Chapter 84
The abandoned estate loomed like a shadow against the evening sky, its crumbling walls and overgrown grounds a fitting stage for the battle to come. Inside, Carmen stood in the center of the grand hall, her voice calm but commanding as she addressed the Venetti allies gathered around her.
“We’ve made sure the word is out,” Carmen said, her gaze sweeping over the group. “Rafael believes this is an alliance meeting. He’ll come prepared to destroy us, but what he doesn’t know is that every inch of this place is rigged to work in our favor.”
Sergio Montini nodded, his cane tapping against the floor as he surveyed the room. “The traps are set, and the escape routes are secured. All we need now is for Rafael to walk into the lion’s den.”
Marco, standing at Carmen’s side, crossed his arms. “When he does, we finish this. No hesitation, no mercy.”
Luca approached, his tone grim. “Our men are stationed in the outer perimeter. As soon as Rafael’s forces break through the gates, we’ll drive them toward the traps. But it won’t be easy—he’s desperate.”
“Desperate men make mistakes,” Carmen said firmly. “And that’s what we’ll use against him.”
Marco’s gaze lingered on her, a flicker of pride in his eyes. She was calm, focused, and unshaken. “You’ve thought of everything,” he said softly.
“I’ve had a good teacher,” Carmen replied, her lips curving into a faint smile.
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When Rafael’s forces arrived, it was with the ferocity of a hurricane. Vehicles roared onto the estate grounds, their headlights cutting through the darkness as armed men poured out, weapons at the ready.
Rafael stood at the forefront, his sharp eyes scanning the estate. “They’re here,” he said, a cruel smile playing on his lips. “This is where the Venettis fall.”
The first wave of his men breached the gates, their movements swift and practiced. But as they moved deeper into the estate, the Venettis’ traps sprang into action. Explosions erupted from hidden mines, cutting through Rafael’s ranks and scattering his forces.
“Fall back! Regroup!” Rafael shouted, his confidence faltering as the chaos unfolded.
Inside the estate, Marco directed his men with precision, his voice carrying over the din of battle. “Push them toward the inner courtyard! Keep them contained!”
Carmen moved through the shadows, her weapon steady as she took out one of Rafael’s lieutenants. The fight was brutal, the air filled with the clash of gunfire and the shouts of men.
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In the midst of the chaos, Carmen found herself in one of the estate’s grand hallways, the distant sound of battle echoing around her. She turned a corner and came face-to-face with Rafael.
“Well, well,” Rafael said, his smile venomous. “The queen herself. Tell me, Carmen, how does it feel to play second to your husband’s failures?”
Carmen raised her weapon, her stance steady. “Your time is up, Rafael. It’s over.”
Rafael laughed, his eyes gleaming with malice. “You think you’ve won? You’ve only delayed the inevitable. You’re just another pawn in Marco’s game.”
Carmen didn’t flinch. “You don’t get to talk about Marco. Not after everything you’ve done.”
Rafael lunged at her, knocking the weapon from her hands. The two grappled, the fight raw and desperate as Rafael’s strength clashed with Carmen’s determination.
“You ruined everything!” Rafael spat, his grip tightening as he tried to pin her. “Your family, your empire—it should’ve been mine!”
Carmen twisted free, grabbing a shard of broken wood from the floor and slamming it into Rafael’s side. He howled in pain, stumbling back just enough for her to retrieve her weapon.
Breathing hard, Carmen leveled the gun at him, her voice cold. “This is for everything you’ve taken from us.”
Rafael’s eyes widened as the shot rang out. He fell to the ground, the fight draining from him as Carmen stood over him, her hands steady despite the weight of the moment.
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By the time Marco found her, the battle was winding down. The sound of gunfire had faded, replaced by the distant shouts of men securing the estate. He stopped short when he saw Rafael’s body at Carmen’s feet.
“Carmen,” Marco said, his voice a mix of relief and concern.
She turned to him, her face pale but resolute. “It’s done,” she said simply.
Marco crossed the room, pulling her into his arms. “You did it,” he murmured, his hold tightening.
“We did it,” Carmen corrected, leaning into him.
For a moment, the chaos around them faded, leaving only the two of them. They had faced the storm together, and now, they stood on the other side, stronger than ever.
“We’ll rebuild,” Marco said softly. “Stronger, better. For us. For him.”
Carmen nodded, her hand finding his. “And we’ll do it together.”
As they stood in the ruins of Rafael’s estate, their love and partnership felt unshakable—a force that no enemy could ever break.
