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The Ultimate Return of Carlos 57
As Carlos drove down the dark road, his mind couldn’t shake the nagging feeling from earlier. Something was off. His grip tightened around the steering wheel, and he kept glancing in the rearview mirror as if he was expecting someone to be following him. But the road behind him was empty, and the night around him was still.He sighed, trying to relax. Maybe it was just the high from the proposal that was still messing with his head. Tonight had been perfect. He and Abby were officially engaged, something he had been dreaming of for a long time. But with her father in the mix... well, Senator Harvey was known to play dirty. Still, Abby had assured him that she could handle her father, and he trusted her. Right?Just as Carlos began to ease his foot off the gas, the roar of an engine came out of nowhere, slicing through the stillness of the night. His heart skipped a beat as a pair of bright headlights appeared in his rearview mirror, closing in fast. His stomach clenched. The lights we
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 58
The following morning arrived with an ominous stillness.Carlos Wilson stirred from the couch he had crashed on after his date with Abby the night before. The events of the evening were still fresh in his mind— the sweet laughter, the way her eyes had sparkled in the candlelight, and how, despite the pressure and tension surrounding his job and life, she'd made him forget all about it. But the moment his eyes fluttered open and he reached for his phone, the peaceful memories of the night before shattered like glass.8:57 AMThe numbers blazed from his phone screen like a fiery warning. His heart immediately pounded in his chest as the realization hit him— he was running incredibly late. His alarm hadn’t gone off, and he was supposed to be at the office by now."Shit," Carlos cursed under his breath, his voice hoarse with urgency as he swung his legs off the couch, his body still sluggish from sleep.He rushed into the restroom, grabbing his toothbrush with the desperation of a man rac
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 59
The tension in the office had grown palpable since the fight between Carlos and Cedric. The aftermath left the law firm buzzing with rumors, hushed whispers filling every corner as people speculated about the outcome. And as expected, the HR department was pulled into the fray.Carlos, still recovering from his injuries, was unable to attend the judgment meeting. The firm’s partners, Alisha and Derek, along with Tommy, Lilly and a few others from HR, gathered to determine what action should be taken against Cedric. It was clear that something had to be done, but the outcome would surprise many.-------------------------The HR meeting had begun, but the tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Alisha sat at the head of the table, her back straight and her expression cold as ice. She glanced around the conference room, noting the familiar faces of Tommy from HR and Derek, her fellow senior partner, who sat across from her with a hardened expression. Alisha had already
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 60
Carlos sat upright in his hospital bed, the harsh fluorescent light casting a pale glow over the room as Toby entered. His face looked better, though the bruises from his encounter with Cedric still lingered faintly. His slow movements gave away the internal struggle, but he was getting stronger— strong enough now to walk around the room without assistance. Toby watched as Carlos took tentative steps around the room, his legs sluggish but determined, his breaths labored but steady."Looking better, man," Toby said, offering a small smile as he grabbed a chair and sat beside the hospital bed.Carlos chuckled weakly, nodding as he made his way back to the bed. He slumped into it with a tired sigh, wiping sweat from his brow. "Better is a relative term, but I’ll take it."Toby’s smile faded quickly as the weight of their conversation loomed over them. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, fingers laced together. "So, what’s the plan, Carlos? When you come back to the firm?"
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 61
'THE FOLLOWING DAY'Carlos lay on the hospital bed, his eyes fixated on the drip hanging over his head, the slow drip of the IV liquid almost hypnotizing. His body ached, not just from the physical wounds but from the mental exhaustion that seemed to pile on with every passing day. The faint beeping of the heart monitor and the sterile smell of the hospital seemed distant as his mind wandered through the chaos that had become his life. He stared at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts. First, it was Cedric— Cedric and his relentless vendetta at work. What had started as petty office politics had escalated into a full on war, with Cedric rallying Alisha and some other board members against him. He could sense their disdain, the way they whispered in corners, their eyes always cold and calculating whenever they crossed paths. Carlos had dealt with corporate sharks before, but something about this felt more personal.His brow furrowed as his mind drifted back further, to several months ago
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 62
'MOMENTS LATER'Carlos shifted in his bed, watching Abby glance at her watch. The cold light from the bedside lamp cast soft shadows on her face, accentuating her furrowed brow. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear before sighing. "I need to go," she said softly, her voice tinged with regret. "If I’m gone too long, my father might suspect I came to see you."Carlos nodded, a tight smile pulling at his lips. He could sense the unease behind her words. His fingers brushed against hers briefly as she stood up. "I understand. I’m just glad you came." His eyes met hers with warmth. "And thank you, Abby… for agreeing to move in with me."Abby’s expression flickered with doubt, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Don’t thank me just yet, Carlos," she said, pulling her hand away and stepping toward the door. "Let’s wait and see how my father takes this news." Her voice was firm, but there was an edge of fear, a knowing fear that the battle had only just begun.Carlos exhaled slow
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 63
Abby could feel her pulse thundering in her ears as she stood in the middle of the study, her father’s words hanging heavy in the air. "If you walk out of here and move in with him, don’t bother coming back....when your stupid actions consequence comes biting down on you." Her chest tightened, a suffocating heat spreading from the pit of her stomach up to her throat. She had expected a fight, had braced herself for it, but hearing those words... It still felt like a slap in the face.Her father’s face remained stone cold, hard, and unforgiving. Senator Gerald Stone had made his ultimatum clear— his words cutting through her like shards of ice. She stared at him, biting back the tears that threatened to spill, her eyes narrowing with a mixture of defiance and pain.Without another word, Abby stormed out of the room, her heels clicking sharply on the polished floor as she turned her back on her father. The suffocating weight of his disappointment pressed down on her shoulders, but she f
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 64
Abby rushed down the hallway, her feet barely touching the floor as her slides gently clicked against the marble tiles. Her chest was tight, her vision blurred from the tears threatening to spill over, but she held them back— just enough to get to the restroom. Her mind was racing, the sting of her father’s hand still fresh on her cheek, but it was the words he’d said, the venom in his voice, that crushed her spirit. She pushed open the door of the lavish restroom and immediately locked it behind her.Once inside, she collapsed against the door, her body sliding down until she was sitting on the cold floor. Her breaths came out in short gasps as the tears she had been holding back poured down her face. Abby buried her head in her hands, her shoulders shaking as sobs wracked her body. The enormity of everything hit her at once— the slap, the betrayal, the fact that her own father had turned against her in the worst way possible. It felt as if her heart was breaking in a million pieces,
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- 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
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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
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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