Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124: Chapter 124 Cornered by Desire

Caleb’s POV

Roman Rossi continued to be a plague upon my organization. His latest tantrum concerned territory redistribution, yet the bastard remained entrenched in his position like a persistent infection. My patience with this walking liability had evaporated completely. The family’s internal investigation was expanding its reach, scrutinizing years of money laundering records with forensic precision. Xavier warned me this probe could stretch on indefinitely. Until then, I was trapped tolerating this insufferable parasite.

The East Coast arms shipment consumed my entire day, confining me to my private office like a caged predator. The deal was progressing smoothly, with our contacts expressing interest in expanding the weapons pipeline. However, their demands for extensive documentation kept Jude and me drowning in falsified paperwork. A trip to the docks loomed ahead, but perhaps escaping this suffocating atmosphere would provide some relief.

"I return from weeks of coordinating Frost Coast operations to find no welcome party? What kind of family are we?" Heidi swept into my office with her characteristic wit. "Though I must admit, this office renovation looks magnificent."

"Heidi! Christ, I’ve been counting the hours until your return. This place falls apart without you." I abandoned my desk to embrace the woman who had become my surrogate mother after losing my parents.

"Darling, I’ve missed you terribly. How are you surviving?"

"He’s completely destroyed. A hollow shell of a man, stressed beyond recognition, paranoid, and prone to violent outbursts. Basically a unhinged crime boss who lost his woman," Jude announced, rising from his position to join us.

"I can see the truth in that assessment. You look absolutely wrecked," Heidi observed with brutal honesty.

"Heidi, I need your counsel. Help me navigate this nightmare. Xavier suggested delaying tactics, postponing this cursed engagement as long as possible. I’ve managed to secure additional months, but what purpose does it serve?" Desperation colored my voice.

"Listen carefully, son. Approach this situation like a territorial negotiation. Remain cold and calculating. Emotions will destroy you, just as they created this disaster. You allowed feelings to cloud your judgment, got intoxicated by lust, made catastrophic decisions, and potentially impregnated that manipulative snake," Heidi delivered her assessment with surgical precision.

"Additionally, you absolutely need that paternity test. I refuse to believe this child belongs to you," Jude interjected.

"Exactly my thoughts. But why does she continue refusing the test?" Heidi demanded.

"Yara claims the procedure carries miscarriage risks and won’t endanger the pregnancy. Besides, testing can only occur later in the pregnancy anyway," I explained.

"Well, you’ve bought yourself time. She’s in the early stages now. You must persuade her to test," Heidi insisted.

"Xavier and I are exploring every angle because Caleb becomes too emotional and loses control," Jude added.

"Tell me everything from the beginning," Heidi commanded.

We spent considerable time briefing Heidi on every sordid detail of this nightmare with Roman’s twisted family, the organization’s precarious position, and the ongoing internal investigation. Xavier joined our impromptu war council, and we ordered takeout from our usual contact.

Eventually, I needed to stretch my legs after spending the morning reviewing shipping manifests on my computer screen. My body protested the prolonged confinement. I headed toward the break room for espresso, but paused outside when I heard Ivy’s voice. Uncertainty froze me in place as I debated whether to enter. She was engaged in a phone conversation, and I caught fragments of her words.

"Not at all, Parker. I understand you’re incredibly busy with your casino operations. How was your trip to Atlantic City? I expected you’d be away longer." Ivy’s voice carried genuine warmth. "Really? That’s wonderful news." She paused, listening intently. "A gift for me? Oh, Parker, that’s so thoughtful of you." Her laughter was musical as she absorbed his response. "Alright, Parker, when would you like to present this mysterious gift?" Another pause stretched between them. "Tomorrow works perfectly for me. Where shall we meet?" She was accepting another date with that casino owner. "No, you always surprise me beautifully, and I adore the places you select. Perfect. I’ll see you tomorrow then. Take care." She disconnected the call, and through the door’s gap, I glimpsed the soft smile gracing her lips.

Parker certainly didn’t waste time pursuing her. But I wouldn’t make his conquest easy. She might be dining with him, but thoughts of me would consume her evening. I drew a steadying breath and entered the break room calmly. I closed the door behind me and approached Ivy, who stood before the espresso machine preparing her drink. I positioned myself directly behind her, placing my hands on the counter on either side of her body. Ivy was completely trapped within my arms.

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