Chapter 63
The sky outside the estate glowed with the faint hues of dawn, but the devastation left by the Consortium’s attack was still raw. Guards moved through the grounds, collecting weapons and bodies, their faces grim. Inside the estate, the heavy silence spoke louder than any words.
Carmen sat in the nursery, her son cradled against her chest. The baby, unaware of the chaos that had surrounded them, slept soundly, his tiny hand curled into her shirt. But Carmen’s mind was far from peaceful.
Marco entered quietly, his shirt stained with dirt and blood, though none of it was his own. He paused in the doorway, his gaze softening as he took in the sight of Carmen and the baby.
“You should rest,” he said, his voice low.
Carmen looked up at him, her eyes tired but sharp. “So should you.”
Marco stepped inside, leaning against the wall as he ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t. Not after this.”
Carmen adjusted the baby, placing him gently into his crib before standing to face Marco. “They came for us, Marco. For him.” Her voice wavered, but only slightly. “And it won’t stop until we stop them.”
Marco crossed the room, his hands resting on her shoulders. “I’ll protect you. Both of you. No matter what it takes.”
“You can’t do it alone,” Carmen said, her eyes locking with his. “I won’t let you.”
Marco’s grip tightened slightly, his voice filled with quiet intensity. “I need you safe, Carmen. If anything happened to you…”
Carmen reached up, cupping his face in her hands. “We don’t win this if I’m sitting on the sidelines. I’m not just your wife, Marco. I’m your partner. And I’m not going to stand by while you fight this war alone.”
For a moment, Marco said nothing, his eyes searching hers. Then he exhaled, his forehead resting against hers. “You’re stubborn, you know that?”
Carmen smiled faintly. “It’s why you love me.”
Marco chuckled softly, though the sound was tinged with weariness. “I do.”
He pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her as if holding her could shield her from the dangers ahead. “I swear to you, Carmen. I’ll protect this family. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“And I’ll be right there beside you,” Carmen replied, her voice steady. “Every step of the way.”
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Sergio stepped forward, his hand extended to Marco. “The Montini family stands with you. Let’s show these cowards what happens when they cross us.”
Marco shook his hand firmly. “Together.”
As the meeting adjourned, the room filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Plans were set into motion, alliances solidified, and the path to war became inevitable.
Marco and Carmen lingered in the room after the others had left, standing side by side as they looked over the maps and plans spread across the table.
“This is just the beginning,” Marco said quietly.
Carmen placed a hand on his arm, her touch steady. “Then let’s make sure we finish it.”
Marco turned to her, a faint smile breaking through his grim expression. “You know, I think I finally understand what you meant. We’re stronger together.”
Carmen smiled back, her confidence unwavering. “It’s about time you figured that out.”
As they stood there, united in purpose and resolve, the future still loomed uncertain. But one thing was clear: the Venetti family would not go down without a fight.
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