the Venetti estate that evening, Marco was waiting for her in the foyer, their son in his arms.
“How did it go?” he asked.
“She’s with us,” Carmen replied, a tired but triumphant smile on her face. “Paolo’s family won’t turn away.”
Marco stepped closer, his free arm wrapping around her waist. “You keep surprising me,” he said, his voice soft.
“Good,” Carmen teased, resting her head against his shoulder. “I’d hate for you to get bored.”
Marco laughed quietly, leaning down to kiss her forehead. Their son babbled between them, his tiny hand reaching for Carmen.
“We’re doing this for him,” Marco said, his voice filled with quiet determination.
“And for us,” Carmen replied, echoing their earlier words.
Marco tightened his hold on her, his love for her and their family more evident than ever. Together, they stood united, ready to face whatever came next.
