Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 501

Chapter 501: Chapter 97 Unwelcome Visitor

Lila’s POV

Max stayed glued to my side as we exited the law building. True to his word, he hadn’t left me alone for a moment since Connor’s unsettling visit. Outside, Daniel was already waiting, leaning against his unmarked police cruiser with that smile that always made my heart flutter despite the dangerous world we inhabited.

"Hey, little one! I missed you," he said, wrapping his arms around me in a warm embrace before acknowledging my friend. "Good evening, Max."

"Good evening, Inspector," Max replied, shifting his weight awkwardly.

"Man, just call me Daniel," he said with a casual wave. "Sorry about that day, but I think you understand why." The fact that Daniel was apologizing to Max for his initial jealous reaction when they first met touched me deeply, especially knowing how territorial men in our world could be.

"No worries, Daniel. I get it," Max said with an understanding nod. "And your protectiveness is justified—Lila is truly beautiful and incredibly special." He turned to me with a friendly smile. "Lila, I’ll wait for you here at the entrance tomorrow." After saying our goodbyes, Daniel and I got into his car.

"Tiny one, what happened?" Daniel asked the moment he started the engine, his detective instincts immediately picking up on my tension.

"Connor showed up at the law school today," I said, still trying to process the unexpected visit from the casino magnate.

"Who?" His brow furrowed in confusion, though his hand instinctively moved toward his concealed weapon.

"Connor, the head of the gambling syndicate my mother wants me to marry into," I explained, watching his expression darken. "He came to the university today to talk to me personally."

"What did that bastard want?" Daniel’s grip tightened on the steering wheel, his voice taking on the dangerous edge I’d learned to recognize when someone threatened his territory.

"I’m not sure exactly. He mentioned making some arrangement with my mother about consolidating our families’ assets..." I recounted everything Connor had said and how his predatory gaze had made my skin crawl. "It was really strange, Daniel. Something about him felt absolutely menacing, like he was already planning something."

"Lila, don’t worry," he assured me, taking my hand in his calloused one. "That piece of shit won’t get near you, I promise. I’ll talk to Beckett—maybe Thorne’s intelligence network can dig up some dirt on Connor’s recent moves." His touch remained steady and comforting throughout the drive, gradually easing my anxiety about the casino boss’s intentions.

"Tiny one, I should apologize for bringing my sister without warning you," Daniel said as we rode the elevator up to his secure apartment. "She’s also running from an arranged marriage the family set up to strengthen political connections."

"You don’t need to apologize for that," I replied sincerely. "I think she and I will get along wonderfully." I smiled at him. "At least your mother doesn’t resort to physical violence like mine does when she doesn’t get her way." I couldn’t help the bitter edge in my voice, remembering how Claire seemed to enjoy hitting me when I defied her plans.

"Oh, love, don’t think about that witch now." He pulled me into his arms and placed a gentle kiss at the corner of my mouth. "You know what I just remembered?"

"What?" I asked, noticing a playful smile forming on his lips.

"That you owe me some action in the elevator," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear, making my body instantly respond despite our dangerous circumstances.

"You’re such a pervert!" I laughed, but couldn’t deny the heat building inside me.

"Only for you, little one, only for you." He kissed behind my ear and then gently sucked on its tip, sending delicious shivers down my spine.

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