Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 101

Chapter 101: Chapter 101 Snake in the Garden

Ivy’s POV

The anticipation burning in Ruby’s emerald eyes made my pulse quicken beneath the silk blouse I wore to today’s family meeting. Whatever question she wanted to pose carried weight that could shift the delicate balance of power within our syndicate, implications I wasn’t prepared to confront just yet.

"What kind of question are we talking about?"

Ruby’s gaze swept across the other wives gathered in the opulent conference room of Thorne Manor, their curious expressions focused on our hushed exchange. The mahogany table still bore traces of the heated discussion we’d just concluded about expanding our money laundering operations through the luxury boutiques. She leaned closer, her diamond earrings catching the amber light from the crystal chandelier.

"The kind that requires privacy and absolute discretion. Are you available for dinner tonight?"

Before I could formulate a response, my phone vibrated against the Italian leather of my purse. Caleb’s name flashed across the screen with a message that read: "Hope the family council went smoothly, tesoro. Cannot wait to have you in my arms tonight."

The timing felt like fate testing my resolve. Here I stood, attempting to navigate the treacherous waters of syndicate politics alongside my husband, and now his most trusted female ally wanted some mysterious conversation that could potentially alter our carefully constructed world.

"I would love to discuss whatever this is, but Caleb and I have plans this evening."

"Perfect." Ruby’s smile transformed into something almost predatory, the expression of a woman who had learned to survive in our blood-soaked empire. "He absolutely should be present for this conversation. Actually, I believe his participation is essential."

The weight of her words settled over me like expensive perfume, heady and suffocating. In our world, when someone insisted that the Don himself needed to hear something, it usually meant life or death decisions were on the horizon. The other wives had begun to disperse, their designer heels clicking against the marble floors as they made their way toward the manor’s grand entrance, but I caught the way their eyes lingered on Ruby and me.

Ruby waited until we were alone before speaking again. "There are things happening within the organization that you need to understand. Patterns in the financial reports that don’t align with what we discussed in today’s meeting."

My blood chilled. Financial irregularities in our syndicate could mean only one thing – someone was either skimming from the family or preparing for betrayal. The specter of past betrayals still haunted the halls of this manor, and I had learned to recognize the subtle signs of internal corruption.

"What kind of patterns?"

"The kind that suggest certain members of our inner circle might not be as loyal as they appear." She moved closer, her voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "The kind that could destroy everything Caleb has built if we don’t address them immediately."

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