Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 525

Chapter 525: Chapter 121 Truth in Envelope

Beckett’s POV

After finishing breakfast at the Thorne family’s private dining room, we left Lila with Daniel’s sister Sybilla at the legitimate front office of our money laundering operations. My sister’s anxiety was written across every feature of her delicate face. The tremor in her hands betrayed the depth of her terror. I couldn’t fault her for it. Throughout her entire life, that manipulative snake Claire who masqueraded as her mother had subjected her to psychological torture that would break most people.

"I’m deeply concerned about Lila’s state of mind," I confided to Daniel as we drove through the city’s financial district toward the luxury hotel where his father conducted his shadow empire meetings. "She’s absolutely terrified of what we might discover today."

Daniel’s knuckles went white against the steering wheel, his jaw clenched with barely controlled fury. "I’ll be completely transparent with you, Beckett—I want that vicious woman eliminated. Lila confided in me about the systematic abuse, the psychological manipulation Claire used to control her." His dark eyes flashed with the kind of murderous rage that reminded me he was Martinez blood through and through. "What kind of monster tortures a child for decades just to maintain power?"

"Trust me, I understand that bloodlust completely. When I first uncovered the full extent of what Lila endured under that woman’s roof, I nearly lost all semblance of control myself. The only reason I didn’t put a bullet between Claire’s eyes was because Lila pleaded with me to show restraint, still believing in some twisted maternal bond that I’m absolutely convinced never existed. This DNA analysis will provide the concrete evidence we need to confirm what our instincts have been screaming." My fingers drummed an agitated rhythm against my knee, anticipation and dread warring in my chest as I thought about the results waiting for us.

"When that laboratory report proves she’s nothing more than a kidnapper who stole Lila’s true identity, I’ll ensure that parasitic woman never breathes the same air as Lila again," Daniel promised with the cold finality of a man who’d orchestrated numerous permanent disappearances in his role as a formidable inspector.

From the luxury leather back seat, Katarina leaned forward between us. "If Claire actually orchestrated a baby switch decades ago for financial gain, can our legal contacts still press criminal charges after all this time?"

"If we can establish it constitutes kidnapping and identity theft for the purpose of defrauding a major crime family, absolutely," Daniel replied grimly. "But navigating the statute of limitations will require delicate maneuvering. The detective investigating this case for us believes something fundamentally doesn’t align with Claire’s fabricated story. We’ll debrief with him immediately after concluding business with my father."

"We’ve structured an incredibly demanding schedule today. I genuinely appreciate your assistance navigating all these moving pieces," I said, grateful for allies who understood the intricate web of family politics and blood obligations that governed our world.

Daniel glanced toward me, his expression softening slightly. "Beckett, I would walk through literal hellfire for Lila. Her happiness and safety take precedence over everything else in my existence." The profound tenderness that entered his voice whenever he spoke about my sister reassured me that she’d found a protector who truly comprehended her worth beyond her monetary value to our organization.

We arrived at an opulent penthouse suite that screamed old money and established power. The expansive living area featured pristine white Italian leather sofas, sand-colored Persian carpeting imported at tremendous expense, matching armchairs upholstered in the finest materials, and an impressive conference table crafted from rare Brazilian hardwood. Carefully selected decorative pieces in neutral earth tones complemented the breathtaking panoramic view of the city’s skyline that stretched below us like a kingdom waiting to be claimed. The magnificent setting perfectly matched the man who greeted us with calculated warmth—Elias Martinez—impeccably dressed in a hand-tailored charcoal suit that probably cost more than most people’s annual salary.

"Son, excellent morning!" he exclaimed, embracing Daniel with the performative affection typical of our kind. "Thank you for facilitating this crucial meeting with Mr. Sullivan. I’ve been eager to explore potential collaborations."

"Father, I’m merely providing escort services for Beckett," Daniel replied with characteristic stiffness, his tone carefully neutral. "Lila made this meeting possible through her connections."

"Ah, and how is my absolutely delightful daughter-in-law progressing? Why didn’t the lovely girl accompany you gentlemen today?" Though Elias appeared genuinely personable and charming, Daniel had warned me extensively about his fox-like cunning and ruthless business practices that had eliminated countless rivals over the decades.

After Daniel handled the formal introductions with proper family protocol, Elias greeted me with calculated enthusiasm before turning his attention to Katarina with practiced aristocratic charm, taking her manicured hand and kissing it with a theatrical slight bow that belonged in European royal courts.

"Mrs. Sullivan, your exquisite face seems remarkably familiar to me," he observed with keen interest, studying her classical features with the analytical gaze of a man accustomed to cataloging useful information about everyone he encountered.

"Perhaps you recognize me from my previous international career before I retired from the public spotlight," Katarina responded with her signature dazzling smile that had once graced magazine covers across several continents.

"My wife was a highly successful international fashion model who collaborated with the most prestigious luxury brands before stepping away from that world to focus on our family enterprises," I explained with obvious pride in her accomplishments.

"Of course—the incomparable Katarina Barrett!" Recognition illuminated his weathered features as memory clicked into place.

"Katarina Sullivan now, permanently and exclusively," she corrected with gracious firmness, her wedding rings catching the morning sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Beckett, you are indeed a fortunate man to have secured such a remarkable woman," he remarked, regarding me with newfound respect and interest that hadn’t been present moments earlier.

For the following hours, we discussed intricate business propositions that could reshape both our territories. I had to admit grudgingly that Elias Martinez possessed exceptional intellect—charming, devastatingly intelligent, and articulate in ways that made him genuinely dangerous. By our meeting’s conclusion, I found myself genuinely intrigued by several partnership concepts he’d presented. While I harbored absolutely no interest in granting him any measure of control over my family’s carefully constructed empire, certain joint ventures he proposed could significantly boost our profit margins while expanding our legitimate business facades.

"Elias, these concepts definitely merit serious further development and consideration," I acknowledged diplomatically. "Perhaps you and Daniel should visit our primary operations and agricultural holdings sometime soon."

"I would be absolutely delighted by such an opportunity! But shouldn’t you consult Lila first before making such commitments?" he asked with curious interest, seemingly surprised that I would include my sister in such high-level strategic decisions.

"That consultation is entirely unnecessary—Lila grants me complete autonomous authority over all business matters and strategic partnerships. Though I should mention for complete transparency, I fulfill every single request she makes without question, which directly explains my presence here today supporting this meeting."

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