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The Ultimate Return of Carlos 83
Carlos took a deep breath and glanced at the envelope in his hand before slowly extending it toward Deon. But just as Deon’s fingers grazed the envelope, Carlos pulled it back slightly. "Actually, Deon, how about this?" Carlos’s voice was calm but tense. "You get paid after the job’s done. That way, we know you’ll deliver as promised."For a second, the warehouse felt even more silent than before, as if the very air had paused in anticipation. Deon’s eyes slowly narrowed, his smirk fading into a look of cold disbelief. His fingers, which had been poised to grab the envelope, curled into a fist at his side."Are you serious right now?" Deon’s voice dropped low, a dangerous undertone rippling through it. He took a step forward, towering over Carlos.Carlos swallowed hard, feeling the shift in the atmosphere. Olivia and Jon exchanged uneasy glances, both sensing the storm brewing. Jon’s hand twitched slightly at his side, as if he was debating whether to reach for something – anything –
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 84
Carlos, Olivia, and Jon climbed into Olivia’s SUV, with Deon’s four hired men piling into the back, their presence looming silently over them. The tension was thick in the air as Olivia started the engine, her knuckles white against the steering wheel. Carlos, sitting in the passenger seat, turned to Jon in the back.“So what's next?” Carlos muttered, barely loud enough for the others to hear. “We can’t just charge in without knowing what we’re up against.”Jon nodded, his eyes darting nervously from Carlos to the four men in the back, who watched with steely eyes, saying nothing but making their presence known with every heavy breath. One of them, a tall, muscular man with a scar running down his cheek, leaned forward slightly as if waiting for some signal.“We should head to my apartment,” Carlos suggested, his voice firm but laced with frustration. “We’ll figure out our next move there.”Olivia hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, her eyes flicking to the rearview mirror where
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 85
Carlos’s hand shook as the cold metal of the gun pressed against Edgar’s forehead. His finger hovered over the trigger, but there was no rush, no panic. This was his moment. He'd been waiting for this confrontation for what felt like an eternity. Sweat trickled down his temple as his heartbeat thrummed loudly in his ears. The adrenaline coursing through his veins kept him on edge. His lips curled into a cold smile as he looked Edgar dead in the eye.“If you’ve got any last words, Edgar, now’s the time to say them.”The room was so tense you could hear the distant hum of machinery, the faint creak of old metal, and the harsh breathing of everyone present. Edgar’s remaining men stood motionless, guns still holstered but completely useless. Toby held them at gunpoint, both pistols unwavering in his hands as he stood a few feet away. His eyes flicked between the remaining guards and Edgar, waiting for the first sign of trouble. Toby’s fingers were tense on the triggers, but he wouldn’t fi
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 86
As the car pulled into the underground parking lot beneath Carlos's apartment, the tense silence that had followed them since the last heated exchange gave way to a new wave of exhaustion. The hum of the engine died down, replaced by the soft echo of footsteps as they all exited the vehicle, shadows dancing under the dim yellow lights overhead. The air smelled faintly of oil and concrete— an unwelcoming scent, but familiar in its own way.Carlos rubbed his neck, feeling the tension that had settled there. His eyes darted around the parking lot, as if expecting trouble to emerge from the dark corners at any moment. Old habits, he supposed. Olivia was beside him, her posture as rigid and controlled as always. Jon and Toby trailed a few steps behind, with Deon’s men, silent as ever, taking up the rear. They were like shadows— faceless, emotionless, and entirely too dangerous to underestimate."Let’s get inside before anything else happens tonight," Carlos muttered, the weariness creeping
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 87
'A FEW YEARS LATER'Carlos stirred in bed, feeling the warmth of the early morning sun filter through the curtains of their cozy bedroom. He blinked his eyes open, the soft amber light painting the room with a serene glow. Beside him, Olivia’s bare skin glistened in the light, the delicate rise and fall of her chest in sync with her soft breaths. He couldn’t help but smile. Five years had passed since the chaos that had nearly torn their lives apart, and now, in the quiet of their home in Riverdale, things felt almost perfect.He rolled over, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his fingers trailing gently down her cheek. Olivia stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Her lips curled into a sleepy smile as she stretched, her body pressing against his.“Mmm, morning,” she whispered, her voice still heavy with sleep.Carlos leaned down, kissing her softly, his hand sliding down her waist, pulling her closer. “Morning,” he murmured against her lips, the feel of her skin against his igniti
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 88
Carlos could feel the tension in the car long before they reached his office building. The twins, Alex and Alexa, had already been dropped off at school, and now it was just him and Olivia. She was focused on the road, her face calm as she navigated the morning traffic, but Carlos knew better than to think things were fine. The silence was heavy, the kind that spoke louder than words. As they pulled into the spacious parking lot of his office building, Carlos spotted a familiar vehicle ahead: a blue G-Wagon. His stomach sank. He didn't need this today. The G-Wagon belonged to Cedric, the same man who had put Carlos in the hospital a while back.The car came to a sudden stop just as Olivia was about to park. Cedric had swung his G-Wagon into their path, blocking their way. Olivia slammed on the brakes, her grip on the steering wheel tightening as the tires screeched on the asphalt.“What’s his problem?” Olivia muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing as she watched Cedric’s car i
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 89
Carlos leaned back in his office chair, exhaling a deep breath as the quiet hum of the computer died down. The day had been long— too long, in fact— but now it was finally over. He rubbed his temples, still feeling the dull ache from the confrontation that morning. Cedric’s fists had done a number on him, but he had managed to get through the day without raising too much suspicion. The pile of work on his desk was neatly organized, and with a satisfying click, he shut his monitor off. The office was eerily quiet at this hour. Most of his colleagues had left, and the familiar silence that followed after a busy workday descended upon the floor. Carlos stood up, stretched his stiff muscles, and moved toward the door. He needed to inform Jenna, his assistant, about his upcoming vacation— his first in months. A trip to his parents’ place in Mississippi seemed like the perfect escape. He could already feel the tension starting to ease just at the thought of leaving everything behind for a
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 90
Carlos woke up to the sound of birds chirping faintly outside the window, the warm morning sun peeking through the blinds. He stretched his arms, blinking against the sunlight that filtered through the room. Beside him, Olivia lay nestled under the covers, her blond curls spilling over the pillow. He smiled, his gaze softening as he watched her for a moment, peaceful in her sleep. Gently, he slid out of bed, careful not to wake her just yet. Today was a special day— the long awaited family trip to Mississippi to visit his parents. It was a trip that had been delayed far too many times, and now that it was finally happening, there was an air of excitement in the house. Even Olivia, who had asked about meeting his parents several times over the years, was more eager than usual. Carlos quietly moved around the room, grabbing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. But just as he was about to leave, Olivia stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She stretched lazily, yawning as she looked up at him
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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
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