All Chapters of The Ex-Con billionaire war God: Chapter 1
- Chapter 7
7 chapters
The war God returns
The grand ballroom of the Rosewood Manor glittered with crystal chandeliers and champagne flutes, but Marco Benedetti saw none of it. His calloused fingers gripped the velvet box in his coat pocket as he stared at the iron gates before him, security guards blocking his path like sentries guarding a fortress."Sorry, pal. Private event," the taller guard said, his meaty hand pressing against Marco's chest. "No invitation, no entry."Marco's jaw tightened. Five years. Five years he'd spent building an empire in blood and steel, becoming the most feared man in the underground world. Kings and presidents knew his name. Warlords trembled at his approach. Yet here he stood, barred from entering by two rent-a-cops who probably couldn't spell his name."I need to see Oriana Caruso," Marco said, his voice low and controlled. "Tell her Marco Benedetti is here."The second guard, shorter but stockier, burst into laughter. "Marco who? Listen, buddy, we get guys like you every week. Some nobody cl
A proposal born of spite
The ballroom felt like a courtroom, every eye a judge passing sentence on Marco Benedetti. He stood there, ring box still extended, while Oriana regarded him with the warmth of a glacier."You're embarrassing yourself, Marco," Oriana said, her voice carrying across the silent room. "Look at you. You show up here in that pathetic suit, tracking dirt across floors that cost more to install than you'll earn in a decade. Did you really think I'd throw away everything for a convict?""A convict who sacrificed five years for your family," Marco said quietly, lowering the ring box. "Or have you forgotten that part?""Sacrificed?" A woman's shrill laugh cut through the tension. Giovanna Russo, Oriana's cousin, pushed through the crowd, her designer dress shimmering under the chandeliers. "Is that what you're calling it now? You went to prison because you committed a crime, you pathetic loser."Giovanna stopped beside Oriana, her face twisted in contempt. "God, the audacity of this trash. You
Family judgement
The D'Angelo residence buzzed with afternoon chatter, sunlight streaming through lace curtains onto tables laden with pastries and coffee. Cassio D'Angelo held court in the center of the living room, his chest puffed out like a peacock as relatives gathered around."Fifteen years we've invested in that girl," Cassio announced, gesturing broadly with his espresso cup. "Fifteen years of feeding her, clothing her, educating her. And now it's finally paying off. My Isabella is marrying Mr. Richard Duran—owner of Duran Demolition and Construction. The man's worth forty-two million dollars!"Mariella D'Angelo dabbed her eyes with an embroidered handkerchief. "Our little charity project is marrying up. Who would have thought? When we took her in, she was just a skinny thing with holes in her shoes.""Forty-two million?" Aunt Teresa, Cassio's sister, leaned forward with a skeptical frown. "Isn't Richard Duran that old man who smells like cigars and mothballs? I saw him at the country club las
Hidden plans
The apartment Marco had rented was modest by his standards—a clean two-bedroom in a middle-class neighborhood, furnished simply but comfortably. Nothing like the palaces he'd lived in overseas, but he'd learned long ago that true power didn't announce itself with marble columns and golden fixtures.He stood by the window, watching the city lights flicker in the distance, his phone pressed to his ear. Behind him, Isabella moved through the small kitchen, her movements uncertain in this new space that was now supposed to be home."Luca," Marco said quietly into the phone, his voice carrying the edge of command that had made warlords obey. "I need you to handle something for me.""Anything, Boss." Luca Romano's voice came through crisp and immediate, despite the late hour. "What do you need?""The gifts that were delivered to Oriana Caruso this afternoon—the fifteen million in jewelry and cash from the 'Quinton family.'" Marco's lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile. "I wa
The Quinton Deception
Isabella woke before dawn, her stomach churning with anxiety. She'd barely slept, her mind replaying her parents' desperate voices through the thin wall. By the time pale morning light filtered through the apartment window, she'd already showered and dressed in her most professional outfit—a gray pencil skirt and white blouse that had seen better days.Marco was already awake, sitting at the small kitchen table with a cup of black coffee and his phone. He looked up as she emerged, taking in her nervous energy."You don't have to go in today," he said quietly."Yes, I do." Isabella grabbed her worn leather bag. "If there's any chance I can help salvage something at the company, I need to try. Besides, staying here will just make me crazy.""Isabella—""I'll be fine, Marco. Really." She forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'll see you tonight."She was gone before he could argue, the door clicking shut behind her with a finality that made Marco's jaw tighten. He pulled out his p
Aria’s return
Marco's phone buzzed as he sat reviewing the Vermillion Group acquisition documents. The caller ID showed a name he hadn't seen in years: Giovanni Marchetti."Marco Benedetti?" Giovanni's voice boomed through the speaker, full of forced enthusiasm. "Man, it's been forever! How've you been?""Giovanni." Marco kept his tone neutral. Giovanni had been their high school class monitor—the guy who organized everything, knew everyone's business, and loved being the center of attention. "It's been a while.""Ten years, man! Look, I'm calling about our class reunion. It's this Saturday at Serene Villa. You coming?"Marco's first instinct was to decline. High school hadn't exactly been filled with fond memories—not when you were the kid who could only afford one meal a day and wore the same three shirts in rotation."I don't know, Giovanni. I'm pretty busy—""Come on, you have to come! Aria Lombardi is going to be there. You remember her, right? She's a huge pop star now. Everyone wants to see
The Rolls-Royce arrival
Marco stood outside Serene Villa, the cool air a welcome relief from the suffocating atmosphere inside. He was about to call for a rideshare when his phone buzzed. Isabella's name flashed on the screen."Marco?" Her voice sounded strained. "I'm sorry to bother you, but... Grandmother Maria is hosting a dinner tonight. She's insisting you attend.""A dinner?""She says there's an important guest." Isabella paused. "I think it's that man—Matteo Quinton. Oriana's been bragging all day about introducing him to the family. Grandmother wants everyone there, including us. She specifically said you need to come."Marco's jaw tightened. So the fraud was being paraded before the family already. "What time?""Seven o'clock. At the Caruso estate." Isabella's voice dropped to a whisper. "Marco, I know it's going to be awful. They'll probably mock you the entire time. If you don't want to go, I can make an excuse—""I'll be there," Marco said firmly. "Text me the address. I'll meet you there.""Are