Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 159

Chapter 159: Chapter 159 Inside Betrayal

Caleb’s POV

Hours. Many agonizing hours since my son had been torn from our world. Since Carmen’s frantic call had shattered the fragile peace I’d fought so hard to build around my family. Every second that ticked by felt like a blade twisting deeper into my chest, but I couldn’t afford to break. Not now. Max needed his father to be the ruthless Don who commanded fear across every territory in North America. Ivy needed me to be unbreakable.

The executive floor of Thorne Tower had been transformed into a full-scale military operation. My most trusted enforcers had mobilized every asset at our disposal - every informant in the underground, every dirty cop on our payroll, every favor owed by rival families. The marble conference room now resembled a war bunker, with communications equipment humming alongside laptops displaying real-time intelligence feeds from across the city.

Xavier and Jude had orchestrated the logistics with military precision. Temporary sleeping quarters, round-the-clock catering, fresh clothes for extended operations. None of my inner circle would step foot outside this building until Max was safely returned to his mother’s arms. The alternative was unthinkable.

"Boss." Jude’s voice cut through the controlled chaos as dozens of phones rang simultaneously. Maps of the city covered every available surface, marked with red pins indicating search zones and potential safe houses. "Heidi just arrived."

I turned as the elevator doors opened, revealing the woman who had been more than my father’s trusted advisor - she had been the closest thing to a maternal figure I’d known since my parents’ assassination. Her silver hair was perfectly styled despite the emergency flight, her sharp eyes immediately assessing the situation with decades of experience in crisis management.

"Caleb." Her embrace was firm, steady, exactly what I needed. "Keep your head clear and your faith strong. That boy will come home where he belongs." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Thank God you’re here," I admitted, allowing myself this moment of vulnerability. "I feel like I’m walking a razor’s edge between sanity and madness."

"You’re not falling apart," she said firmly, pulling back to study my face. "You’re one of the strongest men I’ve ever known, and certainly smarter than whoever took your son. Fear is human, but you’ll keep leading this operation until we bring Max home. Where’s Ivy?"

"Sedated in Xavier’s office. Dr. Taylor had to give her something strong after she nearly collapsed from exhaustion and panic."

Heidi’s weathered hand touched my cheek with surprising gentleness. "Then go sit with her. I just spent hours in first-class accommodations - I’m perfectly rested. Let me oversee operations while you take care of your wife."

I made my way through the maze of equipment and personnel to the converted sleeping area. Ivy lay motionless on the narrow cot, her breathing deep and even thanks to the sedatives. The girls had organized themselves into shifts - Nora currently manning the reception desk, monitoring every incoming call and visitor, while Gemma rested nearby. Zoe had also required medical intervention after nearly fainting when the reality of Max’s disappearance fully hit her.

Earlier, I’d contacted Zoe’s parents with instructions to reach out to Ivy’s family and arrange their immediate travel here. Ivy would need their strength in the coming days, especially if this nightmare extended beyond a simple ransom demand. My mind refused to consider darker possibilities.

Despite my body’s desperate need for rest, sleep remained impossible. I lay beside my wife, listening to her steady breathing while my thoughts raced through every potential scenario, every possible lead. Someone would pay dearly for putting my family through this hell. When I found the bastards responsible, their deaths would serve as a permanent reminder of what happened to anyone foolish enough to threaten a Thorne.

Jude’s urgent voice interrupted my spiraling thoughts. "Boss, Scott’s got something big."

I carefully extracted myself from the bed and returned to the command center, where Scott was waiting with a grim expression and several files spread across the table.

"What have you discovered?" I demanded immediately.

"Caleb and Fisher joined our security detail years ago through Monica’s recommendation. They’ve been with the organization ever since, with perfect service records and no obvious red flags. She covered her tracks expertly - there’s no obvious paper trail connecting her to their recruitment process."

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