The Double Life of My Pregnant Ex-Wife (Carmen and Marco) novel Chapter 10

Marco’s instincts told him to tread carefully, but Arianna’s advice had proven valuable. Every move she suggested yielded results. Slowly, she began to weave herself deeper into his operations, becoming more than just a consultant.

Marco told himself that Carmen’s departure was nothing more than a distraction he didn’t need. If she wasn’t strong enough to stand by his side, he couldn’t let it derail him. Besides, Arianna’s involvement was giving him the edge he needed against the De Lucas.

Still, a nagging thought persisted. What if Carmen’s reasons for leaving weren’t as simple as pride?

…

Meanwhile, across the city, Arianna sat in a dimly lit private room of an upscale restaurant. The ambiance was quiet yet sophisticated, the low hum of other diners providing a muted backdrop to her meeting.

Enzo, a burly enforcer with sharp eyes that belied his otherwise brutish demeanor, leaned forward, suspicion etched on his face. “You’ve been cozying up to Venetti for weeks now. What’s your endgame, Arianna?”

She smiled, picking up her wine glass and swirling its contents lazily. “Patience, Enzo. Marco Venetti is a proud man, but pride makes people predictable.”

Sofia, a wiry woman with piercing eyes that missed nothing, watched Arianna carefully. “Predictable how?”

Arianna set her glass down, her tone cool and measured. “Marco thinks he’s using me. He believes I’m under his control, a pawn in his game. But the truth is, I’m the one pulling the strings.”

Enzo raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. “You’re sure he trusts you?”

Arianna let out a soft laugh, the sound as smooth as silk. “Trust is irrelevant. Marco is angry, distracted, desperate to maintain his grip on power. I’m giving him exactly what he thinks he wants—control over me. That illusion is all he needs to let me deeper into his world.”

Sofia exchanged a glance with Enzo, her lips pressing into a thin line. “And when he figures out what you’re doing?”

Arianna’s smirk widened. “By the time he realizes, it’ll be too late. He’ll have already handed me everything.”

The two De Luca associates sat back, their skepticism slowly giving way to understanding. Arianna had always been a master of manipulation, and it was clear she had Venetti right where she wanted him.

Enzo grunted. “For your sake, this better work. If it doesn’t, you know what happens.”