Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 143

Chapter 143: Chapter 143 Graceful Exit

Ivy’s POV

By the time Jude’s armored black Escalade pulled into the safehouse driveway, Katelyn’s herbal sedative had worked its magic and I was drifting in and out of consciousness. I woke hours later to find Ruby perched on the edge of my bed, watching me with the sharp eyes of someone who had grown up in the shadows of organized crime.

"Hey there, sleeping beauty," Ruby said, her voice gentle but carrying the underlying steel that all mafia wives eventually developed.

"Hi, Ruby," I mumbled, pushing myself up against the pillows. "How are you holding up after everything?"

"Like I’ve been through a territorial war," I admitted, running my hands through my tangled hair. "Caleb’s planning to form a strategic alliance with one famiglia while keeping another woman as his personal asset. And the worst part? I think she might be the ghost from his past that he’s been hunting through every underground network for years."

Ruby shifted uncomfortably on the bed, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her designer blouse—a nervous habit she’d developed since getting involved with the Thorne organization. "Ivy, I cornered Xavier and made him spill everything. What I’m about to tell you might be difficult to process, but you need to know the truth. For your safety and my boss’s sanity."

My pulse quickened. "What do you mean?"

"Caleb isn’t forming any marriage alliance," Ruby said firmly. "I don’t have all the intelligence, but he discovered that woman fabricated her pregnancy claims."

I stared at her, trying to process the information through the fog of painkillers and emotional exhaustion. "What are you talking about?"

"Something about forged medical documentation. The pregnancy was completely fabricated, and he terminated any discussion of alliance immediately. As for the woman you witnessed him with today, that situation has more history behind it. She’s definitely a former associate, but Caleb swore to Xavier that he has zero romantic interest in rekindling anything."

Ruby’s revelation hit me like sniper fire. "So he’s not committed to either of them?"

"No. Caleb promised Xavier he loves you and only you." Ruby’s expression grew more intense. "Listen, Ivy, you’re in love with the most powerful Don on the East Coast. I can see it written across your face every time someone mentions his name. You’re trying to be honorable toward Parker, but honestly, you’re never going to purge Caleb from your system. You need to face reality and end things with Parker before you completely destroy a good man."

Guilt crashed over me in waves. "Ruby, I’m so sorry. I never intended for any of this to spiral out of control. I genuinely believed I could develop feelings for someone outside this world. Parker’s incredible in every way—powerful, protective, completely removed from Thorne territory."

"I know he is," Ruby said with a melancholy smile, pulling me into a warm embrace. "I was hoping you might find peace with him too. But after witnessing your reaction today, I realize that’s never going to happen."

"Are you furious with me?" I asked, searching her face for any trace of resentment.

"Of course not, sweetheart," Ruby assured me. "Like I told you before, Parker understood the risks when he decided to pursue someone with your... complicated connections. But now you need to have a honest conversation with him and stop running from what the fates have obviously decided."

After Ruby left, I took a scalding shower and joined my safehouse companions in the main room. They had ordered enough takeout to feed a small army, and we spent hours dissecting every aspect of my tangled romantic situation while consuming ridiculous amounts of comfort food.

Following a night filled with strategic advice and emotional support, I felt strangely renewed and determined. I knew challenging conversations lay ahead, but the most difficult would be facing Parker. The thought of causing pain to someone who had provided sanctuary and protection made my stomach clench with dread. I planned to use the security day Xavier had granted me to navigate through this mess.

I was lost in thought, staring through the bulletproof windows, when my encrypted phone buzzed. Parker’s name appeared on the screen. Unusual timing, since he never contacted anyone this early in the morning due to his nocturnal casino operations. I answered, hearing his familiar smooth voice on the other end.

"Beautiful Ivy, how are you feeling today?" Parker’s tone seemed lighter than usual, almost deliberately casual. "Ruby mentioned you weren’t well yesterday."

"Hi, Parker. I’m much better, thank you. How are your operations running?"

"I’ve been thinking about you. About our arrangement." His voice carried a weight I hadn’t detected before. "Since my security team reports everything’s quiet today, I thought this might be the perfect opportunity for us to have a real conversation."

My pulse accelerated. "When did you want to meet?"

"Actually, I’m already en route to your location. I’ll be there shortly. Hope that’s acceptable."

"Of course. I’ll see you soon."

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