Chapter 77
The tension in the Venetti estate was palpable as Marco stormed into the war room. Maps, shipping schedules, and intelligence reports cluttered the table, but Marco’s focus was singular: Rafael Moretti’s latest attack.
“They’ve hit one of our last shipping routes,” Marco announced, slamming a report onto the table. “We’ve lost half the shipment, and the rest won’t make it to its destination. Our allies are losing faith.”
Luca, standing near the window, frowned. “This isn’t just an attack. It’s a message. Rafael’s tightening the noose.”
“We can’t let this stand,” Marco growled. “We hit them back. Hard.”
Carmen entered the room quietly, but her presence commanded attention. “He’s baiting you, Marco,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “He wants you to react without thinking.”
Marco turned to her, frustration evident in his expression. “And what do you suggest? That we sit back and let him bleed us dry?”
“No,” Carmen said, stepping closer. “But if we rush into this, we’ll play right into his hands. We need a strategy, not revenge.”
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Later that day, Alessandra Ricci joined them in the study, her demeanor sharp and businesslike. She placed a folder on the table and opened it, revealing satellite images and schematics of a sprawling estate in Sicily.
“This is Rafael’s base of operations,” Alessandra said. “A fortified estate where his key leaders gather. He’s consolidating power, preparing for the final move against you.”
Carmen studied the images. “And you think we can take it?”
“With the right plan, yes,” Alessandra replied. “A multi-front assault. Hit them from multiple angles at once. They won’t see it coming.”
Luca crossed his arms, skeptical. “And what’s the risk?”
Alessandra smirked. “Everything.”
Marco leaned over the table, his gaze locked on the images. “We’ll do it. We’ll take the fight to Rafael and end this once and for all.”
“Not so fast,” Carmen interjected. She looked at Alessandra. “How fortified is this estate? What kind of defenses are we talking about?”
“Extensive,” Alessandra admitted. “Armed guards, surveillance, likely traps. It’s not impossible, but it’s not easy.”
Carmen turned to Marco. “This isn’t something we rush into. We need time to plan, to coordinate with our allies.”
“We don’t have time,” Marco shot back. “Rafael is already tightening the noose. If we wait, we’ll lose what little advantage we have left.”
Carmen’s jaw tightened, but she held her ground. “If we go in blind, we’ll lose more than that.”
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That evening, Marco sat alone in the courtyard, a glass of whiskey in his hand. The moonlight cast long shadows across the stone, and the distant hum of the estate’s activity felt oddly muted.
Carmen found him there, her steps light as she approached. She sat beside him, her presence soothing even in silence.
“I know you’re angry,” she said finally.
“I’m not just angry,” Marco admitted. “I’m tired. Every time we make a move, Rafael’s already ahead of us. It’s like he’s inside my head.”
Carmen reached for his hand, her touch warm and steady. “He’s not. He’s just good at what he does. But so are you, Marco. You’ve built an empire, survived betrayals, and fought harder than anyone I’ve ever known. Don’t let him make you forget that.”
Marco turned to her, his eyes searching hers. “I’m afraid, Carmen. Not of losing this war—but of losing you. Losing him.”
Her heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. “You won’t,” she said softly. “But if we’re going to win this, we have to trust each other. We have to fight smart, not just hard.”
Marco leaned closer, resting his forehead against hers. “You’re the only thing that makes any of this worth it.”
Carmen smiled faintly. “Then let me help you. Let me be your partner in this, not just your wife.”
“You already are,” Marco whispered.
Their lips met in a slow, tender kiss, the weight of their fears melting away in the warmth of their connection. For a moment, the war felt distant, and all that mattered was the love they shared and the family they were fighting to protect.
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The next morning, the estate buzzed with preparation as Marco and Luca assembled the strike team. Carmen stood near the edge of the courtyard, watching as the men loaded weapons and checked equipment.
Marco approached her, his expression softened by the memory of their conversation the night before. “Are you still angry with me?”
Carmen raised an eyebrow. “That depends. Are you still planning to rush into this without a proper plan?”
Marco smirked. “No. I listened to you.”
Carmen smiled, her love for him evident in her eyes. “Good. Then I’m not angry.”
Marco leaned in, his voice low. “You were right. We do this smart. Together.”
“Together,” Carmen echoed, her hand slipping into his.
As the strike team prepared to leave, Marco and Carmen stood side by side, their bond stronger than ever. The battle ahead would test them, but for the first time, they felt truly united—a force to be reckoned with, in war and in love.
