Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 141

Chapter 141: Chapter 141 Dangerous Confessions

Ivy’s POV

The entire day felt like navigating through a minefield while battling waves of nausea. Periodically, my stomach would revolt against me, and exhaustion clung to my bones like lead weights. When Xavier returned from his afternoon meeting with the capos at the social club, he approached my desk with that familiar commanding presence that made even hardened soldiers straighten their spines.

"Ivy, come here," his voice carried across the dimly lit office space of the Thorne family’s legitimate front operations.

"Yes, Opal!" I responded with playful emphasis, unable to resist teasing him despite feeling absolutely wretched.

His scarred face lit up with genuine amusement. "I actually enjoy when you use my proper title." He gestured for me to step closer. "But I need you to check something for me. Come smell this cologne."

"What am I, a trained bloodhound now?" I laughed, though the motion made my already churning stomach lurch dangerously.

"Just humor your boss. I switched to a different scent after noticing you seemed uncomfortable during yesterday’s money laundering briefing. Need to make sure this one works better for our close quarters work."

The thoughtfulness behind his gesture touched me deeply. Xavier, despite his reputation for brutal efficiency in family enforcement matters, always paid attention to details that mattered to those under his protection.

I leaned in and caught the subtle masculine scent. "This one is perfect. Much more tolerable."

"Excellent. Can’t have my best financial analyst avoiding me because I smell like a walking chemical weapons facility." His dark laughter filled the space between us before he disappeared behind the reinforced steel door of his private office.

That’s when I spotted Jude lingering in the doorway, his sharp eyes that had seen too many interrogations taking in everything he’d just witnessed.

"Did I miss something worth reporting to the Don?" Jude’s tone carried the weight of someone who’d survived many years in the family’s inner circle. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Nothing that would interest Caleb. Xavier’s previous cologne was triggering my nausea, so he was considerate enough to change it." I kept my explanation simple and professional.

"Look at him, claiming territory like a true made man. I respect that level of attention to detail." Jude’s grin was knowing, predatory. "But more importantly, how are you holding up, Ivy? The whole family’s been concerned about your condition lately."

"Just dealing with the stress of managing underground financial networks. Nothing I can’t handle." The lie slipped out too easily, practiced from years of surviving in dangerous neighborhoods.

"Is that really the whole story?" His persistent stare felt like being under the harsh lights of an interrogation room.

"Absolutely," I insisted, hoping my voice carried more conviction than I felt.

"Then grab your things. We’re taking a little field trip." He extended his tattooed arm toward me. "Bring your purse because we’re leaving this fortress right now."

"Where exactly are we headed?" I asked while gathering my belongings from the desk that held encrypted financial records.

"Somewhere you can actually breathe without checking over your shoulder for rival family snipers."

We strolled through several blocks of territory controlled by various family allies, making casual conversation about weekend plans and recent developments in the ongoing turf negotiations. Eventually, we settled into a corner booth at a charming little bakery that operated under family protection and smelled like fresh bread and vanilla.

"Beautiful woman, you need to stop insulting my intelligence." Jude’s blunt statement hit me like a punch to the solar plexus. "I’ve got several nephews and watched my sisters navigate pregnancy multiple times. I spoiled them rotten during each one, so I know all the warning signs." His weathered eyes never left mine. "You’re carrying Caleb’s baby, aren’t you?"

Ice water seemed to replace the blood in my veins.

"Jude..." I attempted a casual laugh that sounded forced even to my own ears. "What would make you think something that serious?"

"Please don’t play games with a man who’s survived many years in this life, Ivy." Jude leaned back in his chair with the confidence of someone who’d interrogated countless enemies. "You’re pale as fresh snow, you’ve lost weight everywhere except your chest, every scent triggers your gag reflex, you’re exhausted around the clock, and now cologne sends you running for cover. And yes, I’m a man who adores his wife, but I’m not blind to obvious changes. Your breasts are definitely fuller."

One thought screamed through my mind: I’m completely screwed. Jude’s raised eyebrow told me he wouldn’t accept any denials I might desperately attempt.

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