Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 515

Chapter 515: Chapter 111 Brothers Crossing Lines

Lila’s POV

I stifled another yawn while reviewing the latest money laundering reports on my computer screen. Last night with Daniel had been incredible, but now I was paying the price with heavy eyelids and a body that ached in the most delicious ways.

"Good lord, my brother is running you into the ground!" Sybilla placed a steaming mug of espresso on my desk, her expression a mix of amusement and concern.

"That concealer isn’t fooling anyone, Tiny One," Jude chimed in with a laugh from his station monitoring the Thorne Group’s legitimate business fronts. "Those dark circles have dark circles."

I grabbed the lifesaving espresso, leaned back in my leather chair, and took a long, grateful sip before responding. The Thorne Group offices were a far cry from typical corporate spaces—bulletproof windows, hidden weapon compartments, and surveillance systems that would make the FBI jealous.

"If every night could be like last night, your brother can run me into the ground anytime he wants." I shot Sybilla a mischievous smile that made her eyes widen.

"That’s it. I’m moving in with you, Jude," Sybilla announced dramatically.

Both of them burst into laughter at my expense.

"First you steal my friend, and now you’re abandoning me?" I clutched my chest in mock hurt, which only made them laugh harder.

"Oh, Tiny One," Jude teased while monitoring the encrypted communications from various Thorne operations, "you have your hot detective to keep you warm at night. Meanwhile, Sybilla and I are just lonely souls in this dangerous world."

"And that’s entirely your choice," I pointed out. "How was your night, anyway?"

"Slept like a baby! First time since moving into that safe house with reinforced walls. Honestly, I’m shocked none of the neighboring businesses have filed complaints about the security detail rotations yet." Sybilla’s grin was downright wicked.

The reinforced elevator doors slid open with their distinctive metallic hum, and Caleb stormed out looking like he was one security breach away from a complete meltdown. His hands raked through his dark hair as he approached our stations, the weight of running both legitimate businesses and underground operations clearly taking its toll.

"Good, you’re all here," he said, tension evident in his voice as he glanced at the monitors displaying various Thorne enterprises. "Xavier’s taking some time off from his consigliere duties, so I need you three to step up. I refuse to spend my evenings coordinating operations instead of with my family."

"We’ve got the family business covered," Jude assured him with his trademark calm while adjusting the surveillance feeds. "Sybilla has been an excellent addition to our intelligence network. Her insights into the Martinez family dynamics are invaluable, and we’ll manage the operations just fine. How long will Xavier be gone?"

"Extended leave," Caleb replied with visible displeasure, clearly uncomfortable with losing his chief strategist during such volatile times. "It was unexpected, but I couldn’t deny his request."

"Not a problem. Did he mention why? Does he need any backup?" Jude’s composure was remarkable—always collected even when managing the delicate balance between Thorne’s legal fronts and underground activities.

"He didn’t say, but I suspect he’s dealing with the same issue you are, Wright." Caleb crossed his arms and fixed Jude with a pointed stare. "Family complications that affect business."

"What do you mean?" Jude’s confusion seemed genuine as he looked up from the financial reports he’d been reviewing.

"Ruby handed in her resignation from the casino accounting division yesterday. Ring any bells?" Caleb said bluntly. Jude and I exchanged startled glances. "Are you going to tell us about you and Nora splitting up, or are we continuing this charade while it affects your focus on family operations?"

Jude exhaled deeply, his fingers pausing over the keyboard that connected to Thorne’s various enterprises. "No need for pretenses. She initially asked for space when things heated up with the territory disputes, and then recently requested a divorce. I’m still processing it all because frankly, I don’t even understand how we reached this point."

"Worse than I thought." Caleb maintained eye contact with Jude. "Family instability can compromise operations. Do you need time off? Or anything else? We can’t afford distractions right now."

"I’m fine. I’ve got these two beautiful women taking care of me." Jude gestured toward Sybilla and me with a forced smile while closing sensitive files on his screen.

"Watch it—one has a brother and the other has a boyfriend who could snap you like a twig without breaking his detective’s code," Caleb joked, bringing a genuine laugh from Jude. "Don’t forget you have allies who care. The family will be upset if they’re left out. Come to my estate Sunday—all of you. That includes you, Sybilla. Ivy’s been dying to meet Daniel’s sister properly."

Caleb turned toward his reinforced office but paused when Sybilla called his name.

"Caleb? Xavier didn’t recognize me when I first arrived and..." Sybilla’s voice trailed off uncertainly, clearly worried about the complicated dynamics between the allied families.

"He’s handling some Martinez family business out of state. He won’t be at Sunday’s gathering, if that’s what concerns you." Caleb’s mouth quirked into a knowing half-smile before he retreated to his office. Sybilla visibly relaxed.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify