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The Ultimate Return of Carlos 35: At a Friend Doorstep
As the first light of dawn barely peeked over the horizon, Carlos stepped out of the Stone residence, the cold morning air biting at his skin. He had left Abby behind, as promised, and now stood outside the grand mansion, glancing back one last time at the place that had given him sanctuary. It was strange, thinking that only hours ago, he had been safe inside, surrounded by walls of luxury and protection. Now, he was out in the open, vulnerable, and alone.He pulled his jacket tighter around him and took a deep breath, scanning the quiet, empty street. His mind raced as he set off down the sidewalk, cautious and alert, every sound making him glance over his shoulder. He had to move quickly. He had no idea who might be watching or if anyone had already picked up his trail.The shadows of the early morning seemed to stretch longer as Carlos quickened his pace. His thoughts drifted to Toby, his old friend and the only person who might still be able to help him. Toby had once offered to
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 36: A Deal in the Dark
After Toby brushed off Carlos's thanks with a casual, "What are friends for?" the two settled into a more comfortable conversation. Carlos ate his meal slowly, savoring the warmth and familiarity of Toby’s presence. Halfway through the meal, Carlos glanced up, a thought crossing his mind.“How’s work been?” Carlos asked, pushing his plate aside slightly. “I haven’t heard much, and it’s been…well, you know, almost four months since I last showed up.”Toby leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Work’s been fine, I guess. It’s not quite the same without you there, though. The place feels a little off, you know? Like a piece of the puzzle is missing. People have asked about you, but they don’t know the whole story.”Carlos sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not sure when I’ll be able to go back, if at all. I don’t even know if I still have a job at this point.”Toby shook his head quickly. “You don’t have to worry about your spot. The boss understands what’s going on. He’
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 37: The Exchange
The moment was tense, with the air thick and heavy as Carlos and Toby stepped further into the dimly lit warehouse. The flicker of faint light from the high, broken windows did little to dispel the darkness looming around them. Shadows seemed to shift unnaturally in the corners of the vast, cold space. The silence was deafening— too silent.Then, without warning, it all exploded.A sharp creak from behind. The doors slammed shut, echoing through the warehouse like a gunshot. From every dark corner, men emerged, faces masked in the gloom, rushing them in a violent ambush. The first hit came fast— a hard strike to Toby’s ribs that sent him staggering. Carlos spun to defend himself, narrowly dodging a punch aimed for his face, but the numbers were overwhelming. They had no time to think. Bodies slammed into them from all sides, and a flurry of fists, elbows, and knees rained down. Carlos swung wildly, managing to connect with a man’s jaw, but another grabbed him from behind, pinning his
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 38: After the Ambush
The car door slammed shut with a heavy thud, echoing in the quiet, sunlit street. Toby slid into the driver’s seat, gritting his teeth as the sharp pain from his bruises flared up. His hands were shaking slightly, still raw from the scuffle as he gripped the wheel. Carlos limped his way around the car, every step feeling like an ordeal. He opened the passenger door, dragging his sore body into the seat, and let out a low groan of discomfort. The bright midday sun spilled across the dashboard, casting long shadows, but it did nothing to ease the tension between them.The drive away from the warehouse and into the city felt both urgent and painfully slow. The sunlit roads stretched ahead of them, but neither of them could enjoy the peaceful day. Their minds were still racing, stuck in the chaos of the ambush they’d just barely escaped.And after what felt like an eternity, Carlos was the first to break the silence."Man... what the hell was that?" His voice was hoarse, filled with a mix
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 39
The doorbell rang sharply through Toby’s apartment, cutting through the low hum of the TV in the living room. It was 5 p.m., the following day after the ambush, and Carlos and Toby had spent the better part of the day trying to figure out their next move. But the unexpected sound startled them both, their muscles tensing as they exchanged a glance.Carlos grabbed the remote and shut off the TV, the room instantly plunging into an uneasy silence. "You expecting anyone?" he asked, his voice low, eyes wide.Toby shook his head. "Not a soul, man."They sat frozen for a beat, waiting, listening. The bell rang again. Louder this time, more insistent. A wave of panic swept through the room. "Who could it be?" Carlos whispered, his voice barely audible, but edged with tension. Toby shook his head. "I don’t know. And it's a rare thing for anyone to come here, without me inviting them over.."As if on instinct, Toby then reached for the gun he had been keeping nearby since yesterday’s events.
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 40
'MOMENTS LATER'Abby’s voice cut through the air like a sharp blade, her eyes narrowing as she glanced between Carlos and Toby. “What happened to your faces? Those bruises aren’t from sparring. Don’t even try lying to me.”Carlos shot a quick look at Toby, who shrugged, attempting to keep the air casual, but it was clear that Abby wasn’t buying their flimsy excuse. He sighed and rubbed his temple, trying to muster some calm. “It’s nothing, Abby. We just got into a little... disagreement, that’s all.”Toby nodded, echoing Carlos’ words as he leaned back on the couch, though his body language was stiff, as if bracing for her reaction. “Yeah, just a scuffle. You know how it is— guys being guys.”Abby crossed her arms, staring them both down as though daring them to continue their lie. “Guys being guys?” Her voice was filled with sarcasm, her gaze hard. “You think I’m an idiot? You’re not walking out of here without telling me the truth.”Carlos sighed, running a hand through his hair, fe
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 41
'THE FOLLOWING DAY'Carlos stirred awake early in the morning. The soft glow of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a warm hue across the bedroom. He blinked a few times before stretching his arms, feeling the weight of the day ahead settling on his shoulders. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, it read 6:05 AM. He groaned softly, rubbing his face, before swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Toby, who shared the room with him, was still deep in sleep, sprawled out on his back, snoring lightly.Carlos stood up, slipping on a pair of sweatpants and an old shirt. He felt the slight sting of the bruises still fresh from the encounter a few days prior, but the soreness had become a dull ache now. He ran a hand over his face, the morning air cool against his skin as he quietly padded toward the guestroom where Abby had stayed overnight.Outside her door, he hesitated for a second, unsure if he should wake her just yet. But they had a busy day ahead, and he knew she wouldn’t
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 42
'THREE MONTHS LATER'The piercing screech of Carlos's alarm shattered the peaceful quiet of his Manhattan apartment. He groaned, his hand fumbling over the nightstand, desperately reaching for his phone. His fingers finally landed on the buzzing device, and with a swift tap, he silenced the intrusive noise. The room fell back into a hushed calm, but the stillness did little to ease the weight that settled over him."Seven months," he muttered to himself, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his hand. "Seven damn months."Carlos swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his bare feet sinking into the plush carpet below. The excitement he should have felt about his first day back at work was dulled by the growing pit of anxiety in his stomach. "What will they say when I walk in?" he scolded himself, shaking his head as he made his way to the bathroom. "You disappear for months, and you think they're just going to welcome you back with open arms?"He stared at his reflection in the bathroom
Latest Chapter
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
The End
Carlos stepped out of the SUV, his eyes fixed on the modest apartment building. The tension was palpable, a coiled spring ready to snap. Miguel and a few of their men flanked him, their movements swift and precise, well rehearsed from countless operations before. But this one— this was personal.Miguel gestured toward the entrance. "We’ve got the building surrounded. No one’s getting out without us knowing."Carlos nodded, his face a mask of steely resolve as they made their way toward the building. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of anticipation building in his chest. His heart pounded in time with his footsteps, but his expression remained calm, collected.They reached the entrance, a narrow hallway leading to Olivia’s apartment on the second floor. Carlos took a deep breath, steadying himself before he climbed the stairs, Miguel close behind. The air was thick with the humid heat of Mumbai, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, but he barely noticed. His focus wa
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
106
A Few Months Later.....Carlos sat in the largest office of the company he now owned, the enormous windows stretching from floor to ceiling behind him. The room, once a place of ridicule and frustration, had become his empire— rebuilt in his image, every piece of furniture a testament to his power. Yet, despite the luxury, the carefully curated space, and the city bustling beneath him, Carlos found no peace.His hands gripped the arms of his chair, the tension in his knuckles betraying his thoughts. From this vantage point, he could see the chaotic movement of New York, the ant like people scurrying far below, unaware of the power struggles happening so high above their heads. His eyes were on the horizon, but his mind was far away.It wasn’t the money. It wasn’t the firm. Those were easy victories— too easy, if he was honest with himself. No, the real prize had always been elusive, slipping through his fingers no matter how tightly he tried to hold on. Olivia.The name alone sent a w
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
105
A few days later....Carlos wheeled out of the elevator, a low hum from its descent fading as the elevator doors hissed shut behind him. The spacious office floor that had once been a place of ambition and humiliation now stretched out before him, utterly transformed. His eyes moved over the sleek furnishings, the modern lighting, and the polished marble floors, but his mind was far from admiring the décor. He could feel the weight of every gaze in the room, every stiffened posture. Miguel, his uncle, stood beside him, tall and brooding with an unreadable expression. Behind them, Carlos’s men – all ex-military and highly trained – flanked him, their presence a silent reminder of who Carlos had become. The former worker, the man once kicked around and demeaned, was now their new boss. The heir of the Martinez empire.The low murmur of the staff hushed the moment Carlos's wheelchair moved forward with a faint electric whirr, the entire floor falling into silence. Heads turned, faces dr
