Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask novel Chapter 512

512 Chapter 108 Scent of Betrayal

512 Chapter 108 Scent of Betrayal

Daniel’s POV

I drove tgh the city streets toward Thorne Group headquarters, my

knuckl

finis

ha

U

e against the steering wheel. Getting there before Lila

hift at the legal department was crucial. I had to explain what h Sasha before rumors could spread through the

a networks that connected our families.

ent Lila spotted me in the marble lobby of Thorne Tower, surprise across her face. She approached with her usual grace, wrapping s around me in a brief embrace before pulling back sharply, her e nose wrinkling in disgust.

perfume,” she said, her voice tight with controlled anger. “It doesn’t ng to you, Daniel, but I know exactly whose it is.”

e dread that had been clawing at my chest since leaving that hotel room ploded into full panic as I watched her expression harden. “Yes, you ecognize it. That’s precisely why I came early. I was with Sasha, but please, Lila, let me explain everything.”

“I’m listening,” she replied, settling into her chair behind the reception desk of Thorne’s legal wing. Her amber eyes never wavered from mine as she added, “But I want every single detail about why that woman’s scent is covering you.”

“Well, I-” Just as I began, Xavier emerged from his corner office looking

distracted, his

Thorne Gro

“Don’t

mom

used in a way that was completely unlike

Consigliere.

anymore, Xavier?” I called out,

that might buy me time to

512 Chapter 108 Scent of Betrayal

He blinked, recognition dawning, then extended his hand in the formal way expected among our circles. “Ah, Daniel. Forgive me. My mind has been occupied with family business lately.”

“So I’ve heard through the grapevine. Anything the Martinez family can assist with?” I knew exactly what was eating at him-trouble with his girlfriend was written all over the face of Thorne’s most composed strategist.

“Not at this time. I have matters to attend to, but we should discuss mutual interests soon.” With that diplomatic dismissal, he disappeared into the executive elevator that served Thorne’s upper floors.

Once the polished steel doors closed, I turned back to Lila. “He still hasn’t remembered Sybilla’s real identity?”

“Not yet,” she replied curtly, her professional mask firmly in place. “Now sit down and start talking. Every detail.”

I took a steadying breath, choosing my words carefully. “Sasha called claiming she needed urgent help. I hung up immediately, but then she sent me this.” I showed Lila my phone screen-a photo of Sasha perched dangerously on a hotel window ledge, her silk dress billowing in the wind.

“So Inspector Martinez rushed to play the noble savior?” Lila’s voice dripped with sarcasm that could cut glass,

“What would you have done in my position?” I countered, hoping she’d understand the impossible situation I’d found myself in.

“Called hotel security, contacted emergency services, dispatched a patrol unit-literally anything except going there personally and walking into her

Hous trap.”

my gaze with defiant fire, and I knew every word she spoke was

correct. All those options would have been infinitely more

512 Chapter 108 Scent of Betrayal

logical, but my mind had flashed back to the first time Sasha pulled this manipulation when we were still bound by our families’ political marriage

rangement.

ell, the tension in here could be cut with a blade today,” Jude announced, pearing in the doorway of his office that overlooked Thorne’s financial perations.

“It certainly could,” came Sybilla’s voice as she approached from the direction of Xavier’s office, her heels clicking against the marble floor. “And just look at my brother’s guilty expression. What have you done now, little brother?”

I shot back defensively, “If I were in your position, I’d be more concerned about what happens when Xavier discovers you’ve been hiding your true identity from him, dear sister. A man in his position doesn’t appreciate deception, especially from Martinez family members.”

“By then I’ll probably be reassigned anyway, so I’m enjoying this undercover work while I can,” Sybilla retorted, settling gracefully into a nearby leather chair. “Come now, Jude, let’s hear what foolish thing my brother has done

this time.”

“He went to see his ex-wife!” Lila announced flatly, her amber eyes néver leaving my face.

Jude leaned against his desk, covering his mouth with his hand to hide a grin, while Sybilla leaned forward to sniff at my jacket with theatrical disgust.

“I knew I recognized that revolting scent,” she grimaced with obvious distaste.

rfume that manipulative woman drowns herself in.

Why in

Dan

ou go anywhere near that insufferable creature,

privacy so I can speak with my girlfriend?” I

512 Chapter 108 Scent of Betrayal

pleaded, feeling cornered by the collective judgment of Thorne Group’s

inner circle.

“Absolutely not,” Sybilla insisted with wicked delight. “Tell us everything. Lila will just relay it all to us later anyway, so save us all some time.”

Lila gestured her agr allies. With a heav desperate phone

“You’re such a

confession.

this exact

They we she th

“S

nt with my sister, leaving me completely without

ecounted the entire ordeal-from Sasha’s hasty escape from that hotel room.

Tel!” Sybilla exclaimed when I finished my

t the first time that manipulative witch has pulled st time, my gullible brother fell for it completely. by family politics, and he went running back because ash her wrists.”

the bathroom with a straight razor, Sybilla. She’d already on her arms,” I defended weakly, knowing how pathetic it

atches that barely broke the skin,” Sybilla scoffed with tempt. “Yet within days, you were pressured into proposing to families.”

elieve you fell for such an obvious manipulation,” Jude added, his head in disappointment.

me, I know,” I admitted with genuine remorse. “When she called I panicked remembering that previous incident. But after I arrived ctually listened to

I realized she’d manipulated me

times with the

hat be a h

Sybilla said with stern

rity.

Lila had remained silent, her intelligent

able intensity.

512 Chapter 108 Scent of Betrayal

“Lila, please believe me,” I begged, my voice raw with desperation. “I didn’t do anything inappropriate. I only touched her to restrain her long enough to escape that room. Then I came straight here to tell you everything before rumors could spread.”

Jude chuckled with dark amusement. “You left that woman naked and

o dignity left whatsoever.”

restrained? She truly

“Daniel,” Lila finall

that meant seri

home.”

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