The Double Life of My Pregnant Ex-Wife (Carmen and Marco) novel Chapter 53

The Venetti estate bustled with activity. Couriers came and went through the gates, men gathered in quiet groups strategizing, and the faint sound of construction echoed as repairs to the damaged eastern outposts were underway. Inside the grand hall, Marco stood at the head of a long table, surrounded by his closest advisors. Carmen sat to his right, her sharp eyes scanning the room as she listened to the latest reports.

“The southern territories are stable for now,” Sergio Montini said, his voice measured. “But there’s unrest among the smaller factions. With Arianna gone, they’re questioning whether we can maintain control.”

Marco nodded, his expression unreadable. “And what’s their alternative? Chaos?”

Sergio shrugged. “Some are testing their limits, seeing how far they can push.”

“We can’t afford weakness,” Marco said firmly, his voice cutting through the murmurs. “Reward the loyal families. Make it clear that siding with us will benefit them. For anyone thinking of stepping out of line…” He paused, his gaze sweeping the room. “Send a message. Quietly, but firmly.”

Carmen leaned forward, her tone calm but authoritative. “Brute force won’t be enough. The smaller factions are opportunistic—they’ll respond to stability and clear leadership. We should focus on shoring up resources, ensuring supply lines are secure, and showing them that siding with us is in their best interest.”

Pietro, one of Marco’s older advisors, frowned. “With all due respect, Mrs. Venetti, these men don’t care about supply lines. They respect strength.”

“And strength means nothing if you can’t hold it,” Carmen replied smoothly. “Control the resources, and you control the power. They’ll fall in line when they see we’re not just surviving—we’re thriving.”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, though Pietro’s expression remained skeptical. Marco glanced at him, his tone sharp. “She’s right. Execute her plan.”

Pietro gave a curt nod, though his lips pressed into a thin line.

The meeting continued, but Carmen could feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. Marco’s older allies weren’t used to taking orders from her, and she knew they resented her growing influence. But there was no time to dwell on their discontent. The empire had to come first.

***

Later that evening, Marco found Luca waiting for him in his office, a folder in his hand and a grim expression on his face.

“What is it?” Marco asked, shutting the door behind him.

Luca placed the folder on the desk. “A faction of mercenaries survived the compound’s destruction. They’ve gone underground, regrouping. I’ve got men tracking them, but they’re moving carefully—whoever’s leading them knows how to stay hidden.”

Marco’s jaw tightened as he flipped through the papers. “Do we know how many?”

“Enough to cause problems,” Luca replied. “And that’s not the worst part.”

Marco looked up sharply. “Go on.”

Luca hesitated, his tone dropping. “We think someone inside your circle is feeding them information.”

The weight of the words hung in the air. Marco’s eyes darkened as he leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. “You’re sure?”

“No,” Luca admitted. “But the way they’re moving… it’s like they know exactly where our men are. It’s too precise to be a coincidence.”

Marco clenched his fists, his voice low and dangerous. “Find out who it is. Quietly. If there’s a traitor in my house, I want their name.”

Luca nodded. “I’m on it.”

***

Carmen sat in the nursery, her newborn son cradled in her arms. The soft glow of the evening sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm light over the room. For a brief moment, the chaos of the world outside seemed distant, replaced by the quiet rhythm of her child’s breathing.

But the moment of peace didn’t last.