The Double Life of My Pregnant Ex-Wife (Carmen and Marco) novel Chapter 49

The Venetti estate buzzed with quiet urgency as men moved in and out of rooms, carrying fresh ammunition, reviewing maps, and relaying updates over crackling radios. In the main war room, Carmen stood at the center of it all, focused and unwavering as she studied the map pinned across the table. Each point marked with red ink told the story of what remained—territories they controlled, areas lost, and the shadow of Arianna creeping closer.

Luca entered briskly, brushing raindrops off his jacket as he approached. “We’ve located Arianna,” he announced, his voice low but certain.

Carmen and Marco both looked up from the map, their gazes sharp.

“Where is she?” Marco demanded, stepping closer, his arms crossed.

“She’s holed up in a compound deep in neutral territory,” Luca explained, setting a folder on the table. He flipped it open, revealing aerial photographs of a sprawling estate surrounded by dense trees and guarded perimeters. “It’s heavily fortified—Emilio’s mercenaries are stationed all around it. She’s dug in deep.”

Carmen’s brow furrowed as she leaned over the photos, scanning the details. “This isn’t just a hideout. She’s building a fortress.”

Marco’s jaw tightened. “It won’t save her.”

“It won’t be easy either,” Luca added, his tone serious. “The compound’s position gives them a clear advantage. Anyone who tries to get close will be torn apart.”

Carmen looked at Luca. “How many men does she have?”

“Hard to say,” Luca replied. “At least fifty mercenaries, maybe more. They’ve got heavy artillery and patrols covering every angle.”

Marco swore under his breath, slamming his hand against the table. “She’s cornered, but she’s using that to her advantage.”

“She’s stalling for something,” Carmen said, frowning. “Arianna wouldn’t just hide unless she was buying time. She’s planning something bigger.”

Luca hesitated before adding, “There’s more. One of my contacts intercepted a message sent from the compound. Arianna’s made a new alliance—an international arms dealer named Viktor Sokolov.”

The name dropped like a bomb in the room, and Marco straightened, his expression turning darker. “Sokolov?”

Luca nodded grimly. “The same. He’s supplying her with high-grade weapons—military-level firepower.”

Carmen’s stomach sank as she looked at Marco. “This changes everything.”

Marco’s fists clenched. “She’s bringing outsiders into this? Fine. We take her out before she has time to use those weapons.”

“We can’t rush this,” Carmen said sharply, earning a glare from Marco. “We can’t fight fire with fire. If Arianna’s armed with Sokolov’s resources, a head-on assault will get our men killed.”

Marco didn’t argue, though his silence crackled with tension. Finally, he turned to Luca. “I want every detail you can find on Sokolov—contacts, supply lines, meeting points. If Arianna’s relying on him, then we cut off her access to his weapons.”

“On it,” Luca replied before leaving the room with swift determination.

Carmen remained by the table, staring at the photos of the compound as Marco paced nearby, his boots thudding against the floor. “We need time to weaken her position,” she said finally. “If we move too soon, we’ll walk right into her hands.”

Marco stopped pacing, turning to face her. “Time isn’t something we have, Carmen.”

“We’ll make time,” she replied, her voice firm. “If Arianna’s arming herself, then every step we take has to count. We can’t afford to lose.”