The Double Life of My Pregnant Ex-Wife (Carmen and Marco) novel Chapter 89

Meanwhile, Carmen was hard at work reshaping the Venetti family’s operations. She met with a group of advisors in the estate’s library, laying out her vision for the future.

“We can’t rely solely on the old ways,” Carmen said, her voice steady. “Violence and fear aren’t sustainable. We need legitimate businesses—investments that provide stability for us and our allies.”

One advisor, an older man named Emilio, leaned forward. “And you think the other families will just follow along?”

“They will,” Carmen said confidently. “Because we’re not asking them to abandon power. We’re offering them security. Their businesses will grow, their people will be protected, and their children won’t have to inherit a world of bloodshed.”

Emilio nodded slowly, the wisdom in Carmen’s words beginning to take root.

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Not everyone was convinced so easily. Carmen met privately with Matteo Ricci, a skeptical ally known for his conservative views.

“This ‘softer’ approach of yours,” Matteo said, his tone skeptical. “It sounds good, but what happens when someone challenges you? When they see kindness as weakness?”

Carmen held his gaze, unshaken. “Kindness isn’t weakness, Matteo. It’s strength. And when someone challenges us, we’ll meet them with the same resolve we always have. But building alliances doesn’t mean giving up power. It means securing it in a smarter way.”