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
104
A few months later.....Carlos sat quietly in the large, beautifully landscaped garden of the Martinez family estate. The sun, golden and warm, cast long rays through the trees, painting the glass walls of the house in shimmering reflections. This estate, known as the "Glass Fortress," was hidden deep within the woods, far from prying eyes, a sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world. The trees around swayed gently in the breeze, the air crisp and filled with the scent of pine and freshly cut grass. Carlos wheeled himself to the edge of the garden path, close enough to admire the serene beauty but far enough to avoid being touched by the world beyond.His fingers absentmindedly traced the cool metal of the wheelchair’s arms, but his mind was elsewhere, tangled in thoughts of his lost children and the ex-wife who had taken them. He had moments like this often, where he would retreat into the solace of nature, trying to find some peace in the rhythm of the forest, but peace always s
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
103
The following night...Carlos sat silently at the edge of the stage, his guitar resting against his knee, watching as the last of the small crowd dispersed into the fading twilight. Andrew and Peter were packing up their instruments, exchanging a few light-hearted jokes, but Carlos wasn’t in the mood for banter. His mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t stop thinking about last night, about Miguel and everything he had said. He was torn between disbelief and a gnawing curiosity that had kept him awake most of the night.“Hey, you good?” Andrew’s voice cut through his thoughts. He was standing beside Carlos, his keyboard case slung over his shoulder. “You’ve been quiet since we finished playing.”Carlos nodded, though his thoughts were still muddled. “Yeah, I’m fine,” he muttered, avoiding Andrew’s concerned gaze. “Just thinking.”Andrew raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced but didn’t push. “Well, let us know if you need anything, man. We’re here for you.”“Thanks,” Carlos replied, his t
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
102
The following evening.....Carlos’s fingers slid over the smooth strings of his guitar, his eyes shut as he strummed the chords with practiced ease. The rhythmic notes echoed through the park, melding into the cool evening air. Andrew sat beside him, his fingers dancing on the keyboard, while Peter tapped his drumsticks lightly against the cajón, filling the space with a steady beat. A small crowd had gathered around their makeshift stage, captivated by the music, swaying gently to the melody. It was a simple life, playing for strangers who’d toss spare change into their tip jar, but it was theirs. For a few hours each day, they were free. Free from the burden of life’s harsh realities, free from the pain and memories that haunted them all.As Carlos played, his gaze drifted across the crowd, briefly landing on a familiar figure. Miguel. The man from the night before. He stood just at the edge of the gathering, his broad frame silhouetted by the streetlights, arms crossed over his ch
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
101
Several years later.The subway platform was as familiar to Carlos as his own skin by now, the dim, flickering lights overhead casting long, uneven shadows across the grimy floor. The night was biting cold, seeping through the thin layers of his old jacket, but he had long stopped minding it. After all, the chill had become a constant companion. Andrew and Peter were already setting up when he rolled up in his wheelchair, the squeaky wheels echoing slightly in the nearly empty tunnel. A few people hurried past, heads down, not sparing a second glance at the trio who were about to fill the subway with their melodies. Andrew adjusted his guitar strap, his fingers hovering over the strings, testing out a few chords. He glanced at Carlos, his face creased with the weariness of life. “Ready for another night, my man?” Andrew asked, his voice gruff but kind.Carlos offered a tight lipped smile. “I’ve got nothing better to do,” he replied, positioning himself beside them. His voice, though
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
100
A few days later...Olivia sat on the cold, hard stool next to Carlos's hospital bed, staring at his motionless body. His face was pale, his breathing shallow, and the machines around him hummed and beeped rhythmically, tracking his every breath and heartbeat. The room smelled sterile, the faint scent of antiseptic in the air, and the bright, artificial light from the ceiling cast harsh shadows across his face.She crossed her legs, her foot tapping softly against the tiled floor, her hands resting on her lap as she watched him. Her mind drifted, but the smile that tugged at the corner of her lips remained— subtle but triumphant. It's done, she thought, her heart racing at the thought. After years of planning, manipulation, and waiting, her mission was finally complete. The mighty Carlos Wilson was lying before her, utterly helpless.A nurse entered the room, her soft footsteps barely audible on the floor. She smiled at Olivia, a kind but professional smile, and then turned her attent
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
99
Nearly an hour later...Olivia’s fingers gripped the steering wheel as she turned into the driveway of their family home. The soft hum of the car’s engine quieted, leaving only the excited voices of her two children, Alex and Alexa, who were both animatedly chatting about their time at the beauty shop. Alexa had chosen a two sided pony, and Alex was still giddy about his hair trim. “Mama, look! Do you think Daddy will like my ponys? And nails?” Alexa asked, holding her tiny hands up to admire the glittery pink polish as the sunlight glinted off them. Her wide eyes sparkled with joy, and Olivia forced a smile onto her face.“Yes, sweetheart, Daddy will love them. I’m sure he’ll be so proud,” Olivia replied, her voice betraying none of the turmoil churning inside her. She parked the car, the engine’s quiet purr cutting off abruptly, leaving the driveway still and eerily silent.Alex unbuckled his seatbelt with the speed of a child who couldn’t wait to share exciting news. “I can’t wait