Chapter 90
The Venetti estate hummed with quiet determination as Marco moved through the hallways, preparing for another round of meetings. He had spent the past weeks reaching out to allies who had questioned his leadership during the war, determined to rebuild the trust he had lost.
Marco stepped into the study where Enzo and Sergio waited, each holding reports from their respective territories.
“What’s the status on the Montini family?” Marco asked, taking a seat at the head of the table.
“They’re cautious but willing to listen,” Sergio said. “Your honesty surprised them. They didn’t expect you to own up to past mistakes.”
Marco leaned back, exhaling slowly. “It’s not just about owning up. It’s about showing them that we’re stronger now—that we’ve learned.”
Enzo nodded. “It’s working, boss. Slowly, but it’s working.”
Marco glanced at the doorway as Carmen entered, carrying a stack of papers. “And what about the next steps?” she asked, setting the papers on the table.
“I’ve got a few more meetings lined up,” Marco replied. “But I think we’re making progress.”
Carmen smiled, her presence immediately lightening the room. “Good. Because we’re going to need all the allies we can get.”
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Later that day, Carmen held a meeting of her own in the estate’s library. She addressed a group of trusted advisors, laying out her vision for the Venetti family’s future.
“We’ve relied on force for too long,” she began, her tone calm but firm. “It’s brought us power, but it’s also brought us chaos. If we want to survive—not just for ourselves, but for the next generation—we need to adapt.”
The advisors exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement while others seemed unsure.
“Our focus should be on building legitimate businesses,” Carmen continued. “Trade, real estate, investments. These will provide stability and security for us and our allies. And they’ll give our children a future that isn’t defined by violence.”
One advisor, Emilio, raised an eyebrow. “And you think the other families will just accept this?”
“They will if we show them it works,” Carmen replied confidently. “We lead by example.”
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Carmen’s resolve was tested that afternoon when she met privately with Matteo Ricci, a skeptical ally with a reputation for valuing tradition over innovation.
“This vision of yours,” Matteo said, leaning back in his chair. “It sounds… idealistic. But what happens when someone decides they don’t want to play nice? When they see you as weak?”
Carmen didn’t waver. “Kindness and stability aren’t weaknesses, Matteo. They’re strengths. And when someone challenges us, we’ll meet them with the same resolve we always have. The difference is that we’ll be building something worth protecting, not just fighting for survival.”
Matteo studied her, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. “You’ve got guts, Carmen. Alright. I’ll give you a chance to prove it.”
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That evening, the estate came alive with the sounds of laughter and conversation as Marco and Carmen hosted a dinner for their allies. The grand dining hall was adorned with warm lighting, and the air buzzed with the scents of rich food and wine.
As the meal progressed, Carmen stood to address the room. Her presence commanded attention, and the room fell silent.
“We’ve faced trials that tested all of us,” she began. “But we survived because we stood together. Now, we have the chance to build something stronger—something lasting. With your support, we can create a future that honors our past without repeating its mistakes.”
The applause was warm, and as Carmen took her seat, Marco leaned over, his voice low. “You were incredible.”
“So were you,” she replied, a small smile playing on her lips.
The dinner was a success, solidifying their allies’ support and reaffirming their leadership.
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But the evening took a darker turn as the last of their guests left the estate. A courier approached Marco and Carmen with a sealed envelope marked with no return address. Marco opened it, his expression darkening as he read the brief but chilling message inside:
“We are not finished. The Consortium never dies.”
Marco handed the note to Carmen, his jaw tightening.
“Looks like the war isn’t over after all,” she said quietly, her voice steady despite the chill that ran down her spine.
Marco wrapped an arm around her, his gaze hard. “Then we’ll be ready. Together.”
As the night deepened, the Venettis prepared for the next battle, their bond stronger than ever and their determination unshaken.
