Marco stepped into the conference room, his expression cold and unreadable, his presence commanding the attention of every person seated at the long, sleek table.
Men in sharp suits straightened in their chairs, their eyes filled with anticipation and tension.
His empire was on the line, and after the chaos of the last few weeks, he needed to reassert control.
He set his stack of documents on the table with a heavy thud, his jaw tightening as he took his seat at the head.
But as he lifted his gaze, his entire body froze.
Sitting across from him, with her back straight and her chin high, was Carmen.
Marco’s stomach twisted in rage.
Of course.
He had been so consumed with everything else, he had almost forgotten—they still shared this empire.
And that meant she had every right to be here.
His fingers curled into fists.
Just seeing her sitting there, looking so calm, so composed, like she wasn’t the very person who had stabbed him in the back—
It made his blood boil. Carmen, however, didn’t look rattled. She simply held his gaze, her eyes steady, unflinching. She wasn’t scared of him. And for some reason, that pissed him off even more.
The meeting began, voices droning on about missing shipments, intercepted deals, potential threats from rival families.
But Marco wasn’t listening. Not really. His mind was still stuck on Carmen. She was right here.
And yet—he couldn’t touch her.
Couldn’t drag her out of this room and make her answer for what she had done.
Because despite everything, she still had power.
As soon as the meeting ended, Marco pushed back his chair, ready to leave before Carmen could speak.
But she was faster. She stood abruptly, moving toward him with purpose.
“Marco,” she said firmly. He gritted his teeth, his body tense.
“I found something on Ella.”
Marco exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “I don’t have time for your bullshit, Carmen,” he muttered, turning away.
She grabbed his wrist.
“Marco, listen to me—”
He yanked his arm away, stepping closer, his eyes dark with fury. “You are a f**king traitor,” he growled.
Carmen didn’t flinch.
“I didn’t betray you,” she shot back. “Someone set me up, and you were too blind to see it.”
Marco let out a harsh, bitter laugh.
“You think I’m stupid?” he hissed. “You think I don’t know the truth?”
He leaned in, his voice low, dangerous.
“You should be glad I didn’t expose your ass in there,” he whispered. “Because if I did, they would’ve assassinated you on the spot.”