The Double Life of My Pregnant Ex-Wife (Carmen and Marco) novel Chapter 58

The aftermath of Giovanni’s execution rippled through the Venetti family like a stone dropped into a still pond. In the days that followed, tension simmered among Marco’s men. Conversations grew quieter, glances sharper, and the once-solid circle of trust surrounding Marco and Carmen now felt fractured and fragile.

Marco stood in the center of the war room, his advisors gathered around him. Maps and reports lay scattered across the table, but the usual air of efficiency was missing. Sergio Montini broke the silence, his tone cautious.

“You acted decisively, Marco,” Sergio began, his words slow and deliberate. “But some of the men are uneasy. Giovanni was… respected.”

“Giovanni was a traitor,” Marco said flatly, his gaze sweeping the room. “Respected or not, he betrayed this family. Anyone who doubts my actions is welcome to leave.”

The room shifted uncomfortably. Pietro, one of Marco’s senior advisors, spoke up. “No one’s questioning the need to deal with betrayal, Marco. But the way it happened… it’s not sitting right with everyone.”

“What way?” Marco asked coldly.

Pietro hesitated, then glanced at Carmen, who stood quietly by Marco’s side. “Some think her influence is… steering you in directions you wouldn’t have taken before.”

The room fell silent, the weight of Pietro’s words hanging heavy. Carmen straightened, her expression calm but unyielding.

“Let me be clear,” Carmen said, her voice cutting through the tension. “Giovanni’s betrayal had nothing to do with influence. It was about survival. If Marco hadn’t acted, we’d be picking up the pieces of another attack right now. Do you think Giovanni would have spared your lives if he’d succeeded?”