Chapter 78: Another Strategy

Ana
Everything had felt chaotic lately. At some point, I thought this wasn’t my fight anymore, that I should pass the burden to someone else. But it was clear in my eyes—the anger, all that rage building up within me. I was tired of pretending I could afford to be soft. I was wrong.
I still had time to finish what I started. This was about absolute control; I was convinced it was my path. Absolute control over the Italian mafia, Ana Salvatore and nothing else. I’d use everything in my favor.
So with that in mind, I fixed my gaze on the extended map spread out on the table. Each marked point represented a possible location, a clue to unravel the enigma surrounding Luisa and her network of influences. I couldn’t afford to waste time.
Martin entered the room, his steps barely audible on the carpet.
“Are you sure this is the right move?” he asked.
I looked at him, determination burning in my eyes.
“There’s no other choice, Martin. Luisa has destroyed everything I ever loved. Dante is trapped in a nightmare, and I won’t stop until I free him.”
Martin nodded, though his concern was palpable.
“We must proceed with caution. We can’t afford mistakes.”
“I know. But I also know I can’t wait any longer. Every day that passes, Dante sinks deeper into the character Luisa has imposed on him. We have to act now.”
We spent the next few hours plotting plans, analyzing possible routes, and assessing the forces at our disposal. It was exhausting, but adrenaline and anger kept my mind sharp.
At dawn, Martin brewed coffee. He handed me a cup, his eyes searching mine.
“Ana, you need to rest. You can’t keep going like this indefinitely.”
I took a sip of the coffee, feeling its warmth spread through my tired body.
“I’ll rest when Dante is safe. For now, we have work to do.”
A couple of hours later, the doorbell rang. Martin went to answer it, and I was surprised to see Nick and Carol enter. Their faces held a mix of urgency and seriousness.
“New information,” Nick began, his voice urgent. “Luisa is on the move, planning something big. We can’t wait any longer.”
A knot formed in my stomach. Time was running out.
“What do you know?” I asked.
Carol unfolded a map, laying it next to mine. “She’s increased security at these locations. We believe she’s moving Raphael—probably for a high-risk mission. It’s our chance to intercept him and break him free from her control.”
“So, what’s the plan?” I leaned forward, Nick pointing out strategic points on the map.
“We’ll split our team. Some will create a distraction while others infiltrate the main base. You and I, Ana, we’re going straight for Raphael. Carol and Martin will oversee from here, making sure everything goes according to plan.”
“It’s risky, but it’s our best shot. We can’t let Luisa send him on another mission without recovering his memories.”
Nick nodded, his expression serious. “Exactly. And we have to move fast. Every minute counts.”
As we finalized the details, the weight of what lay ahead settled on me. I wasn’t just rescuing Dante; I was also confronting Luisa, the woman who’d shattered our lives.
Once the plan was set, Nick and Carol left to prepare their teams. Martin stayed by my side, an anchor in the chaos.
“We’ll get through this, Ana,” he said. “We’ll find Dante and put an end to Luisa.”
I looked at him, grateful for his loyalty and trust. “I know, Martin. Together, we can do it.”
A couple more hours passed as we waited for the signal. The air crackled with tension and unwavering determination. Finally, Nick’s call came.
“We’re ready. It’s time.”
We geared up quickly. I made sure Paolo was in good hands before leaving. I glanced at my son, feeling a mix of love and sadness.
"I’ll be back soon, my love. This is all for you."
Martin and I headed to the rendezvous point with Nick and his team. The night was dark, and tension hung in the air. We arrived at the designated spot and found Nick waiting for us.
“Everything’s in motion. Our men are already in position. It’s now or never,” Nick said.
I nodded, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I was ready to face whatever it took to bring Dante back.
We moved stealthily, using the darkness to our advantage. The first part of the plan went smoothly. The distraction had diverted most of the guards’ attention, allowing us to approach the main base.
Once inside, we hurried through the corridors, avoiding the few remaining guards. Finally, we reached a massive steel door.
Nick studied the control panel. “This is where they’re keeping him. Let’s be prepared for anything.”
The door opened slowly, revealing a room bathed in cold, white light. And there, in the center, stood Dante. But he wasn’t the Dante I knew. His gaze was empty, devoid of recognition.
Luisa was there too, a cruel smile on her face. “Did you really think it would be that easy, Ana?”
Rage surged through me. I was so close to him, yet still so far.
“I’ve come for Dante. And I won’t leave without him.”
Luisa scoffed. “Raphael doesn’t remember anything about you. He’s mine now. But if you want to try, go ahead.”
Nick and I advanced, ready to fight. The battle that ensued was fierce and desperate. But in my heart, I knew I couldn’t give up. Not now, not after everything we’d been through.
Finally, I managed to approach Dante, whispering words from our past, reminding him of who he truly was. But his gaze remained vacant.
“Please, Dante. Remember. I love you.”
Luisa screamed, ordering her men to stop us. But in that moment, something changed in Dante’s eyes—a spark of recognition.
"Ana…"
It was just a whisper, but it was enough. Hope rekindled in my heart. No matter how long it took, I would fight for him. And together, we would defeat Luisa and reclaim our lives