Chapter 88
The next morning, the Venetti estate buzzed with renewed energy as Marco and Carmen stood side by side in the main hall. Their allies gathered, curious but hopeful about what the day would bring.
Marco addressed them first, his voice strong and steady. “The war is over, but our work is not. We’ve survived the worst, and now we rebuild—stronger, smarter, and united.”
Carmen stepped forward, her presence commanding but warm. “This family is built on trust and loyalty. Together, we’ll create a future that honors the sacrifices we’ve made and protects the generations to come.”
The room filled with murmurs of agreement, the tension of the past weeks beginning to ease.
Marco glanced at Carmen, pride evident in his expression. In that moment, it was clear to everyone that the Venetti family was not just a force to be reckoned with—it was a family built on love, trust, and the unbreakable bond between its leaders.
As their son’s laughter echoed from another room, Marco and Carmen shared a look, their hands brushing briefly before turning to face their allies once more. The future was theirs to shape, and they would do it together.
***
Marco sat in his office, staring at the list of names in his hand. Each name represented an ally whose faith in him had been shaken during the war. These were people who had once stood firmly by his side but now harbored doubts about his leadership.
“Do you think they’ll listen?” Marco asked, glancing at Carmen, who stood near the window.
“They’ll listen,” she said confidently, turning to face him. “But you have to be honest with them. Admit your mistakes. Show them you’ve learned from this.”
Marco exhaled, rubbing his temples. “Humility doesn’t come easily to me.”
Carmen walked over, resting a hand on his shoulder. “It’s not about humility. It’s about trust. If they see the real you—the man who’s willing to fight for them, to rebuild—they’ll come back.”
Later that afternoon, Marco met with one of his most vocal critics, Alessandro Costa, the head of a smaller family that had suffered heavy losses during the war.
“You’ve got some nerve asking for a meeting after what happened,” Alessandro said, his tone sharp as he sat across from Marco.
“I know I failed you,” Marco said bluntly. “I made decisions that cost lives. I should’ve planned better, listened more. For that, I’m sorry.”
Alessandro frowned, surprised by Marco’s candor. “And what’s stopping you from making those same mistakes again?”
“I’ve learned,” Marco replied. “From my failures, from my wife. Carmen has shown me a better way forward—one that doesn’t rely on brute force but on unity and strategy. We can rebuild stronger, but I need your help to do it.”
After a long pause, Alessandro nodded. “You’re lucky you’ve got her. Alright, Marco. I’ll give you one more chance.”
